Pet Shop Boys + 2010 x Good = Hurts

I first mentioned Hurts last August, when for some reason I thought they were called It Hurts and described them as "mysterious" and "spooky".

These days, I have a few more facts at my disposal:
1) They are Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson, from Manchester.
2) They "write pop songs" but "pay extra attention to the sonics and atmosphere".
2)
3) They are "basically the opposite of N-Dubz" (ie not shit)
4) They bonded over a love of Prince: "He's an incredible songwriter and he's very aware of how far you can push the boundaries of production," they reckon.
5) They "reek of eau d'1983" (?)
6) They made the video for their first single by themselves for £20.
7) They are definitely called Hurts, not It Hurts, dumbass.

The smashing synth duo aren't releasing a proper single til May, but they've just put out their second video, for the crestfallen ballad Blood Tears And Gold.

According to Popjustice, the band shot this "over the weekend, during some downtime in the recording studio". I am 100% certain that this statement is true and that, as well as being accomplished musicians, Theo and Adam have an advanced understanding of lighting, framing and composition. Why would a major label like Sony lie to us?

Hurts - Blood Tears And Gold


PS: A couple of artists have recently written in (yes, really) expressing dismay at the tone of this blog. Let's just make it clear for once and for all that I only write about artists I like*. Anything that may cause offence is probably a misguided attempt at "humour". So, get over it, yeah?

* Or really, really hate. I'm thinking about Mika here.

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Crikey, Mikey, it's some new bands

Hello there. We have sourced some "new" bands on the internet for you. It might be great, or it might rubbish. It's hard to tell at this early stage, so don't get your hopes up. But have a listen and tell us what you think. All comments appreciated.

1) IT HURTS
Spooky synth duo with a "mysterious" MySpace page full of scans from vintage Italian magazines. But - oh no, Pitchfork readers!! - they're on a "major label".

It Hurts - Wonderful Life


2) PHOENIX
Phoenix are a French band who sprang to life as a backing band for Air. They've been around for ages, playing to the cool kids in empty clubs around Europe. But they're new to us and they might be new to you, too.

The band's fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, is a top 20 SMASH in Germany. But don't let that put you off.

Phoenix - Lisztomania


3) BIG PINK
Imagine that MGMT had been transgenically mutated with mid-90s trappist monk enthusiasts Enigma, and you have imagined Big Pink. They are from London, they can't spell Dominos, and one of them is friends with Lily Allen.

Again, don't let that put you off.

Big Pink - Dominos


4) MARINA & THE DIAMONDAS
Alright, we've mentioned Marina before, but now we've seen her in concert and fallen properly in love. Mainly because she dances like Kate Bush. But also because of her top-rank melodies and perfect teeth.

Marina and the Diamonds - Obsessions


Tomorrow: Normal service will be resumed with a silly pop video by Pixie Lott.

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