Listening to “He Was Worse Than The Needle He Gave You,” It’s hard to believe The Delta Mirror was a hip-hop group once: the gossamer shoegaze atmospheres and haunted indie vocals of frontman Craig Gordon seem far away from any boom bap. But then the beat kicks in, and you realize that Delta Mirror (also David Bolt on computer/keyboards and Karrie K on vocals) know how to make a supple electronic groove. More importantly, they know how to write a crucial, affecting song amid all the synth swells and cathedral reverb, “I write empty songs and the words don’t bother me,” Gordon sings here, but he’s being ironic: Delta Mirror share aesthetic similarities with, say, Postal Service, but instead of going electro-pop, they shoot for something that’s darker and more satisfying, yet still catchy as hell. As well, on March 16th Delta Mirror are releasing their fantastic debut album Machines That Listen on the Lefse imprint—home to chillwave stars Neon Indian—but the depth of their craft makes Gordon and co. transcend mere blog genre. Sure, you can play spot the influence on “He Was Worse Than The Needle He Gave You,” but it’s how Delta Mirror ties it all together makes it totally unique, individual and sublime—and just try getting it out of your head after hearing it just once. No wonder Pitchfork gave Delta Mirror a sky-high 8 rating: this is a new band to follow in 2010. And if you’re in the L.A. area, see Delta Mirror free every Monday in March at The Echo, as they are the lastest buzz band to be picked to play a month-long residency at the revered hipster hangout.