Electric 80 

 

Based in Portsmouth and Southampton, Neil and James have been playing for over 45 years combined, and decided to put a duo together and break new grounds on the local circuit by syncing the original pop videos to the tracks performed live.  

 

All tracks have been replicated and programmed by hand, and together with live playing and singing, sets to recreate carbon copies of the original 80’s classics new wave tracks….  

 

There are others who play these sorts of tracks………but there is only one ………Electric 80. 

Review… 

 

I’ve seen these guys in their Level 42 tribute, and they really rock, but I have to confess even though i love the level 42 stuff, i think that the tracks that James and Neil are covering in this duo are a real winner. As far as im aware there are no other duos in this area covering these classic Electronic, New Wave, New Romantic, 80’s synth Pop tracks, and I’ve certainly not heard the likes of the covers that they are playing on the circuit before.  

Its a real refreshing change to hear these classic tracks.... and of course as usual the quality of them is just fantastic. 

 

The video syncing of the original videos, and associated artwork, is a great idea, and a nice touch, giving visual stimulation as well rather than just a lights… very impressive and a sure cert to set them apart from the rest of the pack… 

 

 

James, although more well known and hugely respected for his bass playing credentials (and don’t worry he does not disappoint as he does play bass on a few tracks), takes a back seat of most tracks as he opts to play guitar on yet another amazing piece of technology, in the form of a LINE 6 computerized guitar set up.... its just amazing! A lot of thought has gone into song choices and i would imagine many late nights working on the tracks, getting them ready to take on the circuit to play to all of us. Neil's programming, sequencing ability in Logic 8 is very impressive, vocals again are shared and good, playing is real good and... frankly I’ve had a real good night out !!!.. In the words of Rick Elms, If like me you love the electronic 80’s classics, you will love these guys ! 

 

Adam Rose - Sony BMG - March 09