Boasting an impressive pedigree, rock supergroup
ShadowParty channel the '80s new wave/synth pop spirits of their main gigs and update them for the 21st century on their eponymous debut. The band -- whose core quartet features vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Josh Hager (
the Rentals,
Devo), vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist/bassist Tom Chapman (
Bad Lieutenant,
New Order), guitarist Phil Cunningham (
Marion,
New Order), and drummer Jeff Friedl (
Devo) -- sticks close to the sounds of
New Order, executing with bright synths, elastic bass, and detached vocals, while sprinkling in the dark digital grooves of
Joy Division and
Depeche Mode ("Reverse the Curse"), as well as the anthemic glee of
Primal Scream (whose onetime vocalist Denise Johnson contributes to six tracks on
ShadowParty, including "Vowel Movement"). Instead of coming across as a group trapped in a different decade,
ShadowParty are more a veteran band updating their own sound through the filter of a younger, more spry outfit, like
New Order or
Bauhaus covering
the Killers or
Editors, especially evident on songs like "Celebrate" and "Taking Over." Elsewhere,
ShadowParty dip into Brit pop on "Sooner or Later" -- which sounds like
the Verve blessed by
the Beatles and
Bowie -- and a little dream pop, like on the expansive, string-drenched "Even So," one of two tracks to feature
Verve guitarist Nick McCabe. For fans of this particular era,
ShadowParty's debut offers welcome satisfaction, breathing new life into the familiar with fresh ideas and a freedom unhindered by the burden of the beloved acts from which they originated. ~ Neil Z. Yeung