Austra – Olympia

Austra – Olympia (Domino)

On this Toronto synth pop group’s 2011 debut, Feel It Break, frontwoman Katie Stelmanis and co wedded the theatricality of Kate Bush with the dark atmosphere of The Knife in a way that was operatic without being melodramatic and totally spellbinding. Interestingly, their decidedly melancholic music was so warmly received by goths and the otherwise moody that their performances often turned into joyous dance parties. This disconnect between the band and their audience inspired them to make a conscious shift towards danceability and to make a more collaboratively written and involved album simply because it would be more enjoyable to play live, and as long as you’re willing to have fun along with them then Olympia surpasses its predecessor.