Artist: Sex With Strangers
Album: The Tokyo Steel
Release: 20 October 2009
Label: Boutique Empire

I won’t beat around the bush with this review. When it comes to channeling David Bowie and the rest of the 1980s, Sex With Strangers know what they’re doing. 80’s throwbacks are a dime a dozen, but Sex With Strangers are actually making it work, and sounding great while they’re at it. Like their namesake, this band is an exhilirating adrenaline rush that is best enjoyed in the dark.

Title track “Tokyo Steel” is probably the most classic Sex With Strangers song on the album, and definitely the best sample of their sound. You can listen to it on their MySpace page. “Sharpen the Knife” is another classic, followed by “Last of the Unreals,” which is a fun melody for singing along.

An interesting and unusual addition to the album is three short, mainly instrumental tracks that are less than two minutes in length each. It’s a unique break in the rhythm of the album, and shows a different side to Sex With Strangers. I lament their lack of length, but understand that it’s probably for the best. If I wasn’t so attached to some of the other songs, I’d say these were my favourites. “(The Part Where You) Surrender” is definitely a great song. Now if you doubt our ways we will destroy you/And if you lose your mind we’ll take your heart/Under pressure you always fall apart. Perhaps it’s the lyric “under pressure” that makes no comparison other than David Bowie ring true, but I really can’t think of a more accurate influence. As it is, I’ll stick with “Only Where Night Allows” as my favourite song. It channels David Bowie in the verses and has a smooth, eerie chorus that mixes things up enough to keep them fresh. It’s songs like these that make The Tokyo Steel a favourite for nighttime driving music.

When it comes to dance numbers, Sew With Strangers are very much in control. “We Want the Fire” has a great beat, and just the right amount of auto-tune to get you in the mood for a good time. “We Are the Ones” is another auto-tune number, and it’s understandable that their CD Release Party is during a Glory Days dance party at the Biltmore Cabaret on Saturday night.

The album isn’t overproduced, nor is it pretentious. The challenge is whether or not they can replicate their sound in a live show. We’ll find out at their CD release party at the Biltmore Cabaret on Saturday 24 October. Doors open at 11pm. We’ll see you there, in your best dancing shoes!

TRACK LISTING
1. Tokyo Steel
2. New City Anthem
3. We Want the Fire
4. Shibuya 10:13pm
5. Sharpen the Knife
6. Last of the Unreals
7. The Dawn of Sexy
8. Asakusa 12:13am
9. (The Part Where You) Surrender
10. We Are the Ones
11. Only Where Night Allows
12. Shinagawa 2:13am
13. I Will Be the Last One