MATAPOP

Any Day in June
Detroit, MI

J. Celestino

Any Day in June is a studio project for J. Celestino an artist and writer.  It has all the New Wave, Dance Pop feel that I'm sure you love.  Fans of the Cure and The Psychedelic Furs will really enjoy this.  Any Day in June is about to release a few ep's, one of which will include a cover of "I'll Melt With You".  Please check out their site or mysapce for more info.  Also you can download their last full length from their website for free.

http://anydayinjune.com
http://myspace.com/anydayinjune

Panda Riot
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Brian Cook
Rebecca Scott

Panda Riot is an interesting little duo that present lovely synth pop songs. The female vocalist reminds me of Anna Waronker of That Dog but in that breathy whispery way that is just so hot. the music is rounded out by a distorted synth, full sounding guitars and a hint of drum machine for color. Panda Riot is playing New England's Popfest on Oct 8th. They will be filling out a few shows here and there, check their sites for more details.



http://pandariot.com/
http://myspace.com/pandariot

Headlights
Champaign, Illinois

Erin Fein
Brett Sanderson
Tristan Wraight

Headlights is a fantastic trio which arrange some of the most beautiful and melodic music I've heard in a while. A writing style similar to "Say hi to your Mom" with bits of synth and indie guitars here and there. They have recently released a full length "Kill them with Kindness" which is rather reminiscent of the Stars but somehow getting that big sound with a trio, truly remarkable. If you haven't bought their album and their E.P. by now, what are you waiting for?


http://www.headlightsmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/headlights

The Epoxies
Baltimore, Oregon

Roxy Epoxy - Vocals
Fritz M. Static - Synths & Vocals
Viz Spectrum - Guitar
Shock Diode - Bass & Vocals
Ray Cathode - Drums

The Epoxies are a fun punky/new wave act. They don't bother with the overtly serious nature of modern new wave, they simple take it to a place that makes you want to jump around. They dawn new wave costume gear very well and the lead singer Roxy Epoxy should be a Suicide Girl. Listen and love it.

http://myspace.com/epoxies
http://theepoxies.com

Angie Damage
Charleston, SC

Angie Damage
Ron winter

For those of you in love with the neo-retro-new wave of today here is a little something you shouldn't miss. Angie Damage makes you want to put on a lot of eyeliner and sit sulking glamorously. The noisy synth oriented music is a wonderful throwback adhering to a steady dosing of Joy Division. I eagerly await an ep, hopefully to come with samples of Maybelline products.


http://myspace.com/angiedamage

a.catalyst
Chicago, IL USA

Brian Fifield - Everything

a.catalyst is single mans creation consisting of "reverby" guitars and pleasant beats. It's nicely smoothed out synth-pop, something for all the Postal Service fans. a.catalyst is picking up some stage time with the Helicopters out in the chicago area. For more info checkout their myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/orderedentropy

The Transisters
Italy

Enrico B
Matteo
Giorgio
Ema

The Transisters make up an interesting throwback to new wave but with more pop-sense. The Joy Division comparisons are apparent but that doesn't mean you wont find yourself humming along during the chorus. There are some more dynamic things going on in the music and I'm eager to hear a full length from them. The Transisters have a few dates in Italy, please check them out if in the area or have access to a jet.

http://www.myspace.com/thetransisters

Idiots!
Toronto Canada

Howard Goldbach
Roey Shemesh

Idiots! are an electro-pop duo that meld the organic and the electronic very well. Shemesh's vocals are reminiscent of Prince and it is brilliant. The melodies are catchy and the music is well crafted. Enjoy the briliance of Idiots!

http://iloveidiots.com
http://myspace.com/iloveidiots

The Sprites
Washington DC

Jason Korzen
Amy Korzen
Christian Scanniello
Reid Dossinger
Derek Strausbaugh
Kevin Alvir
Armin Pruessner

There are so many people that come in and out of the Sprites that its hard to tell what to expect. Never the less it is a nice piece of work, it's pretty, whimsical and fun. The voice may sound familiar if you are a fan of the synth-pop group Barcelona as Jason Korzen is at the helm of this project. It is a fine departure from those days as he takes on a more organic feel towards music. Give a listen to the new Sprites album Modern Gameplay.


http://www.sprites.org.uk
http://www.myspace.com/sprites

Scouting for Girls
Ruislip U.K.

Roy Stride: Vox
Greg Churchouse: Bass
Peter Ellard: Drums

Scouting for Girls is a fine piano-pop band. Roy Stride makes great work of the keys in brilliant pop fashion with heart felt lyrics. Fans of Ben folds should definately give this a listen as you'll find it brilliant.


http://www.myspace.com/scoutingforgirls
http://www.thereisanalternativerecords.com/scoutingforgirls