Ra Ra Riot – Is It Too Much

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I had all but overlooked Ra Ra Riot‘s new album (panned by critics), when whilst on my way to work one morning I heard the following track on the radio and had that old swooning feeling associated with the group’s debut record, The Rhumb Line.

The NY-based group’s third album, Beta Love released January 2013 comes as a departure from their signature chamber/baroque pop sound, which incorporated more string instrumentation and less electronic elements (the cellist recently left the band). “Is It Too Much,” however, hearkens back to their original sound and is a reminder of the group’s sweet and poignant appeal.

Despite the transitional period the band is evidently experiencing, I regret not being able to see them at DC’s 930 Club the day after their album dropped. Hopefully there will be more opportunities in the future, however, as the group navigates their way (and their place) in this brave new electronic era.

Foals – My Number (T.E.E.D. Remix)

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Foals first landed on my radar with the release of their debut album, Antidotes in 2008. The indie group from Oxford have been making steady music ever since (particularly prominent in the UK), dropping their third studio album Holy Fire this month.

Although as a whole the music is a little too post-punk for me, I dig this house remix by the also Oxford-based (and totally amazing) producer Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) of their latest single “My Number.” Hot Chip also attempted a makeover over the song, but I much prefer TEED’s version. Check it out below, along with earlier effort of theirs “The French Open.”

Update: Foals will be coming to DC’s 930 Club May 5th!

CHVRCHES – Recover (Cid Rim Remix)

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CHVRCHES or ‘churches’ (in case you didn’t do the trendy indie moniker math) is a new electropop outfit out of Glasgow. From their Recover EP released this month, Austrian producer Cid Rim (aka Clemens Bacher) takes the peppy single and transforms it into something a little more interesting, of the indie noir variety.

The trio toured with Passion Pit last year, are hitting up SXSW (natch) and are slotted to play at the Firefly festival in Dover this June (amazing lineup btw). They’re also playing a couple of sets at Mercury Lounge in NY next month so if you live there and have the ability to score tickets to the sold out shows, do so.

And if I recover, will you be my comfort? 
or it can be over, and we can just leave it here.

Purity Ring – Grammy

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Purity Ring just dropped this timely new cover of Soulja Boy’s “Grammy” – and it’s so damn good I had to share it this instant. Infusing their signature sound, PR turns the hip-hop number into a true synthpop stunner, with Megan James’ vocals taking the song to new heights at 1:58. I’m truly impressed as this is a sound I didn’t even know the group was capable of.

Disclosure + AlunaGeorge

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Disclosure is a futuristic/house sibling duo from the UK. The brothers, Guy and Howard Lawrence recently teamed up with burgeoning artist AlunaGeorge to create this outstanding collaboration called “White Noise.” The deliciously addictive track is anything but that, however — and as the song says, will have you “just wanna keep me on repeat.”

Arguably the group’s most lauded track, however, is their sexy single and 2012 release “Latch,” which features the vocals of Sam Smith. Check it out below, along with an AlunaGeorge cover of Frank Ocean I’m obsessed with (soulful vocals + tropical synths = true love).

Artist Spotlight: Amtrac

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Caleb Cornett, also known as Amtrac is a DJ/producer from Kentucky who has been gaining momentum as of late and for good reason. His remix of French producer Milwaukee’s (oxymoron much?) single “Alone” is a gorgeous electro/nu-disco number that improves upon the original.

More recently he also reworked the Alex Metric track “Rave Number.” Stream and download this dance floor-ready tune below.

Chlöe Howl – No Strings

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Chlöe Howl is a newcomer out of the UK, whose debut single “No Strings” is sure to strike a chord with many. Hard to believe the singer is only 17 years old given the track’s explicit content; but there’s no denying the catchiness — or verity of the theme — of this well-crafted pop song.

With all this love you’re unprotecting, 
I’d hate to think of what you’re collecting …

Electric Guest – The Bait

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When the official new video for Electric Guest’s “The Bait” came across my inbox the other day, I was excited to give it a viewing (not always the case). Having seen the LA band live a few months back — I was aware of the group’s dynamic performance energy (frontman Asa Taccone can seriously dance!) — so I had a feeling it would be good.

The vid did not disappoint, as it is something of a cross between a Newsies number and scene from the musical Oliver. Off their 2012 debut album, Mondo, don’t be surprised if you find yourself snapping and tapping along to this one.

 

And if you can’t get enough, here’s a rad remix by French producers Michael Creange and WEKEED.