Dew Lasts an Hour

Recording information: Bella Union Studios; Kaiku Studios, Berlin; Soundtank.
Photographers: Sophie Allen; Lauren Hutchinson.
Ballet School are a trio of expats based in Berlin whose glimmering dream pop owes a great deal to late-'80s forebears like Cocteau Twins and Disintegration-era Cure. Formed in 2012 by Irish singer Rosie Blair and Brazilian guitarist Michel Collet, Ballet School added British drummer Louis McGuire to complete their lineup shortly before recording their first EP, 2013's Boys Again. Now signed to Bella Union (a label run by Cocteau Twins bassist Simon Raymonde), they've delivered The Dew Lasts an Hour, a veritable pop cloud of heavily chorused guitars, misty '80s synths, and Blair's wide-ranging vocal stylings, which bounce wildly between dulcet trills and audacious Cyndi Lauper-like affectations. Throw in a bit of '90s R&B and lite alt-rock and you get an idea of Ballet School's chosen hybrid. Overtly nostalgic in their design, the bandmembers paint a worthy tribute to their heroes, gently updating the type of music that is so obviously their passion. Songs like "Pale Saint" and "Cherish" are undeniably catchy and full of warmth and melody. Though saddled with a very specific sonic identifier, the band offers plenty of quality material on its debut. ~ Timothy Monger