Artist The Constellations

Gnarls Barkley hit on something new—rock-influenced soul music with hip-hop production—when “Crazy” dominated the summer of 2006. But just a few years later, what was once cutting-edge novelty has become pop-music formula. Enter Atlanta’s The Constellations, who made their debt to Gnarls Barkley clear by recording with GB producer Ben H. Allen and inviting Cee-Lo to appear on “Love Is A Murder,” from their 2008 debut, Southern Gothic (re-released in 2010 on Virgin Records). While the punchy pop of Southern Gothic isn’t nearly as exciting as “Crazy”—few songs are, to be fair—it’s serviceable beach-party music with a slightly naughty, hedonistic edge.

Updated 07/27/2010