Track Of The Day #257

Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip revive their slick pop partnership on ‘Praxis Makes Perfect’, the second album from Neon Neon, in the Spring. ‘Mid Century Modern Nightmare’ is the first track to air from the 29th April-slated LP, which is inspired by the life of Italian publisher Giagiacomo Feltrinelli, and it’s a typically chrome-plated slab of synth pop punctuated by Super Furries man Gruff’s sardonic lyrics. Backing vocals come courtesy of frequent collaborator Cate Le Bon, and in time-honoured Neon Neon tradition of roping in some pretty weird collaborators (remember Har Mar Superstar on ‘Stainless Style’?) there’s a spoken word outro from Asia Argento, actress and supervixen daughter of Italian horror maestro Dario. In addition, the band has announced a series of conceptual live shows created with the help of playwright Tim Price, director Wils Wilson and National Theatre Wales – sneak a peek at the full list of dates below.

2nd May Secret location, Cardiff (sold out)
3rd May Secret location, Cardiff (sold out)
4th May Secret location, Cardiff (sold out)
5th May Secret location, Cardiff
1st June Forbidden Fruit festival, Dublin
4th June Village Underground, London
5th June Village Underground, London
6th June Village Underground, London