Burial: "Archangel"

Very few songs stun me the first time through. Catching on a hook is one thing, but being truly affected by new sounds - that is something altogether different. An understated backbeat and soft, weeping strings form the spine of the affecting "Archangel", and set a darkly ethereal stage upon which shifted, pitch-corrected vocals plead for forgiveness (though I cannot claim to understand the lyrics). The warm faux-vinyl fuzz, brooding reverb and echoes create a space so far removed from my world that I cannot help but join Burial in his beautifully moody existence.

Burial - "Archangel" [Myspace] [Last.fm] [Buy]

innerpartysystem: "Don't Stop"

Another part of my electro-binge: innerpartysystem. "Don't Stop" takes a more straightforward approach to electronic music than either Sally Shapiro or Sam Sparro, taking standard rock elements to fill out their sound rather than Italian disco or smooth soul. I'm a big fan of upbeat music and innerpartysystem delivers, only letting off the heavy beat for a slow-building bridge that leads into a final chorus and glitchy finale. The track is solid from start to finish with the sole exception of the first few measures of the chorus. Until the huge synthesizers come in to back the vocals up, the chorus lacks the punch the rest of the song has and feels empty. And lyrics exploring the darker side of fame is always welcome.

innerpartysystem - "Don't Stop" [MySpace] [Last.fm] [Buy]

Black and Gold Keep Me Alive

I've been on an electro-inspired binge recently, with these two tracks leading the way.

Sally Shapiro - "He Keeps Me Alive" [MySpace] [Last.fm] [Buy]
Sam Sparro - "Black & Gold" [MySpace] [Last.fm] [Buy]

Sally Shapiro has an ethereal voice when it is in the right context and on "He Keeps Me Alive" she is transcendent. The lyrics are heartbreaking and the synths are otherworldly (but not in the sci-fi sense). The first time I listened to Disco Romance (the UK release) I wasn't very impressed. But even since this song was released on the US version I went back and found that I am quite partial to her Italian disco-influenced pop.

Sam Sparro, on the other hand, is sexy and soulful. His voice caresses the senses and feels like velvet. Given his rich voice I mistakenly thought he was black, so I was surprised to find out that the voice I have fallen in love with comes from a white Californian. "Black & Gold" is a sensual song set to swirling synthesizers and pulsing bass.

Both are highly recommended.

[Sally Shapiro via]
[Sam Sparro via MOKB]