GEMS - Scars

Sparkling at the centre of last year’s blogosphere were GEMS, emitting wave after wave of galactic-sized and cosmic-sounding pop. They were able to mix massive-sounding star-spangled synths with the most delicate of vocals; resulting in sherbet-tasting anthems sweeter than a free stay at the Willy Wonka chocolate factory.

Luckily, ‘Scars’ is just as gargantuan-sounding as usual. Everything swims in chocolate fountains of reverb, creating a shimmery hall-of-mirrors of ricocheting synths and echoing guitar lines.It’s pretty incredible that GEMS are able to craft pop tunes this absolutely off-the-scales mahoosive, and have such a unique sound following only one EP and not even a trace of a debut LP. All fingers, thumbs and other manipulative digits are crossed for album news soon; but for now, GEMS’ success looks nothing other than carved in (precious) stone.