NEW TRACK: Affairs - 'Play' - GigslutzGigslutz

After a hugely successful 2015 seeing the release of singles ‘Brothers’ and ‘Blood Science’ gain them support everywhere from XFM to Radio 2 and everything in between, Affairs are launching into 2016 with ‘Play’.

With the signature melancholic vocals asking “How much do we want it?”, ‘Play’ sees Affairs cement their sound. Gloomy, yes, but anthemic and exciting reminiscent as always of the likes of Depeche Mode and New Order, but more than ever Affairs’ truly unique sound.

Awash with synth-riffs but driven by the tom-tom pattern of the drums, ‘Play’ stays comfortably on the right side of sombre. Affairs take their eclecticism – their influences stemming from vocalist Jim Robinson’s opera singer parents, Dan Parker’s history in composition as well as interests lying in jazz and metal – and rather than alienating themselves, use them to build on their synth-pop indie sound.

It almost seems wrong to continue to compare them to New Order and such; while the influence can’t be denied, ‘Play’ has set in concrete Affairs’ own brand of synth-pop, and will launch them comfortably into what’s set to be a very busy 2016.