Glowing with a romantic dreamwave sound that echos '80s film soundtrack nostalgia, Let Em Riot works wonders in transporting you to a different era while still maintaining a contemporary electro sound fitting for our younger ears. Alan Oakes' synthpop manifesto carries itself effortlessly through New Wave and ambient influences, embellishing electronic beats alongside Oakes' own vocals for a fresh, dancy listening experience. Today's music features no shortage of icy cool retro acts, but Let Em Riot has procured his own audience with only a couple EP and singles releases, inviting us all with a taste of what's to come. Let Em Riot is in good company tonight at Alex's Bar with Cosmodelion, We Are/She Is and Northern Labour Party.
Thu., Sept. 12, 9 p.m., 2013
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.