Foster The People is a three-piece band from sunny Los Angeles, and I came upon them recently when I learned they sold out two shows in New York, at prime small venues, with only a three-song EP to their name. Dug into the situation further and found they have already had a hit Down Under, and that they signed to a major right out of the box.

In a lot of ways, I'd say these guys are in the running for the best band from L.A. since Jane's Addiction, even though the two acts have zero in common. FTP is highly electronic, with live drums, a keyboard ace, (a second keyboard ace live,) and a frontman who plays keys, percussion and guitar. Their songs have the touch of grime and grit that are a modern hallmark, but they also know how to write tracks with hooks-a-plenty. You'll be singing along by the second listen, I promise.

I should also note the edgy undertone to the band's lyrics. Breakthrough single "Pumped Up Kicks" chronicles the build-up to a school shooting, and this cut centers on being poisoned, if I caught the lyrics correctly. But in the video, the females down front at this recent gig in Brisbane seem not to mind, and I'm in their corner. Don't miss these guys; they blend the sweet and sour in a distinctive way, and I'd say they definitely deserve a spot on your summer playlists.

On iTunes: Foster The People / "Helena Beat"