Tom Sharkett is the guitarist with jangly, vibrant, Mancunian, indie-rock 5-piece W. H. Lung. His debut solo EP, “25”, signed to Test Pressing, finds him exploring a more synth-pop side, and enlisting vocal assistance from Hong Kong native Eva Liu aka Mui Zyu.

The productions are definitely 80s flavoured, but done in a modern manner, with a more timeless feel. The music has its fair share of deft drum and arpeggio programming,  while the songs’ personal / honest lyrics tackle the tricky course of a changing relationship. Moving from romance’s first flush through disappointment and a sense of distance setting in.

Two of the numbers seem to track the end. Mui Zyu leads “Sleepwalk”, sounding a little breathless and heartbroken, against a backdrop that could be the score for some coastal drive cruising. The need to keep moving with no destination in mind. “I’ll Call If I Want You” hits like the male response / reply. Sharkett’s confessions / explanations set to whistling keys and boisterous bass noises.* The title track, however, is a joyful celebration of the intoxication of love’s initial rush. Bouncy, cute, catchy and summery, with shimmering firework displays accompanying its chorus. In a more perfect, less corporate / algorithm ruled world this sweet duet would be on national radio rotation and at the top of the charts. 

For those who don’t want to think and just want to dance there’s the bonus of “Painting On Glass”, whose beats are an early Autechre meets DJ Shadow-esque collage of battle breaks. A funky crashing and colliding, whose synths combine urgent chiming with emotive soaring and climbing. The record cover’s a cool tribute to Peter Saville and Factory Records.

*Tonally I was reminded of both Prinzhorn Dance School’s “Let Me Go” and David Kitt’s “Till The End”.

Tom Sharkett’s “25” can be ordered directly from Test Pressing.