Putting Harrisonburg, VA on the map is the dark synthpop duo Mirror Kisses who’s latest LP Bad Dreams (also available on cassette) blows whatever you’ve claimed to be the anthem of summer away. This here is New Order and Less Than Zero dripping in sex on the dance floor. Pull those delorean doors down and get ready to go back to the 80’s inspired future of new wave as MK’s George Clanton and Doug Sexton lead the way.
Enter "Proud", a track that’s kicked off with the ultimate lo-fi teaser before the whoa moment whooshes in. Full of booming bass beats, synths and claps are layered on as powerful vocals shout out "I couldn’t be prouder without you tonight." Should this have been the song to close out the film Drive? Yes.
"She’s Gone" gets an electro boost with swirls of keys, clap echoes, and a tinge of gloom in the lyrics "I waited til she’s gone, forever and ever." Before you know it, you’ll forget what decade this really is, and that’s a good thing. "Call Me Now" dare I say enters the epic arena (epic is a word I try to keep to a minimum, but I can’t escape it’s use in this description.) A slight dose of sci-fi-ish keys and layers of droned out backing vocals come together in a galactic hum.
And that’s just the first three tracks. Basically, these are the 80’s cool kids that Bret Easton Ellis should meet up with. –Dawn
Catch Mirror Kisses live at the Galaxy Hut in Arlington 8/19, and at DC’s Axum Lounge on 8/25.