Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 28th, 2014

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Considering all the frilly runs she sang for “American Idol” back in 2012, Jen Hirsh’s vocals recorded under the moniker Monogem reveal a new refreshing, alluring side to the Los Angeles singer-songwriter. Hirsh’s melodies here are sung with sophisticated control in songs like the slinky disco-pop gem “The Glow” and she’s even riding a little funk on new single “Wait and See.” Less diva and more indie darling, Hirsh’s new sound comes by way of her collaboration with producer-engineer Scott Michael Smith, who has worked with everyone from Carole King to Katy Perry to Grizzly Bear. Together Hirsh and Smith have created a sparkling sound palette for Monogem, who join the seemingly infinite sea of Angeleno synth-pop duos in worming their way into our headphones and coaxing us onto the dance floor. Monogem’s live setup currently also consists of Peter Dyer on synth/keys, Thomas Drayton on bass/synth bass, and Nate Lotz on the drums.

||| Stream: “Wait and See”

||| Live: Monogem has the Sunday night residency in May at the Bootleg.