What would music journalism be without constant comparisons? For example, if you compare the second album by the South London trio PVA with their first, a remarkable development is revealed. Where BLUSH (2023) could easily be classified under electroclash revival, the deeper NO MORE LIKE THIS, which largely foregoes fat beats, sets itself apart from the past simply by its title.
The band, once from the orbit of London’s Windmill Club, have taken a step forward: the reference for their mix of electronics and dark emotions is now Portishead rather than LCD Soundsystem, although the PVA DNA shines through everywhere. The most important branding tool is still Ella Harris’ lascivious vocals, which greets us with a sleepy “Good Morning” in the opener “Rain”, then a song full of glittering electro chords starts.
The informed listener notes: The sound has become more complex. Here and there Harris even dares to sing, such as in the fragile “Anger Song”. As the record progresses, bubbling synthesizers, dark bass lines and percussive noise (the band has a flesh-and-blood drummer) take you through a frenzy of dark emotions. Is that synth pop? Maybe, but NO MORE LIKE THIS rises far beyond the genre.
This review appears in Musikexpress 2/2026.