No, not a reissue of one of the 80s new-romantic band's early albums, but their first album in 29 years. Led by the fittingly named Steve Strange - and most famous for 1980 track Fade To Grey - Visage were one of the pioneers of the scene that helped popularise bands like Ultravox, Duran Duran and ABC. Hearts and Knives is a solid album steeped in nostalgia. So don't expect any modern twist on music's new-romantic period. It sure starts out on high beam with Never Enough, which has a hint of a synth hook akin to Donna Summer's I Feel Love. Dreamer I Know is delightful, like a cross between Erasure and Spandau Ballet, and I Am Watching jaunts along in a dainty electro-disco style, and then branches out with everything from cheesy guitar wails to playful synth runs. The standout is the tougher, slightly twisted electronic rock of last track Diaries Of A Madman. But really, it's one for the fans - and those needing an early-80s fix.
Stars: 2/5
- TimeOut
