Slurrs is a relatively fresh new solo project from Auckland, written and recorded by ex-Haawaaiii lead singer Hugh Smith during his long recovery from a cycle accident early this year. The main feature of this digital-only release is the ’80s synth sound – reminders of The Cars, INXS, Pseudo Echo. Thankfully it veers more towards the likes of DAF, or a gothy Yazoo, with Smith citing the influences of Cold Cave, Liars, Bowie and Suicide. Along with the cold synths, is a somewhat deadpan (sometimes very ‘off’ flat) vocal, but there are good moments. There’s a space-mashed vocodered vocal on Summer Crashes, and each short and sweet number has a healthy experimental approach. Smith’s vocals are often deliberately masked and need serious work in places, They drag increasingly towards the end of the album but the musical ideas hint at some things more captivating yet to come.