Lowercase People's "Influx” EP Modernizes Nostalgic Electro Pop

New Jersey-based electronic duo Lowercase People seemed to have found a sweet spot between nostalgic analog beat-sampling and electronic alt rock with their latest EP Influx. Known for their electric performances and tight musicianship, they refer to their writing process as having a sort of “rabbit trail” effect, motivated by their desire to experiment with different production techniques and fueled by their mutual attention deficits. That sense of pent-up energy ebbs and flows nicely within this release; it manages to balance between overwhelmingly upbeat and generously laid back.

Consisting of Noah Saunders (keys and vox) and Tommy McKelvey (drums, samples, programming), the likely “finish each other’s sentences” kind of working relationship these two have is palatable in Influx’s sound and structure. This could be a solo project if you didn’t know who was behind the mixing board because of how cohesive the EP as a whole is.

The EP opens with the confidant track “Air,” which features an easygoing bouncing melody with a backing brass section and ever-building vocals. That energy picks up with “Symmetry,” and leans more toward the alt rock side of Lowercase People’s dichotomy. There’s a heavy percussive section and the vocal lines are reminiscent of everything that makes up a really good moody pop band. Sometimes Saunders’s timbre reminds me a little bit of John O'Callaghan of The Maine, who totally encapsulates everything alt pop. Things level out with “Blooming,” which is probably the standout track for me. I mentioned how the energy ebbs and flows, and this one is a definite chill out, step back track.

What makes Lowercase People’s Influx a success is the dichotomy of sound within each track while still being grounded by a common electronic landscape. There’s a signature tone within each song that ties the EP together while still leaving room to experiment with dynamics and vocal runs and lyrical themes. It’s an impressive debut release considering the band is so young, but that just leaves room for more promise in the future. I’m excited to see what else these guys have in store.

You can stream Influx below, and catch them featured in my “Our Date With” series collaboration with The Queue Mag in the next few weeks.