Anne

Somehow, Portland, OR's Anne found their way on the likes of Baltimore's A389's roster for their latest twelve-inch, Dream Punx. The band are something of a wildcard for A389, a label known for the most punishing brands of thrash and hardcore metal. Regardless of how these two parties came together, Dream Punx is the best kind of shoegaze dream pop. An album dripping with sad synth and dreamy, post-everything sounds, Dream Punx is like the boyfriend/girlfriend you always wanted to meet in university: insecure, tender, bookish, slightly hesitant and with a charming, sing-song-y name to top it all off. This is the kind of album that captures the entirety of a fall romance, complete with Sunday cuddling, young love stargazing and a nostalgic post-break-up encounter. "Virginal Plight" is the album's easy standout track, with a dark, but super-cute, brooding quality that will instantly bring you back to the days when you watched The O.C. religiously. The album is solid throughout, channelling the best kind of sonic layering, à la Interpol, and the synth-y droning of M83. There are even some twee moments! Dream Punx will charm your pants off and have you falling in love with everything in sight.