The same day as the Halloween LP-release show for “Love or Temptation,” the lovable boys of Alexis unveil their current playlist of favorite tracks. And, yes, it includes lots of synth-pop sizzlers.
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Alexis
In the expanding world of dance-infused electro-pop, there’s no act quite like Grand Rapids’ Alexis. And across West Michigan, there’s nothing in any genre that matches the deliciously entertaining vibe and energy of this smile-inducing duo of Matt Forbush and Dan Hurst.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Halloween Pop: Matt Forbush, left, and Dan Hurst of Alexis concocted a catchy pop soundtrack.
The band — which has rightly set its sights on conquering the region, if not the nation, with its infectious synth-pop — recently released a much-anticipated new album, “Love or Temptation,” which the duo officially unveils to Grand Rapids audiences tonight (Friday) as part of Founders Brewing Co.’s “Halloween Spooktacular.” The 9 p.m. show also features sets by France’s Anoraak, Flint’s Tunde Olaniran and Detroit DJ Millie and Jam. Admission is $5.
Appropriately, Alexis will be today’s special guests for the Halloween edition of Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. (88.1 FM), part of the kickoff to WYCE’s fall fund drive. To further celebrate both occasions, Local Spins asked Forbush and Hurst to supply a Guest Playlist of favorite songs, which happens to include another fast-emerging act with West Michigan roots: Grand Haven’s Borns, who now makes his home in California.
So, get an earful of some groovy pop, with a Spotify version of the Alexis playlist below. Then, don those dancing shoes and a wild costume, and get to the party.
1. “10,000 Emerald Pools,” Borns (Single from upcoming EP) – Garrett Borns is my local artist selection. I’m really excited about the direction he’s taking his stuff. I was aware of him when he was first blowing up, but it wasn’t necessarily my groove. I like when someone can acknowledge trends and new ideas while still saying true to their songwriting . – Matt
2. “Miracle,” Kimbra (from “The Golden Echo”) – Bubbly, happy, and funky. What more could I ask for? Though the whole album zig-zags though many genres, I think Kimbra’s voice sounds so good in a disco setting. I really like how some electro artists, like Sam Sparrow, are doing a modern take on disco. It feels so good! – Dan
3. “Shadow in the Rose Garden,” The M Machine (from “Metropolis, Pt. 1) – There is something about the way the beat breaks down with the female vocals that make my head bop every time. I am always a sucker for Nintendo sounding leads too. – Dan
4. “Hideaway,” Kiesza (from “Sound of a Woman”) – I tried to keep it really fresh and current with my selections. This record just came out. I love how ’90s throwback this album sounds and I love how ballsy her voice is. She does a chill piano cover of Haddaway’s “What is Love” on the album which I think is also quite ballsy. – Matt
5. “Never Gonna Change,” Broods (from “Evergreen”) – I am so into this new class of synth-pop. I’ve heard it referred to as ambient dubstep, which I kind of like. I’m not sure if it’s a very accurate description but I like the way it rolls off the tongue. Super pretentious. 😉 I loved their first ep and I think this album is fantastic. Her voice reminds me so much of someone else’s but I can’t place who it is. Overall, I don’t think this style is super danceable but it definitely makes me want to see it live and super loud. I just want to headbang to the chorus. – Matt
6. “Dust,” Zola Jesus (from “Taiga”) – I am obsessed with melodramatic singers with weird voices. I think Nika ( real name) completely personifies this concept. It’s just so emotional and creative and reminds me of Siouxsie Sioux, whom I adore. I am absolutely in love with the previous Zola Jesus album, Conatus, and this new one is starting to grow on me too. Sadly, I missed her live in Chicago just a couple weeks ago. Next time, I guess! – Matt
7. “Jetlag Funk,” by Netsky (from “2”) – Since I was a kid, I’ve always liked the sound of a clavi. This song has one of the best clavi lines I’ve heard since Stevie Wonder. I like this “Diet Dubstep” sound a lot; it hits and has all the samples, but it doesn’t have any of the drops. I love all the layers of sound in this song. I keep hearing a new part each time I listen to it. – Dan
8. “The City (Extended Mix),” Madeon (from “The City”) – Confession time: this song makes me drive really, really fast. I love the buried slap bass groove in the verses. The hook is so infectious! – Dan
9. “Never,” Phonat (from “Never EP”) – I love disco guitars! The way the guitar and the synths interact is really groovy. When I first heard this song in a restaurant, I couldn’t focus on anything else except the music. I really like the lyric, “Time is a blind man and he never looks back.” It reminds me not to rest on anything, but keep going musically forward. – Dan
10. “Not in Love (featuring Robert Smith),” Crystal Castles (Single) – While I said I tried to keep things pretty current with my choices, that’s really not the case with this one. Autumn is all around us and I just felt the need to end this set on a really moody note. The Cure is one of my absolute hugest influences. Robert Smith is a melody mad man and a genius. Slapping his melodramatic, drunken sounding voice on to something as cool as Crystal Castles sound is more than I could ask for. With the recent departure of frontwoman Alice Glass, I would love to see remaining member Ethan Kath go more in this direction. Guest vocalists are a pretty common occurrence in the electronic world and I think this is a match made in heaven. – Matt
ALEXIS: THE LOCAL SPINS GUEST PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY
Copyright 2014, Spins on Music LLC
