Hailing from Birmingham, England comes indie-rock/electronic beat band Deluka. Its name is derived from a character in the movie 'Pretty Woman' and comprised of Kris Kovacs on electronic toys, with Daniel Brasco on bass and Steve Palmer on drums. Last but not least by any stretch and out front is bandmember Ellie Innocenti who holds her own and more with her clear lead vocals sung with attitude. Kris and Ellie write and compose in her “bedroom studio,” so says the one-sheet that came with the disc, which begs the question: ”is that what they call it nowadays?” Hmmm.
Our prime lead first cut is 2009's “Cascade” where Ellie evokes an early '80s sound with its twenty-ten under the revolving sequined disco ball, projecting spots above the multi-colored dance floor. “OMFG” pleads for some space to be figured out and could become fodder itself for a remixed version with a channelling of the Ting Tings on some kind of popular music radio station of the day.
Throughout the album Ellie's stylings remind me of Sharon of the Nashville, Tennessee group Kink Adore. This is especially true from songs three (“Finito”) and my other favorite “Wake Me Up." Both have “oh, oh, oh”s in-common, and that is, in this case, a very good thing!
There are no “Mixed Messages” on the finale, however, it rocks-out like Butt-head in full head-nod. Five straight-forward songs are all we get to peruse on this EP sampler, they're just a touch to whet our appetites and to introduce us to a band that sounds like they are live at a small, brick-walled cafe who can rock as hard as any or possibly become the mainstream rage. We will hopefully get to see how they grow. Their flexibility allowed them to record in Brooklyn and garners points with me. It conjures the irresistible name Deluka which enchants a juicy three-point-five stars. Tantalizing, just not enough to give it the whole farm.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.