ASHBURY HEIGHTS MORNINGSTAR IN A BLACK CAR SINGLE OUT OF LINE, SOUND POLLUTION RELEASE: JULY 18, 2008 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

There is no denying the potential and talent of Anders Hagström and Yasmine Uhlin. Their baby Ashbury Heights exploded onto the rather narrow minded electro community last year with bombastic debut album "Three Cheers for the Newlydeads". Trying not to lose momentum the dynamic Swedish duo have already finished work on a handful of new tracks, bundling them together with a string of remixes and a video on this new EP.

Title track "Morningstar in a Black Car" is typical moody synthpop, borderline formulaic especially in its chorus structure and while this particular track doesn't float my boat, there is still plenty of earcandy to enjoy. Energy pill "World Coming Down" for instance, a three minute club explosion destined for the electro dancefloors. Not to mention "Spiders", for which there is also a reasonably creative video included, where Hagström's vocals can truly blossom.

The remixes I can take or leave. Solidly executed in slightly different styles (among the remixers are Unterart and Agonoize), but little can be improved upon. The exception is spelled Marsheaux, a current Greek favourite that always leaves an impression with their peculiar electro sounds and retro imagery.

The "Morningstar in a Black Car" EP is a strong continuation of the power of Ashbury Heights and if they cultivate their advantages, there will be no stopping them.

NIKLAS FORSBERG