With eye-popping colored outfits and the kind of hairstyles that kept AquaNet in business during the 80s, Girls on Film came onto the stage last year at the now defunct Echo Lounge in Atlanta. After an energetic show, I scored a copy of their self-titled EP, which I embarrassingly have failed to write about until now. (I'm a bad minion, please Brendan, don't beat me!)

Girls on Film is an all girl 4-piece band out of Florida specializing in making fun, danceable, new wave synthpop. Heavy on the synth and programming, the music reminds one very strongly of new wave/post punk bands such as Human League, Duran Duran, and the lighter side of Siouxsie and the Banshees. Singer Rio's voice is very reminiscent at times of Aimee Mann, Siouxsie Sioux, and Cyndi Lauper. She has a breathy, sinuous voice that sharply pitches upward on the tail end of many of her verses, which perfectly meshes with the 80s style.

However, despite the 80s influence, there is modern feel to the programming and keyboards. This, I suspect, has a lot to do with Tim Curry, formerly of gothic/synthpop favorites The Cruxshadows, who wrote many of the keyboard pieces. At times, especially in Love Robot, this influence becomes very apparent with the dreamy keyboard rhythms that The Cruxshadows are known for.

The EP starts off with Love Robot and its soothing keyboard intro, which reminds me a lot of the keyboard intro to Pat Benatar's Love is a Battlefield. Mixing with the 80s inspired back-beats are more modern lyrics such as "don't crash the hard drive," and "enter the password." A fun, dreamy song.

Secretary features a programmed drum/synth sequence that I couldn't place for a long time. Then it hit me. It reminds me of the background music to an old Nintendo game (Contra, I think). It's got the same frenzied pulse to it. Overall, a very fun, danceable song.

On Toxic Society a beat consisting of a fun, funky drum and bass riff powers this catchy song about the evils of modern society. Kind of at odds with the rest of the EP, but it works.

Overall, this is a very fun little EP that I think that promotes the band and their live show well. It's definitely not bad for a first attempt. I look forward to hearing their full length album, which is due out within the next month. Check out their website for more details.