Splintered In Her Head - 女の子 (onnanoko)

As you might expect with a band named after one of The Cure's b-sides Splintered In Her Head have a dark 80s pop vibe, however the band's EP Onnanoko ("girls" in Japanese) has a wide range of influences with some great indie and electro pop on show, with songs about failed relationships and the bitterness that can be left behind.

The Cure, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails are listed as influences by the band though their music is usually a bit lighter than those bands though the lightness comes with a dark undertone and a melancholic air,  "The best things in life" for example has a big pop chorus and verses underlined with a dark synth melody and razor sharp guitar interludes. "Cry like you mean it" has some great retro electronic riffs and a slow grind of a melody. The best pop music is often dark, soul and heart coming from sadness and adding bite and contrast to a light sound. This is what you get here, great pop and great songs.