Mynx - "Kissie Show" - Courtesy of Mynx Recordings
In case you didn't realize that the 80s were back, here is a sure sign. The electro-pop-punk duo Mynx is like a mashup of B-52s, Depeche Mode, Devo, and Toni Basil - yet totally modern (a taste of La Roux, Junior Senior and THEM in the mix.) The humor of their first single "I'm So LA" made me mistakenly write them off as a Right Said Fred-like novelty. Following up with the harder-edged, yet still tongue-in-cheek "Kissie Show" proves they've got the goods. The beat is hiNRG and the cutting lyrics will make the guys wearing guyliner with their skintight black jeans and the girls wearing scrunchies (ironically of course) bounce at the after party all night. Fun people making fun music, "Kissie Show" is a sweet taste of their upcoming CD Axis of Disco, which is shaping up to be one of the best electro cds of 2009.
Video - Vimeo
Freemasons featuring Sophie Ellis Bextor - "Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer" - Courtesy of Loaded Records
We mentioned this back in March and its now getting a full release with this sweet futuristic video. "Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer" is like a Reese's peanut butter cup - two great tastes that taste great together. The results of pairing up the classy disco house production of the Freemasons with the deliciously dramatic pop vocals of Sophie Ellis Bextor is nearly perfection. Calling to the DJ to "give me the answer," the song is about the joy of dancing as a release after the loss of love. What a great message for us all in these dour times? Stay away from the negative activities that you might resort to when things are looking down and instead get to your local club and dance your heart out. How 2009! Check out our interview with the Freemasons and the video below.
Video - YouTube
Hannah - "Keeping Score" (Bimbo Jones Remix) - Courtesy of Snowdog
Who knew that Estonia was such a hot breeding ground for eurodance pop? Coming from the country that spawned N-Euro and Kerli, pop tart Hannah, best known in the US for her single "Blinded," previews her seventh album with this delicious confection "Keeping Score." Similar to the recent Gathania gem "Blame It On You," it sounds like it could have come from the legendary Stock Aitken Waterman Hit Factory - and that's a good thing. A catchy pop song with subtle hooks in the original version, "Keeping Score" is pumped for the clubs with solid remixes by Bimbo Jones, Digital Dog and Riffs & Rays. It's definitaly a sign of a good source material that but all three remixes are quite good. One minor quibble, who styled Hannah for the video? Maybe its an Estonian trend, but the outfits remind me of that horrid original Swedish video for September's "Cry For You."
Video - YouTube
The Penelope[s] featuring Deirdre - "Demian" - Courtesy of Le Plan
For those of you waiting for the new Daft Punk Cd to be released, check out their fellow country men - The Penelope[s]. The French indie electro band received instant indie credibility by covering the Sisters Of Mercy for their debut single. Blending synthpop, electro and dance rock with great vocals, the song is inspired by the Herman Hesse novel about self realization. Yes, thats kind of deep as is the dark, Not Safe For Work video about a quest for something lost. Watch out for the their US debut album Priceless Concrete Echoes coming out in August.
Video - YouTube
Maps - "Let Go Of The Fear" - Courtesy of Mute
I first came across Maps, the production name of James Chapman, when he remixed Goldfrapp's "A&E." The cinematic yet gorgeously sparse mix caught my interest. Working with Oliver Huntemann and Tim Holmes, he has created "Let Go Of The Fear," a much darker, haunting downbeat track. The retro-sounding track with influences of techno and industrial would sound as good at a rave afterparty as it would on a goth/industrial night. The old school, Tron-like computer graphics video even seems like the perfect visuals for a chemically enhanced raveparty. Watch for Turning the Mind, a new Maps CD which he recorded with Tim Holmes of Death in Vegas to be released in October 2009.
Video - YouTube
Nadia Ali - "Love Story" - Courtesy of Smile In Bed
Iio, the duo of Markus Moser and Nadia Ali, had a huge international hit with "Rapture" and spawned a succession of club smashes including "At The End," "Smooth" and "Kiss You." Nadia has maintained her club roots by working with producers like Armin van Buuren ("Who Is Watching") and John Creamer & Stephane K ("Something To Lose.") Nadia's debut CD, Embers, will be released in September and has already spawned this electronic beauty "Love Story." The throbbing yet subtle groove showcases Nadia's unmistakable and sensual voice. Remixes by Sultan & Ned Shepard, Starkillers, Scumfrog, Andy Moor and Dresden & Johnston propelled "Love Story" to the top spot on the Billboard Club Chart. As we anxiously await the next single "Fine Print," enjoy this lovely video for "Love Story."
Video - YouTube
Passion Pit - "The Reeling" - Courtesy of Frenchkiss/Columbia
I have been hearing buzz about the Passion Pit, a Massachusetts based dance rock band for a while. Blending indie rock sounds with electronica beats and pop-song sensibitlity, its no wonder. The DIY feel of the video for "The Reeling" just brings that that point home further - easily my favorite dance music video since Rex the Dog's "Bubblicious". Listen to the track and grab a taste of what's on their new cd Manners.
Video - YouTube
Dootage - "You & Me" - Courtesy of D Tracks Records
French trio Dario M, Fred Reyb, and Nicolas Gallet, better known as Dootage, are aiming to break out of the underground with this dark yet captivating vocal track. Seemingly influenced both by the work of Kleeerup and club classic "Plastic Dreams," its a grower of a song that becomes more infectious with each listen. Chris Kaeser & Kim Jofferey turn out a nice remix that adds acid house synths to a tribal bit. For me its all about the original mix and I am guessing that the bloghouse and nudisco lovers will be all over this.
Video - YouTube
