Poi Dog Pondering – “All Saints Ascension”: I’m not sure what “platetonic” is, but it makes me think of geology class in college and not electronic music. Whatever it is, that label for Poi Dog Pondering seems accurate. Not quite rock, neither pure dance. Yet, to call it “electrorock” would be giving this band a term too generic. Subtle reverb coupled with a smooth groove and production a little rough around the edge keeps us on our toes while listening to this. Is it as angelic as the title suggests? I’m not sure. But the sound has me intrigued.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/219376628″ /]

Neon Indian – “Slumlord”: I’ve wanted so badly to be a fan of Neon Indian for a long time. Yet, for some reason, previous releases have by this guy have never really sealed the deal for me. “Slumlord” finally fulfills everything I’ve hoped Neon Indian would be, even though I can’t really in all reality articulate what those requirements are. The song is groovy, catchy, and has so many layers that I’ll still be catching new elements 20 listens from now. I had a concert conflict the night Neon Indian is coming through my area, but I think I’m going to skip that show for this one.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/217631668″ /]

Alge – “My Daughter’s Living Room”: Continuing in the vein of artists like JMSN and Lo-Fang, Alge records tribal, oddly produced alternative R&B that would be well suited supporting Lorde on a future tour. The song seems to be one of longing – whether its looking to the past or future I’m not sure. But the artist seems to have found his sound relatively early in his career – and fortunately, this is a sound many could catch onto.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/206030913″  /]

Holly Miranda – “The Only One”: “I have a hard time singing about things that I dont feel are true” Miranda bemuses in the interview leading up to this live performance of “The Only One.” Holly’s persona is down to earth, a vibe that gets reflected in the song. This is the sort of girl you’d want to bring home to your parents (sorry if you read this and you aren’t single, Holly!) – and you can almost discern this personality just from listening to the song. It’s very genuine.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6q3oT-BXSQ[/youtube]

Oh, Be Clever – “River”: It is arguable that the guy/girl electronic influenced alt-pop is somewhat of a bandwagon. Phantogram, MS MR, Purity Ring, and Broods are some obvious examples. Oh, Be Clever is a Utah based duo who have taken this style and added a dash of nostalgia. The vocals are soulful, and I have this odd feeling this song would have done very well in the late 90s. It evokes some very similar emotions that came forth when I was first starting to discover pop music during that timeframe.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/217072795″ /]