Tag: albums/eps

[ep] TR/ST – TR/ST

acute.pop

LA-based musician Robert Alfons aka TR/ST signed to cult Dais Records at the end of 2023 and now we are getting an EP from him with some cool new material.

The 5-track release includes recent single “Robrash”, a fantastic duet with Canadian hyperpop star Cecile Believe titled “Run”, a cover of Pet Shop Boys classic “Being Boring” (featuring Jake Shears), a gentle ambient cut “Evercall”, and “Slug” (TR/ST’s classic back from 2015 that finally got an official release).

The production of the EP is meticulous, with Alfons and his collaborators creating a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. His ability to balance dark undertones with moments of euphoria is purely sublime, and with emotive lyrics, atmospheric soundscapes, and infectious beats it is a compelling listen for all the fans new and old.

Stream below.

[album] Keep Dancing Inc – A Taste Of Possibility

acute.pop

On their 2020 debut album Embrace, French trio Keep Dancing Inc made a big entrance and introduced themselves as one of the most fun and exciting bands around with their brand of effortlessly cool synth pop. Now they are back with the sophomore LP A Taste Of Possibility, on which the group doubles down on everything, resulting in an even better record.

It is a vibrant and eclectic album that showcases Keep Dancing Inc’s stylish mix of electronic, indie, and pop influences. The trio, consisting of Louis de Marliave, Joseph Signoret and Gabrielle Cresseaux, creates a musical landscape that is both contemporary and nostalgic, drawing inspiration from various musical eras. The use of synthesizers, coupled with guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, makes a rich and layered sonic experience. Starting with the brilliant instrumental “96” the band sets the mood after which 41 minutes go fast and in one breath.

Lyrically, A Taste Of Possibility continues the path of Embrace and keeps on exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern life. The group’s lyrics often have an introspective quality, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences while dancing to the upbeat rhythms. It can be both uplifting (“Radio”, “A Taste Of Possibility” or “You’re My Healthiest Addiction”), and slightly sad (“Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind”, “Pollination Nation Invasion” or “Chinese Town”) at times, creating a beautiful and melancholic mood. Outstanding album that is perfect for repeated listening.

Listen below and purchase the record here.

[album] Jozef Van Wissem – The Night Dwells In The Day

acute.pop

Jozef Van Wissem is a Dutch lute player and composer known for his work in experimental and contemporary classical music. Today his new record The Night Dwells In The Day is released and it is another fantastic piece of work from the incredibly talented and prolific musician.

Jozef Van Wissem live in Bologna’23

It is an album that showcases the artist’s mastery of the lute and his ability to create atmospheric and introspective compositions. Van Wissem started creating it during lockdown in Warsaw, where he splits his time between Rotterdam, and all the tracks are soaked in a sense of anticipation and hypnosis, and the music within the album follows suit, offering a contemplative journey through intricate melodies and subtle textures.

His compositions are known for their minimalistic yet evocative qualities, drawing inspiration from both early music and contemporary experimentalism. And here he pushes this formula to the maximum, creating the dark folk record of the highest quality.

One track that especially stands out from the crowd is “The Call Of The Deathbird”, where he provides vocals and which also features another fantastic artist Hilary Woods (who supported Van Wissem on his recent European tour at the end of the last year). Absolutely essential listening.

Check it out below and buy the LP here.

[ep] @ – Are You There God? It’s Me, @

acute.pop

With @’s latest EP Are You There God? It’s Me, @, we are blessed with a healthy dose of refreshingly distinctive and unique digital pop music. It is hard to be so stylishly weird, but Stone Filipczak and Victoria Rose manage it effortlessly, having produced five brilliant avant-pop jewels.

All rule books are thrown to the bin from the very beginning, with the duo staying unpredictable to the core and creating the instantly appealing darker electronic quest made for the lovers of adventurous yet playful music. A much-needed experimental fix for us all.

Listen below and purchase the EP here, out now on Carpark Records.

[ep] Yumi Zouma – EP IV

acute.pop

As always incredibly consistent, Yumi Zouma return with another brilliant EP IV, brimming with great melodies that sound equally big and meditative. There are no misses or fillers here. All the songs are essential and have catchy hooks that will get stuck in your head for days.

The release features four main songs, of which “Desert Mile” is probably their best one in quite some time. It also includes several bonuses, such as instrumentals, clean versions, a stripped-back rendition of “KPR”, the original demo to “Desert Mile”, and remixes from Yutenji artists Neeche and adaptrook.

Listen below and purchase the mini-album here.