"Florida," a single off Miami-based duo (though they tour as a trio) Awesome New Republic's July release Rational Geographic II, taps kinetic echo-y vocals over New Wave synths and steady drumming for an anthem that is memorable and infectious; you'll sing it for days. Think dance-pop a la Dogs Die in Hot Cars with a brief stint into syrupy rhythms and then back to high-powered indie pop.
How to summarize ANR's local trajectory? Well, to try very briefly: ANR made some ripples in 2005 with its first release ANR So Far, which was followed by the three-part Rational Geographic. Rational Geographic III is due in October. ANR's next South Florida show north of the Miami-Dade county line is at West Palm Beach spot Roxy's on Tuesday, September 8.
MP3: Awesome New Republic - "Florida"
Tuesday, September 8. Roxy's, 309 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Doors open at 9 p.m., admission is free. 561-296-7699; roxyspub.com