Baron Von Luxxury: The Last Seduction

The Last Seduction is the latest album from L.A. artist/producer Baron Von Luxxury. The ten tracks are synthpop at its best. Hooky, melodic and danceable. The synth sounds are immaginatve, and the beats keep it moving, while the vocals bring it all together. One can hear influences that range from Electric Light Orchestra, to Human League, to New Order. This album is strong on every tracks and is tailor made for indie radio. Stream and download The Last Seduction at the link below.

Germany Germany: Departure/Disconnect

After a several month hiatus, Canadian synthpop artist Germany Germany, aka Drew Harris, is back with two new tracks Departure/Disconnect. These are advance tracks for his new album, Blank Mind Empty Heart, that is due sometime in early summer. The two tracks continue Germany Germany's use of beautiful melodic lines, lush synth pads and atmospheric vocals. If these two tracks are any indication, the album should be terrific. Stream and download Departure/Disconnect for free at the link below.



Yalls: Fantasy 7"

The Fantasy 7" is the latest release from Berkeley ambient pop artist Yalls, aka Dan Casey. The EP features three original tracks plus 3 remixes of two of those tracks. The tracks are poppy, hooky and fun. With energetic synth and keyboard lines tied to stirring beats. A somewhat lo-fi aesthetic frames the tracks.  This is not your usual chill music, but is more a blending of freak folk with electronic instuments and a dose steroids. Cool stuff. Stream and download the Fantasy 7" at the link below.



Boy Friend: Egyptian Wrinkle

Egyptian Wrinkle is the new album from Austin based Boy Friend, aka Christa Palazzolo & Sarah Brown. The duo have made two tracks, Bad Dreams and the title track Egyptian Wrinkle,  available for preview from the 10 track album. This strategy is, at best, out of step with today's world of streaming and download. Far fewer people will order a complete album when they have heard only two tracks, but I digress. The tracks themselves are darkish, lo-fi, reverby dreampop. The melodies are haunting and draw the listener into a web of beautiful airy vocals. Minimal instrumentation and beats give more of an ambience than an actual accompaniment. It's the vocals that are the focus. The two tracks certainly leave one wanting more. Stream the two tracks and order Egyptian Wrinkle at the link below.

The All-About: Winterpop

Winterpop is the sophomore album from The All-About, otherwise know as Fairfield, CT artist Zac Coe. The 11 tracks are catchy and hooky indie pop. There is a familiar feel to the tracks, but at the same time I can't really point to a particuler band that The All-About sounds like. This is a cool quality and says, to me, that the tracks have tapped into a place that is comfortable for me. Think that listeners will also find this nice place from the music. On his Facebook site Coe says this is "dance music written and recorded by people who can't dance for people who can't dance." Gotta love it. Stream and download Winterpop for free at the link below.

[Physics]: Love Electrical

Love Electrical is the latest EP from synthpop artist [Physics]. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say my day job is a physicist, so there is an immediate attraction to this artist. That said, the seven tracks serve up lush, atmospheric synths, with minimalist beats and ethereal textures. The music is complex yet accessible and catchy but not trite. The production if flawless and the musicality superb. Stream and buy Love Electrical at the link below.

 

Shimmering Stars: Violent Hearts

Violent Hearts is the latest EP from Vancouver garage rockers Shimmering Stars. The eight tracks have a retro feel and a lo-fi aesthetic. Twangy and catchy, with abundent hooks, Violent Hearts hits the mark with lush harmonies and 60's arrangements worthy of an appearance on Shindig! Retro rock doesn't get much better than this. Stream and buy Violent Hearts at the link below.

Sky Flying By: What's The Farthest You Can See

What's The Farthest You Can See is the latest album from Boston artist Sky Flying By. The eight instrumental tracks showcase this artist's great musical depth and virtuosity. Driving, ambient, orchestral and heavy are all apt descriptions of what is found on this album. The tracks feature expansive arrangements and crisp production. This is not the usual instrumental synthpop, but rather, one will find post-rock tracks that could be the very definition of the genre. Stream and buy What's The Farthest You Can See at the link below.

Summer Twins: The Good Things

The Good Things is the debut EP from California duo Summer Twins. Sisters Chelsea and Justine Brown create 6 tracks of lo-fi, garage tinged, dream pop. Twangy and at times heavy guitars frame delicate vocals and harmonies. The tracks are catchy and thoroughly enjoyable. The EP escapes the sameness of some dreampop with the garage influences and retro vibe. This is a very solid debut that holds promise for the future of Summer Twins. Stream and download The Good Things for free at the link below.

Twin Cabins: I'm Sure

I'm Sure is the new EP from San Diego shoegazers Twin Cabin. The EP is dreamy, twangy and catchy. The five tracks are slightly lo-fi, with nice reverby vocals and an overall fun feel.  Upbeat, with clean guitars and good hooks, I'm Sure is solid dream pop worthy of indie radio attention. The only complaint is that there is no info about how to either buy or download the EP. Twin Cabin, give your fans a way to add your music to their collections. Stream I'm Sure at the link below.