An appreciation for new wave can go a long way when one is working to craft a dance floor-ready track. So can an appreciation for new technology. At this cross-section, we find Painted Face. Painted Face (the moniker of Allie Alvarado) lifts MIDI samples and synth sounds that seem lifted from an old Casio keyboard. Yet, the backing dance beats are decidedly current. The airtight rhythms and nostalgia-ready melodies are all held together by the voice of Alvarado. Alvarado’s sultry voice guides the songs on her recently released EP, but never overwhelms them. There’s plenty of Kate Bush and Kristeen Young comparisons to be made, proving that these dance-ready tracks have a life outside of the club. That said, we won’t be surprised if we start hearing “Undreamt” (and remixes that will surely follow) in clubs outside of D.C. The little twists and sudden beat drops show how much fun Alvarado has with her music.

We talked to Alvarado (who is currently touring the West Coast) about her influences, her appreciation for visual art and the surprising source of her alias.

Find them online: http://www.paintedfacemusic.com

See them next: March 9th at Velvet Lounge

Get their album: Bandcamp, Soundcloud