While it’s nearly impossible to make sense of all the music that floods our mailbox, inbox, and various Web browsers every day–not to mention the shelves at self-titled‘s favorite record stores–we’re constantly looking for artists who make us stop what we’re doing and actually listen. Here’s one of them:

The Artist/Album: Trust, Trst (Arts & Crafts, February 28th)

The Vibe: We weren’t sure what to make of Trust’s moon-bathed debut at first. Sounding like a leathered-up alien’s idea of Depeche Mode, the Canadian duo of Robert Alfons and Austra drummer Maya Postepski know their way around a hook—nearly every song sinks its synthetic teeth into your ears within seconds—and yet, they don’t mind pinning their pop instincts onto vocals that are as decidedly strange as, say, Fever Ray. That said, a sense of humor creeps into “F.T.F.,” as a background ‘singer’ grumbles like a sleep deprived demon. Or maybe said demon is dead serious. Judging by the blank stares on their press photo, it’s hard to tell. At any rate, Trst immediately establishes Trust’s position at the head of the cold/dark/new-wave pack, threatening to swallow Postepski’s day job—a project we also adore—in the process.

RIYL: Black lights in dank basements; dark alley discotheques; Bill Hader (if Bill Hader fronted a Wierd Records band)