New Long Leg, the debut album from London band Dry Cleaning, has all the standard post-punk trappings – layered guitar riffs, pulsating drums and deep, chunky bass – but it’s the droll delivery of lead singer Florence Shaw that really sets it apart. Laconic and cool in a genre usually characterized by big voices (the incomparable Tina Halladay of Sheer Mag comes to mind), Shaw’s style is witty and conversational, often coming across more like a narrator than a singer. While unconventional, the effect is hypnotic, making New Long Leg an incredibly captivating listen from start to finish. It’s also an incredibly fun, raucous affair that celebrates the absurdity of modern existence through enigmatic lyrics and moody rhythms.
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