Do you remember that Icelandic girlband from a few years back, Nylon? Around 2005/2006 they went on lots of tours in the UK as a support act – to Girls Aloud, Westlife, and McFly. Then they went and had a UK top 30 hit with ‘Losing A Friend’. Followed it up with ‘Closer’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’. And then returned to Iceland, regaling the tales of their British success to all and sundry, and releasing their best single to date – a cover of Venke Knutson’s ‘Holiday‘.
Well now they’re back! Although this time they’re in LA. And there’s only three of them. And they’re called The Charlies.
They’ve been working feverishly hard on some new music over the last year or so, and today they finally presented the first fruits of their labour – the single ‘Monster’.
It’s about as far away from ‘Losing A Friend’ as could possibly be. But we guess that’s the whole point. ‘Monster’ is just that. A thundering exercise in large synths, schizophrenic melodies, and distorted vocals. It’s not too far away from the more ‘out there’ moments of the most recent Britney Spears album – and perhaps a glimpse into what ‘Femme Fatale’ could have sounded like had crazy ol’ Britney herself been given more creative control.
Upon first listen it’s all very bizarre. But before you realise, that “ay-oh-ay, ay-ay-ay-oh-ay” vocal riff is lodged stubbornly in your head. We’re pretty much loving it right now.
You can have a listen to it below. But WARNING – don’t press play if you’re at work, or have just eaten. The video clip they’ve chosen to accompany it is equally odd – and not very office or stomach friendly!
ONE MORE VERY IMPORTANT THING
Later today, they’ll be unveiling their first mixtape – and it’s gonna be made available as a free download. It’s called ‘Start A Fire’ and presumably it’ll have ‘Monster’ included on it too. You’ll be able to grab it from their website here.
We hope that it’s all as brilliant as this;
