Eighties pop sophistry from Denmark

(Morning Star, Sunday 24 October 2004)

Behind Our Masks We Are Perfectly Ordinary People - Superheroes
(Sidewinder Sounds)

When all is said and done, the Danes aren't famous for much. Bacon. Beer. Hans Christian Andersen.

But Superheroes could change all that. They've made a hefty attempt with this, their British debut.

A six-piece, the band have been releasing records - and winning awards - for six years, though they are still in their early twenties. Obviously, careers start earlier in Denmark than Britain.

Labelmates with Junior Senior, both bands share close links and a similar sound, but only in the best possible way.

The tunes are pure pop, but the sound, especially on Johnny and I and Rich And Famous is a major '80s throwback.

The beauty of Voice (On My Radio) outweighs any British pop in 2004 and we should feel shamed because of it.

Like The Hives‚ British breakthrough Behind Our Masks is a collection of the best tracks from Superheroes' first three albums and, as such, is a little disjointed.

But the record still retains an air of class and pop sophistication found on those of bands far beyond their years and gives the air of being a dirty little secret. Like a school disco when you finally got to pull your long-term crush. Lovely.