Spoek Mathambo (Nthato Mokgata) first caught the attention of the public eye through collaborative projects (Sweat X and Playdoe), and his earlier tracks are full of dance-provoking beats that are easily accessible. 2010’s Mshini Wam (meaning ‘bring…
The best thing about Blondie’s new album, Panic of Girls, is that is sounds just like a Blondie album. It’s not Debbie Harry trying to out-do Lady Gaga. It’s Blondie — the full band — seemingly trying…
The influences behind the infectious synth pop of The Qualia will surprise you at some turns, since images of New Order dance in your head — or at least through your feet — when spinning their latest…
It was in 1987 when the world last heard anything new from The Cars. The band responsible for such tunes as “Just What I Needed” and “Shake It Up” broke up a year later, and frontman Ric…
I grew up with Eighties New Wave music. Some of my best memories have New Wave as a soundtrack. So, whenever something comes…
Dance rock is the new Prozac. From the new wave hipster collaborations in obscure basements to corporate fashionistas in diamond studded garb, clearly nothing catches quicker than a synthesized opus over a goes-bump-in-the-night kick beat. It’s almost…
The rhythm comes with the third album. After interviewing over 1,000 bands and musicians to this point, you begin to hear the same statements again and again that something clicks on that third go-around. And the maxim…
On their third studio album, Stir The Blood, The Bravery weave lyrics and melody to form a complete and polished synth-rock album. The artistry and musicianship are omnipresent, the hooks are catchy and the vibe is now.…
Listening to The Mary Onettes’ new album, I am reminded of two phrases: “everything old is new once more” and “you can’t go home again.” It belongs to a genre I have taken to calling new new…
As far as music is concerned, Chicago’s western suburbs boast the usual gamut of minstrels: cover bands, starving singer-songwriters, and very few exceptional talents. This past week I listened to a new album from an as-yet-unheard-of young…