Band of the Week: The Bloodsugars

Brooklyn-based band The Bloodsugars craft catchy synth-pop melodies that are bound to have every listener dancing along. Having been compared to Phoenix and Neon Indian, the band is quickly making a name for themselves. While numerous critics rave about their "pop sensibilities" it doesn't hurt that single, "The Pedestrian Boogie" was featured as NPR Song Of The Day in January.

Frontman Jason Rabinowitz and keyboardist Matt Katz met in college, where they "bonded over music and emotion," listening to records in their dorm rooms. The duo began making music and soon after, Brendan O'Grady and Kenneth Salters joined, filling out the group as it is known today. "Each member brings something essential to the music," Katz said.

He wasn't lying. The Bloodsugars' combined knowledge of jazz, soul, Turkish garage, French house and pop give them their distinct sound. Whether it's their hand clapping stomp throughout "The Pedestrian Boogie" or Rabinowitz's hypnotic singing style and "woah-oh-oh's" on "Self Control," the band's feel good electro pop just makes you want to dance.

Debut full-length album, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, sets them apart from the numerous up-and-coming indie bands out there. The Bloodsugars' keyboard infused tracks and spot-on percussion and bass beats keep the listener intrigued. According to Rabinowitz, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On is "a modern prom playlist." Interwoven with tales questioning life, love and the loss of self control, the band gets their point across creatively.

A press release states that the album was written during a time of personal difficulty for the band. As a result, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On is about remembering there is always something to celebrate, even in the face of major adversity. After listening closely, this is evident to the listener. Lucky for us, it's bands like The Bloodsugars that provide a much needed escape. One can only wonder what their next album will conquer.

Be on the lookout for The Bloodsugars in March at South By Southwest. For more on the band, visit them on MySpace and listen to a stream of "Light at the End of the Tunnel" here.

Recommended: For fans of Phoenix, Neon Indian, Owl City.

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