While their sound has undeniably morphed over the past decade and change, Portland’s STRFKR have been a consistent presence in the indietronica scene since forming in the late ’00s. Over the course of six albums of alternative dance music—not to mention an ambient record, a remix collection featuring high-caliber peers, and a triptych of rare-gem recordings—the group has consistently established themselves at the forefront of the neo-psych scene. The release of their latest album Parallel Realms in March posited a move in the direction of mutant disco, while some of their vintage sounds additionally feel new again due to the recent revival of early-’10s psych-pop.
This is all to say that STRFKR, naturally, also put together a killer playlist. Spanning numerous decades and pulling from various corners of synths music from the New Romantic era to vaporwave, the songs Keil Corcoran compiled for his “Flood of Tasty Dance Music Treats” playlist (we see what he did there) is an intricate mix of artists he’s stumbled upon over the years both as a fan of music and as a performer of it. There are also some very cool STRFKR tracks ripped from Parallel Realms and recontextualized for this new psychedelic journey.
With a month-long US tour commencing this Thursday, check out the band’s mix below along with brief write-ups on each selection from Corcoran. You can find the full list of dates here, and listen to the new record here.
Essaie Pas, “Danse Sociale”
This is a great band from Quebec. Kinda channeling some modern Chris & Cosey vibes.
Don Turi feat. La Chica, “Connection Lost”
Love this track. Got some chill industrial vibes and great vocals.
Vicious Pink, Cccan’t You See”
An underappreciated synth-pop group from the ’80s—one of my favorites!
Arohan, “Everwant”
A Portland musician who released a tape that I loved. Great song.
Liquid Liquid, “Cavern”
For all my no-wave heads out there.
Miss Kittin and the Hacker, “19”
The electroclash OGs.
STRFKR, “Underwater / In Air”
A song Josh and I wrote with Arian, our guitarist. Probs my fave on the new record!
Jeffrey Brodsky, “I’ll Be Strong”
Jeff is a friend who helped us with this last record and Being No One, Going Nowhere. An insanely talented producer.
Ponzu Island, “Super Koto”
Super fun song from an Australian producer!
Nick Leng, “Bobby”
Super fun song to DJ. Real bouncy.
STRFKR, “Armatron”
Another track off our new record! We had fun collaborating on this puppy.
Gina X Performance, “No GDM”
Gina X Performance is a must for the dance floor.
Tussle, “Here It Come”
Haven’t heard anything from this band in a long time, but I always loved their stripped-down disco punk.
Trushinitas, “TV Party”
This dude churns out some great vaporwave.
Miami Horror, “Leila” (Poolside Remix)
Our buddy Filip made this wonderful remix.
BOAN, “Freaksnake”
An awesome band from LA—former members of Medio Mutante, who were also great.
Peggy Gou, “Starry Night” (Original Mix)
Peggy always puts out great house!
Stereo MCs, “Connected”
Hackers soundtrack FTW.
Thomas Bangalter, “Club Soda”
One half of Daft Punk! A classic.
STRFKR, “Leaving”
Last song from our new record, a fun jammer.
