The Knife

The Knife, a popular music duo from Sweden, was forged in 1999.  The two siblings, singer Karin Andersson and brother Olof Dreijer own a record company called Rabid Records.

The band transcends many genres, including a lot of experimental electronic, synthpop, and ambient 'trip-hop'.  Many of their songs feature new age influences and extensive vamping, with soothing, melodic phrasing.  They take inspiration from vintage synth pop and avant-garde sounds that are just as sinister as they are pleasing.

They were brought to the international stage with their song 'Heartbeats', which appeared in a Sony commercial.  Several of their songs have since appeared on television shows and commercials.  In 2006, they released their critically acclaimed Silent Shout album, and have won several Swedish Grammis (to which they refuse to attend the award ceremony).

They have both done solo projects since, but rumors hint towards an upcoming project which may or may not already be in the works!

Simian Mobile Disco

In 2005, James Ford and Jas Shaw formed Simian Mobile Disco.  From the UK, this duo began after leaving the other members of their previous experimental electronics band, Simian.

Hoping to break from the mold of polished, programmed dance tracks, the duo exclusively uses analog equipment - a style for which they are most known.  Their tracks feature house roots, four-on-the-floor, dancable beats, and electronica influences.

They released a remix album in 2008, entitled Sample and Hold.  A year later, an entirely original album, Temporary Pleasure, appeared with collaboration from some big-named producers.

Last year, they released their studio album Delicatessen & Delicacies, taking the names of their tracks from bizarre delicacies around the world.

Watch their video 'Hustler'.  It's hot.

iMonster - Daydream in Blue

iMonster is an eclectic, electronic duo from England.  It was formed in 1997 by record producers Jarrod Gosling and Dean Honer.   Together, they own their own label, Twins of Evil.

They feature very docile rock instrumentation and mellow electronica.  They are most renowned for their subtle vocal harmonies, melodic phrasing, and awesome string ensemble.

Their biggest hit came with 'Daydream in Blue' in 2001, which hit #20 in the UK.  Since their acclaimed album 'Neveroddoreven', released in 2003, the duo have done many guest DJ appearances all over the country.

Their most recent album, A Dense Swarm Of Ancient Stars, was released in 2009.  Very good stuff!  Check out some of their other videos!