Mancunian Nadine Raihani and Berlin (born Stephan Hengst) are Popular Damage. Brought together by Berlin's post rock and indie scene, they are on a quest to find the perfect formula for dance worthy pop music.

Having toured with The Rakes, Dune and The Whip this band are no strangers to live performances and even wooed the industry with a 2009 showcase at SXSW and Berlin Fashion Week. Their live performances are high energy and bold with both rock and electronica arrangements being incorporated into the live sets as well as instruments being swapped mid-song - including guitars, bass, synths, samplers, laptops and drums.

The Royal Fly EP is their first UK release which shows off their talents with 8 different dance tracks.

'Everybody Got Young' has three mixes; 'Double Dragon Mix', 'Original Mix' and 'Fukkk Off Remix'.

Personally I prefer the lighter dancier tune of the 'Double Dragon Mix'. The 'Original Mix' incorporates more electronica and has a darker slower feel whilst the 'Fukkk Off Remix' is more dub orientated.

The Beatshaker and Blender Remix of 'Easy Money' is upbeat and funky, certainly a good dance tune for any party.

I love the oriental feel to the PDA Remix of The xx 'Crystalised'. It's a top tune with charm and sophistication but with an added dark edge too.

It's always a nice change to hear a band that produces different sounding songs rather than being repetitive and unimaginative. Popular Damage are certainly not 'same old same old'; they push the boundaries of pop to rock and indie with synths, electronica and some cool sounding beats.

8

Helena Rea