Our favourite US dark-pop, Washington-raised GEMS don't hang around on their latest album teaser, 'w/o u', diving headfirst into a signature juddering synthesizer melody and warping vocal samples from word go. We've been eagerly anticipating the release of their debut record proper, Kill The One You Love, and 'w/o u' - its third offering, after the crushingly pretty 'Soak' and moody 'Living As A Ghost' - only heightens our excitement with its array of lustrous electronics and sweet pop hooks. Only 11 days to hang in there now guys. - DC