System Exclusive

Ari Blaisdell (Lower Self, the Beat-Offs) and Matt Jones (Male Gaze, Blasted Canyons) are System Exclusive: a Pasadena-based two-piece band bearing an armful of mini synths, making heart-throbbing capital P pop cut with more than a hint of post-punk. Blaisdell’s vocals hearken back to openhearted 80’s hitmakers unafraid to quaver in the name of love, and they’re buoyed by Jones’ laser-gridded synth concoctions and a heavy hand on the ones and twos.