[Review] Jack Antonoff's Bleachers proves not to be much Fun
Bleachers is an indie-pop band formed by Jack Antonoff, who is probably best known right now for dating Girls' Lena Dunham. He also plays guitar for Fun, whose hit We Are Young seemed to be on a continuous radio loop for most of 2012.
Antonoff clearly has a taste for writing chart-topping pop hits, and tries - with some success - to repeat the trick on Strange Desire.
From the opening synths on Wild Heart, there's a real 1980s vibe to the record, as Bleachers try to channel everything good from that decade.
Lead single I Wanna Get Better is the highlight, with a bouncy verse giving way to a massive chorus: "I didn't know I was lonely until I saw your face."
Things slow down on Reckless Love, with Antonoff doing his best impression of cult post-punk band Joy Division.
Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Grimes makes an appearance on Take Me Away, although the song lacks spark.
Strange Desire tries hard to capture that 1980s feel, but ultimately you'd be better off listening to some of the classic records from that era instead.