It’s been two and a half years since Stuttgart’s synth-pop duo Sugartin hit the scene, and in that time, they’ve rolled out a string of striking EPs:25, Dance, Diamant, Spaß Allein, and Breakdown.
Their latest self-titled EP sticks to a sharp, stripped-down formula: one voice, two synths, three languages, and a drum machine. It’s a setup that keeps things simple but potent. Iris handles the vocals, switching effortlessly between German, English, and French. Sugartin has honed their sound into something that’s both minimal and multifaceted, proving that sometimes less is more. Their journey from the start has been about refining their craft, and this latest release – which they proclaim ‘their masterpiece’ – shows just how far they’ve come. From start to finish, it’s pure grade, high-octane fun.
The eponymous title track, Sugartin, spins the tale behind the band’s name, a metaphor for the beautiful memories and moments we stash away in our personal sugar tins over a lifetime. The song is anchored by a powerful shuffle beat that gets your hips moving, a blend that nods to The Stray Cats with a dash of B52s’ quirky charm.
Augenstern delivers a minimalist, driving rhythm, with a bassline that harkens back to the hammering rhythm of DAF and early Fad Gadget. The monotony of the spoken word is shattered by sudden screams and bursts of laughter.
Then there’s La Beauté De La Nuit, an eerie French spoken-word piece that feels like Visage rubbing shoulders with Anne Clarke, all wrapped in a hazy yé-yé vibe. The mix of sacred, mysterious sounds with minor harmonies crafts a dark yet cozy atmosphere. The beauty of the night is unveiled through recitative text and whispered secrets, sung with haunting clarity.
Sugartin is out now via exlove records. Listen to the EP below and order here:
Sugartin played several concerts in Germany and France at the end of 2022. All songs were produced in the Sugartin studio by Iris and Daniel.
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