The creative alchemy of two former jingle writers—Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian—is at the core of Capital Cities, an L.A. outfit that offers captivating, synth-infused indie pop. The group's debut, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, fuses a wall of shimmering keyboards, percolating ‘80s synth bass, and brisk electronic beats. Don’t miss their performance at iTunes Festival at SXSW on March 13.