The Long Blondes - Couples

From the moment you first hear the chiming synths and cut glass electronic pop of 'Century', it's apparent that The Long Blondes sophomore album Couples is set to be one of the essential releases of 2008. The Long Blondes came together through a series of chance encounters. Kate (lips), Dorian (licks), Reenie (hips), Screech (sticks) and Emma (high kicks) bumped into each other at public library counters, charity shop sale rails and the dance floors of DIY club nights. They are the part of the next chapter of Sheffield's idiosyncratic musical heritage: The suburban disco fantasies of the Human League, the opulent ridiculousness of ABC, the seedy glamour of Pulp.