All singers, all players of eclectic instruments - Mad Gregs is formed by Jason Golday, Lewis Keller, Devin McNulty, and John Wood. Getting his start in poetry slams, Black Skeptik formed the hip hop group Thought Breakers and has moved on to produce his own solo album. Comprised of Elly Jackson and her co-writer/producer Ben Langmaid, La Roux is a synth-laden tribute to 80s pop. Named after an Ernest Hemingway opus, The Dangerous Summer hails from Maryland and recently released their debut LP Reach for the Sun. Prince “BlkMagic” Damons is currently working on his highly anticipated solo project, “Atmospheric Soul.”

Black Skeptik feat. KRS-One

“Rent”

Anyone want to tell me WHY they chose to have that lady stand on a chair while she’s freaking out? Anyone? Who wants those cockroaches to take over the whole place and eat him? Who hopes that lady actually hits him with a broom? And I quote, “It’s like you want to see me living under a tent”… excuse me? What does this mean? This is nonsense. Utter nonsense. And not in that clever, witty oh so charming nonsensical way. I double-dare you to try and make me watch this ever again. (”They raise the rent like we used to raise the roof”… I mean. C’MON NOW.) Granted when it hits the 2:40 mark, we finally see the value of this track but by that point I’d just hope people were still viewing.

The Dangerous Summer

“Where I Want To Be”

It’s just the usual run-of-the-mill pop-punk song. (Or “alternate rock”? Who knows with these “classifications” anymore?) Nothing spectacularly unique about it. The vocals don’t carry nearly as much energy as I would like to hear and it’s just sort of BLAH all over. If you’re going to coin your moniker after Hemingway then you better have a ferocious charge to back it up. I don’t believe this does.

La Roux

“In For the Kill”

Oh look, it’s my long lost childhood. Holy 80s Batman! I frickin’ love this. Doesn’t the car even look a little like a DeLorean? And the slightly Bowie-esque hair/styling as if recall the glory days of Ziggy Stardust? (As one would have done in the early 80s.) Brilliant. Not to mention the song is catchy as hell and the beat is bare enough to be at once fulfilling and also perfect for many awesome remixes. Two thumbs up.

Mad Gregs

“Safe In Sound”

This video obviously has a real dreamy, whimsical quality that ties in nicely with the dainty keyboard hook. The guys all rock PJs and meet up in the white noise of their subconscious after being chased by mad scientist puppets who SURPRISE! turn out to actually be themselves. It all ends in a frenzy of Whirlys. (Whirlies? Spell check? What is the plural?) You really can’t go wrong here. Plus, it’s not like you see a bass clarinet just any ol’ day now is it? Well. I suppose unless you actually play one. But I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and say not many do.

Prince “BlkMagic” Damons feat. Too Short and E-40

“Can I Take Ya Picture”

No you may not take my picture. But sweet drumline. That’s pretty much where my feelings begin and end on this video.

So my pick of the week. I can’t betray my lovely 80s upbringing here. I have to go with La Roux. Although Mad Gregs would follow behind as a very close second. Vote for your favorite and don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.