St. Lucia – September

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South African-born artist Jean-Philip Grobler, aka St. Lucia released his debut EP September this September. However, I first fell in love with his sound upon hearing the single “Closer Than This” last spring. Having traveled around the world with a choir in his youth and later honing his musical sensibilities across the pond, the electro-indie artist now produces his signature shimmering synths out of Brooklyn.

St. Lucia will actually be performing in D.C. this Thursday, December 13th at U Street Music Hall with British producer Alex Metric for the All Things Gold party. Should be a fun event – so if you have nothing better to do and enjoy these ditties as much as I do – go check it out.

I’ve got a feeling we will never get closer than this
I can’t imagine there’s a way to get closer than this

Blackbird Blackbird – All

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Based out of San Francisco, Blackbird Blackbird is the moniker of wunderkind composer Mikey Maramag. Originally from Hawaii, the tropical influences of the producer’s origins are evident in his particular flavor of layered folktronica. The following video/track “All” is off the new EP Boracay Planet, released this October to critical acclaim.

Citing musical influences such as The Smiths, Grizzly Bear, and My Bloody Valentine (a damn fine line-up), the album in Maramag’s own words is made up of “a lot of guitar layered over synths and visually patterned ambiance, blending warm tones with clear vocals and anthemic melodies.” I’ll take it all, please.

Grimes – Genesis

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One of my favorite female artists to emerge this year is Grimes – nom de plume of Claire Boucher – a Canadian artist known for her childlike, dulcet vocals and eclectic blend of lo-fi synthpop. If you’re not yet hip to Grimes, stream and download the dream-like “Genesis” off her album Visions below.

Crystal Castles – III

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In keeping with this week’s theme of Halloween-related music, today’s post features the experimental group with ‘goth-pop sensibilities,’ Crystal Castles. The nihilistic worldview of the Canadian duo is evident in their dark tones and dystopic lyrics. Although discordant at times, their array of sounds come together in what is ultimately wickedly mesmerizing stuff.

Also continuing the meme of three-character monikers, the following tracks “Plague” and “Wrath of God” are off their forthcoming album, III, scheduled to drop November 12. Apparently CC used the first take of each recording on the album, averring that “the first take is the rawest expression of an idea.” That level of commitment to a musical philosophy is commendable.

For good measure, I also threw in a vintage favorite, “Celestica.” Listen to and download all three tracks below.

when it’s cold outside hold me / don’t hold me
when I choose to rest my eyes coax me / don’t coax me
follow me into nowhere / woven with the utmost care

No Ceremony/// – FEELSOLOW

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While little is known about No Ceremony///, the mysterious outfit from Manchester have been making waves on the web with dark but dreamy electronic pop tunes like FEELSOLOW, released earlier this month. Shortly thereafter, Theatre of Delays put out a remix that amps up the original track, preserving the tender undertones at the same time.

Purity Ring – Obedear (Noah Hydes Magic Sword Remix)

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It took a little while for the experimental sound of Purity Ring to grow on me. After inadvertently hearing the Canadian duo live this fall, however, I started to see their appeal. In the same vein as Crystal Castles, their sound is downright eerie – and the kind of thing that if were I to be making a Halloween/Frankenstorm playlist for instance (if? who am i kidding), would will definitely be included.

Check out Noah Hyde’s remix of “Obedear,” as well as the more demure “Fineshrine” PR original below.