Architrave
Panic Joy
(Independent)
What’s the closest thing to Berlin techno temple Berghain in Ballston Spa? Whatever it is, Architrave, the Ballston Spa-hailing electropop band, should headline there. Tracks like “Parthenogenesis,” from their latest album, Panic Joy, are probably best enjoyed in a dark underground club, preferably surrounded by dancing, half-naked bodies. But the duo, consisting of Jennifer Maher Coleman and bassist Paul Coleman, don’t go full electro all the time. The opening track, “Autofill,” has some punkish, loose-stringed bass lines overlaid with vaporwave synth chords that dissipate into a mist. Some tracks are vocal-forward; Jennifer’s singing on “Aurora” shines in an uncrowded spotlight while glitchy, techno tendrils dart around her. Things get danceable on “Unconditional Love,” with its gelatinous, stabb-y synth chords and reverb-soaked vocals there to be smothered, rather than discerned, creating an upbeat but serious dance track. The title track combines it all together, with triumphant darkwave synths, heartfelt vocals, and moody instrumental riffs all layered over self-programmed and, as the album artwork depicts, spiraling drum loops.
This article appears in December 2025.
