Pocket - "5 Single EPs"

As part of a continuing series of EPs available digitally, this is only a smattering of what's in store this and next year from Pocket (aka producer/remixer Richard Jankovich, who's remixed Radiohead, Beck, Antony & The Johnsons, and Cat Power, among many others). This original work by Pocket sees a stellar set of vocalists providing words/voices for Jankovich's electro-synthpop stylings.

"Surround Him With Love" features the inimitable Robyn Hitchcock, and proves to be a catchy and slightly off-kilter pop song with an undeniable dance beat pulsing underneath the layers of guitars and vocals. "Sampo", featuring Yuki Chikudate of Asobi Seksu, is another sweet, lightweight pop gem with Yuki's ethereal vocals. Steve Kilbey of the Church fronts the glorious "Hear In Noiseville", which brings a mystical, introspectiveness as only he can. Former Dag Nasty pop-punker Dave Smalley brings a slightly heavier vibe to "Beautiful Grey", while Craig Wedren (of Shudder To Think) shows his world-class pipes on the bright and sunny "Someone To Run Away From".

Most of the added remixes don't fare as well, though the Justus Kohncke Remix of "Hear In Noiseville" adds a gauzy, drifty synthpop vibe, appropriately. And Spoolwork's remix of "Someone.." maintains the original song structure and succeeds, as well. The others? Perhaps these would go down better in a retro club atmosphere, but here they just add filler to what would be a really solid EP. Get the main songs, not the remixes, and you'll be quite pleased with these sparkly electro-pop confections. (24 Hour Service Station)

24 Hour Servicespace

Pocket website

Pocketmixspace