When writing for a moderately successful music website sometimes you get surprised. More likely than not, these surprises float into your inbox when you least expect it. Last night I had such a moment. Alex and Drew, better known for their act The Chainsmokers, thought it necessary to email us. This is surprising because we are cautious of big acts and none have been bigger in the last few months than these guys. Their hit “Closer” is the type of sonic worm that burrows deep into your frontal lobe and never departs. The friendly duo wanted to make sure we heard their new single “Paris” and would consider a plug. Honestly, I didn’t want to like it. Pop music is a mistress to us, a sort of guilty pleasure. They play anything but jangly folk or “indie” rock. How can we do such a thing? And then I remembered we own the site; we can do whatever we want.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhU9MZ98jxo]
The song has substance and is even more infectious than their other hits. Derived from a friendship with someone battling addiction, the term Paris refers to “a sentimental yearning for a reality that isn’t genuine”. Deep. “If we go down, we go down together,” sings the band in a way that is sure to have you crooning along. Writing a pop song is a type of art, and this track shows the guys on top of their craft. This got us thinking of course, what are some under covered bands that flirt with this as well that we can grant some exposure to? If you like The Chainsmokers, then check out the following acts.
Ten Fe – “Twist Your Arm”
So this is not an obvious tune that fits the genre, but it does have the same spirit. A sort of throwback sound, it has some interesting lyrics and creative instrumentation that is sure to grab your attention. Off their debut album due in February, it mixes a lot of genres including a little gospel reprieve. It is a tightly constructed piece of indie electro pop gold. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300865361″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Denny White – “Traces”
Starting as a guitar track, this particular tune took an unexpected pop turn when White lost his original recordings. The result is a dissonant and smooth piece of electro pop. Confident and emotive, this tune will compel you to dance as well as belt out the chorus. Only having three singles available at this time, Denny White is sure to create more infectious beats for the masses. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301230855″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Moonrock Slush – “Parallels”
Holy synth! If you enjoy the electro pop vibes of many of the popular acts, then look no further than this interesting and unbounded act. The Santa Barbara act has high value on danceable beats and “Parallels” certainly delivers. The lyrics are extremely poppy but could also work as an indie rock song. It’s affecting for sure. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300799144″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
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