Jungles – Stepdad Jungles – Stepdad (Free Download / BandCamp)

When Chicago roomies Mark and Ryan joined musical forces back in 2009, they transformed themselves into “Ultramark” and “Cobrazebra,” a dynamic duo who would subsequently write songs under the moniker Stepdad. A wild mix of Chromeo, Passion Pit, and all the splendor of 80’s electronic pop, their EP Ordinaire is a serious buzz generator.

Paying homage to a decade our generation surely would have enjoyed partying in (had most of us not been toddlers at the time), Stepdad serves up some serious synth madness and danceable beats.

Markedly slower and deeper than the rest of the EP, “Jungles” is a pulsating chant that builds up and leads you into the frenzied fun of the next seven tracks. I almost instantly liken it to the classically anthemic jam “Shout” by Tears for Fears only infinitely cooler, with a throwback style that still has a modern twist.

After the success of the EP, this unstoppable team has begun writing their debut LP Wildlife Pop, and are all set to send dance floors into a tailspin this coming winter in their native Midwestern area!

12/11/10  Woobie’s — Flint, MI
12/15/10  Custer’s Chateau — Lima, OH
12/16/10  The Monkey Wrench — Louisville, KY
12/17/10  T.B.A. — Columbus, OH
2/11/11  Dream Land w/ Nightlife, Silverghost — Ypsilanti, MI
3/19/11  Creative 360 — Midland, MI