Everything But the Girl's Ben Watt is pretty accurate in his description of Relation as being 'like a deadpan Talk Talk with chord sequences by Johnny Marr.' Opening track and forthcoming single 'Optimistic' is a well-crafted slice of electro pop, indeed reminiscent of talk Talk in its moody undercurrents neatly packaged with a clear and unashamed pop sensibility. I'm similarly compelled to draw comparisons with Electronic's debut album (an album I must confess to rather liking, even if it hasn't necessarily aged all that well).
'ËœFear of Night' slows the tempo and dims the lighting, with hints of 'Black Celebration' era Depeche Mode. Indeed, like US eighties electro revivalists She Wants Revenge, it's apparent that Relation have done their research, and done it well. there's little point in listing the reference points: there are simply too many. Similarly, while the majority of the much-hyped so-called 80s revival is little more than hot air and a few retro synth sounds (and some dubious clothing in some instances), She Wants Revenge, and now Relation show that there's more to the form than mere surface. Quality song-writing is always essential.
There's no shortage of quality song-writing on this set, and although the production is smooth, there's also plenty of texture woven into the sonic fabric of the tracks. There are some gritty distorted guitar sounds to be found on 'ËœWay Outside,' for example.
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What's more, the often breezy and upbeat sequenced backings belie the lyrical content, which is often keenly observed and frequently moves into the realms of socio-political observation and commentary.
The minimalist black text slogans on white background that run through the booklet suggest a bold, stark statement, and while the precise nature of that statement is unclear, the overall effect is undeniably stylish - slick in a stripped-back pseudo-modernist (or should that be pseudo-retro-modernist, or even pseudo-retro-postmodernist?) sort of a fashion.
As a whole, 'Fear of Night' hangs together well to form a unified whole, and what it lacks in innovation it more than makes up for in adeptness of execution.
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