In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks. 

This time it’s enigmatic London four-piece, Pelicandy.

Comprised of TC Beecham, Nicholas Mills, Stefan Galt and Junior Cobbinah, little is known of this emerging synthpop act save for a skeletal origin story of the band coming together through school friendships, alongside unspecific assertions on the influence their parents’ record collections. The mystery is further exacerbated by the fact that Pelicandy have actually only revealed one song thus far… but it’s an 80s-infused indie-pop wonder that speaks volumes.

Brimming with a confidence that belies the band’s infancy, ‘In Echoes’ dazzles with a euphoric pastel glow. Typified by effervescent synths, glossy drum machine beats, and the lilting vocals of frontman TC Beecham, ‘In Echoes’ lyrically explores themes of hesitancy and social ambiguity while remaining danceable and delectably saccharine throughout. Catchy doesn’t even scratch the surface on this one so good luck fighting your way out of this sugar addiction, folks.

With this in mind, and eager to learn a little more about this enigmatic foursome, we caught up with the band, ahead of their Alt. Escape performance at the Hand In Hive x TMR showcase at The Mucky Duck, to hear about the band’s love of ‘The Minneapolis Sound’. Speaking about their curated playlist, the guys elaborated that, “We've decided to focus on 'The Minneapolis Sound'. Heralded by Prince in the late 70s and 80s, The Minneapolis Sound became one of the most recognisable sounds during the Golden Era of pop music. Yamaha DX-7 and Oberheim synths, Roland and Linndrum drum machines - we use a lot of what made The Minneapolis Sound so iconic in the studio on our own tracks. We've thrown together a few of our favourite songs from that time as well as some newer records by artists that, like Pelicandy, owe a lot to this particular brand of pop".

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1. Sheila E - ‘The Glamorous Life’

Sheila E was Prince's drummer in his formidable second live band The New Power Generation, Prince wrote and produced solo albums for Sheila, ‘The Glamorous Life’ being the stand out track from these.



2. The Jets - ‘Private Number’

The Jets are a band of 8 brothers and sisters from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mormon Funk. Dig it.



3. Wendy & Lisa - ‘Are You My Baby?’

Wendy & Lisa are best known for their work with Prince in The Revolution, however when Prince moved on to The New Power Generation they branched out with two records of their own - this track is from their second, Fruit at the Bottom.



4. Klymaxx - ‘Meeting in the Ladies Room’

Best video. Best track. Best band name. Just the best.



5. The Time - ‘Chocolate’

The Time - where Prince sent the songs that were just a bit too much. Fronted by Morris Day, Prince's childhood friend, The Time were put together by Prince with the idea of creating his own competition - later backfiring when The Time began out-playing The Revolution on the Purple Rain tour. There is a demo of this track with Prince on vocals circulating dark corners of the internet and it's well worth seeking out.



6. The S.O.S Band - ‘Just Be Good To Me’

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis were at the production helm for this track. Having previously been live musicians in The Time, they actually got fired by Prince for producing this track without his permission. They went on to become the quintessential producers of The Minneapolis Sound and are still throwing out mega-hits to this day.



7. Alexander O'Neal - ‘Criticize’

Another Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis production here. Long before his stint on Celebrity Big Brother, Alexander O'Neal was a heart-throb with a mighty pair of lungs on the Minneapolis scene. 'Criticize' is one of his biggest and best.



8. ABRA - ‘Crybaby’

The Minneapolis Sound has of course inspired a whole host of artists and producers since its inception, which leads us to the first lady of Awful Records - ABRA. Though based out of Atlanta, her use of the Roland 808 drum machine and style of programming has Minneapolis written all over it. Go see her at Field Day.



9. Francis and the Lights - ‘I Want You To Shake’

Probably the most electric live performer on the planet right now. We've been fans of Francis since his early EPs a few years ago. His sound has always had echoes of Prince, and this track off his LP throws out plenty of that Minneapolis swagger.



10. Metronomy - ‘Miami Logic’

Miami via Devon. Metronomy's Summer 08 record from last year was laden with throwback sounds, this track in particular has that straight-up, stomping rhythm and synth sounds straight out of the Minneapolis Sound playbook.



Catch Pelicandy at the free Hand In Hive x TMR Showcase on Friday 19^th May at Brighton’s The Mucky Duck.

-Karl Jawara