New Zealand's Shocking Pinks are the most typically "indie-rock" band yet signed by dance titans the DFA. But where the label's last rock band signing, Prinzhorn Dance School, was a total sonic curveball, it's not hard to see the Kiwis' appeal to James Murphy and his mates. "This Aching Deal" from the impending Shocking Pinks compilation sounds like a bedroom savant recreating an early New Order track on a Top Ramen budget. Singer Nick Harte (ex drummer for cute overload trio the Brunettes) mumbles his way through, leaving the ache articulation mainly to the chiming guitar lead and hurried beat. As the glorious vagueness of the title suggests, emotional resonance doesn't demand minute detail.
Backlash-claim jumpers calm yourselves for now. We'll let you know when the DFA makes a wrong move.