NEW YORK — Coed electro-pop duo Parallels craft intricate ’80s-influenced synth rhythms reminiscent of upbeat Depeche Mode.

Consisting of former Crystal Castles’ drummer Cameron Findlay and frontwoman Holly Dodson, Parallels are riding a wave of hype on the heels of their debut album, “Visionaries.”

[podcast]https://blastmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PetSemetary_RamonesCover.mp3[/podcast]
Listen to a cover of The Ramones song “Pet Semetary”

Dodson recently shared some of her personal music tastes with Blast.

BLAST: Describe your sound in 10 words or less.

HOLLY DODSON: Dreamy dance floor pop with electronic undertones.

BLAST: Which three artists are your biggest influences?

HD: Of all time it would be Kate Bush, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.

BLAST: What’s your favorite album of 2010 so far?

HD: Besides “Visionaries” (ha!), Arcade Fire put out a real good album (“The Suburbs.”)

BLAST: If you were going to spend the rest of your life on a desert island, which three albums would you bring with you?

HD: “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac, “Cosmo’s Factory” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Two Suns” by Bat for Lashes

BLAST: Name a song you wish you’d written.

HD: There are lots, but right now I’d choose “Pet Semetary” by The Ramones, so we covered it!

BLAST: Name something non-musical that has inspired your songwriting.

HD: I always read something from the Romantic era for inspiration whenever I need a fix.

BLAST: What was your first concert?

HD: I think it was Neil Diamond. One of my childhood friends was weirdly obsessed with him so her mom got some tickets and brought a bunch of 7-year-olds.

BLAST: What’s the number one thing you can’t live without on the road?

HD: Some good books.

BLAST: If you could ban one artist from ever making music again (or ever having made music), who would it be?

HD: Ke$ha. No offense …

BLAST: Which other acts are you hoping to see during CMJ Week?

HD: I’m excited for the High Rise/Pop Culture Showcase that we’ll be playing, with Natalia Kills and ArpLine, just to name two. Plus lots of other amazing artists!

Parallels plays Backstage Bar at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday and The Bell House at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.

About The Author

Elizabeth Raftery is senior editor of Blast. Follow her on Twitter.

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