Goldhawks - Where In The World

"Looking back on the world going up in flames"

Say the word "anthem," and I'm there. It's all about the chorus, and the build up to the chorus. I love those lighters-in-the-air type of songs, though I'm not really one to put said lighter in the air (it's a little cheesy, right?). London's Goldhawks are proud anthem-performers, and though I can't see myself listening to a full album, this single's pretty rousing. It's very 80's U2, which is a tricky sound to ape because it's already been mastered by so many others. The opening verse, quiet but hinting at something bigger, is the best part. As I said, it's the build up that gets me in these types of songs. In fact, I wish that they'd cut out the guitar altogether and stick with the fantastic piano throughout. But I guess it'd be a Keane song, then. If this doesn't hit you the first time, give it a few more listens. It wasn't entirely instant for me, but I'm loving it now.

Goldhawks - Where In The World by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Electric Lady Lab - You & Me

"The streets are lonely"

On the surface, Electric Lady Lab create pretty standard club music, and it's not until you get to the chorus that this is any different. But at that point, the voice is unleashed, complimented by a perfectly anthemic hook (that unfortunately sounds a bit muffled on this recording). It's the kind of cathartic vocal release that has serious goosebump potential, and it's restrained just enough to work wonders in short bursts, making you die to hear it again. The duo hail from Denmark, which makes sense given their similarities with another DK electro duo, Infernal. Their sound isn't quite as poppy, but they definitely have the chops, and the voice, to be just as big of a success. Check out the fashionable video, also. These are pretty people!

Electric Lady Lab - You & Me by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single (in HQ) here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Lights Over Paris - Turn Off The Lights

"I know the little things you like"

This is wholly American powerpop radio fodder, with a sound circa 2008 (think Metro Station's Shake It), yet that's partially why I love it. There's a single-mindedness here, to create a track as catchy and instant as possible for modern radio. It follows a template, sure, and sounds like about a million other things, but the band definitely succeeds. The overall feel is uptempo and singalong, though in some of the group's other tracks, the vocals have a pleasant glam swagger (some even sound a bit like Def Leppard). Just don't watch the video, which swings full tilt into cheesy posturing (with a horrible pop-culture-of-the-moment twist at the end). The song's already cheesy and disposable enough, but for Summer of 2010, it'll work.

Lights Over Paris - Turn Off the Lights by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the EP here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Samsaya - Good With The Bad

"When you're up, you don't look down"

Attention: we've got a huge summer hit here. Samsaya is criminally unknown outside of Norway, but this song is as catchy as any Katy Perry/Lady Gaga/Kelly Clarkson track. If released by any one of those artists, I'm sure this would be an enormous hit. Not that I'm complaining about Samsaya's performance, as it's pretty much flawless. She's got the type of quirky pop voice reminiscent of artists like Nellie Furtado and Santigold. It's a refreshing sound, and it's all tethered to a massive, celebratory dance-pop anthem. It's the kind of track that could launch a career, and I'm expecting nothing less here, especially in Europe where this type of feel-good fluff has an easier time gaining popularity (although Perry's California Gurls is a pretty notable counterexample). Either way, I'm eager for you guys to hear this one. I think you'll be impressed.

Samsaya - Good With The Bad by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here (worldwide!). Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Tove Stryke - Million Pieces

"I'm living by the minute"

Tove was my favorite contestant on Swedish Idol last year, and came in third. She has a unique vocal style, amazing stage presence and a quirky pop sensibility that was very welcome in an overall lackluster season. Her debut single plays to her strengths. She's going for the indie Robyn-type pop sound... exactly what I'd hoped for her. The track's heavy on the percussion, with an instantly catchy verse that's even stronger than the chorus. It starts out pretty tame and sparse, but grows as the song goes along. Overall, it's very cool, just as Tove was on TV. And as instant as the melody is, I have a feeling it's more of a grower than a surefire hit single. Either way, it's a promising start to a career I've been anticipating for some time now.

Tove Stryke - Million Pieces by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. No place to buy the single yet! Follow me on twitter and facebook.