Positronix Miss Universe 12″
The 12” EP continues its victory lap as the coolest format going now in punk. This is a tight handful of throbby, synthed punk with vocals that absolutely send it to the balcony of the theater. It’s hip, it’s referential, it bounces—there’s really not a hair out of place here. “Ascension Day” really stands out, with a chilly moodiness and great harmonies, but every track here is a winner. The guitar shines here too, with leads that veer away from the usual minimal, motorized appeal of synth punk and bring plenty of arpeggiated melody to add another layer to the overall sound. Stack all that up against the rousing lyrics hollered against a looming dystopia, and you’ve got a foolproof formula. Rage against the dying light and all that.