It's pretty safe to say that no matter how many records you listen to this year, you'll struggle to find one that resembles anything like Partygoing, Future Bible Heroes' third LP. The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt and Claudia Gonson comprise two-thirds of the group, but rather than simply reproduce their more well-known band's sound, Future Bible Heroes (whose line-up is completed by Merritt's long-time friend Christopher Ewen) pair the dark '80s sounds of Depeche Mode with a modern electro-pop gloss.
Highlight Let's Go to Sleep (and Never Come Back), with Gonson on vocals, is the perfect example of the combination of the two sounds, and recalls the halcyon mid-'00s days of Modular. Across the album, though, one of the most appealing elements is the contrasting styles of Merritt's baritone and Gonson's sweet alto. Rarely do they appear on the same track, but unlike many other dual-singer bands, there's no awkwardness, with vocal duties shared.
The album is distinctly varied, and requires the listener's full attention. To offer it anything less would do it an injustice. Given the attention it deserves though, Partygoing is an intriguing prospect. Cheeky humour sneaks through at times (“Drink nothing but champagne/And you'll never say no to love!” – Drink Nothing But Champagne), and the instrumental arrangements support the lyrics well.
Enticing cover art and deft production add to the album, but it's certainly not a release for everyone. The lack of any definitively catchy tune makes for a tough time getting stuck in your head, but for those willing to take the time to search out a left-of-centre addition to their 2013 listening, Partygoing is worth a look
