Romance doesn’t so much borrow from the great, goth-rock bands of the 1980s as they pay them proper tribute.

When I listen to Romance, I hear the montone vocals ala Ian Curtis of Joy Division as well as instrumentation that recalls Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, Bauhaus, New Order and Sisters of Mercy. Yet, they never really sound derivative. Their song “Killer in the World” stands out with a driving guitar part that goes nicely with the throbbing bassline. The emotion comes from melody, as it is nearly absent from the harmonies.

Their set in their Sky Church should make you long for the past while remaining optimistic for the future.

You can watch that video here:

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWauUStC9OU]

Romance plays Bumbershoot at EMP’s Sky Church at 5pm on Sunday, September 6.