7Lions

Putting together a dance-rock troupe that sounds legit is no easy task, but Los Angeles’ 7Lions confidently pull it off with their 2012 EP Born 2 Run. At times their approach recalls the '90s Brit band EMF (sans DJ scratching), but the opening title track is an uplifting tune that’s more rooted in '80s electro-pop, save for MC Mika “Prophet” Guillory’s buttery-smooth rhymes. The group's rock elements abound in guitarist/lead singer Forrest Fulmer, who plays and sings as though he’s fronted metal bands in his past. “One Man Symphony” tips the scales more toward the band's hip-hop and dance sides. There are rock ‘n’ roll hooks throughout that recall '70s recordings by Queen, but the Auto-Tuned production and commanding club beats upstage the guitars and vocal harmonies. “Emergency” infuses trendy dubstep production, but it’s not so overdone that the bass drop overshadows what's essentially a catchy pop song. “Taking Over” brims with such confectionary pop that it’s easy to envision Madonna booking 7Lions as a support act.