Tanlines

Tanlines creates a sound that feels like a high-definition photograph of a memory. Their music is built on a foundation of crisp, interlocking rhythms and shimmering synthesizer washes that evoke the bright, sun-drenched aesthetics of the early 2010s Brooklyn scene. While the production is often upbeat and danceable, there is an underlying layer of sophisticated melancholy that keeps the music grounded and emotionally resonant.

What truly distinguishes the duo is the contrast between Eric Emm's steady, almost conversational baritone and the intricate, world-music-influenced percussion of Jesse Cohen. Emm's background in math-rock bands like Don Caballero brings a surprising precision to the guitar work, which weaves through the electronic textures without ever feeling cluttered. It is pop music for people who appreciate structural complexity but still want a hook they can hum.

Start with their debut album, Mixed Emotions. It perfectly captures their signature blend of tropical-inflected indietronica and existential yearning. Tracks like 'All of Me' and 'Brothers' serve as the ultimate gateway into their world of polished, thoughtful electronic pop.