Future Perfect - Dirty Little Secrets

One need not be familiar with the Welsh to be aware of the nation's incredible talent for churning out powerful music. Some of the most well known singers of our time have come from Wales (or "Cymru" as they call it).

Synthpop couple Simon Owen and Rebecca Morgan are one of the newest, freshest acts on the scene, and united by personal demons, they make up "Future Perfect".

Do NOT for a second, think that this is a VNV inspired rip of group - at no point have they ever confirmed the title is based on VnV's album of the same name - nor do they list the 'Nation as an influential band. If anything, the band is Yazoo meets Human League meets Depeche Mode.

Opening track "Poisoned Love" is not what I expected - the synth is deeply catching and hook-laden. Rebecca's vocals are Immensely powerful. She's obviously well trained, nothing is forced, and her range and strength reminds me of fellow Welsh icon, Shirley Bassey.

"Hunter" is a track that allows the band to sell themselves based on music alone, and it effectively voids the need for any aesthetic or gimmick to market the group - combine this with the fact that the act recently donated all the proceeds of their first single to a charity for Eating Disorders - an illness not unfamiliar to either of these musicians.

The Synthpop vein is carried on with songs like "Queen of the Dancefloor", "Fragile", and "Confessions" - the latter two ring more of a personal bell than might be considered comfortable. Regardless, this couple wear their heart on their sleeves, they're quite clearly comfortable with each others talent, and this release is a surprise all around. Jul 06 2011