“Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk” are a post-punk, dreampop, new wave, shoegazing, electro band from Manchester, whose unhinged riffs and tenebrous tones creates a textural sound likened to the Indie cool of the 80s and 90s. Whereas some bands from this era belong in a time-capsule, “Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk”, remind us of all the great bands which have pioneered and created the template that still remains timeless and understated cool. Sounding a cross between The Jesus and Mary Chain, Curve and Lush, “Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk” are a diverse band, whose polished synths are on a par with the New Romantics era, whilst creating an individual and free-flowing sound. With Mary Joanna Coogan on vocals, Stephen Evans on guitar, Dan Adams on guitar, Steven Tajti on bass and Rikki Turner on keys, Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk are an explosive band, whose visceral and brooding presence makes them one of the most exciting bands to come out of Manchester in recent years. As a front-woman, Coogan ticks all the boxes, a real asset to the band and whose dusky tones create a femme fatale fog, amongst the resilient riffs, immaculate synths and pounding beats. Having recently performed at The Ruby Lounge with Chameleon’s Mark Burgess, The Cornielus Crane and DUB SEX, to raise money for St Mary’s Hospital Baby Unit,” Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk” are definitely a band to look out for and whose song “Wasted”, is my Single of The Week.
With its opening dry ice synths, “Wasted”, by Mary Joanna & The Southern Electrikk, emits a new wave ambience that hovers above the Mary Chain-esque throbbing bass. Through its bass, “Wasted” pulsates with a formidable energy that antagonises against Coogan’s sultry and aloof vocals. Through its wondrous flutey synths, “Wasted” emits a fluidity and freshness likened to Visage and David Sylvian, that zig-zags against Coogan’s delphic dual vocals and pounding beats. It’s a brilliant song, whose new romantic and post-punk soundscape create a magnetic hybrid of sounds.
http://youtu.be/ErH0R4NsvCQ