‘Je vois la vie sourire, Je détruis mon empire, Je me sens dépassée, Il est temps de recommencer’ (Fatigueé) / ‘I see life smiling, I’m destroying my empire, I feel overwhelmed, It’s time to start over’ (Tired)

Brussels trio, Cœur À L’Index (Heart On The  Index) are playing their final show later this month, but before they bow out, they are treating us to a farewell 7-inch.  The two tracks build very much on the dreamily vibrant power pop of their debut album, 2024’s Adieu Minette (Goodbye Kitten), drawing with relish on early 1980s’ influences that are equal parts punk and indie pop.  Think perhaps of Chin-Chin and Shop Assistants hazily intertwining and you’ll be heading in the right direction.

The bittersweet vocals, and delicately layered backing harmonies, sit front of centre amid the crystal bright jangle of the guitar, subtly teasing melodies, and crisply limber rhythms. Fatigueé unfurls with a sombre restraint to match its tale of starting over again.  While the gently infectious Mes Héros (My Heroes) builds to a rousing finale as it yearns to regain a sense of optimism that all is not yet lost.