VNV Nation is a band that members Ronan Harris and Mark Jackson formed in Wexford and London. They released their breakthrough album “Empires” in 1999. Ten years, a move to Hamburg, Germany and 4 studio albums later the duo are still at it, combining a diverse collection of industrial beats, synths, and orchestral structures to create their inspiring work.

Thier latest work Of Faith, Power and Glory is a collection of powerful emotion channeled through old school synth pop, industrial, and electro. The raw emotion and hope of the song The Great Divide, featured on the album, finds itself easilly next to the most soulful electronica of Moby and Depeche Mode.

Alan Wilkis is an electro/funk/rock artist out of Brooklyn, New York whose tracks on his new EP ‘Pink and Purple‘ are reminiscent of Prince playing with Cybotron. Hand claps and synth bass cascade over pure pop seduction. The first track ‘Snuggle Up to Nail Down’ has the artist harmonizing with himself through a talk box with the finest 80′s synths grooving and glitching in the background. The next track ‘N.I.C.E’ sounds a bit like Rick James with Prince on synth bass. Yes I just used Prince again as a reference point. ‘Gotta Get You Back’ uses a good old fashion clean hook ala Stevie Wonder and some baroque harpsichord breakdowns. The Stevie Wonder vibe continues onto the title track ‘Pink and Purple’ until the track explodes into some 80′s solo style guitar riffing. ‘Dance with You’ continues the party in 80′s pop bliss style with ascending dance funk melodies.The final track ‘Time Machine’ sounds like a solo ballad from Martin Gore from Depeche Mode. Overall if you’re looking to get a house party started with an electro-funk slant, Alan Wilkis’ ‘Pink and Purple’ will not dissapoint, it’s electro-funk with a retro-futuristic edge.

Leeds electro group “Heads We Dance” return yet again with a remix of Red Blooded Women’s cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence”. They take the tune in a Pet Shop Boy’s direction because they were inspired by their claiming the Lifetime achievement award at the Brit awards. If you’re looking for an epic start to your Thursday, here it is!