Cosmetique advertise themselves as an exercise in escapism, created by Sarah Churchill because she was sick of working as a hotel croupier and "watching men blow andpound;1.5 million in 15 minutes". The result of this reaction against materialism is some of the cheapest electro-punk you're ever likely to hear, recycling old Human League riffs on what sound suspiciously like the tinniest equipment the band could find. Amazingly enough, it works- for the simple reason that Churchill has an amazing voice, with a powerfully forlorn quality that transforms relatively ordinary material into superb throwaway pop. The result is an exceptionally entertaining album, even if the nagging question persists - what could she do with a proper group?
