In the world of new wave revivalism, most young bands tend to latch onto the hair styles, cyberpunk attire, and moody synthesizers, forgetting that above all of those distractions, the majority of the best bands of the '80s were pure pop bands. The Canadian trio, Bella, with their roughshod cover art, all white outfits and sneers, appeared to be headed in that well-trod direction, but the songs on their latest album eschews all of that surface noise to show that they are one of the few bands to capture the catchy sensibilities of the '80s with a surprising dash of subtlety. Sure, the Korgs and Moogs make their requisite appearances, but they are simply used to color the band's already well-outlined ideas. Towards the end of this CD, the group does indulge in a little Romeo Void and Blondie worship, but those songs do nothing to disavow the work that precedes it.
-- Bob Ham
