Marva Voulgari and Theo Fionidis sound an awful lot like a certain dark electronic duo of some thirty years past. Warmer than Eurythmics, to be sure, but drawing from the same palette. Voulgari's vocals are strong, but just approachable enough to raise the temperature above that required to store the Pfizer vaccine. Fionidis knows how to turn industrial rhythms into meditative elektropop songs. In the best moments, their fusion is startling.

Marva von Theo Afterglow (self-released)

For all of the obvious connections to Stewart and Lennox, Marva von Theo embraces melody. Not soaring, affirming melody, but melody nonetheless. MvT operates in a pop world, but it isn't interested in pandering. These songs are as stark as they want to be.

Unlike Eurythmics, both members write songs. And it's really easy to hear the difference. Fionidis's songs are more uptempo and busy. Voulgari prefers a more stately, meditative approach. The songs written by both of them are, in fact, a fusion of the two styles. I prefer the more active approach, but Voulgari's songs add a definite gravity.

A throwback that manages to remain modern. MvT isn't interested in improving your mood. That's not the point. But if you engage the challenge, there are rewards. Fall into this world; it's the climb out that is worth the effort.

Jon Worley