REVIEW: Fotoshop - Lifeforms

8.25 out of 10

Find it here.

I can't remember when or how I stumbled across Fotoshop, but I'm certainly glad I did. So far Fotoshop (aka Jarno-Erik) has this album and an EP under his belt, both are pretty much equally amazing, but I lean towards 'Lifeforms' because it has more ..and I'm greedy for good sound:)

I guess Chill Wave is the quickest way to explain Fotoshop's sound, but don't pigeonhole him yet. The music has a really strong Pop sensibility to it that at some points kind of reminds me of Duran Duran. Fotoshop, to say the very least is pretty catchy, like REALLY catchy actually. A few other bands Fotoshop sort of resembles are; Sinner DC, Teeel (#29), and Radio Dept., so all that + catchy = awesome for you. 'Lifeforms' is a "Bright & Futuristic" journey through a "Hazy Dream Sequence". The mood can range from upbeat midnight techno drive scores to 80's Radio Friendly "ballads". All done on a computer, all you (computer composed melody) haters out there need to recognize. Wrrd.

A really strong debut, I can't (and hopefully won't have to) wait to hear more from this artist.. Definitely Recommended for the masses.

Standout Tracks: Do I have to? They're all pretty awesome to be honest, but if I HAD TO; Too Little Too Late, Speed Vs Distance, Summer, The Door

REVIEW: Elite Gymnastics - Ruin (1 & 2)

8.5 out of 10

Find it here.

I was first introduced to Elite Gymnastics via their "Neu! 92" release, I wasn't ready for it yet. I then (now) became (re)introduced to Elite Gymnastics with their set of "Ruin" EP's. I can't/won't (ever) turn my ears the other way again.

Elite Gymnastics proclaim K(orean)Pop, LCD Soundsystem, and Whitehouse as some of their bigger influences. Honestly, when I listen to EG I feel I'm taking a stroll down memory lane.. By that I mean, Elite Gymnastics remind of an early Nothing Records artist, or perhaps one of the more "radio friendly" Industrial acts such as God Lives Underwater (meets Her Space Holiday ..kinda), maybe. I do hear the "DFA-isms", but not at all in the way you would think. "Ruin" (both 1 & 2 ..soon to be 1 full vinyl) is full of of previously mentioned sounds AS WELL AS dance, Haze/Gaze (Radio Dept.-esque), House/Break Beat, Indie Pop/K-Pop, and that mega catchy (almost unexplainable) "MGMT-like vibe". The best way I can think to explain their sound is "like a lost soundtrack to an early Greg Araki film". Hopefully that name means something to you, it should if it doesn't.

Their already on everybody else's radar, they'll soon be on yours, Elite Gymnastics will become a sensation before you know it. You (must submit) will get this (now) Recommended. PS If you were paying attention, you could've gotten this for free. Just as the band says, "you snooze you lose.."

Standout Tracks: So Close To Paradise (nope, it's there), Little Things, Here In Heaven 2 (it shouldn't end..), Little Things 2, Omamori 2 (SOOO PERFECT.)