Synth and Sensibility

Since the dawn of its invention, music fans have held the synthesizer in direct conflict with the drum kit. While these opposing camps may never lay down arms, Phoenix’s Maypop is out to show that this town isn’t too small for the both of ’em. Describing itself as “Rocktronic Indieca,” Maypop is heavily influenced by ’80s darkwave groups such as The Cure and Depeche Mode, but also displays a ’90s alternative element (à la R.E.M. and Smashing Pumpkins) that prevents it from sounding too wussy.
Thu., July 10, 8 p.m., 2008