Latest Synth-pop Posts

[Synth/Indie-Pop] Little Dragon – Let Go

Posted by Matthew Bloss - April 22, 2014
little-dragon-let-go
Little Dragon
Let Go
Soundcloud

We’ve been following Little Dragon‘s every move leading up to the release of their fourth official long player, and this morning the Swedish dance-poppers have unveiled a third single off of Nabuma Rubberband. “Let Go” is a slow burning slice of melodic pop, leaning on a stripped down, sultry Yukimi Nagano vocal and subdued percussion; which to the delight of their purist fans falls more in line with the minimal dance sound of their debut self-titled album than the sticky-sweet electro-bounce the world at large has fallen for. Regardless, this one will no doubt find its way into the hearts of Little Dragon fans both old and new with its beautiful instrumentation and obvious crossover shine. We simply can’t contain our collective excitement around here for the album’s official release date of May 13 and subsequent live tour, so if you happen to vacate one of the lucky cities on their next jaunt, we highly recommend you don’t skip on the chance to be whisked into a gorgeous Little Dragon live set. Stream “Let Go” above.

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[Indie/Electronic/Synth-Pop] Cut Copy – Like Any Other Day

Posted by Eric Gossett - April 21, 2014
cutcopylikeanyotherday
Cut Copy
Like Any Other Day
Soundcloud

The seventh annual Record Store Day took place this past Saturday and music fans from around the world gathered to support their local record shops and get their hands on some pieces of new music from their favorite artists.

The long list of releases included some big names like Sunny Day Real Estate, LCD Soundsystem, CHVRCHES, and Disclosure to name a few. Also on that list were Australian synth-pop pioneers Cut Copy. Releasing a double-sided 10” vinyl, the band made their B-side single Like Any Other Day, available to stream. This psychedelic ballad is filled with a beautiful blend of sweeping synth and acoustic melodies that show why Cut Copy continue to be one of Australia’s finest exports of electronic music.

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[Alternative/Indie/Pop] Twin Shadow – To The Top

Posted by Matthew Bloss - April 15, 2014
twin
Twin Shadow
To The Top
Download

One of our absolute favorite bands, the George Lewis Jr. fronted Twin Shadow, are back with their first original piece since concluding a gorgeous concept cover series  “UNDER THE CVRS“, and once again the work oozes an incredible amount of musical prowess while revealing a gorgeous and haunting piece of its songwriter. “To The Top”, like much of their recordings, contain layers of structural significance within every inch of its arrangement. From every note plucked on Lewis’ sprightly guitar to the simple yet complete percussive fills, anthemic claps and soaring background vocals; every piece of the tune serves in an ultimate purpose of taking its listener on an auditory journey to its end goal. Never ones to skimp on deeply emotive song content either, about “To The Top” the  quartet wrote something we think most can identify with: “What is it when you realize that someone isn’t right for you? Or when you find that you do not and can not posses someone entirely? You want someone so bad and it feels like hell. It’s not like the first time, once loved love evolves, and you no longer have as much control, and it frustrates you. I think because of this feeling we find ourselves constantly wanting to reset, like new years resolutions, like dreaming up moments from the past where the ending flips on its head, like true forgiveness…We just want to say ‘wait wait wait, this went too far in the wrong direction, can we try that again.’”

“To The Top” is being given away for free through Twin Shadow’s Soundcloud, and although we’ve been craving another album or EP since 2012′s incredible Confess, this will hold us over for at least a few more weeks. Not to worry either as a recent press release has revealed that a follow-up is currently in the works. Gosh, it’s a good Tuesday.

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[Electro/Pop/Indie] Little Dragon – Paris

Posted by Eric Gossett - April 9, 2014
littledragon
Little Dragon
Paris
Soundcloud

If you’re bummed that the Heartbleed virus stole all of your passwords, then listen to this new track that Little Dragon dropped yesterday. Premiering as Zane Lowe’s “Hottest Record” on BBC Radio 1, “Paris” is the latest track off the Swedish electro-pop group’s upcoming LP Nabuma Rubberband. Waves of neo-soul melodies fade in and out of airy, electronic beats as frontwoman Yukimi Nagano croons in the background (even throwing some French lyrics in the mix). Nabuma Rubberband is out May 13 via Loma Vista.

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[Video/Chill/House] Sebastian Carter – Stranger Sights (Feat. Henry Green)

Posted by Matthew Bloss - April 8, 2014
sebcarter
Sebastian Carter
Stranger Sights (feat. Henry Green)
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Sebastian Carter has graced the pages of TMN multiple times behind a smooth and emotive brand of house remixes, but this time the Swiss born producer is back and armed with a beautiful original record featuring an ethereal vocal contribution from budding UK troubadour Henry Green. “Stranger Sights” executes a succinct hi-hat shuffle plucked right out of NYC’s Paradise Garage brand of late 80′s dance music; but rather than a jacking house vibe at its core, there lies a very seductive and melodic heartbeat to the tune. Henry Green, whose vocals we had never heard before, casts an even more soothing aesthetic onto “Stranger Sights” with his reverb treated crooning, and behind those beautifully coalescing elements, this one quickly took the place as our favorite Sebastian Carter tune. As an added bonus, the visually stimulating music video plays just as well as the track does aurally. The pair teamed up with rising photographer/videographer Jack Toohey, who had this to day about the project: “I was inspired by the mysterious quality of the song, I immediately pictured aimless wandering on a cold night. Picking up on lyrics like ‘retrace my steps, ‘wasting time’… That feeling of being out dancing until 3am – every things a bit of a blur – dangerous thoughts like ‘in the hope  that i’ll be yours again’ start slipping back into your mind. I guess it’s just trying to capture that feeling and that mystique of the hours before dawn.”  We think both the song and video nailed it. Stream “Stranger Sights” above (which you can download for free on his Soundcloud), and check out the official music video after the jump.

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[Chill] EPISODE – Dust (Feat. Mree & Topaz Jones)

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - April 8, 2014

EPISODE
Dust Feat. Mree & Topaz Jones
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As bloggers, we live for the moments when a song comes across our inbox that inexplicably grips us from the very first moments and never lets go. Calming is the word that instantly comes to mind when listening to EPISODE‘s “Dust,” as Mree‘s affectionately delicate, reassuring vocals snake their way around your body, and slowly melt all your worries away. By the time the drums kick in just prior to the one minute mark, you’ve already reached such a state of nirvana that it seems as if Topaz Jones‘ slick lyrics are effortlessly gliding over the lush instrumental. With the weather finally taking a turn in the right direction, there’s no better song we could imagine listening to during those breezy summer afternoons.

While not much is known about the mysterious NYC based production entity behind this blissfully enchanting tune, there’s no question in our minds that it’s only a matter of time before EPISODE become household names. Keep your fingers hovering over that play button, because repeat listens are inevitable. If you still can’t get enough (we really can’t blame you), head over to the group’s official website to snag yourself a free download of this amazing gem.

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Inky Jack – Freedom [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 7, 2014
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Inky Jack
Freedom
Soundcloud

As we prep ourselves for the craziness that is Coachella, we’re lost in a sea of interview questions, meeting coordination, and planning out both our poolside and after hours jams. Thankfully we have a new track to throw into the mix that seamlessly blends into either of those carefully selected playlists.

Culminating in a swirling blend of rock, reggae, electronica and punk influences, Brooklyn based Inky Jack has concocted a peculiar and overwhelmingly addictive sound with their song, “Freedom.” Blurring the lines between genres effortlessly, this tune carries a strong message through its lyrics. Coming via lead singer Kwame, these words are displayed through a truly one-of-a-kind vocal tone that is both refined and a little rough around the edges. He’s able to hit high notes in a soulful manner, calling on associations of CeeLo and Tunde Adebimpe from TV On the Radio.

Dipesh Sinha and Kwame Bulter (aka Inky Jack) have set quite the trajectory early on in their career. Their sound casts a wide net by the immense amount of genres it so fluently flirts with.

Make sure to keep an eye out for their EP, Infrared, which will be out later this year. Beyond that, don’t be surprised when you see this name on some major festivals next year. That time is drawing near for this stellar duo.

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