Lookbook was formed in mid 2008 by Maggie Morrison (Digitata) and Grant Cutler (Passions, Tom-hanks) in Minneapolis. The band combines sparkling synths with sparse guitar to create a sound which is both familiar and unique.  The band counts Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Phil Collins as inspiration but are acclaimed for a leaner minimalist take on 80s new wave. The band has been garnering critical acclaim stateside, gaining regular rotation on local radio and picking up the attention of Pitchfork.com

I must admit that I am not a fan of most eighties music, nor am I a great lover of electronica overall, so there were initial misgivings when it came to reviewing this record. However, I genuinely enjoyed listening to this record. One of the main reasons for enjoyment was the Maggie Morrison’s amazing vocals, it’s clear she has a powerful voice, but also has great variation and uses that to great effect. My only issue was occasionally the backing overpowered and distracted from the vocals. I found that the electronic backing could occasionally get a tad repetitive, yet every time I began to think that, the duo would shake things up a little bit and change things around. Lyrically it is quite simplistic, but then all great pop writing is, and in my mind this is a good example of a good pop record. For me some of the best moments on the record are when Cutler’s guitars feature more prominently, it somehow gives an added kick to the music, and complements Morrison’s powerful and deft vocals.

At a time when 80s musos and the music of the decade are regaining popularity and influence on the charts, it is perhaps the perfect time for Lookbook to capitalise on this growing resurgence. Despite my initial misgivings, I have to say there are moments of pop gold on this record, with the major strength for me still being Maggie Morrisons vocals. All in all it is an album I would definitely come back to, and I am genuinely intrigued to see how the tracks on this record would translate into a live setting.

Review Score: 6.5/10

Wild at Heart is out 23rd Feb on Listening Party Records
... available either as LP or as pay-what-you-like download.