Trauma Pet- Controlled Hysteria

This promising demo shows off the talents of Trauma Pet, a duo comprised of vocalist, guitarist and programmer Elie and bassist/keyboardist Tara. The pair's music is inspired by early synthpop, but it's no slavish imitation; though title track "Controlled Hysteria" starts off with some simplistic analog arpeggios, it gradually builds into a fuller, more contemporary sound laced with moody but melodic guitars. It's Elie's vocals that really make this distinctive, though; her voice is full, sensual, and mournful - far more so, in fact, than most '80s synthpop or goth divas - and gives the songs an emotive depth that few electronic pop acts have been able to match. If this is a demo, the full-length is bound to be huge; I know I'm already looking forward to hearing it.

Visit www.trauma-pet.com to get in touch with Elie and Tara.