Neon Neon (the side project from Super Furry Animals' lead Gruff Rhys and electronic musician Boom Bip) focus on the plasticity of celebrity romance on "I Lust U", a nerdy synth-pop nugget in which Rhys role-plays alongside Welsh singer/ songwriter Cate Le Bon.

A charming indulgence in the '80's wide-eyed affection for robo-pop songcraft, the Human League-reminiscent number is icy to the touch with it's jagged Atari-beat and droll, murmuring vocals. This cold, detached air perfectly supports the opportunistic perspective on romance via the partnership of two public figures. While "carrying the burden of publicity" would appear to be a strenuous obstacle in the pursuit of real love for most, these two get off on the undying attention from the paparazzi, nurturing the ideal that their Hollywood stock rises as a combined force ("I need you/ You need me") and more than willing to adjust their roles within the union if it means a bigger financial interest ("I curse you if the price is right/ I love you if the price is right").

With smart pop songwriting, fizzy key work and a awesomely-weird drum machine break tucked in the middle, this well-studied dance-pop number will have anyone nostalgic for '80's culture again. Look for more throwback pleasures when Neon Neon's Stainless Style drops this month.



DL: "I Lust U" (YFH)