They've barely been on the radar for a year, but already The Cinnamons are starting to make a name for themselves in Glasgow. So, it figures that they should bring out a single. Proving that synth-rock needn't be confined to the 80s anymore, "Dead Man's Shoes" is a solid offering from a band on the rise.
The track begins slowly, with front man Gerry singing over an inoffensive keyboard, but before long the band explodes into the chorus - likeable in its simplicity - and from there on you'll likely to be shadow boxing. Around the two-minute mark, keyboardist Lori assumes temporary control of the microphone, proclaiming "I'll meet you on the other side" with almost supernatural suggestion. With further repetition of the chorus, the song lasts its course and slowly fades out. Expect this on a radio near you quite soon.
Oh, we have a B-side! I guess that's what we'd call it if this were a record and not a CD. "Armed Robbery" maintains the same catchy guitar lick throughout, a synth interlude mimicking the same lick notwithstanding. Throw in a few distant screams in the background and there you have it. A world apart from the first track, but enjoyable just the same.
So there we have it. Quality electro-pop that isn't a campy throwback. Go on, get yourself some.