The Music Minute

The best electro-pop based always seem to come from Austin. The latest Austin export is Alan Palomo (aka Vega). He released his first single last summer via a few select blogs, but this summer will be all about Vega. His new ep, Well Known Pleasures, will be released on May 19th, and it will be supported by a mini tour. His ep is filled with classic '80's, synths, hand claps, and more, and is soon to be filling club around the world.

Listen to: No Reasons (mp3)

It's you typical story, boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy and girl get married. So, what comes next? Well, for Rachel Shindelman and Nick Kraska the logical next step was of course to start a band. Chicago's Post Honeymoon have a surprisingly primal sound, and on their self-titled debut album (due June 9th, Two Thumbs Down Records)they manage to funnel Siouxsie but amplify her sound. Utilizing just drums, bass, and keyboards, this couple seems to take out their primal anger on their instruments leaving only happiness for their marriage.

Listen to: First World Problems (mp3)

What Brooklyn's Cause Co-Motion does is really an art form. It's that compact burst of DIY punk-pop genius,that handmade show flyer, vinyl single, basement show, that reminds you so vividly of high school. Their latest ep Because Because Because was released on May 12th. You can catch Cause Co-Motion at WHPK's free event Summer Breeze.

Listen to: You Lose (mp3)

Yes, at first blush Austin rockers, Monahans fill albums with the anthems of the heartlands, but there is something more urgent then what you hear from U2 or Springsteen. There is something raw and hunger, something that is fighting and struggling to be heard. Dim the Aurora will be released this Tuesday by Misra Records, and is the follow-up to their 2007 debut album Low Pining.

Listen to: It's Enough to Leave You (mp3)

This London-based group has only a 7" single to their name, but they have already started to make some waves. This is music that you will connect with, it's direct but still contains a bit of mystery. Goldhawks may be asking where in the world now, but soon they will know exactly where they will end up.

Listen to: Where in the World (mp3)

Would it be wrong to call Jason Drake (aka Cassettes Won't Listen) a product of the internet? I'm not saying he is the only one to experience this type of success, but it is clear that his career can be clearly tracked through blogs. The last few years have seen the release of many new works by Cassettes Won't Listen. He released his One Alternative EP that contained classic '90's indie rock covers including "Cut Your Hair" by Pavement. Small-Time Machine was his acclaimed EP that contained all original works, including the dynamic songs "Freeze and Explode" and "Paper Float". Both songs have remixes floating around from the likes of the Mad Decent crew, Styrofoam, and many more as well as videos to match, each premiering on MTV 2. "Freeze and Explode" also had a recent cameo on "Chuck" (NBC) this March. All of this activity is building to the release of his latest full-length album Into The Hillside (due June 16th). Despite this New York root, Into The Hillside has the feel of his new LA attitude and surroundings. It a great summer cruising album, and a big step forward in Drake's career. Here is a sneak peek.

Michael Johnson signed to Sub Pop back in with fellow Floridians Holopaw. He has paid his dues in a rock band, and has toured the country. However, it wasn't until he discovered an abandoned moog in a classroom in Philly that he found his calling as Ape School. Now on Ninjatune's Counter imprint, Ape School creates detailed and edgy electronic music, and will release it's debut album this July.

Listen to: Wail To God (Kilon TeK Remix)(mp3)

AM Architect is a collaboration between Daniel Stanush and Diego Chavez (aka Otic Angst and Aether), and we have been seeing their tracks appear on different compilations over the last year or so. They create dreamy connection between ambient, downtempo, and hip hop. Earlier this month Exponential released the duo's full length debut The Road to the Sun. You can stream their album here.