Altsounds - Honey Pine Dresser - Island Gardens [EP]

There has recently been an influx of electro dance music hitting the UK. Whether it is old bands making a decision to curve-ball and change direction by investing in a shiny new Moog, or new bands boarding the 'serious new-rave' wagon, there’s something irritating about the scene. Not only is it annoying, but suddenly there’s a fashion for long-retired bands to decide they wish to return to work and tour stadiums a la Take That and Boyzone. So, when a new CD arrives to review there’s always a touch of cynicism. Is this CD going to sound like the mountain of promos I already have in the corner of my room, or is it going to be one of those rare and nice surprises? In this case it is the latter.

The currently unsigned Honey Pine Dresser, fronted by Quebecian Marie-Pascale Hardy, formed in February of 2008 when Hardy met a promising set of musicians Rob Cann, Becky Dixon and Sally Frampton in London. Unfortunately due to a shortage of drummers the band currently use an eBay purchased laptop for the drums. Their debut EP Island Gardens critically acclaimed by old timer Steve Lamacq, was released on 29 December 2008 as a download.

First track is the melodic and melancholic 'Jellyfish'. Marie’s voice is a ghostly, soft echo with something intoxicatingly emotive floating through the lyrics “I like you cos you like me.” Throughout Island Gardens there is a nice innocence to the music. Something you can listen to, and not feel guilty about anything; just absorb the softness of Marie’s voice and the beautifully hypnotic sound that the band so celeverly produce. If you close your eyes there’s something Portishead-esque about Honey Pine Dresser, with a little Camera Obscura and PJ Harvey. Last track 'CCTV Sex' is a little racierthan the others. Starting with the crackle of stylus on vinyl, the song transforms into a folky piano-ditty. It’s a short, cheeky number but ends the EP with a bang rather than a fizzle.
Honey Pine Dresser have a fantastic debut EP with 'Island Gardens' which is both haunting and clever without the need for a real drummer [as per many of their peers] they have created some darn good material. Hopefully Marie will get a Visa soon and the band will be able to tour in the UK this year. If they do, go and see them!

www.myspace.com/honeypinedresserhere