This Brazilian duo has the whole post-punk/krautrock/coldwave thing down cold. Many of these songs sound like Kraftwerk playing Joy Division songs, though Tatiana Meyer's spoken-sung vocals add a unique twist. The beat is insistent but not driving, and the synths are spare and cutting.

Pink Opake Matéria (Wave Records)

This is a spectacular take on a throwback sound. Within a few seconds, the influences are obvious, but Pink Opake careers into many unexpected corners. The sparse production toughens up the already lean sound, and the songs cut that much deeper.

Total fun. I flashed back, and then the music brought me back to the future quite naturally. I haven't heard this sound done with such expert precision and creativity in ages. My heart can't stop racing.

Now, if these styles are not in your wheelhouse, I suppose it might be possible to be at sea listening to this. But children of the dark 80s will find a playground full of spectacular delights. Each song feels more addictive than the last. Wondrous.

Jon Worley