That would be one Camille Priest, who appears to be far too young to have actually been around when OMD and Tears for Fears went full-on symphonic in the late 80s. Back then, we argued whether leaner or lusher was better. Doesn't matter, really. Both blew out soon after, along with the last vestiges of the original electronic new wave.

Priest Lost Lions EP (Nordic Records Intl.)

But the sound stuck around, and the kids never let go of it. I've been hearing "retro" (the word we used for new wave when I was a college DJ) pretty much non-stop during the 27 years I've been writing A&A. But I have rarely heard someone who grabbed the sound fully by the balls and also managed to find something new. These four songs are spectacular. Full credit must also go to producer David Kazyk, who has left nothing to chance.

The best part is that all four utilize different elements of electronic sounds. There's a bit of disco, lots of new wave, more than a dash of shoegaze and enough pop polish to leave drool on the lips. Feeling hungry yet?

I can't find any mention of further releases from Priest. After a set like this, however, the question isn't if there will be more. The question is when. The answer had better be pretty damn soon. Intoxicating.

Jon Worley