The Bloodsugars

Although they may have faced their fair share of tragedy, The Bloodsugars are not in the business of writing sad songs. With the unique brand of exhilarating, polished synth-pop that they’ve become known for, The Bloodsugars’ newest full-length, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On, is a collection of songs about finding the transformative potential in hardship—about taking frustration and sadness and turning it into something that is both beautiful and exciting.

The Bloodsugars are composed of frontman and primary songwriter Jason Rabinowitz, keyboardist Matt Katz, bassist Brendan O’Grady, and drummer Kenneth Salters, the same line-up responsible for 2008’s critically-acclaimed BQEP. Founding members Rabinowitz and Katz met in college, where they “bonded over music and emotion,” listening to records in their dorm rooms. They began making music together then and there, but it wasn’t until O’Grady and Salters joined the band that The Bloodsugars really arrived at their sound. According to Katz “each member brings something essential to the music,” whether it be knowledge of jazz, soul, Turkish garage, French house or straight-up pop, and it is this sharing of styles and sensibilities that really lends the band their unique sound.

I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On is, according to The Bloodsugars’ Jason Rabinowitz, “a modern prom playlist,” and, like everyone knows, prom is not without its awkward, painful moments. Written during a time of personal difficulty for members of the band, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On is about remembering that there is always something to celebrate, even in the face of major adversity. With their combination of thoughtful lyricism and kinetic beats, the album's ten new tracks reflect a refreshing optimism and sweetness. Imagine a house designed by Paul Simon, built by Prince, decorated by The Flaming Lips and you’ll have some idea of where The Bloodsugars live. In the creeping bass intro to “The Light at the End of the Tunnel” the majestic chorus of “Pedestrian Boogie” and the bittersweet melody of “Happiness,” the band finds catharsis in the details of intelligent indie dance pop.

I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On also features of host of indie luminaries, including trumpet player Kyle Resnick (touring member of The National), cellist Colette Alexander (Rilo Kiley, Jens Lekman, Rachel Yamagata) and indie darling Bell on “Falling Makes You Blue.” Philadelphia-based recording wiz Bill Moriarty—the man behind albums by Dr. Dog and Man Man— produced and engineered the record, with Andy Baldwin handling the final mix.

shout out louds, thunderbirds are go!