MIRRORS LIGHTS AND OFFERINGS ALBUM SKINT RELEASE: FEBRUARY 27, 2011 REVIEW: MARCH 15, 2011

This Brighton based quartet is the latest British band on the 80:s revival bandwagon. They revel in it, displaying it loudly. They look like Kraftwerk on the cover, and the music is pure thoroughbred synthpop.

One might argue that Mirrors don’t really have their own sound, it’s all inspired by OMD, Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode etc. They will also inevitably be compared to Hurts - the other great contemporary British new wave band, but Hurts are a lot more Pet Shop Boys, with grander production and bigger melodies. Mirrors make minimalist synthpop with electro beats, and vocalist James New gives the music its own flavour, a certain “indie-ness” if you will.

Mirrors are - simply put - brilliant. The album is varied, fused with strong song writing and it consists of catchy, electronic anthems. They’ve managed to cram in both three minute pop ditties and long, sweeping epic tracks in the ten minute range, all excellent.

Old school enthusiasts will be impressed by all the old analogue gear they’ve used to make “Lights and Offerings”. And the rest of us will just enjoy how great it sounds.

JOHAN CARLSSON