Real Lies are too young to remember the late 80s, but the north London trio’s frisky debut album is steeped in the spirit of the Balearic years when indie kids discovered ecstasy and acid house. That combination has produced some dreadful bands, but Real Lies add other elements to the mix, among them Mike Skinner-esque spoken-word delivery and the pop sheen of a less self-satisfied Pet Shop Boys. The standout, North Circular (“Bag on my shoulder and a pocket full of rage/How many late nights does it take you to change?”), practically is a Skinner track, its lush synth washes and attention to detail echoing the Streets star’s Weak Become Heroes. It’s not all good – One Club Town welds clunky house to reggae. Still, Real Lies aren’t simply saucer-eyed lads with a single trick.
