Neon Trees - Animal

Lately, I've had a bit of a pop obsession.  Just about a year ago, pop was kind of bland and boring.  I didn't buy any of the new pop albums.  I lost interest in the bubbly genre and looked towards alternative rock.  The last few months have been completely different.  The pop genre got a boost of energy from new acts, and I became interested.  I started picking up pop records and now I'm constantly looking for more.

Neon Trees is an American band who just released their debut full length album, Habits.  Their music has what I love about the pop genre.  Catchy melodies, upbeat music, and solid vocals.  It's all very polished.  While they aren't a full blown radio pop group of their own, they get awfully close to it.  They effectively appeal to that general audience.

The song's instrumental is very produced.  It's alternative music you can dance to.  Maybe something along the lines of The Ting Tings, in that matter.  "Animal" isn't a song that you need to study.  It's just there to be enjoyed.  Feel good music, if you please.

The song is currently available as the Single Of The Week on iTunes, for free.  You can download the song during this offer until the 23rd of March.  I would definitely check it out, what's to lose?

Eolune - Canvas

Alternative rock and electronic are two completely different genres.  Not often are they compared or used together.  Bands such as Nine Inch Nails combine metal and electronic styles, but not entirely alternative.  What would happen if they were combined?  Eolune has merged elements of the two genres to create the Canvas EP.  Does this experiment truly work?  It their case, it does.

The main elements that are taken from the electronic style are the synths and beats.  The majority of the synthesizers that are used are in the bass range.  While an acoustic drum kit is used, the beat patterns are very reminiscent of a more digitally contrived production.  Similar vibes can be felt from the guitar work on tracks such as "Tangled".

At six tracks long, the EP gives a good taste for the band's sound.  They definitely have something different going on.  When I first heard the vocals on "Billboard", I thought of Isaac Brock, of Modest Mouse.  There is a similar tone between the well known alternative singer and Eolune's Corey Wade.

Because of the merge of two genres, Eolune's music appeals to more than one crowd.  Fans of alternative band's such as Silversun Pickups, Metric, and as previously mentioned Modest Mouse will find something here.  Also, listeners of acts like Imogen Heap, Ratatat, and Nine Inch Nails might enjoy the album.

To find more info on Eolune and download the Canvas EP (pay as you wish), visit the band's website, here.  This is an impressive debut album that could put the band on the map.  I see Eolune as a future alternative band to look out for.

Dragonette - Pick Up The Phone

Electro-pop seems to be an increasingly popular genre lately.  Filled with infectious bouncy beats and synths, acts such as Owl City and Lady Gaga have boosted the style's popularity.  Dragonette is a Canadian band that plays this very same type of pop music.  Although they learn towards the style of Gaga rather than Adam Young's bubbly project, Dragonette has a very bright and distinct sound.

"Pick Up The Phone" is from the groups second album, Fixin To Thrill.  Released last year, the song is very upbeat.  Vocalist, Martina Sorbara has an incredibly radio friendly voice.  I could see the song getting some airplay  on some alternative and pop stations.  The only reason it hasn't received this attention is because it seems to be lacking that "hook".  The song doesn't include a short and simple ring that will get stuck in your head.  A hook is what most radio stations will look for.

In the end, the song is great.  I love the chorus.  It vaguely reminds me of an 80's pop song.  I would check out this song if you like electronic and pop music.  Artists such as Cascada, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Little Boots are very similar.

Karen Elson - The Ghost Who Walks

If you're a follower of Jack White, from The White Stripes, The Dead Weather, and The Raconteurs, then you probably already know who Karen Elson is.  If not, then you will soon.  Karen Elson is a model turned musician, and Jack White's wife.  She will be releasing her debut album later this year.  But before she releases her album, listeners can get a feel for her style in "The Ghost Who Walks".  The song is just her and an acoustic guitar.  It's almost folk.  Wether or not a full band version of the song will be released is unknown at this point, but the acoustic track is great.

Upon first listen, I was surprised by Elson's voice.  I figured that if she was always around music she would've started her music career sooner, especially when she can sing so well.  I think that the lack of instrumentation in the song truly showcases her abilities.

In terms of the song's composition, it's very original.  It has a very memorable melody, it's simple yet effective.  Because the track is produced by Jack White, it has a very similar production style to her husband's various works.  At the same time, the song doesn't sound like something that could have been performed by one of his bands.

For more info on the song, and to download the song for free, you can check out Elson's website, here.  "The Ghost Who Walks" has sparked my curiosity for the upcoming debut album from Karen Elson.  Will the entire record by acoustic based like this song, or will she follow the style of White and get distorted?

MGMT - Flash Delirium

MGMT, the electro-psychedelic duo, will be releasing their sophomore album, Congratulations, next month.  The first song to be revealed from the record is "Flash Delirium".  I'm not sure if you would call this the lead single, because the band has declared that no singles would be released.  They wanted the listeners to enjoy the album without the isolation of one track.  Their debut album, Oracular Spectacular, contained several hit singles, so this marketing move is bold.

I loved "Kids" and "Electric Feel" from their first effort.  This song is nothing like those tracks.  "Flash Delirium" is a new direction for the group.  They abandoned much of their electro-dance roots for a more classic rock sound.  That's right, the song has classic rock influences.  It sounds as if they might have listened to The Beatles during the recording process.  You can hear harmonies and severe rhythm changes.  It's interesting.

After hearing "Flash Delirium", I'm curious.  Will the rest of Congratulations sound like this song, or more towards the singles they're known for.  While I really enjoyed "Electric Feel", this new work is just as intriguing.  You can download the track for free on the band's website, here.  I would definitely download it, the track is great.  If you like it, then buy Congratulations on April 13.