Latest Synth-pop Posts

[Avant-Pop/Soul/Video] Autre Ne Veut – Panic Room

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 17, 2015

Autre Ne Veut
Panic Room

Last month, Arthur Ashin, the New York avant-pop, -R&B and -soul experimentalist who records as Autre Ne Veut, announced the follow up to his excellent 2013 opus, Anxiety, with Age of Transparency (pre-order digitally here and on vinyl here). So far we’ve had the chance to hear “World War Pt. 2” and watch its soul creeping video counterpart; and today we’ve been given the second dose from the forthcoming LP in the form of “Panic Room”. Autre Ne Veut’s latest tune remains within his genre-skirting, experimentalist niche, but may also be Ashin’s most sonically textured endeavor yet. Dizzying synth lines spark back and forth over a two-step drum pattern, a flitting flute sample and scuzzy electronic percussion which all coalesce like a dream to bring Ashin’s unique, soaring vocals to the forefront; especially on its layered and harmonized chorus.

We’ve taken it a step further and also included the brand, beautiful new video for the acapella version of “Panic Room” directed by Allie Avital, which features Ashin singing in front of a panel of judges (his manager, sister, and Pitchfork writer Ian Cohen); “reflecting the anxieties (we can all relate to) of being an artist in the public sphere”. We’re perked up and ready to catch Autre Ne Veut on his latest U.S. tour in October, and in the throws of our fandom urge our readers to be on the lookout for our special interview with Ashin in the next few weeks. Until then, enjoy “Panic Room” above, watch the music video and check out the complete U.S. tour dates for ANV below.

U.S. Tour Dates:

Thu Oct 01 – NYC, NY – Rough Trade
Fri Oct 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
Sat Oct 10 – San Francisco, CA – Social Hall SF
Mon Oct 12 – Portland, OR – Star Theater
Tue Oct 13 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
Fri Oct 16 – Denver, CO – Lost Lake
Sun Oct 18 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Tue – Oct 20 – Toronto, ON – The Hoxton
Wed Oct 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
Thu Oct 22 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs
Fri Oct 23 – Washington, CD – U Street Music Hall
Mon Oct 26 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

[Indie/Synth-Pop] Favored Nations – I Can See You

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 9, 2015

Favored Nations
I Can See You

Soundcloud

Despite their brief catalog, electronic supergroup Favored Nations -whom consists of the collective talents of singer Morgan Phalen (former frontman of Diamond Nights and featured vocalist on Justice’s last LP Audio, Video Disco), DJ/Producer James Curd (DFA, Exploited), and Surahn “Sid” Sidhu (touring guitarist for Empire of the Sun with writing credits for the likes of Usher and Kimbra)- has already carved out quite the eclectic and faithful following. Whether you came into contact with them on hyper-addictive single “The Setup” (which served as the best closing tune any video game has ever seen on GTA V), their most recent single “Always”, which we absolutely loved, or are just hearing them for the first time; Favored Nations’ sonic appeal enlightens pretty much every level of listener.

The latest single to be released in anticipation of their debut LP, The Great Unknown, which itself will see release worldwide on October 2nd via Antler Records and the etcetc Music collective, “I Can See You”, begins simply enough with a four-note synth backdrop giving way to one of Morgan Phalen’s most purposeful and directed refrains we’ve heard yet. But, “I Can See You” follows a steady aural progression, carefully layering bits of hollow kick-drum, plucky guitar and a heaping dose of pop-soul. Favored Nations does an excellent job of transfixing its listener, when perfectly, in the middle of Curd’s lushly layered synth-pop structuring lies a compressed yet stylistically emotive electric guitar respite from Sidhu which brilliantly wraps up Favored Nations buoyant tune.

We could keep gushing for at least another 200 words, however, its time to sit back and let “I Can See You” do the rest of our talking.

[Electro-Soul/Alt-Pop] NITE-FUNK (Nite Jewel & Dâm-Funk) – Can U Read Me

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 4, 2015

NITE-FUNK (Nite Jewel & DâM-FunK)
~ Can U Read Me?

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L.A. based alt-pop songstress Nite Jewel and modern-funk musician, vocalist and producer Dâm-Funk have teamed up more than a few times over the trajectory of their respective careers; even securing a smidgen of virality with their single “I Know You’re the One”, and have once again combined forces as NITE-FUNK for brand new single “Can U Read Me”. Once upon a time, the sometimes duo was even close to releasing an entire EP’s worth of music, but as their arcs have swirled in different direction since then, we’ll have to settle for their one-off singles. Which, as long as we’re still getting tunes from the unlikely pairing, we don’t entirely mind. “Can U Read Me” pulls from both Nite Jewel and Dâm-Funk’s sonic psyche, ambling out of the gates with washed out pads and some Nite Jewel appropriated bass before unveiling its percussive core as a funk-tipping two-step progression before giving into the pair’s hooking vocals. “Can U Read Me” is a lovely piece of Neo-Soul, modern funk and avant-pop that we’ve not stopped grooving to this morning. Let’s get into the weekend spirit with some NITE-FUNK above.

[Electro-Pop/Dance] Gilligan Moss – Stasis

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 2, 2015

Gilligan Moss
Stasis

Soundcloud

For years now, and largely on the low, Chicago native Gilligan Moss has been producing left-field house music and elegantly off-kilter electronic pop. Much to our chagrin, this is unfortunately our first post covering the now New York based producer, but in reality Moss’ latest EP, Ceremonial, is his official debut. The vibrantly technicolor extended-play, which dropped just a few weeks back on the independently-minded London imprint AMF Records, touches its wings down on a number of aural aesthetics, but it was the EP’s closing tune, “Stasis” which came across as the perfect Hump Day prescription.

Hopping out of the gates with a rolling arpeggiated synth, clicky percussion and a light dose of grand piano, “Stasis” chases down a synth-pop prognosis and smashes it to bits with hints of a sensible psych influence and club-first house foundation. Gilligan Moss treats his vocal just as craftily as well, cutting and looping effortlessly through hazy and delicate incantations that sound somewhere between Sean Ryder‘s most indulgent bellows and the Macintosh computer SimpleText application used on OK Computer’s “Fitter Happier”. Just beautiful stuff to our Ninja ears really. For a real taste of Moss’ range, don’t skip on the rest of Ceremonial either, to get a much clearer grasp as to why mainstream source’s like NME nabbed the burgeoning producer in an August edition of “Radar New Act Of The Week”. Let’s start unwinding our Wednesday with a little Gilligan Moss.

[NSFW] Autumn In June – HEROin KIDZ [TMN Video Premiere]

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 1, 2015

Autumn In June
HEROin KIDZ

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In the short time we’ve had to become acquainted with South Central LA’s preeminent voice of indie-pop Autumn In June, it’s safe to say we’ve become slightly enamored with just about every facet of his fascinating essence. First landing with us back in April on our premiere of layered indie-pop single “Hours”, and again in July on our always stellar Indie Dojo playlist with today’s focus, “HEROin Kidz”; Autumn In June’s unique and street-wise take on pop structuring has stirred up something beautiful within us. This morning, the young artist got with yours truly at TMN to premiere his latest stunning visual pairing to the aforementioned “HEROin Kidz”, which like its aural counterpart features some rather heavy content. Depicted in a shapeshifting and haunting neon violet and crimson ambience, Autumn In June’s video cuts between intimate shots of downcast drug and alcohol use through multiple subjects including powerful vocal highlights of the artist himself; which much like AIJ’s music offers a beautiful and rather jovial lens to consume some rather brooding composition.

If you’re in the workplace today, you might want to save Autumn In June’s “HEROin Kidz” for home as it features a dose of nudity and some graphic drug use, but we trust you and think you’ll be quite glad you did. Stream the entire music video before anyone else below.

Motion Cntrl – Motion Cntrl [TMN EP PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - August 20, 2015

The City of Angels continues to prove itself as one the top, if not the top, place for up-and-coming musicians. Yes, some will argue that Seattle and NYC deserve the top spot, but it’s nearly every day we come across an uber talented, attention-grabbing artist from Los Angeles. And, today continues to confirm our unscientific hypothesis, as we showcase a first listen through Motion Cntrl’s debut EP.

This synth-heavy duo garnered an appreciative nod from the blogosphere with their first single from their self-titled EP. “It’s On You” racked up a sizable amount of plays, and it’s not hard to hear why. An immediate comparison to The XX comes to mind when enjoying this artfully crafted tune, drawing on those associations with the synth-led, female/male lead singer duo. Their casual harmonies flirt perfectly with alternating verses from each of the lead singers, coming together in an extremely memorable and infectious manner.

Prior to “It’s On You,” fans can enjoy “Heavy Loss,” which kicks off this seven-song journey. Taking some time to build, it eventually draws them in with a flirtation, uptempo beat and warm, fluttering synths. Following that, tracks like “Messenger” and “Say When” highlight the duo’s softer side, boasting calming, lush, and textural soundscapes that pair perfectly with the subdued, filtered vocals.

We’re fortunate enough to bring you a full, top-to-bottom listen of this impressive EP before it’s released to the public. So, throw your headphones on, press play, and get ready to get lost in everything that is Motion Cntrl.

’HEAVY LOSS’

’IT’S ON YOU’

’MESSENGER’

’YOU GOT ME’

’SAY WHEN’

’CRYSTALLINE HEAT’

’LONELY WEATHER’

[Electronic Pop] MUTEMATH – Monument

Posted by Clayton Warwick - August 19, 2015

MUTEMATH
Monument

Soundcloud

Did you just do a double take? We know we did when we first glanced upon MUTEMATH in a newly released song. But, when we clicked play, we were immediately rushed with a wave of nostalgic emotions from those late-night, headphone-adorned listening sessions close to a decade ago. In fact, after one listen through “Monument,” we immediately went back and relived hits like “Control,” “Typical,” and “Blood Pressure.”

“Monument” is the first release in quite some time from Grammy-nominated alternative rock band MUTEMATH, and what a return it is. Yes, the style has changed slightly from that of the aforementioned and quite adored songs, but the underlying nature of this storied NoLa band is very much there. Heavily rooted in glowing synths and upbeat percussion, this newly-released tune still has that classic anthemic nature that we’ve come to love over the years.

While citing bands like Steely Dan and The Police, we can’t help but hear associations of current electro-pop acts (ahem, Phoenix) coming through in their highly-engaging tune. It’s warm, shimmering and leaves listeners clamoring to hit repeat, over and over again.

Expect this tune and more on their upcoming album, out in late 2015. There’s also an accompanying tour, but it is literally sold out, top-to-bottom.