Soft Metals are arguably one of the most tastefully executed electronic acts in Portland. Ian Hicks' sonic layering of vintage drum machines and synthesizers creates the perfect backdrop for bandmate Patricia Hall's emotionally driven lyrics. Together the duo pays homage to many of the great electronic artists of the past 35 years, and creates a sound reminiscent of many of the godfathers of experimental electronic music (such as Chris and Cosey and Section 25). With their debut self-titled full-length LP out on Captured Tracks, the future looks promising for Soft Metals. ARIAN JALALI