Named after the famed Edvard Munch artwork rather than the classic Verlaines’ tune, Death And The Maiden are nonetheless from Dunedin and born of the same pure breed of musicianship that could come from nowhere else. This three-piece of Lucinda King on bass and vocals, Hope Robertson (ex Snapper, Bad Sav, Birdation) on guitar and drums, and the melodic programming of Danny Brady (Snapper, Thought Creature) on synth and keys have produced a debut that is itself an instant masterpiece. A mesmerising, enchanting and quietly ethereal body of work within seven special tunes. This electronic, mellow, haunting and moody collection touches on such influences as ’80s goth, Boards Of Canada, The Cure, Cranes, Cocteau Twins, Portishead, a chilled out HDU… the brew is heady, a tasteful depiction of light and dark with none of the cliches. With support coming from small Dunedin label Fishrider Records this is bang on and dead cool.