There is a slow burn soul that runs throughout the synth-pop created by Brooklyn duo Death By Piano. The six songs on their debut EP “Countdown” emerge at a measured pace with singer/keyboardist Kalen Lister and producer/instrumentalist Greywolf crafting a deliberate, moody feel. On the title track (streaming below) deep bass synths and electronic beats create a pulsating groove leading to the vocal hook “please – please don’t turn the lights out – give me space to shake off the in crowd.” A spacious ambiance emerges at the midpoint, where beat-less waves of sound pulse behind Kalen’s emotive vocals. With the beats returning, the ultimate declaration is to “look the wolf in the eye, don’t back down.” The EP is now available for pre-order, with the full release on April 6. To celebrate, the band will play their release show on 4/2 at Elsewhere. – Dave Cromwell
