Soft Metals offer further evidence for Portland, Oregon's role as a hotbed of indie-dance action. The duo is clearly in love with the brittle drums and supple synths of '80s synth-pop and house; its members also happen to be in love with each other, their relationship an outgrowth of their musical collaborations. As a result, their self-titled debut album departs from cold-wave anomie, focusing on the more intimate aspects -- and humid dance-floor proclivities -- of influences like Depeche Mode, Propaganda and Clan of Xymox.