Logan Lynn is an artist out of that aural metropolis we call Portland, Oregon that has recently been signed to the Dandy Warhol’s “Beat the World” label. His new album “From Pillar to Post” is an emotional journey through sprawling soundscapes of sparkling pop melodies and jagged glitchy beats. As the press release on his page says; “He Puts the “Disco” back in “Discomfort”.

Even though Mr. Lynn’s music is just now coming to my attention, he has been at it a while. He has released 2 albums since 2000. The first was entitled “Glee” and was a combination of optimistic beats and electronics with heart wrenching lyrics and themes. His self-titled sophomore effort was released in 2006. Following a collaboration with Carlos Cortes of the Portland DJ collective ‘Assemble’ on the track “Feed Me to the Wolves”, the two decided to work on a full album together. This album is the aforementioned “From Pillar to Post”.

The lead single “Burning Your Glory” plods along with ethereal guitar melodies accented by synth tones that drop like pins in a silent room. Each crystalline tone has the potential to send a chill down your spine. Other tracks like the excellent “Feed Me to the Wolves” pick up the pace, but don’t expect all out dancefloor funkiness, but rather mood pieces that whirl by like streetlights on a long drive home.

There hasn’t been a release with this level of “bloody heart on sleeve” emotion tied to an electronica project since The Postal Service’s “Give Up” in 2003. Others have matched The Postal Services musicality over the years, but Logan Lynn’s lyrics and delivery drip with digitized drama and pathos.

Do you ever get a hankering for rambunctious rock with just a hint of class? Like the best punk band in the world wearing custom made tailored suits? Or maybe a gang brawl with those participating adorned in top hats and canes while snapping their fingers West Side Story style? Well if you’re like me, then the answer is a resounding “yes”. My latest fix for this niche is Tennessee’s We Were the States, whose bouncy garage rock style reminds me of the Hives, with a bit more southern spice, and by “bit” I mean a whole case of red pepper.

We Were the States – Till Morning Comes

We Were the States – Up Your Sleeve