Silicon – “Burning Sugar” (Singles Going Steady)

I’m not necessarily entirely huge on the electronic funk that Silicon seems to be bringing to the table, but I can definitely appreciate it for what it is from a technical standpoint. He’s being remarkably clean-cut with their mastering for a debut release, and that’s something that I think will carry them far within their respective lane. A bit too calculated to be quite sensual to me, which seems to be what the song is trying to evoke, though I know there’ll be plenty who’ll dig it all the same. — JONATHAN FRAHM [6/10]

There’s something about the squawking little riff that I just love. It reminds me of all those happy little accidents that a band innocuously makes, and realizes a song can be built around it. The cheery playfulness reminds me of Hot Chip’s more upbeat funk moments. I’ll take this brightness in indie pop any day. — ADRIEN BEGRAND [7/10]

Kody Nielson’s latest offering is a pleasant if rather unremarkable slice of electro-pop with a skittery bassline and bits of jagged guitar. Neilson is clearly talented but it’s all a bit too mannered and lacking in conviction. “Burning Sugar” inhabits territory that other artists — Hot Chip, for instance — have mined far more successfully. It’s not original or compelling enough to make much of an impact. — CHRIS GERARD [6/10]

Welcome to the retro-future, where old technology rules and new technology bows to the past. The prevailing video metaphor suggests that we are all going to burn (there’s a burning speaker, television, typewriter, candle, and cigarette), but the music bops along and like sugar, never catches fire. The syrupy result has a positive vibe; the taste of sugar is sweet, but the repetition can grate like crystals in an unmixed drink. — STEVE HOROWITZ [7/10]