Ghostland Observatory

Austin-based Ghostland Observatory say they're "not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock and roll souls." Whether or not they're a band, the friends -- singer Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner -- certainly do produce good music. On the duo's latest record, Paparazzi Lightning, released on their own Trashy Moped imprint, they do Daft Punk, Giorgio Moroder and Freddie Mercury proud. While much of Paparazzi Lightning is heavily reliant on frantic shake-yo-ass electronic beats, synth treatments and occasional vocoder bits, live drums are brought into the picture and splashed with some dance-punk guitar riffs, creating a synergy of the pair's drastically different personal tastes. You'll be hearing more of Ghostland Observatory out on the dance floor this year.