Unlike many of the bands causing a stir as of late (the garage bands tipping their hats to the Stooges; the Gang of Four obsessed noise-meets-disco outfits; and the retro-futurists with Kraftwerk on the brain) the Affair dont fit easily into any compartments. Built on a foundation of girl group wistfulness spiked with tough-chick lyricism, their seductive stilettos-and-lipstick pop comes wrapped in punk sandpaper. The Affair deliver a hit that feels like a kiss: in their songs, the sex kitten may purr contentedly, but her claws are razor sharp.
Since Kali Holloway (vocals, lyrics), Nelson Dellamaggiore (bass), Neel Arant (keyboards/guitar), Josh Leeman (lead guitar) and Marc Pattini (drums) first stepped on a stage together, the band has garnered a healthy buzz that has earned them opening slots with the Kills, Junior Senior and Electric Six and praise in both local and European music journals. They've caught the attention of Vice Records, which in July 2004 released their first single, Honey, a song which showcased their ability to meld proto-punk and new wave allegiances with keen pop sensibilities. Reviewers have praised Kalis vocals with comparisons to icons as disparate as Donna Summer, Siouxsie Sioux and Debbie Harry. The band is finishing recording its first LP, which is being released in fall 2006 on Absolutely Kosher records.
The Hartford Courant says that the new Affair recording calls to mind "Ronnie Spector fronting X" and Giant Magazine notes that "these bouncy, fun love-rock songs will have you dancing in your seat and swooning in the moonlight." The band is also collaborating on a remix of one of their singles with noted producer and remixer Paul Phones Epworth (Block Party, The Streets, the Music, The Futureheads) and they will be releasing a single this summer on British label Marquis Cha Cha. While comparisons to past heavyweights may be flattering, the Affair has arrived at a sound that transcends bandwagon jumping.
If you still haven't heard them, here's your chance to listen to the new sound of New York City.
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