Things keep looking up for Perth’s synth-pop darlings Voltaire Twins. The four-piece have recently got back from New York’s CMJ Music Marathon, where they performed as part of the Australian contingent along with The Jezebals and Philadelphia Grand Jury.

The last and only time I saw them perform was 2009’s Good Vibrations in Perth, a performance which I have not clearly forgotten, given that they were amongst the day’s highlights. So when I had an opportunity to listen to their latest EP Romulus I just had to soak up the opportunity.

With a robotic synth patterns recalling 80’s electro-pop, “Island Talk” opens up the four-song package and plays out to be one of the more enjoyable new wave songs I’ve come across this year. The sound doesn’t change to drastically for second track “Romulus” and while this may not do much for the band’s range, it gives us another highly enjoyable song.

“The Wolves in the Walls” has alternating male and female vocals over a bunch of hypnotising effects. While the chorus is a tad forgettable, everything surrounding it sounds great.

The EP closes with “Animalia,” a track which has consistently attracted high ratings on their Triple J Unearthed page. Much more laid-back and atmospheric, the well-written new-wave jam comes complete with a catchy hook and enough originality to deserve a moment of praise. Voltaire Twins have a winner with this single and if they can keep writing songs like this then they should be a home-grown band to really look out for in the years to come.

Review Score: 8/10

Check out the excellent video for "Animalia" below: