One of the best-received albums of 2008 was the debut from Parisien DJ and songwriter, Mademoiselle Caro (key resident DJ at the legendary Rex Club in Paris for over 8 years), and her Perpignan-based collaborator, Franck Garcia. Brimming with a uniquely downbeat yet defiant sound that seemed to have one foot in modern-day tech-savvy Berlin and one in vintage indie austerity, 'Pain Disappears' was hailed by publications as diverse as The Times ('a modern classic'), Clash ('a melodic, melancholic masterpiece') and DJ Mag ('stunning emotive electro-pop').   The album also spawned one of the top remixes of the year in Radio Slave's strung-out re-rub of 'Dead Souls' that featured in many end of year lists. The duo put together a killer four-piece band for memorable live gigs in London and Paris in 2008.   Now the duo are back with 'Left'. Distilling the essence of their debut, the set is condensed into sparkling four-minute pop vignettes.   In December 2009, John Kennedy played album track 'Pale Christmas' as his Xposure Hot One, and on the same day influential blog, RCRD LBL, made the track available as a free download to launch the album campaign. 'Soldiers' will be released as a single in March with remixes courtesy of The Revenge and Loko. Other online pre-release activity includes seeded animated videos, a filmed interview and 'web-cam' renditions of album tracks, and free live tracks from the band's acclaimed debut London showcases.   Still beautifully restrained, yet as playful, groovy and tunefully inspirational as ever, it is great to have them back.   Reactions to first album 'Pain Disappears': 'A modern classic * * * * * ' / The Times 'A melodic, melancholic masterpiece that marries tech house bump and indie jangle with expertise.' / Clash 'The stunning, emotive electro-pop of Caro and Franck is destined for big things.' / DJ 'Impressive ability to combine the austerity of post-punk with the exuberance of the dancefloor. * * * * ' / The Fly 'Wonderfully honest * * * * ' / Mixmag 'Symphonic techno at its finest.' / iD 'One of the boldest signings Ben Watt's ever made * * * * ' / iDJ 'A delicious aesthetic, both precise and tender, introspective and heartening.' / Plan B