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Intense Wear Lipstick

“They say they’re from Brisbane, sometimes Glasgow. Whatever that means. Regardless, they make synth-based electro pop not unlike Ladytron or Ladyhawke. From what I can gather, they’re a four-piece, who seem influenced by British music, sculpture and, erm, synthesizers” – Jane Gazzo, Channel [V]

From retro video stores in Canada to grungy flats in Glasgow, The Videomatics find themselves back home in Brisbane for the release of their debut single, Intense Wear Lipstick - a marvelous mélange of 80s-inspired pop.

“One of the singles of the year” – Jeff Jenkins, Inpress, RRR Radio (Australia)

Johns was backpacking through Canada when he came across a video store called Videomatica. A cult store specialising in 80s titles, it inspired the name of the band. 

He recorded the debut EP in Glasgow (drumming on the track is Hector MacInnes, brother of and drummer for Scottish electronic star Mylo) along with Scottish keyboardist George K. But when his visa ran out, Johns decided to return home to Brisbane to complete work on new material.

A mix of melancholia and poptastic, these are songs with real depth. The Videomatics’ sound is gloriously ’80s, but never cheesy. Think The Cars, The Church and The Cure and then move on in the alphabet to Depeche Mode.

Johns acknowledges the influences, but smiles as he points out that he was actually born in the ’80s.

The Videomatics manage to sound both retro and right now. It’s a potent combination.

“I’m drawn to their tune Intense Wear Lipstick – perfect pop of epic poetry proportions” – Jane Gazzo, Channel [V]

“Intense Wear Lipstick is a piece of perfect pop - and a paean to the power of femininity. One of the singles of the year.” – Jeff Jenkin, RRR Radio (Australia)

“The perfect antidote to a decade of soulless electro, of parties but no pain. If Patrick Bateman took a sabbatical from butchering innocents and hoovering Bolivia’s GDP to discover Ric Ocasek, Intense Wear Lipstick might have been his Aha! moment. Genius, obviously.” - Dan Gill, ThreeThousand Blog