Austra

Fans of Fucked Up will immediately recognize Katie Stelmanis from her haunting, operatic singing on that prog-punk collective’s The Chemistry Of Common Life. As a solo artist and the frontwoman of Austra, however, the classically trained vocalist specializes in a more restrained style of art-pop—not that it lacks for passion. Over darkwave synths and a throbbing beat angling for eyeliner-and-leather nightlife, the single “Beat And The Pulse”—from Austra’s 2011 debut, Feel It Break—broods and bubbles. Stelmanis’ voice glides over the whole affair, ready to sweep up any listeners sick of waiting for the next witchy missive from Fever Ray. Given the vibe, it’s unsurprising Austra’s become one of the flavors of the month for the fashion industry, landing the group a gig at Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out party this past September.

Updated 11/15/2011