Phantogram

In a year filled with much such dark social turmoil it's a relief to know that the underground music world continues to produce such shining gems.  This video by Phantogram is my choice for video and song of the year.  It features an incredibly well designed pastiche of spliced samples to accompany its cascading, seductive vocals which are at key times punctuated by a punchy classic bass synthesizer sound. The entire sonic piece moves without letting you go, capturing you in a sonic net which you'll never be free from as you "fall in love" with it.

Artist: Phantogram
Origin: New York, New York USA

Haochi Waves

Locally it was great news to hear about this act returning to full strength with their ever-inventive guitarist reuniting with their rock-solid rhythm section.  This track has a particularly powerful punch, one that emulates taking a sip from any sort of party punch bowl, one where you don't really know what you may be drinking, but you just immediately know it tastes good and you will hang on and expect the very best results from all the twists and turns that beverage takes as it winds through your system.   Quick, have a sip...of Peggy!

Artist: Haochi Waves
Origin: Miami, Florida U.S.A.

Boan

It was fairly recent I became seriously addicted to the dance floor friendly sounds of Medio Mutante, after being introduced to them by a friend.  I couldn't get enough of the MM sound, yet I was very discouraged to discover that their material is limited and they had disbanded.  Later after a brief sadness, I became uplifted yet again when I heard certain key members are involved in acts such as the above featured 'Boan' as well as others such as //Tense//.  October will take me to my Babylon!

Artist: Boan
Origin: Houston, Texas USA

Shabazz Palaces

I was happy to learn that this previously featured artist has released an equally compellingly listenable album this very year 2014.  Shabazz Palaces has maintained their expansive experimentative approach, yet now adds to the ingredients some of the discipline brought on by their experience and growth as artists.  This new mix of sounds has generously provided us, the music fan with a spectacular collection of multi-use sonic pieces wrapped in the gift package they have entitled "Lese Majesty."  The monarchs might not like it, but we the proletariats sure could be served well by a listen or two.

Artist: Shabazz Palaces

Origin: Seattle, Washington USA

MINIPOP

This month restores TionTunes to its original flagship mission of identifying those tracks that are highly likeable on the very first listen.  This track definitely fits the bill with its cascading rumble of opening guitar chords that frame the crystal clear, and delectable vocal talents of its talented lead singer.   Hearing this track gives a bit of reminiscence towards the amazing girl fronted indie tracks of the early 90's.  Give it a listen and discover how its 'fingerprints' will imprint on your musical memory.

Artist: MINIPOP

Origin: San Francisco, California USA

The KVB

This month's featured artist rides in on a lovely yet ugly tidal wave of distorted synths, with an undercurrent-like supporting system of strong cowboy western beats. The voice is oddly submerged, which only adds to the tension and pushes the listener to hear more of this track in an attempt to maybe decipher what is being transmitted on the third, fourth or eighty-ninth listen. A powerful track which would be great ammunition for the dance clubs that matter. In fact, I'm considering spinning it myself at my next appearance.

Artist: The KVB
Origin: London, United Kingdom

Each Other

Going to start off June with a gem of a discovery!  First time I heard this was in the morning, and I heard an immediate paradox towards the way lots of things usually go.   Just as in the tune, there is a progressive alteration/switch of reflection versus high energy which lasts almost entirely throughout the process of what you are going to do, until a sluggish feel finally shuts the event down.  The art and visual design of this video is absolutely fantastic, it features various hand pencil drawn images which eventually peels off to reveal great cinematography of the band. I really think this group has lots of potential and can't wait to see what else they will create in the future.

Artist: Each Other
Origin: Montréal, Québec Canada.

Froth

These guys are relatively new, but they are retro-y but still fresh.  I know..that was a confusing sentence. You'll have to hear for yourself what I mean, as this band melds together elements of psychedelia, surf and brit-pop and churns it up, thus creating their own approach to all of these genres. What I love most to hear about these guys is their implementation of the 12-String guitar, with the very under seen/under heard omnichord these two instruments blend seamlessly in conjunction with a solid rhythm section and their clever vocalist. They are out on tour as of the date of this writing, catch them if you can!

Artist: Froth
Origin: Los Angeles, California USA

The Holidays

Fresh off the presses, the new song of the down under band 'The Holidays' gives us all hope that well composed tracks aren't limited to the end of the year months.   This track features a bouncy ball synth-rhythm section and trickling musical percussion that unites seamlessly with a visual journey which is provided by an apparently well traveled protagonist.  Meanwhile, the vocalist serenades us throughout the course of the sensory feast with a tale of summer travels that are at once both nostalgic and blissful. You'll want to go home for "The Holidays" after watching this!

Artist: The Holidays
Origin: Sydney, Australia

NOBUNNY

I had the pleasure of experiencing NOBUNNY live in one of my favorite local venues a few months ago, and let me tell you it was one of the most electrifying shows I have ever seen. These guys bring an incredible energy to the stage and it spreads like wildfire throughout the crowd.   I've included a video of them semi-live for this reason.  If you ever see them in your locality, do yourself the favor and just go!

Artist: NOBUNNY
Origin: Tucson, Arizona U.S.A.

Death Grips

Beware!  If this is the first time you see this act, your likely to take quite a shock to the system. The first time I saw them was a few years ago when, I saw a person apparently able to translate the communication of rage and directed it in a such a compleat (sp. intentional) manner as if he was a living case study of someone completely acting on raw instincts and at the same time utterly dangerous.   Needless to say, I was knocked out with my first impression by this feast of raw, ferocious power.  Now it has been a few years, and the sound production of this act has elevated to the pinnacles that match that vision of sheer terror that I once saw on my computer screen.   This act is total fire, and I can not look away. You won't be able to either, it's inescapably melt-down magnetic.

Artist: Death Grips
Origin: Sacramento, California USA

Class Actress

Hey everybody, I am back with this month's video selection.  Today I bring you Class Actress, which appears to be mainly the chief work of the clever actress and musician Elizabeth Harper.   I really feel like this track summons up elements of some of the better classic New Order material, yet while giving it its own chic twist with a smooth yet poignant vocal delivery style akin to the feeling of drinking that first rich latte after a busy day at the office.

Artist: Class Actress
Origin: Brooklyn, New York. USA

BLSHS

In honor of 'almost' Valentine's day, a day of much emotional turmoil on both the positive and negative sides, I present to you the most excellent synth-dance song that I have discovered yet in 2014.  It was fabricated in a town that is not widely known to produce such dance flooresque diamonds such as this.  It's great to see Houston return to the dance hit treasure map with the work of BLSHS.  Oh, and I hope your Valentine's date this year makes you or still makes you blush!

Artist: BLSHS
Origin: Houston, Texas USA

Atlas Sound

The historical hotbed of indie music in the south of the USA never fails to produce evocative sounds.  This track from 2011 brings you a sound that sort of resembles warped kind of vision of questioning things behind a fishbowl glass. This act is the solo project of Deerhunter's Bradford Cox and is just perfect accompaniment if there ever comes a day for you where you feel your senses teetering on the edge of nothing.

Artist: Atlas Sound
Origin: Athens, Georgia USA