Children of the CPU are definitely hardcore DIY what with sole responsibility for the recording, producing, and distribution of Back To BASIC. They have made the album freely available on their website with the hope that you’ll like it enough to place an order for a physical copy at the low-low price of $12 CDN. Economic ethos aside, it is a refreshingly light electro-pop album where Veronica Rossos’ breathy vocals float over the decidedly retro and chip inspired beats of Cameron Shay, who also contributes some vocals himself. It is a warm analog sounding album, one where the album cover actually captures the spirit of the music from the Cocoa Krispies shag carpet, wood grained TV with actual dials dials and knobs, and Q*Bert on the Atari 2600. I feel a longing for my idealized childhood just looking at it.

“Closer Than You Think” is a poppy number with that bounces along on a decidedly New Wave bass line rounded off by swirling loops of synth arpeggios. It is track that is at home being played over headphones late at night while you lay on your bed staring up at shadows from the street lights flitting about on the ceiling. “Weeping Willow” follows the same trend except that it is built on beats that are more an IDM interpretation of Drum and Bass rhythms where they skitter about but are warm and fat. It also features a hushed duet that slowly works it way around the urgency of the guitar and synth arrangements.

If you like warm beats and dreamy melodies or are a fan of Ladytron, Husky Rescue, or Boards of Canada it is very likely you’ll enjoy Children of the CPU. Back To BASIC is a fun listen that is infused with a spirit of retro-futurism that imparts such a sweet flavor. Go grab it today.

Oh, and big ups to 3hive for finding and posting some tracks from this album. Without their Bloodhound Gang skills Back To BASIC would have flown way under my radar.