Scene and Heard Music Zine-Toronto, Ontario

Colour Delux

Campy, atmospheric pop that combines late 80s-style keyboard effects dotes Telefonics latest indie release, Colour Delux. The 11-song offering bounces between the past and present with blasting guitars, frenzied beats, all coated with a sing-a-long enthusiasm that proves refreshing. Right from the get-go, Silver Plastic Space Bag sways with an intoxicating zeal to and fro, leaving the listener waving, rolling over in a sea of sonic atmospherics. Vocalist Gina Rullo's flowery voice evokes images of Ali Shaw (Cranes) meets Kate Pierson (B-52s), but she is anything but derivative.

Perfect From You Now keeps the pop-a-rolla churning along with crafty guitar hooks and a surprisingly fat trumpet lead. Despite the occasional diversions, Telefonics never stray far from their love of retro-keyboarding. The sugary, campy nature of the quintet's compositions might make those who prefer a harder edge to their pop lose interest after four or five tracks, but there's no disputing Telefonics has found its own niche.

Other standout songs include Hallowed Ground and Dead Air.

Liam Lahey