Footprintz

Montreal electronic duo Footprintz are obviously interested in the synth-draped sound of the past, but Escape Yourself allows Clarian North and Adam Hunter to recontextualize their underground pop for those bleary eyed after-parties or summer patio sessions that nobody wants to leave. "Heaven Felt Like Night" relies on low-slung grooves and melancholic synths that carry just the right emotional weight, whereas "Uncertain Change" explores themes of confusion, alienation and the insecurities of growing up. "Dangers of the Mouth" reflects upon battles of the heart, with its goose bump synths, simplistic drum loops and juxtaposed bass lines. Thick analogue textures, slowly percolating beats and moody vocals form the template for many of the tracks on North and Hunter's debut. While some may feel the album is too rooted in nostalgic sounds, the duo's drowsy drums, fazed-out synths and underlying vulnerability come together in all the right ways, giving Escape Yourself a thematic cohesiveness that too often gets lost these days, as electronic artists move away from the concept of full-lengths and focus on pumping out singles.