First of all, a criticism! Releasing a single is legitimate, which I even welcome, but putting only 2 songs on it is quite meager. These two songs will probably also be included on the album coming out in 2013, and then my thumb will be pointing very low. It would be better to add 2-3 "B-sides" to make the single at least full in terms of playtime.
But unfortunately, I only have the two songs "Nothing Holy" and "Ripple" from the three guys from Nottingham. I don't have the two albums, the EP, or the two singles that LUXURY STRANGER has released since the band's founding in 2008, but their gig as the opening act for CHAMELEONS VOX (formerly THE CHAMELEONS) thrilled me almost 2 years ago, see my concert report!
However, I associated LUXURY STRANGER with THE CURE back then. This is not as clear with the two new songs. It comes across as rockier, with KINGS OF LEON mixing in with old THE CURE melodies. Especially Simon York's rock voice stands out and makes LUXURY STRANGER something special.
When I first heard "Nothing Holy," another band or rather a song came to mind that bears a strong resemblance to the song. I had to search long in my old (brain) drawers, but then: "Somebody" by ESCAPE WITH ROMEO from 1989, *strike* J
Even rockier is "Ripple," which you can see the video for on the band's homepage. Here, THE CURE is no longer present at all, but rather the prominent voice of mastermind Simon York.
Nevertheless, just under 10 minutes is simply too little for me.
