express, 2010 January 13 - no author credited

I liked Vostok Lake from the moment I read the band's own description of Small Group Psychosis - "thirteen cheerful pop songs about alienation, lust, insanity, and revenge"; gotta love a bit of Kiwi honesty, right? Vostok Lake are an Auckland-based "melodramatic electroclash" outfit, headed by singer-songwriter Daphne Lawless, who says Small Group Psychosis is the culmination of "seven years hard work and bashing my head against a brick wall". Lawless describes herself as a queer feminist, and many of the songs on the album reflect this. You've got to check out "Abomindation" - it's all about homophobia in the Destiny Church. Lawless says she loves Kate Bush, Gary Numan and Depeche Mode, and it's clear - Vostok Lake's jangly synths, electric drums and theatrical vocals are a fine nod to the electro pop and punk of the '80s. Small Group Psychosis is available through Random Static Music, or through www.vostoklake.org.

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