Defend Moscow - Manifesto

Sleazy electro rockers Defend Moscow began life in Bergen, Norway last year when members Jon Black, Dave Fawbert and Sofie Storas all met up by chance. They were later joined by Adam Pickering and Rick Elmos. The international line up of this group has presumably lead to their mass appealing sound – particularly noticeable on the KGB remix of the title track on this record which strongly recalls the disco and indie friendly French acts, Daft Punk and Justice. With chunky guitar riffs set against synthesizers, Defend Moscow have a definite cross over feel to their music, which ‘Manifesto’ perfectly sums up. Their huge sounding choruses are strong enough for them to make it big, but part of me does wonder if they do sound a bit too eighties in their sound. There is no questioning that they have a great sound which they are already settled on, but it is just a case of whether they have enough depth. ‘Bittersweet Destiny’, the B side, sounds more New Order than Human League. They have a gentle intensity to them that is not easy to achieve so I would certainly give them the benefit of the doubt in this . They come from the same label, Kids Records, that unleashed the Wombats on the world, who to be honest are just awful and should probably be forgotten about. The same label is also responsible for Band of Horses, who make up for at least eight terrible bands. Regardless of who their label mates are I will be, however, awaiting more material from Defend Moscow with interest .