The Capes

Sitting on a record store shelf, Hello, the full-length debut from South London’s the Capes, was worried. “Just behind me is that Buzzcocks comp, Singles Going Steady, and on down the way are the first couple of albums by the Jam,” the album chirped to itself. “Even beyond that is XTC’s entire catalog. I hope someone finds me.” Luckily, a customer noticed the little CD with the bright-yellow cover. After the friendly clerk explained that the Capes combine the sounds of the Buzzcocks, the Jam and XTC while throwing in their own quirky hooks, the customer was convinced, and Hello was rescued. Plopping down her parents’ hard-earned cash, the music lover rushed to her car CD player. “These synths are infectious!” she proclaimed to her steering wheel (which inaudibly replied, “Fuck off”). Then she made her way to the Record Bar. “I wonder if these four cheeky Britons can pull off such energy live,” she said as she walked through the door, which said to itself, “Swiiing!”