Hype Monitor: Passion Pit, FM Belfast and the High Wire

[Rolling_Stone]

Photograph by Arion Doerr for RollingStone.Com Every week, Hype Monitor wades through the most buzzed-about bands all across the Internet. The Band: Passion Pit The Buzz: Squirrely electropop where speedy beats carry high, girlish vocals across bands of synthesizer. Listen If: You wonder what Built to Spill might sound like if someone stole all of Doug Martsch's guitars. Key Track: "Cuddle Fuddle," which uses a plinking piano loop to singlehandedly invent 25th century ragtime. The Band: FM Belfast The Buzz: It's electric! Stern, keyboard-driven robopop ? the sound of a zillion traffic lights blinking above empty streets. Listen If: You find the Knife a bit too cheerful, or think big beats are better for brooding than grooving. Key Track: "Lotus," which flash-freezes Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" in shivery synths. The Band: The High Wire The Buzz: Spacious, somber indie rock that shrouds broad guitar strumming and long, languid keyboard lines in warm, gentle mist. Listen If: You always liked Slowdive a little more than My Bloody Valentine. Key Track: "Saint Bees," where a curlicue melodica turns tricks over whispery vocals.

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