Shawn Foree, the musical madman behind synth-punk one-man-band maelstrom Digital Leather, cannot write a bad song. Over the last few years his output has been impressive: multiple albums and singles from labels both here and in Europe, every one a top-notch winner. His brooding, psycho-sexual songs call up a dark world of love and hate, pain and pleasure, which fits comfortably within our troubles times. His latest seven-inch from Philadelphia’s always-reliable FDH Records, is no exception. The A-side, “Power Surge,” is a brand new cut, good news for Digital Leather fans that have been waiting too long for a new release. The B-side, “Shattered Reflections,” is an older tune (check out the great cover on Jay Reatard’s Terror Visions LP, another great FDH release) that hasn’t seen a proper vinyl release until now. Limited to 500 copies, so scoop one of before they’re sold out.
As if that’s not good enough, FDH has also released a new seven-inch from Sweden’s raging powerpop-laced punkers The Manikins. I don’t know what’s in the water in Sweden, but they’ve bred some of the best punk rock acts of the decade (see my Masshysteri review HERE). The Manikins recently completed their first US tour, and if you were unlucky enough to have missed their shows (as yours truly was), then this record is the best substitute you can get. The two killer cuts, “I Want My Baby Dead,” b/w “Don’t Look Back at Me” burst with energy, making it my official favorite 45 of the summer so far. Also limited to 500 copies, so don’t miss out.
Listen to Digital Leather at the band’s MySpace page.
Listen to The Manikins at the band’s MySpace page.
Buy the singles at the FDH Records website HERE.
Stay tuned for more exciting FDH releases: Upcoming are full-lengths from The Poppets, Earthmen and Strangers and Mac Blackout.