“Overrated” – Soviet
Oh, hey there, super sorry about that long pause. We went on vacation – with no warning. But check this out: this post contains some cool music.
Surreal Sharx
Music, poetry, fiction, & photography blog.
Tag Archives: synthpop
“Light The Way” – The National Pool
“Light The Way” – The National Pool
The chillest electro artist in Baltimore is back with another great single entitled “Light The Way”. The National Pool has found a way to consistently bridge the gap & blur the lines between synth pop & ambient electronica, & I believe this may be their best single track to date. In case you missed it, Sharx was fortunate enough to snag an interview with The National Pool all the way back in 2013 just before their song “Better” would find it’s way to regular rotation on SiriusXM.
You can find this track on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.
#features
“Balance” – Teen Commandments
“Balance” – Teen Commandments
Disco, new wave, a little bit of house, and a full serving of pop. A combination of sounds that have not only made this Brooklyn band a Surreal Sharx favorite, but which also show up in full force on their latest track “Balance”. Teen Commandments have clearly been hard at work honing their dance pop sensibilities, because “Balance” is their best effort to date – which says quite a bit considering how much I enjoy the rest of their work. Track is available on iTunes & Soundcloud.
Check them out at Empire Control Room in Austin, Texas for an official SXSW Showcase on 3/17. Peep their social media for further Austin dates during this year’s SXSW.
#features
“Hold Back” – The National Pool feat. DAJ
“Hold Back” – The National Pool feat. DAJ
We’re stoked to have another song from The National Pool on offer today. The National Pool have been taking a trip around the genres lately, experimenting with their sound & even collaborating with Brooklyn R&B artist DAJ on their latest single “Hold Back”. While still operating from their electronic chillwave niche, “Hold Back” offers prominent vocals, heavier drops, & a more defined beat giving the single a poppier – almost club like – feel.
You can find this track on iTunes, Amazon, & Spotify.
#features
IP: “somethin” – MVSCLES
“somethin” – MVSCLES
I’ve been jamming to Mvscles for about two years now, plus they released “somethin” 7 months ago, & yet still I never blogged it here on Sharx. There’s something incredibly nice about the way they reappropriate elements and tropes of hip hop & trap music to create such overtly positive & whimsical pop music. I’ve been in a bit of a philosophical funk today & their brash optimism is hitting the nail on the head.
#infiniteplaylist day 781
“Lies” – DENNIS
“Lies” – DENNIS
It’s Feature Friday, son! We featured new music a few times on a few Fridays, so whatever, we might as well make it a thing now.
Today’s Sharx #feature comes from Minneapolis electronic pop duo DENNIS. Don’t let the masculine name fool you though, Katie Bolin & Sarah Morrison craft synth-driven pop music from a feminine perspective. DENNIS songs seem to be formed based on the pop music essentials of fun synths, auto-tuned vocals, & catchy bass lines, but are then juxtaposed against no-holds-barred lyrics & a healthy dose of darkwave overtones. This honest pop sensibility with darker intimations is best exhibited in recent track “Lies” off their independent release “Don’t Fall In Love” (available on both iTunes & Bandcamp).
DENNIS play Kitty Cat Klub in Minneapolis on September 11th, & then once again on October 27th which will be a Halloween costume party show. I’m sure it will be quite the scene. You’ll want to be there if yr in the area.
#features
IP: “Start Again” – Pomo feat. Andrea Cormier
“Start Again” – Pomo feat. Andrea Cormier
Canada’s at it again. Making hip electronic music seems to be something they do very well up there, maybe its all the cold weather. Except that there’s palm trees on the art that goes with this song – life can be so confusing. No bother, just sit back & blast this great dance track as loud as yr co-workers will let you.
Via HW&W Recordings.
If we miss an Infinite Playlist post tomorrow, don’t worry, it just means we’re too busy celebrating a USA victory over Germany!
#infiniteplaylist day 749
IP: “Elevate” – St. Lucia
“Elevate” – St. Lucia
Rounding out this week’s Infinite Playlist is another one of my current favorites. The Brooklyn-based St. Lucia feel immediately relatable & incredibly unique all at once. They have so many great jams & uplifting synthpop anthems its hard to chose which one to post. So, I went with the band’s infectious single “Elevate” from their album “When The Night” because of track’s infectiousness & poppiness.
Have a good weekend.
#infiniteplaylist day 746
IP: “Savior” – The Knocks feat. Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot
“Savior” – The Knocks feat. Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot
You here how the claps at the beginning of the song aren’t in perfect unison? Beautiful. It’s those kind of details that separate great artists and songs from the massive amounts of new music that’s out there. For me anyways. Enjoy this smooth dance jam via The Knocks latest release “Comfortable”.
#infiniteplaylist day 737
IP: “Texas” – Magic Man
“Texas” – Magic Man
Look, it’s no secret that Surreal Sharx loves Texas, & while I have no actual evidence to indicate that Boston synth rock band also loves Texas I’ll go ahead & assume they do. Who wouldn’t? This track, entitled “Texas”, comes from their “You Are Here” EP which came out about a year ago, & its really great. They’re about to drop a brand new release called “Before The Waves” & it sounds tasty based on their latest track “Out of My Mind“.
New week, new opportunities. Happy Monday.
Surreal Sharx 