Fresh from supporting fellow Australian’s Radio Free Alice on their current UK and Ireland tour, Sex Mask release their new EP Body Broker on 26 November. The self-contained writing/production unit, comprised of Vicente Moncada on drums/production, Wry Gray on vocals and lyrics, and Kaya Martin on guitars and synths, blend early 80s industrial, no-wave and electronic influences.
Opener ‘Cold’ sees the trio grab the dark dance beats and echoey guitar of Bauhaus layering it with vocals full of expression. The pace never lets up and the infectious hooks are captivating. ‘Cold’ gallops along holding onto the listener to the very last note.
‘Blisters’ (ft. Noah Learmonth of Radio Free Alice) follows, a more reflective track with the vocals of Gray and Learmonth’s dancing around each other. There is a hint of tension with the feedback fuelled guitar sitting just under the vocals. The repetition and delivery of “I just want to be friends” suggests conflict, of a relationship with differing desires.
‘Curse’ darkens the mood with the guitar providing a backdrop full of gothic drama. There are elements of Bambara on ‘Curse’, and the vocals are passionate, exuding an almost possessed quality perfectly matching the sonic landscape within which they sit.
Closing track ‘Dirt’ is more measured, a calmer end to Body Broker. The heavy bassline leads us into the track, weaving its spell and drawing us in. There is an almost effortless quality to the vocal here, in comparison to the rest of the EP. It’s unexpectedly abrupt finish comes as a surprise to the listener, adding to the beguiling nature of the track. Don’t they say you should leave them wanting more? This is exactly how Sex Mask end their EP.
For more information on Sex Mask please check their instagram and website.
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