Some of my favorite discoveries have been on a series from Australian DJ & Radio Host Triple J called, Like A Version. Within his show, the artist he interviews deliver two live performances, one original and one cover they want to do. And one artist that captivated me on both ends is Telenova, an Australian Electro-Pop/R&B band that offers intrigue to a world that can expand. I knew they could make something special from their performance of “Hung Up” by Madonna. I was on a cloud of whimsy as they delivered sonically while constantly expressing jubilance. From there, I started to dig further into their discography–two EPs and a few singles later, they have an identity built within their core, despite slightly shifting to standard sonic conventions we hear amongst their contemporaries. But that’s okay, as they follow a rhythmic pattern that makes our ears tingle with that pop-tinge from musical catchiness.

There’s “Bones,” this exuberant electro-pop groove that leans on the atmosphere, shifting between these whimsical strings and filtered synths. Contrasting that style is the percussion-driven “Haunted,” which recontextualizes atmospheric overtures as a subtle backing layer for the rhythmic and slight R&B-influenced vocals from lead singer Angeline Armstrong. There are various turns Telenova takes to make themselves stand out amongst the rest, and beyond the two tracks mentioned, they bring an excellent ear for certain instrumentations. We especially hear in the cadence brought out by the strings, whether from various guitars, mandolins, etc., weaving together the varying layers of synths and percussion into flirtations with pop. I’m an over-giddy fan who loves ambient/atmospheric electro-pop, specifically when it has an identity that separates them from contemporaries, like Chvrches. One of many indie bands I return to–I can’t wait  for the moment they release full length LP, but for now, check out their cover of “Hung Up” and EPs, and hopefully you’ll like them.

Check out their most recent EP, Stained Glass Love, here: