The Test Drive: Introflirt – Temporary Heaven

We got tastes of what was to be with our reviews for “Frozen Lace” and “Orange Light”, and now we get the whole meal in the for of “Temporary Heaven”, which comes out August 12th. The album is 8 tracks of colorful crooning electronic goodness that is both thought provoking and introspective by design as well as groove-centric by nature.

Taking cues from the best of the past and converting those influences into something totally and utterly original is truly the feat of only the most talented people and Introflirt succeeds brilliantly in delivering the audio-atmosphere that will become the soundtrack to your next memory.

About Introflirt
After releasing their first single ‘Frozen Lace’, Oakland, Californian synthpop new wave artists Introflirt gear up for to release their new single ‘Orange Light’. Both tracks will be on their second album ‘Temporary Heaven’, slated for release on August 2. Introflirt is an Oakland-based trio comprised of Vafa, Ben Benjamin, and Brendan Dreaper.

This album represents the next stage of evolution in their self-described “croonwave” music. Dissolving notions of what electronic music should be into a colorful flurry that pops and sparkles, this album is threaded together by a velvet voice and candid lyrics that touch on themes of disappointment in people, the fragility of relationships, and the path towards sexual liberation. True to Introflirt form, the songs on ‘Temporary Heaven’ maintain a delicate balance, offering the soundtrack to a life that is introverted while still reaching out.

The album’s first single ‘Frozen Lace’ was inspired by the struggle to overcome sexual repression, which generally goes hand in hand with some religions. It’s buzzing bass and squirming synth represent a tug-of-war between satisfying desires and fearing the potential consequences. Inspired by the concept that deciding between gratification or holding back entails excruciating self torment, ‘Frozen Lace’ picks up on the lingering trepidation that moral laws often produce.

This was the first song to emerge for Introflirt after releasing their debut album. “This came from the longing to rid myself of guilt and fear of consequences when approaching certain desires,” explains vocalist and lyricist Ben Benjamin. “Growing up in a religious family – although my parents have pretty much been kicked out of every church they ever attended – installed many programs I’ve worked hard to disassemble.”

While Introflirt’s self-titled debut album documented the group testing the Flirty waters, the eight-track ‘Temporary Heaven’ jumps in without inhibition. The album retains the raw, gritty synth pop that endeared so many listeners to their debut release – but adds a seedier, darker, more danceable attitude, taking the Introflirt party from the rooftop to the basement.

While ‘Temporary Heaven’ presents Introflirt with a more energetic, modern feel, what stands out most is the transformation of Ben Benjamin’s vocals. After spending countless weekends in piano bars performing jazz standards, Benjamin’s vocal presence enters a similar space inhabited by the lounge singers of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, but set in the hazy, dim light of dance club beats.

Reinventing pop song structures to reflect the unpredictable nature of life’s twists and turns, the songs on this album present a clarity and confidence that’s a little bit dark, a little bit sentimental, and very very flirty.

SOURCE: Official Bio

“Orange Light” is one of the catchiest songs of the year with vocals that evoke the subversive croon of Marc Almond or the lustrous David Sylvian-led Japan… this inventive trio have found the formula for sonic bliss” – Stereo Embers Magazine

“Slow creeping synth and infectious beat, together with words that are as addictively seedy as anything you’ll find on “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret”, Soft Cell’s groundbreaking album” – The Spill Magazine

“Never thought I’d say crooner, sexual, eclectic and synth-tastic in the same phrase, but Introflirt combines all these things” – The Record Stache

“Creating music that is both commanding and sexy as hell.” – Strawberry Tongue Radio

“Everything we love. Dark but still glittering, dreamy synths, and heavy grooves. The lyrics vibrate with sensuality… we fall head over heels.” – What Else Is There Blog

“Benjamin’s dusky croon is paired with layers of buzzing, undulating and cascading synths and propulsive and forceful drum beats to create a moody and track which evokes a creeping, dread-filled anxiety” – The Joy of Violent Movement

LIVE DATES

• August 13 – Oakland, CA – Hanging Garden at The Night Light (with Neon Kross & Otzi)
• September 28 – San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern – (with Foreign Resort & Nite)

LINKS:
http://www.introflirtmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/introflirtmusic
http://introflirt.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/introflirt
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcV_zUkDHyVyfhrX5EJLVMQ
http://soundcloud.com/introflirt
http://www.instagram.com/introflirt/