In a musical moment being defined by electro duos like Crystal Castles and Heartsrevolution, add another to the list: the Black Ghosts. Where those North American duos lean more toward video game sounds and, at least live, big acid house beats, the U.K.-based Ghosts hew more closely to indie-synth sounds and structures descended from New Order and routed through peppy acts such as Lightning Seeds and Cut Copy. Simon Lord has an impeccable pedigree for this, having been part of Simian; Theo Keating was previously in Big Beat hit-makers the Wiseguys. Not surprisingly, on the Ghosts' self-titled debut album, you'll hear both the mellow introspection of Simian and the hooks and percussion detail of the Wiseguys. Tracks like "Anyway You Choose to Give It," "I Want Nothing" and "Repetition Kills You" are up-tempo and playful -- like Hot Chip at its best. Elsewhere the pair fleshes out "Full Moon" with strings and flamenco-like guitar, and adds a soul syncopation to "Until It Comes Again." A terrific album from a group able to distinguish itself in a crowded field of like-minded new bands.

-- Tim Mohr