Digits — Hold It Close

Digits is the solo side-project of former Ghost Is Dancing and Europe In Colour member Alt Altman.

Digits' debut album, Hold It Close, takes a stab at doing a faithful retake of '80s Brit-tinged dance music. While there's no clear, coherent sound, the material seems influenced by popular acts like New Order as well as the more underground bands like The Wake and Fischer-Z (echoed vocally and in the beats on "Wait It Out") and edgy Wire-inspired guitars on "Volley Into The Night."

Adding to the contrast of styles on the disc, there's some soulful groove to "Sarah" that sounds a bit like a lo-fi take on a Sade ballad, complete with those uniquely early '80s drum machines.

Altman really finds his niche when he lays down some chilled out grooves on the charged ballad, "Monsters." Here, the minimalist programming successfully backs Altman's engaging dulcet tones, which are akin to The National's Matt Berninger. Hold It Close hits its stride at this point.

"Endgame" (possibly named for the obscure B-division Scottish synth band, Endgames) follows this key track, combining some spirited space-age keyboards and the harmonic appeal of co-lead male and female vocals.

As an added bonus, Hold It Close includes "Warrant For Your Love," a eerie number featuring Rebecca Applebaum's deliciously aching guest vocals spiked with Kraftwerk-influenced industrial beats.

Hold It Close succeeds at the seemingly impossible: simultaneously revisiting the past and time-shifting these dated sounds into something fresh and 21st century.

Get it from