Pick Up On: City Rain – “Montage” EP

Philadelphia electro-pop outfit, City Rain, released their Montage EP via Bandcamp yesterday. Ben Runyan and Jarrett Zerrer create groove-heavy, experimental pop marked by vocal effects, synthesizers, and syncopated guitar rhythms. They cite La Roux, Above & Beyond, Nitrous Oxide, and Depeche Mode as influences.

In the past, we featured the track, “I’m Gone” from the 2011 EP of the same name. Montage continues an evolution in experimental synth pop. From the excellent instrumental grooves of “Fleeting Smile” to “Hearts on Fire” terrored torch song to the insane beats of the title track, this new EP digs into your head and doesn’t let go. It’s high on the “repeat play” factor, and a must listen for 2012.

Ben Runyan was interviewed yesterday on New Music Inferno while promoting Montage. Despite some early technical difficulties, an interview ensues, giving a lot of insight into the new release and their plans to support the EP.

Check out: “Hearts on Fire”