“Sugar in the Wound” by Louse

Last September, Cincinnati’s Louse released their debut album, Passions Like Tar, on hometown label Feel It Records. Filled with chorus-drenched guitars, anguished vocals, and gloomy lyrics, Passions Like Tar was easily one of the year’s best post-punk albums on the strength of songs like “Thieves,” “Joy in Pain,” and “A Potter’s Field.”

However, the band’s new single, “Sugar in the Wound,” signals a turn towards brighter, poppier fare. If Passions Like Tar indicated just how much the band loved The Cure’s Pornography, then “Sugar in the Wound” represents their attempt to channel Robert Smith’s more starry-eyed persona.

Indeed, Sam Souders’ voice takes on a distinctly Smith-esque tone and diction, and his lyrics (e.g., “But everything is just like a dream/I love it when my teeth fall out”) possess a similar delirium. Throw in some surging guitars and dancing piano notes, and Louse handily evokes some long lost Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me B-side.

“Sugar in the Wound” is currently available from Feel It Records.