NOPRISM – Pieces (2020)
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that the finest and funkiest electronic pop tunes originate from the North East of England. What other region could possibly have birthed the likes of Bryan Ferry, Prefab Sprout, 1/2 of the Pet Shop Boys… and, er, PJ & Duncan?
OK, so as a native to the canny region I may be a tad biased. But there is one thing for certain: Newcastle-based electro-pop outfit NOPRISM is the only band you need for quarantine kitchen dancing.
The group describe themselves as an eclectic mix of ’80’s new-wave’, ‘noise-rock’ and ‘funk’, among other things. In theory, it’s a recipe for tinnitus (and not the good kind). In reality, it totally works.
As well as being their third release in three months – an impressive feat by anyone’s standards – ‘Pieces’ is nothing short of a perfect pop banger.
The track opens with a classic combo of rattling hi-hat and punchy synths, before introducing a power-guitar melody with all the 80s nostalgia of your dad’s suede jacket.
That’s not to say, of course, that NOPRISM is reliant on the guaranteed feel-good of retro stylings. Unlike some of the other 80s call-backs we’ve seen in recent years (and there have been a LOT of them), ‘Pieces‘ brings with it a uniquely choral, sing-a-long charm that can only be found in genuinely good contemporary pop music. It’s a song that strikes less as an instant karaoke classic and more as a bunch of musicians having fun – and the feeling is infectious.
For fans of David Byrne, Maximo Park and LCD Soundsystem, we highly recommend giving NOPRISM‘s latest singles a bash. ‘Pieces’ isn’t due to be released until May 15. But, in the meantime, you can check out the band on Soundcloud or via the Spotify link below.
