Kinky Love Deliver Slick Synth-Pop On Debut ‘Promise’ EP: Exclusive Stream

Carl Williott | April 8, 2014 5:30 am

Synth-pop has been having a real moment in the 2000s, going at least as far back as Passion Pit in 2008, with groups like Chvrches and Future Islands currently carrying on the fine tradition. But where the mainstream acts in this category tend to deal in hypercolor synths and/or outsize emotions, newcomers Kinky Love play things close to the vest on their debut Promise EP, which we’re exclusively streaming ahead of its April 22 release.

Comprising keyboardist Dan Zima and singer Xoe Wise, with some help from My Gold Mask‘s Jack Armondo on guitar, the Chicago duo has taken an understated approach to the genre. Melodies float over metronomic pulses and ’80s mall-pop keyboards, and there’s a clear emphasis on texture over tension, as the disco and house arrangements stay centered rather than build to tectonic bursts. Paired with Wise’s just-emotive-enough vocals, the tracks are left with an appealingly icy sheen over them, reminiscent of the assured calm of early Pet Shop Boys.

Stream the Promise EP in full below and grab a free download of opening track “Impression.”

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.

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