NORTHERN KIND WIRED ALBUM ELECTRONICALLY YOURS RELEASE: APRIL, 2009 REVIEW: JUNE 22, 2009

In the early eighties the UK was pioneering the electronic pop movement with countless innovative acts, fronted by Depeche Mode, OMD, The Human League, Visage and Ultravox. Recent years have seen a stagnation on that front, only to bounce back with new fresh bands like Client. Now Northern Kind can be added to the row of promising new British electro pop talent.

There definitely is something distinctively English about this release in terms of the song writing, but the sound is almost Kraftwerkian with bleeping and buzzing synths beautifully ensconcing Sarah Heeley's breezy vocals. "Pleasurely That Machine" is a modern electro gem, thrown at you through intense, skittering synths and a tempo for the clubs. "Into the Blue" shows more thoughtful work, but maintains the classy hit structure.

"Wired" is very strong, even better than the debut "53 Degrees North" in my opinion, and the professionalism and cool edge of Northern Kind should lift them well into the electronic spotlight.

NIKLAS FORSBERG