yungatita - 'Armchair'

 SYNTH POP ROCK

You must listen to this one live. 

But let's first talk about the recording. It's wonderful and ambient. You can really hear the layers happening in the production. My god, the synths are beautiful. The introduction truly warms you up to the flurry of dynamics the chorus brings.

Okay. Let's talk about hearing this live. I first heard this song a couple of months ago at The Midnight Hour and adored the vocal performance from lead singer Valentina. It's a fierce delivery of lyrics that cry intense conviction behind every syllable. 

And all of this is amplified by the rest of the band's energy. Everyone was bopping on stage and so were members of the audience. 

yungatita shows continue to get more energetic each time I see them. Bands, take note and start learning how to string your songs together. (also see Beyonce's Homecoming) 

Check out some of Valentina's art here: https://www.instagram.com/tweakersynapse/

From Armchair single. 2022.

Craspore - 'Wide'

SYNTH WAVE WITCH HOUSE

A slow, full-bodied track with haunting vocals. Like most great electronic tracks, this one has some well founded low ends.

The mixing's width is spot on with delayed synths. Makes it sound kinda spacey.

Crystal Waves. Youth 1984. 2015.

Album: Future Breeds ; Artist: Hot Hot Heat

Future Breeds: Different than the past breeds.

Assumed Genre	Indie Rock
Album	Future Breeds (2010)
Label	Dine Alone Records
Source	--
Spotify Link	Hot Hot Heat–Future Breeds

Vocals and Keyboards	Steve Bays
Guitar	Luke Paquin
Bass	Louis Hearn
Drums	Paul Hawley

The Canadian band Hot Hot Heat has shifted from a synth genre in 2002 to indie rock as it underwent band members changes. Their 2010 album Future Breeds is different than their past indie rock albums in that there is more synth and raunchy experimentation. Steve Bays has some things to say about the things he's seen and people he's met it seems. The album basically revolve around young adult angst. 

Their sound in Future Breeds is energetic and almost calliope-like. Vocals are sincere and raunchy with growls and yelps. A little mad, but honest. Synthesizers provide a dimension of dance.

Hot Hot Heat: Louis, Paul,Luke,Steve

Fun Fact: Hot Hot Heat apparently made an appearance on the Nickelodeon kid's show "Yo Gabba Gabba."

Spotify Playlist Link HERE (recommended for personal listening)

"YVR" (Track 1) is code for Vancouver International Airport. Great opening to the album that prepares the listener for what is to come.

"21@12" (2) Translation: 21 at midnight. Keyboards take the solos in this song.

"Times A Thousand" (3) reminds me a lot of cabaret music - close to The Dresden Dolls.

"Goddess on the Prairie" (5) - Guy just wants someone to love. Liked how he rhymed ridiculous with meticulous.

"Zero Results" (6) - We revisit a cabaret style accompanied with light piano chords and saxophone solos. It has a depressing and dark mood.

"JFK's LSD" (8) - Not sure, but I think it might refer to Mary Pinchot-Meyer, a "mistress" who sold LSD to JFK. Conspiracies! 

"What Is Rational?" (11) screams paranoia. But it's paranoia with rhythm.

On a personal note, I can't believe they did "Middle of Nowhere." I heard it on the radio and never bothered to look it up. I can see why fans were somewhat disappointed with the new 2010 sound.

Bandsite: http://www.hothotheat.com/