NYC-based duo Exitmusic will play Gabe’s on Saturday, April 6. The group’s songs of lost romance and haunting loneliness hit upon common themes, but singer Aleksa Palladino’s wavering vocals build tension and longing in a way that feels neither forced nor melodramatic. Together, the two musicians (Aleska Palladino and Devon Church) feature a strong theatrical style full of restrained guitar and subtle keyboard lines.

Exitmusic – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)kexpradio

Their most recent effort, Passage, has received favorable reviews from critics for its ability to convey genuine emotion while avoiding the all-too familiar indie-rock trap of angst-driven dramatization.

Exitmusic – “Passage” (Official Video)secretlyjag

Yup. This Exitmusic album is still working for me.Nick Bate

Speaking on behalf of the album’s authentic feel, Pitchfork‘s Grayson Currin said, “More than a cash-in or credibility play, Passage simply pulls several familiar objects into one detailed picture, a predictably good look from a pair whose script seems every bit as written as much as lived.”

I’m in love with this song tonight. Exitmusic – The Night http://youtu.be/ecGIxdeWKrYBooker Noe

Below are a few more tracks by Exitmusic, including a collaborative piece they put together with fellow Mission Creek Festival headliner Mister Lies.

Exitmusic – “The Hours”From “From Silence”

Exitmusic – “The Night”From “Passage,” out now!

Hounded (ft. Exitmusic)MOWGLI – 2/26/2013what you crave / a voice from silencewhat you crave / on replayface yourselftakes time / to trust what you se…

@weareEXITMUSIC your vocals on the new Mister Lies are gorgeous. just sayin.Cars 2

As a side note, readers may recognize singer Aleksa Palladino from her role as Angela Darmody on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

Aleksa Palladino – Boardwalk Empire Wiki[view] [talk] Aleksa Palladino, born September 21, 1980 in New York City, New York, USA, is an…