The surreal mix of doo wop and Sparks-esque synth pop of “Lucy” by Smegma Bubbles immediately takes you out of normal cultural space. The call and response vocals possibly by the same vocalist and the electronic percussion and pulsing bass line is reminiscent of some impossible hybrid of an early 60s pop song, early Human League and Cabaret Voltaire’s mid-80s period. One imagines a performance on Top of the Pops or Rockpalast with a darkened background and white lights reflecting off the performers made up like they walked off a filming of an ABC video, hints of sparkles on their outfits but with a cool vibe like you’re not sure when or where this show is happening. The musical touchstones already displace you from being anchored in a specific decade without aiming for a specifically defined retro aesthetic and because of that it is transporting in a way that bypasses an appeal to nostalgia while drawing on influences across decades. Listen to “Lucy” on Spotify and connect with the enigmatic UK band at the links provided.
youtube.com/watch?v=N8ifzzzQUl8&feature=youtu.be
instagram.com/smegma_bubbles
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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