The Postal Service – “A Tattered Line”: No doubt the internet is buzzing with the reuinion of the supposedly one time electronic project of Ben Gibbard. With festival performances lined up, of course a new track is going to emerge – and it’s classic Postal Service in every sense of the phrase. A whimsical backing track carries the upbeat track to a soaring chorus that is neither pretentious nor indulgent.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIJaQhVoMZg&w=450&h=297]

The Mast – “Emerald”: In the spirit of snowy winter night, this track was finished up. The accompanying video was filmed during a (recent?) blizzard. The ethereal vocals seem to almost caress my eardrums in a way that can only be fully accentuated under very specific circumstances – driving, at night, in a city snowscape. Enchanting.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSbQMxrt93o&w=450&h=297]

Fall Out Boy – “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark”: Can “you say sold on first listen?” There’s a reason the music video has garnered nearly a half-million views in a matter of days. Some might find the “Light em up” chorus to be cliche but Fall Out Boy shows musical progression in the five year hiatus they came out of like you wouldn’t believe. No doubt this song will be polarizing, but I’m confident some of that classic FOB punk sound will make an appearance in their full length project.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIWmsP3c_s&w=450&h=297]

The xx – “Sunset”: The mellow alternative electronica trio brings this near perfect composition. The xx excel at minimalism that somehow manages to be suitable for play in a large room – and “Sunset” is no exception. The haunting song about the end of a relationship portrays a sense of hopeless longing in the lyrics, which has beatmaker Jamie xx creating an irresistible backdrop that is nothing short of genius.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tMhzftzl5I&w=450&h=297]