Parallels

It seems a little obscene quite how much ridiculously good electronic music North America is throwing out at the moment, compared to us Brits at least. Whilst we seem incredibly good at producing wave after wave of wonky-fidget-bassline, jump-up dubstep and deep house and techno, where nu-disco is concerned, its the Scandinavians, the New Yorkers and the Canadians that seem to be leading the way.

Parallels are a delicious band emanating from Toronto, who've recently been garnering much attention due to their stunning (in looks and sound) new vocalist Holly Dodson:

Striking exactly the right balance between vintage italo synths, modern pop hooks and up-to-date production techniques, Parallels are pushing things forward rather than looking to the past. Dodson's vocals sound a little like Cyndi Lauper, although with a much softer tone, and when layered over the beautiful slow-mo instrumentals of the band's devilishly handsome electronic whizz-kid (whizz-man?) Cameron Findlay, something pretty magical happens.

On Wednesday this week (8th April), at The Mod Club in their Canadian hometown, they're even playing a gig with Sebastien Tellier, everyone's favourite sexy, aging and balding French man (think Serge Gainsbourg for the modern age, produced by half of Daft Punk). That's bound to be a cracker.

DOWNLOAD some of their new material (including the amazing Vienna and the remastered version of older track Reservoir) at the ever wonderful Discodust blog. Then go and say hello, look at some pictures and watch some of their videos on MYSPACE.

Parallels - big things happening in 2009.