The pervasion of synth-pop is not a new phenomenon as bands like Duran Duran, Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode popularized the use of electronic sounds in the 1980s and early '90s. The synthesizer characterized the new wave era and is still prevalent in modern bands such as the Killers, Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand. But lately, the synthesizer has found a new home in urban pop, melding the upbeat funk with the in-your-face pounding of hip-hop.
Jupiter Rising, a Los Angeles-based duo, are among other musical forces that have re-popularized synth to a different core of listeners. Their debut album Electropop incorporates synth with funk, rock, soul, hip-hop and blues, showing that electronics can extend beyond new wave.
Founding member Spencer Nezey entrusted Jessie Payo with the vocals on Electropop, replacing 80 Bug as lead singer. Payo's unique, sultry voice brings Jupiter Rising to a new level, especially on its title track.
Electropop"" is a catchy, flirtatious number meant to hype up listeners. As the first song of the 11-track album, it is sure to be a dance floor mainstay, holding a steady yet palpitating beat to the electronic melodies. Nezey and Payo's vocal chemistry is undeniable, reminiscent of the Nelly Furtado's ""Promiscuous,"" in which Furtado collaborated with Timbaland.
The songs ""Go!"" and ""Liv the Day"" venture on an edgier road, echoing the sass of Lily Allen. The lyrics are sharp and innovative, and Payo spits them out with full-fledged attitude. (""I been waiting for divine inspiration / from the radio station where to go / To where the club be hoppin / The DJ be dropping / beat boxers boxing with some popping and locking."")
Jupiter Rising prove they are not a mere dance trance group through the tracks ""Hero,"" ""Foolish"" and ""Wish."" These gorgeous ballads accentuate Payo's range as a singer. ""Hero"" is a sentimental lament, a slow - and necessary - break from the fast pace of the preceding songs.
In this song, Jupiter Rising tries to expand beyond the quirky and bubbly lyrics that permeate the rest of the album - ""We need a hero to save us from ourselves / looking for a hero like nobody else / we need a hero but if we can't find one I'll just do it myself / I will, I will.""
""Foolish"" is a noble attempt at blues, successfully evoking sadness, regret and hurt. ""Wish,"" on the other hand, is a feel-good, light tune that floats effortlessly in melodic bliss. While these tracks lend themselves well to the album, it is strange that Jupiter Rising would choose to end with them, rather than a song more definitive of the album as a whole.
The remaining tracks teeter between heavy electronic dance numbers and urban groove tunes full of mild synths resting as a backdrop for punchy lyrics. Jupiter Rising are on the rise with Electropop, which is a daring and solid effort.
The album is verification that synth-pop - though rooted in new wave - can plant their seeds elsewhere and bloom into something equally as fantastic.
