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Turn to Stokeswood’s “2075” for a Feel Good Electro-Pop Summer Soundtrack [Album Review]

June 16, 2015 By Halina Wilusz

Stokeswood

If you’re not from Atlanta, then this may be the first you’ve heard of Stokeswood, a band whose sound is not shaped to fit any specific piece of a genre puzzle. You can call them alt-rock, electro-pop…a bit electronic perhaps, but certainly not typical. Today they release their new album 2075, an arrangement of music that you can just feel the band’s energy radiating through at every twist and turn. Stokeswood’s popularity has been driven by their magnetic live performances, so we’re most excited to report back next week after experiencing Stokeswood in the flesh as well at their album release party June 19 at Terminal West.

2075 is a collection of upbeat electro-pop tracks that almost make you feel a little guilty for enjoying. Since when did cheery jams go out of style anyways? I can swap out a thick bass for a good synth-driven melody every now and then just to mix it up. For the most part though the pop-elements are layered and polished enough not to slip into anything too Top 40 sounding. There are even a few “a-ha” moments where the synth feels so perfectly 80’s that it could take you all the way back to “Take On Me”.

Points for picking up on the a-ha reference.

2075’s title track strongly represents that hard to categorize style that Stokeswood’s blend of music brings to the table. The first single off the record, “Our Streets,” bottles classic, feel-good, summer vibes. You’re doing yourself a disservice not to picture yourself slow-mo frolicking through Piedmont Park while listening. “Forget” sneaks in as an unexpected album favorite, cinematic and mellow, hopeful, and even nostalgic somehow.

The progression into “Current” and “Paperweight” continues to journey through a land of captivating vocals and beats that latch right on to you. “Bloody History” brings up the rear with regards to favorites of the album. There’s something reminisce of Fall Out Boy in their prime that keeps screaming out behind the otherwise well constructed tune. Last but not least, “Stop By” wraps up the stellar time hop to 2075 and back with a track most rooted by it’s electronic elements and jumping fully under the EDM umbrella.

Purchase 2075, starting June 16 on iTunes.