A point of reference is such a useful tool when reviewing a new or emerging band. Just what do this lot sound like? Rarely a band comes along with no comparison, and then a band like Cygnets, from Alberta, Canada, emerges with points of reference in spades.
From their publicity blurb this three piece compare themselves to The Smiths, Joy Divison and Depeche Mode and a whole bunch of genres from dance music to post punk.
I can see some of that there on their debut album Bleak Anthems, with Depeche Mode dominating the first half and more guitar acts the second.
While the first half contains the tracks the band clearly think are better (their press release urges us to listen to three of the first five tracks if nothing else). For me though the 80s Final Countdown style synth parts are a bit jarring and samey. Like Muse on a budget.
Cygnets
It is the second half where the album really takes off. I’m not sure why, but from track seven ‘Let’s Make A Video’ onwards the synth takes a back seat, guitar comes to the fore and the band really benefit from it.
This better second half still sounds 80s, but more like say New Order at their most riffy, or New Zealand new wave veterans The Clean. Even the vocals sound 80s. The points of reference continue, but closer to home. Canadian electro-pop legends Men Without Hats is an obvious comparison. Not so much their mega hit Safety Dance, but stuff on their album Folk of the 80s. Others are Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade, who like Cygnets use cheesy 80s sounds but still retain credibility.
Bleak Anthems is available for free download from the band’s website here.
6.5/10
by Joe Lepper
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