Department MDepartment M shoot a large portion of intriguing sounds straight to your ears as soon as ‘Miscellany’ graces your speakers. The industrial electro-synth tones partnered with a cleverly syncopated hard-hitting drum beat combine to create a sound that leaves you wanting more. The instruments initially jar, but as the track progresses it all makes sense.

The sparse texture of the track brings out a cold atmosphere, which emphasises the whole eeriness of the song, and as the haunting falsetto vocals come in, a shiver is sent down your spine. Harmonies are tight and the synths compliment the lead vocals. Although the drums occasionally sound a little disjointed from the other instruments, it all sounds tight.

As a single to their self-titled album, ‘Miscellany’ follows suit of previous song formulas – albeit feeling slightly dry and desiring a little more texture. Fans of the industrial synths and pulsing syncopated drum beats will be very pleased indeed, and the catchy vocal melodies will see you coming back for more.

8-out-of-11

Release Date 20/01/2014 (Fierce Panda)

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Alex Busby

'BA Music student at the University of Leeds, guitarist and a passion for critical analysis of all forms of music.