Smear Campaign

Combining the slick, danceable vibe of bands like !!! and the Rapture with a more gritty punk rock aesthetic, Toronto’s the Smear Campaign have released one fine EP of catchy songs that make you want to get down. From the first synthesised notes of "Eighty Three,” the disc’s incredible opener, it becomes clear that the band is channelling influences that go deeper than what’s making the cover of NME this month. With a clear element of Robert Smith in everything they do, the Smear Campaign infuse those classic sounds with equally potent modern rock riffs, making for a strong mixture of elements that set the band apart from the dance punk pack.