On The Mary Onettes' debut release on Sweden's Labrador Records, there are hints of influence that range from the lushness of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (OMD), to The Shoes from the late '70s, and from eighties influences that include The Church, and Echo and The Bunnymen.  But no matter the obvious influences, The Mary Onettes have a really good thing going on with their album of 10 tracks, every one a memorable one.

The first track, “Pleasure Songs,” is your first introduction to the band.  In it, you will hear not only the influence of several bands, but you will also hear essence.  With the same grace that elevated many of the bands from the '80s, The Mary Onettes produce this album that will easily have you in its grip.  With the same aplomb that Interpol and The Strokes coasted on with their 'borrowing' The Mary Onettes should climb the same ladders.  And actually, The Mary Onettes is likely better than those aforementioned bands.  “Lost” has the ghost of OMD within.  “Void” has a bit of Thompson Twins buried within the tune.  I can go on but you get the idea.

Had these guys emerged in the '80s with the same kind of material that is found on this debut, you'd be talking about them today and buying re-mastered and expanded reissues of their albums.  Since this self-titled debut is their first, they can only go up from what is already a pretty fine release, making expectations for their next album pretty high.  But given the brilliance of this album, I'm sure they are up to the task.  I for one, am anxiously awaiting news of their next album.  But for now,  I recommend checking them out.  I'm sure that fans of the '80s will not be disappointed.  With bands like Interpol riding those coattails, it should be an easy hitch for The Mary Onettes to catch that same ride.

Here's an album worth your dime!