Poly Styrene (X Ray Spex) ‘Virtual Boyfriend’
aaamusic | On 08, Feb 2011
Artist: Poly Styrene
Title: Virtual Boyfriend
Label: Future Noise Music
Release: March 21st 2011
Formats: 7” single / Digital Download
“At last! The X-ray Spex siren returns” Uncut
“Poly Styrene, leader of punk outsiders X-ray Spex, was the original riot Grrrl, inspiring a legion of female singers” Guardian Guide
“Poly, DayGlo heroine of playfully serious punk and icon to Beth Ditto among many others, makes an unexpected festive return” NME
“’Generation Indigo’ is her most commercial record yet but remains spiritually, socially, and environmentally concerned” Mojo
With the release of her eagerly anticipated solo album ‘Generation Indigo’ fast approaching (due March 28th), Poly Styrene – the unforgettable frontwoman and iconic face of the seminal bandX-ray Spex – has announced her new single ‘Virtual Boyfriend’.
‘Virtual Boyfriend’ will be released through Future Noise Music on March 21st and highlights Poly’s talent for mighty, power-pop melodies. The upbeat tempo and bouncing synths are offset by tongue in cheek lyrics: “You’re like a MySpace friend, that’s all / Just a text or a missed call / I never knew but I lost control / That you loved your Blackberry phone”.
The forthcoming single is a remarkable example of how Poly’s never-failing ability to connect with her audience keeps her as relevant as ever, and her contemporary sound cements her as a pioneer of cutting-edge alternative pop.
Produced by Youth (The Verve, Killing Joke, The Fireman, Edwyn Collins), ‘Generation Indigo’ showcases Poly’s humorous musings on pop culture, the internet and fashion whilst also tackling heavier subject matter (war and racism) with her politically aware and intelligent lyrics. The album isn’t just power-pop though, it takes in everything from neo-X-ray Spex punk rock on ‘Thrash City’ and ‘L.U.V’ to the Trojan-reggae infused grooves of ‘No Rockefeller’, ‘Code Pink Dub’ and ‘Colour Blind’ whilst one of the stand out songs, ‘White Gold’ attests to the power of Poly’s soaring vocals.
X-ray Spex may have only been around for a couple of years but their star shone brightly. Poly Styrene’s return is highly anticipated, she remains a genuine icon and one of the premier influences on the Riot Grrrl and Britpop scenes. Currently, a new set of young American bands like the Yeah Yeahs Yeahs and The Gossip and countless others recognise her fiery, irrepressible presence. With her great self-styled image, brilliantly sharp lyrics and powerful presence, Poly’s indomitable spirit still inspires.
After reforming the band for a one off show at The Roundhouse, Camden in 2008, Poly was persuaded to start writing a solo album. Armed with a record’s worth of songs, Poly met Youth who added his own epic style to the tracks. The resulting LP ‘Generation Indigo’ is a fantastic return to form for Poly and a welcome comeback for her fans.
