FOE – Bad Dream Hotline

First off, if you're eagerly reading this article in anticipation of new material from the brilliant mathematical prog/jazz/hardcore outfit that graced the House Of Stairs label at the turn of the decade, this ain't it. Instead, contemporary FOE is actually the pseudonym of Hannah Clark, aided by producer Adam M Crisp.

Delivered with Clark's broad English accent, Bad Dream Hotline is a polished collection of enthusiastic power pop in the vein of Metric or recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with an added polite industrial edge. While not as accomplished as either of those peers, there are still moments of real quality on display here. The Black Lodge has dancefloor potential and Ode To Janey Lou carries a seductively paced growling bassline that makes up for its wobbly lyrics. Though the overall feel is a little too clean, a touch of genuine grit might see future records step up a level. Still, an entirely enjoyable debut.