Fluorescent
Unfamiliar (Redux)
1 Track, Track (2009, R Records)
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One of the better moments on Flourescent’s debut album Winter, ‘Unfamiliar’ lopes along with Cure-esque guitars and cheesy synths, steadfastly refusing to accept that the 1980s did indeed come to an end. The group’s fondness for this era can also be found in the laconic vocals of Simon Castricum, who delivers the somewhat bizarre refrain, “Streets are unfamiliar, when they’re gonna kill ya”, with utter seriousness.
This version offers a slight upgrade on the song’s album incarnation. The guitars are turned down in favour of more keys and effects, while the tinny drum beat has been beefed up considerably. These differences are little more than cosmetic, however, with the song’s core remaining the same.
A memorable, though hardly groundbreaking slice of retrofied pop, it’s not the best that Fluorescent have to offer, but it’s far from the worst.
by Adam D Mills
