In Brief

Meet the new new wave. Like fellow female-led U.K. upstarts Elastica and Sleeper, Republica mixes sweet-tart melodies and a bratty charm reminiscent of ‘80s Brit-pop with postmodern techno flourishes. The yummy hooks and breathless dance beats on tracks such as “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and the single “Ready to Go” are as irresistible as singer Saffron’s Debbie Harry-meets-Siouxsie Sioux moxie. Pure, exhilarating fun.

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New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).

* TimesLine 808-8463

To hear excerpts from the albums reviewed, call TimesLine and press * and the artist’s corresponding four-digit code. Republica *5724

In 805 area code, call (818) 808-8463.