Arkansas duo Joan, consisting of Alan Thomas and Steven Rutherford, operate in the same fine musical corner as The 1975, for instance. Electronic pop music with sophisticated synths and funky guitar licks, drenched in an overall ’80s vibe. They explain: “We’re in a building phase, putting out a track at a time and trying to get people to understand who we are and what we’re about and our lives.”

I guess this building phase is just about over, with the release of their first EP Portra. This features all of Joan’s singles so far: Take Me On (in two versions), Love Somebody Like You, Tokyo, I Loved You First, and the brand new track Stop And Stare. Another very promising, well-produced pop song to keep the summer going!

For more great new music follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.