Golden Mixtape

Every generation has a niche audience for dance and electronic music, but it seems that in recent years those styles have evolved into a force to be reckoned with. They are not only they’re own little world anymore. Earlier this week Blaqk Audio dropped a new electronic record. What makes that relevant in this, is that the members of Blaqk Audio were once the reigning kings of doomsday rock that thrived on the notion that it was a scene goth kids could shine in. So you can see how much dance and electronic is being taken into consideration in the rock world. That then leads us to Dance for the Dying. They’re a real group with instruments, but add a synth to their sound to bring to life their idea of dance rock with their new record, Puzzles for the Traveler.

Inspired by a trip to India, Dance for the Dying drummer, Chris Link got the ideas for the band he calls home now. Now, there’s no Bollywood tidbits on the record, so one can assume it was more of a spiritual thing he went through…? Instead you’ll find a very indie pop sounding “Mannequin.” Nope, not a Katy Perry cover, but a lively song that will cause listeners to play it until they’re sick of it. That song was good and fun, but it’s “Ordinary Objects” that gets the ultimate stamp of approval for the album. Its electronic base plays like an anthem for dance floor aficionados. At this point, let’s point out the oddball. If you’re not into dance music, but need a new song to add to your iPod, then please let me introduce you to “Momento.” It was slower than the rest and really, you couldn’t tell it was the same band that had made the other tracks. It was my personal favorite as it seemed the most human and honest sounding.

Dance and electronic isn’t just for those people with miles of beaded bracelets on their arms and pacifiers in their mouths anymore. It’s now as mainstream as “Call Me Maybe.” So if you’re a fan of bands like The Faint and We Have Band, then check out and get down to Dance for the Dying’s Puzzles for the Traveler, out October 2^nd.