ULTRAVOX.

Ultravox builds pop in which electronic patterns and band instruments complement each other. The vocals can open a broad melody while synthesizers and rhythm establish a tight environment. A short guitar line or other instrumental color gives that environment an unexpected twist. The songs leave room for drama, but use clear structures to continually lead the tension to a new moment.

Listening to the Ultravox on vinyl preserves the alternation between rhythmic directness and longer melodic passages. A LP also emphasizes the transitions: a different timbre or a restrained lead-in alters how the next track begins. In addition to the vocals, listen to the balance between keyboards and guitars; that is where the choices made in the band's sound become clearly audible.

A vinyl album gives the music a fixed order and a tangible place in your collection. Give the lesser-known pieces time as well, and follow the transitions within a side of the record.

Explore the musical background via electro and pop.