Our bi-weekly (to monthly) installment of Must listen. is brought to you by our friend Ryan Miller (@rycmiller), a Chicagoan, music industry professional and electro-music connoisseur.

1. Phoenix
French indie/alternative group incorporating the 80’s electro-synth sounds they were raised on. Phoenix has been around for about 10 years and has recently gained a lot of recognition for their latest release, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.
Listen to: “Lisztomania” & “1901”
www.myspace.com/wearephoenix
www.wearephoenix.com

2. Friendly Fires
Out of Jolly Ol’ England, this dance/pop group utilizes electronic rhythms and disco pulses to create a fun indie pop sound. They released a self-titled debut album in 2008 on XL Recordings that has been the backbone for their extensive tour around the world.
Listen to: “Skeleton Boy” & “Jump In The Pool”
www.myspace.com/friendlyfires
www.wearefriendlyfires.com

3. Au Revoir Simone
Female trio from Brooklyn, NY has created a unique sound using refurbished drum machines, xylophones, and layers of synthesizers. Categorized as electro/alternative folk, their latest release, Still Night, Still Night displays just that. The addition of beautiful vocals and harmonies makes this group one to check out.
Listen to: “Knight Of Wands” & “Shadows”
www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone
www.aurevoirsimone.com

4. Faded Paper Figures
Representing SoCal, Faded Paper Figures’ provides listeners with a sound reminiscent of The Postal Service. Dynamo, displays aesthetic vocals and witty pop beats proving to be a solid album through and through.
Listen to: “North By North” & “Metropolis”
www.myspace.com/fadedpaperfigures
www.fadedpaperfigures.com

5. Röyksopp
Infectious electronic rhythms combined with the vocals of a myriad of guest artists are what Röyksopp’s album, Junior, is all about. Recently releasing their third album, this Norwegian duo knows how to make you move.
Listen to: “Happy Up Here” & “The Girl And The Robot”
www.myspace.com/royksopp
www.royksopp.com