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August 7, 2009 - True Romance, the newly released debut from the English trio Golden Silvers, is full of keyboard-fueled new-wave tunes that practically dole out hugs — and somehow seem cool while doing so. One single, the half-rapped "True Romance (True No. 9 Blues)," sounds something like The Clash's "Magnificent Seven" re-written by a bunch of love-drunk soul boys, with keyboardist and singer Gwilym Gold urging listeners to "find your true romance" amid a spare but propulsive disco beat. "Arrows of Eros" isn't as dance-club-appropriate, but it's a sweeter song — in fact, it's one of the sweetest songs any buzz band has released this year.

"Arrows of Eros" does a lot with a little: Besides Gold's vocal, the main elements are a bouncy bassline, simple keyboard hits and backing vocals that feel both manicured and well-placed. Gold sings of a couple with their heads in the clouds: She's dreaming of "French fantasies on cinema screens," while he's holding on to "fantasies of outlaws." Gold notes politely that things don't work out for the couple, but with its warm melody and bright mien, the song suggests that Gold hasn't exactly soured on the idea of love. And talk about showing off your soft side: How many other non-emo bands would be willing to sing a chorus as heartfelt as, "Wouldn't it be sweet if you could die from a broken heart?"

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