The debut from Slow Motion Crash is a grainy snapshot of a band in a bilious transition between the Athens and Atlanta underground rock scenes of 20 years ago. Behind the cover is a rumbling noir-wave notebook of dark mysteries.

Guitar and keyboard-addled riddles, echoing the quirky clang of Wall Of Voodoo, crash head-on into the cavernous abyss of " This Corrosion" -era Sisters Of Mercy. SMC emerged with a beguiling flourish from the scattered wreckage of the band Creve Coeur, with dual input from singer/songwriter and guitarists Brian Fisher and Ryan Holmes. Aided by Melissa Giorgio (bass), Emily Beard (keyboards) and Alec Irvin (drums), the outfit careens through nine scratchy, ominous visions.

Their spiky guitars and throbbing basslines portend an irresistibly dour joy deficit that steers clear of goth posturing and heads straight to the hallowed stage of Atlanta's long-defunct 688 Club. Don't remember those days? Listen to this and you'll be transported there immediately.

- Lee Valentine Smith, Georgia Music Magazine