Passion Pit, Newvillager, Anr [monday Threesome]

Welcome to another Monday Threesome! Each of the bands this week falls within the realm of electro/snyth pop, focusing on keyboards, falsettos and rhythms. They play a dance hybrid of indie rock and electronic music, but within that somewhat narrow subgenre, each is able to bring something unique to their sound and leave their mark. One is a veteran, and the others are some new bands we are very excited about.

Sleepyhead – Passion Pit // Buy

Known for their very passionate falsetto vocals, big hooks and synth-in-the-front sound, not to mention the project’s humble bedroom beginnings, Passion Pit (@passionpit) has evolved into a lock-step live unit. Michael Angelakos famously recorded his debut EP as a Valentine’s Day present to his girlfriend, but the release’s unexpected acclaim eventually allowed him to record a full length with a full band. Though the music still has a certain laptop pop aesthetic, the additional members have allowed Angelakos to mature as a performer and writer.  These three live sessions show examples of how cohesive they’ve become on stage, a testament in part to the tight-as-hell drumming: here, here and here. This band’s lush keyboard arrangements and Prince meets Sunny Day Real Estate vocals put them at the forefront of the dance-rock scene. Stay tuned for their second full length album, which is slated for release later this year.

Lighthouse – NewVillager // Buy

NewVillager (@newvillager), who incorporate heavier drum machines and synthesizers into their tracks, may be the most electronic of the bands here. With vocals that seem to mimic the stylings of TV on the Radio, their album is the definition of the thinking man’s dance music — the songs make you move, but they also stand up to close inspection. Their use of multiple vocalists and calculated effects combine to create the group’s huge sound. To enhance their live performances, though, the band also incorporates their skills in visual arts, creating a fully immersive experience. You can preview three tracks from their new album on MySpace, and an additional track on YouTube. Finally, there’s an impressive, acapella live session that the band did for Rockstone Sessions. You can also visit their website to read some unique interviews and check out the blurbs to the right side which represent the band’s “Mythology” — very intriguing stuff.

Stay Kids – ANR // Buy

Last year, Miami’s ANR (@anrmiami) (Awesome New Republic) had us all eagerly awaiting their debut full-length (released in March). Describing themselves as psychedelic pop, they combine lush vocal harmonies, twisty, evolving instrumentation, loud synths and an insistent rhythm section to create a druggy dance-pop sound. Though somewhat reminiscent of MGMT, ANR are much better songwriters and far less cheesy in their arrangements. “Stay Kids” has one of my favorite recent opening lines: “I left the world of the working man to be immature and sometimes insecure.” Like much of their music, it’s quirky but very heartfelt. Equally adept at the bouncy numbers and the ballads, this is a band to keep your eye on.  Listen to the three tracks from their 2011 full-length here.