Back in the day, my friends and I used to the affectionately refer to the Post-New Wave Dance tunes played on LA radio station KROQ as “Butt Music.” I don’t remember why, exactly, but I do recall that it seemed entirely appropriate to do so at the time. Butt Music (also branded as the Rock of The Eighties) was a musical phenomenon that included bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, ABC, Flock of Segulls, Adam Ant, Spandau Ballet and A-Ha, among countless others. I listened to all of it, because it was awesome. Also, Boys Wearing Make-Up. Yes.

And that brings us to this week’s very excellent Video Clip: “Contagious,” the latest single from Night Riots. Despite the group’s distinctly Euro vibe, these guys are actually from San Luis Obispo, California — so, props for that. With its Ultravox-y synths, staccato drums and lead vocalist Travis Hawley’s uncanny resemblance to a genetic hybrid of Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley and Phil Oakey from Human League (seriously, what a babe!), “Contagious” makes me Jones for the beloved Butt Music of my youth.

Night Riots‘ new EP, Howl (on which this tune can be found), is out now on the Sumerian Records label, and their sophomore full length, Oh, My Heart, is in the works. Like them on the FaceBook at This Link! Tour Dates are below. Enjoy!

Upcoming Shows:
02/15 – Fresno, CA @ Strummers
02/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Shop (w/ Hayley Kiyoko)
02/20 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ Slo Brew
02/21 – Bakersfield, CA @ B-Ryders
02/26 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
02/27 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
02/28 – Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
03/02 – Kansas City, MO @ recordBar
03/03 – St. Louis, MO @ The Demo
03/05 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s
03/06 – Covington, KY @ Madison Live
03/08 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
03/09 – New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall
03/11 – Springfield, VA @ The Empire
03/16 – Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic w/Pianos Become Teeth
03/22 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad
03/25 – San Diego, CA @ HOB Voodoo Room