Austinist Mini-Review: Van She EP

Van She's self-titled EP makes a brief but strong statement: it's not simply the fact that the band is to synth pop what The Darkness is was to glam rock, but there's a remarkable degree of craftsmanship and potential in their music. The sound is tight and studio forged, but it never sounds plastic or overproduced. Tracks like "Kelly" will make you wonder if Jennifer Jason Leigh is losing her virginity in some dugout somewhere, while the powerful "Mission" urges you to roll up your suit sleeves, doff your skinny tie, and cruise the scene. Borrowing the brand of sound pioneered by bands like Depeche Mode and Flock of Seagulls, Van She's music manages to sport a palpable versatility, with a range that spans new wave and hard charged house; it's no great distance to traverse, perhaps, but in this short EP they've mastered the '80s pop aesthetic. It will be interesting to see how they choose to expand their sound on a full-length disc, expected sometime next year. If you're into retro sounds and good times, consider checking these guys out.