Video Age, Shy Boys, Hey Cowboy [inside]

Kicking off in Texas, NOLA pop perfectionists Video Age tour the romantic optimism of 2020 Pleasure Line, Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli’s swoony synth exploration of Eighties art rock and R&B influences. The effort, on indie outlet Winspear, streamlined electronic jitters off sophomore Pop Therapy with bandmates Nick Corson and Duncan Troast (who recently put out an excellent debut as the Convenience). Also toting a playful third full-length, Talk Loud, KC quintet Shy Boys swirls highlighter-bright doo-wop harmonies with sinister themes via Polyvinyl Records. Sample “Trash” to imagine the Beach Boys on a haunted carnival ride. —1997839