French Police, Riki, Lesser Care

French Police is a Chicago-based dark wave/post-punk band that combines raw energy and introspection in their music, taking a nostalgic approach to alternative rock. They are known for their distinct sound, which draws from 80s New Wave influences and incorporates elements of dark wave, goth, and indie pop. Insane rhythmic guitar skills are just one of the many things that make them stand out against other underground indie rock bands. Think 80s-style New Wave music like New Order and Depeche Mode but with a distinctively modern flair.

Riki, the Los Angeles based dark synth-pop outfit commandeered by the mysterious Niff Nawor, is a visual artist and musician active in the deathrock / anarcho-punk scenes of the California bay area (formerly a member of Crimson Scarlet), before founding her solo endeavor as Riki in 2017.

Riki returns with her 2nd simulacrum of pitch-perfect synth-pop, aptly titled for the precious substance it is: Gold. Inspired by notions of symbolic power, letting go, and transmutable realms of the heart, the album further refines her rare gift for making swooning melancholia as anthemic as it atmospheric. Working with Telefon Tel Aviv co-founder Josh Eustis at his Pasadena studio, the sessions unfolded fluidly and fruitfully, focusing on “quieter moments” and refining the record’s palette and voice. Occasional interruption from a nearby flock of wild parrots infused a mood of California dreaming, purple sunsets dissolving into deepening neon night.

El Paso, Texas based duo Lesser Care was founded in 2019 by Andres Chavez and Zane Pacillas. Releasing their first couple of efforts ‘True Burden’ and ‘Palm/Acquired Taste’ they aimed to make their sonic stamp on the post-punk genre, but it was with the full-length debut ‘Underneath, Beside Me’ where they truly held the subject of dreamy post-punk with an unrecognizable face. Building off the block of anticipation and maturation they released their second full-length titled ‘HEEL TURN’ in spring of 2024; an album that displayed elevation of differences and new possibilities, not only through the group’s signature gloomy sound, but through the world they were birthed into. Lesser Care is crafted by hands that bring some of the most energetic and emotional songwriting of this generation.

ALWAYS ALL-AGES