To learn more about Passion Pit, Little Boots, P.O.S., Anjulie, and This Providence, please check out the Freshmen 5 page where you can also vote to see who wins favorite up-and-comer.

Anjulie

“Boom”

This song has an incredibly interesting beat. It’s dark, sexual, and playful all at the same time working as a sucessful mirror to the lyrics. The fact that it has a slower tempo actually endears me to the song, though I do worry it won’t catch on as fast as something more upbeat, even though it should. I also like how there is a sort of Alice-in-Wonderland/fairytale theme running throughout the video without being too overwhelming. The scenearios are also more interesting than relying on say, the old go-to girl locked in a tower set-up. Overall, I was very impressed with Anjulie’s whole look and obviously her voice.

Little Boots

“New In This Town”

This girl is gorgeous, no doubt about it. She’s like a little British electro-pop pixie. The juxtaposition in the video is clever; her rich blue dress set against the harsh background. And synchronized dancing homesless people. What’s not to love? (I’m thinking the message here is meant to be something along the lines of “you can find talent in unexpected places!” which is a bit cliché but at least it’s executed nicely.) If not for nothing else, the dancers make the video interesting to watch and the song in infinitely catchy. A very complete package.

Passion Pit

“The Reeling”

I’ve already written scores of posts about my undying love for this group. I’m still not entirely on board with this song as the first single especially after listening to the whole album (Why not “Little Secrets”? It’s only the best track ever.) but I do adore the video. I like how layers are being ripped off of Michael Angelakos until we finally get to see his real face albeit on a paper flyer. I enjoy the grainy quality of the film. But most of all I truly dig this band’s honest-to-goodness vibe. They speak so innocently of their feelings, without coming across as naïve or angsty, that it is seemingly impossible not to fall for them. The video, ultimately, is just a reflection of their whole attitude. They want to play, they want to hang out, they just want to chill and be themselves whatever that entails. One thing’s for sure, they’ve found a pretty steadfast fan in me.

P.O.S.

“Optimist”

Love this artist. Love this video. Adrian wrote a fine assement a couple months back so I won’t go on for too long but this artist has got talent in spades. And a pretty cute frickin’ smile to boot; half sincere, half goofy. And when you think about it, that grin perfectly matches the tone of the song- packed with wisdom but also a little bit “screw you if you don’t like it.” And while I sometimes have issue when artists get an attitude, I dig it here. The way P.O.S. effortlessly blends musical genres allows him a free pass.

This Providence

“Let Down”

This Providence filmed another version of this video that I actually prefer. This one is a bit more cookie-cutter. But Daniel Young (whose haircut I am finding oddly attractive) does know how to croon about inevitability of break-ups. Definitely a relatable feeling for us all. We’re able to see the relationship here but not it’s demise, however, perhaps this is how we prefer to view our past romances. A bit of the rose-colored glasses. The song’s catchy enough, something I can imagine listening to in a car full of your girlfriends on the way to a night out.

Despite my loyalty to the Bostonian boys of Passion Pit, I actually think I have to give it to P.O.S. this week for the excellent song and video combined. Should have gone with “Little Secrets” Passion Pit. (Just kidding, I’ll always love you. Don’t be mad.) Oh and hey, don’t forget to follow me and mtvU on Twitter for fun musical updates.

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday, June 19th.