Altsounds - The Vivians - Just Two Girls [Single]

The Too Pure Singles Club has returned this year - limited edition releases on 7” vinyl and digital download to subscribers. 'Just Two Girls' is the latest instalment courtesy of Edinburgh’s The Vivians.

“You tried to rule me like a nuclear war” goes a line in 'Just Two Girls' reminding me of an (equally) naff line from early 80s fopsters Duran Duran as does Damon Deville’s moody, yelping vocals. Actually this whole song sounds a LOT like Duran Duran trying to be a noughties indie guitar band that really wish they sounded like a CBGBs punk band. It’s all surface-sheen punk and that doesn’t really convince.

B-side (so pleasing to type that) 'Glass Houses' has a more natural energy and directs it to better effect. There is plenty of new wave tension and “hey hey” shouts over pulsing bass and wiry guitar. It’s bit Franz Ferdinand-before-they-went-disco in a good way.

Even though I am more taken with the B-Side 'Glass Houses, sadly both feel quite disposable. There seems to be quite a buzz surrounding The Vivians’ live performances but sadly this single just doesn’t live up to that hype or promise.