If you’re anywhere near the music scene in NY you’re familiar with the absolute explosion of electro-pop bands like MGMT and Passion Pit. I certainly love these bands and while I’m not about to claim that they are ground breaking musicians or song writers, they are catchy and fun to listen and dance to. That said, beware: beyond their upbeat, colorful, uber-pop is something very sinister….

They say that fashion in financial downturns becomes colorful and showy to give people something to smile about despite other more negative aspects of life. I don’t mean extravagant in price or ‘luxurious’ as it were…but more flamboyant in accessories, colors, styles, etc. Styles that need not be more expensive thought; if the trend is what it is there will be options at all price levels. This has been reflected in the growing focus on mens fashion and how the things men are wearing today are much more daring and colorful than in recent years. Articles about this have been in the Times, GQ, etc. so I won’t rant further about it. Another example I’ve noticed recently is that the aforementioned electro-pop scene has adopted quite a flamboyant style of its own. One reminiscent of a wonderfully horrific time in our fashion history….let’s take a look at some of the big bands on the scene right now:

First, and arguable foremost, is MGMT:

Here’s a little montage from Around the Bend by Asteroids Galaxy tour….

How about these shots from Dress to Digress by Boy Crisis….

Last one….Here’s an album shot of Empire of the Sun….

Look familiar at all? The flowy shimmering gowns…the old school repeated rainbow mirror imaging in the music videos…the bohemian/glam beads, sequin accessories and patterned tunics….long hair and mustaches behind a soft focus camera lens and back lit glowing smoke. Anyone? Anyone?

That’s right! Disco. Make your own judgments based on personal tastes and experiences….but the similarities are striking. Here is a compilation of screen shots from classic disco videos.

Perhaps the crowds that see these bands will start channeling Travolta in both attitude and appearance. We’d all be better off….right?