While thrash metal rockers Funeral For A Friend and Bullet For My Valentine have been flying the flag high, the Welsh indie-pop music scene has paled into insignificance since the disbanding of Catatonia. Until now... Enter The Hot Puppies who are about to create some high-speed Brownian motion amongst the battered Converse toting, vacuum-packed hipster clad generation.
The Aberystwyth five-piece are an uplifting, energetic act with glittery grooves interweaved into fun infested fabric. Their montage of musical styles from Johnny and the Hurricanes-led Hammond organs to kooky Blondie-inspired punk rock makes for an exciting listen.
"Turn Your Eyes To Me" is a sparkly gem with frenetic drumming fused with catchy jagged guitar and a cracking chorus packed with hooks. On "Relentless", lead singer Becky Newman's spiraling vocals bounce playful pop against an uplifting chaotic bass /drum backdrop bringing to mind the Guillemots' Trains to Brazil.
"Closed to Sin" is a more reflective, grown-up moment on the record where the singer captures that all too familiar feeling of deep-felt loneliness and unreciprocated desire. Waltzing into an increasing state of despair, she melodramatically intones "I drown myself in cheap thrills / my belly it rattles with different pills / but they don't help me".
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The shimmering "Girl Crazy" should bring The Puppies the attention they deserve. A vibrant highlight rammed with infectious hooks, swirling organ and soaring trumpets, it will have you throwing quirky shapes on the dance floor in no time.
Part of this album's charm is underpinned by Newman's combination of sultry, honey-sweet vocals, reminiscent of Gwen Stefani and Drill's Lucia Cifarelli. Coupled with the fusional sounds of Pulp in their disco glory days, Blondie, Bellatrix and generous sprinklings of twinkling xylophone and whirling organs, The Puppies have mastered the formula of making skillfully crafted pop songs, without ever sounding contrived.
Following the success of their debut album "Under The Crooked Moon", "Over My Dead Body" is a timely release for the summer with its radio-friendly sound. Having already toured with The Crimea, The Puppies are set to embark on several festival dates across the UK this July / August.
Armed with their grin inducing retro-grooves, it will be no surprise to find many happy casualties in their firing line.
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