Earlier this year I had the opportunity to talk with John Ashton, formerly of The Psychedelic Furs about his new project, Satellite Paradiso. The band’s debut album showed Mr. Ashton & company moving on from the shadow of the ‘Furs, forging their own unique identity. It rates as one of my favorite albums of the last year or so. When I got wind that John Ashton featured on two tracks on Jen Vix’s new EP, Strange Buildings, I knew I had to give it a spin. Jenn Vix hails from Providence, Rhode Island and has forged an independent path whilst working with such luminaries as Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, The Cure, Jeffrey Gaines), and Andy Anderson (The Cure). Her latest EP just might be her finest work to date, Ashton’s guitar work providing a complimentary element to Vix’s soulful vocal delivery.

The Woman With No Fear leads off the EP and is also the single. Not surprisingly it is the strongest tune on the record. Vix’s vocals are delivered with a passionate sense of urgency – you get the sense that these lyrics are coming straight from the heart. 1 of the 2 songs featuring John Ashton, he provides abrasive yet melodic riffs. The chorus is where the whole thing comes together, sounding like a lost gem from the early 80’s. Don’t Let Go shifts tones to the dance floor – killer bass line and beat, with Jenn again delivering impassioned vocals. The title track is a slow burner of a tune, synth flourishes giving it a slight New Order vibe. Weirdo is the 2nd track featuring John Ashton, and again – it just kills. Slower in tempo, lyrically and in vibe it reminds me a bit of Nico during her 80’s dalliance with New Wave. It’s a track I return to repeatedly. “camera obscura visions appear to me / I just don’t understand what i see”

You can pick up the EP directly from Jenn Vix’s bandcamp. You can also follow her on Facebook to keep up with her latest happenings. This is quite an EP and I highly recommend it.

Verdict: New Wave Gem

For Fans Of: The Psychedelic Furs, Nico, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Slits

Tracks: 

1. The Woman With No Fear (featuring John Ashton)
2. Don’t Let Go
3. Strange Buildings
4. Let Me In
5. Weirdo (featuring John Ashton)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKxkVOUhSlw]