BiS – Return to Central (Artful Records)

Bis have had their fair share od detractors  in their time and i have never really understood why. Sure they are a bit cheesy and throwaway but they’re a damn site more creative than Britney’s left buttock and 20 million pre-pubescent’s can’t all be wrong. But hang on a minute. this is not typical Bis, Could it be? Mature lyrics? Lush orchestration and crisp production? Well, dress me in in pigtails and call be a Powerpuff Girl, Bis have grown up! The new Bis sound like they have been listening to a lots of continental techno and Euro-dance.

but far from being the hideous nightmare that scenario sounds, this is a well constructed, intelligent, very, very catchy album. A little bit dark, a little bit bubble-gum. Low point is the secret 14th track – a rather sterile cover of Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ , but they’re allowed one duffer, as there are so many high points. Album opener ’What You’re Afraid Of’ with it’s sneer of “You’re scared I make you nervous”, the Beck-esque lo-fi beats of ‘Black Pepper’  and the killer chord changes in ‘The End Starts Today’ with syncopated  rhythms creating overwhelming eeriness. I’ve said elsewhere that this is a particularly strong month for releases, so picking a favourite difficult, but if I was going to, ‘Return to Central’ might just edge it.

80’s retro-genius with a ickle wisp of Garbage. to all those who have doubted them in ages past, this is me saying I told you so. 8.8/10
Chris Merriman