August 16, 2011

Single Selections: August 16th

DWNTWN - Transition   4/5   Youtube


  Los Angeles duo DWNTWN's debut single 'Transition' starts out with warm hues of neon pulsing synth, a poppy beat and boy/girl vocals before colliding with supersonic flourishes and eerie chorus vocals. It's both a dancefloor summer jam, and a radio friendly pop tune. 



The Joy Formidable - Whirring   4/5   iTunes


   If you missed the release last January of 'The Big Roar' the debut album from Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable take the time to explore one of the record's many highlights 'Whirring.' "Single of the Week" on Canada's iTunes The Joy Formidable are everything there is to love about '90s alt-rock if you substitute the torment for a more anthemic pop structured sound. Fuzzed out, reverb heavy guitars, and clashing cymbals blended with lead singer Ritzy Bryan's powerful vocals into a rock anthem.


Ambassadors - Unconsolable   3.5/5   Bandcamp


   Brooklyn's Ambassadors maybe relative new comers to the scene but have wasted no time making a name for themselves with dual percussion, singer Sam Harris' soulful vocals reminiscent of Hall & Oats, surges of brass and frantic energy, the quartet's latest 'Unconsolable' is ambitious and not without its charm. Rugged around the edges, the larger than life industrial sound is a head turner. Keep your eyes on these boys. 


Undercolours - Spirit the Ghost   3/5   Facebook


   Melborne, Australia's Undercolours pop-rock anthem 'Spirit the Ghost' is a polished radio friendly tune, that follows in the vein of fellow Aussies, Gypsy And The Cat and The Temper Trap. A catchy, slice of pop that goes down easy, the band's use of nostalgic sounds along the lines of Springsteen and The Police (guitars anyone) draw you in, while its uplifting vibe keeps your attention. Better than most pop-rock on radio these days. 


Atlas Genius - Trojans   4/5   Soundcloud


  Following in the footsteps of Phoenix is the quartet Atlas Genius out of Adelaide Australia, with their wholesome indie pop gem, 'Trojans.' Undeniably catchy, a chorus that's got a mean hook, this tune will have you grooving, with faint synth, airy drums and upbeat guitars what's not to love. Try listening to it just once, and not wanting more. Dare you!

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