Photo by Laura Gray

Chicago’s California Wives are going to have a busy finish to this summer.

The synth-pop, new wave group are set to release a brand new EP, titled Affair, on September 3. For those who are impatient, good news. We’ve got the EP’s first single, “Blood Red Youth”, for stream and to download for free right here: Blood Red Youth.

The seemingly Phoenix-inspired track opens with some tight hi-hat work as well as a deep, throbbing bassline before shifting to some much more melodic synth action countered by dancey guitars. “Blood Red Youth” should be a great end-of-summer tune that will go off well live as it’s easy on the ears as well as a body-mover. And if you want to hear it live, you’re in luck! The band has three shows planned in Chicago in the next two months.

First off, California Wives will open the much anticipated Wicker Park Fest 2010 on Sunday, August 1, at 1 p.m. on the Evil Olive (Center) Stage. If the heat and sweat of crowds is not your thing, they’ll also be performing at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue on Saturday, August 14, at 2 p.m.

Finally, their record release show for Affair, which is also an official aftershow for the North Coast Music Festival, will be at Schubas on Friday, September 3, at 10 p.m. with support by Panda Riot and DJ set by Gemini Club.