2Almost

2Almost is an American pop‑synth duo that emerged from the indie scene of Portland, Oregon. The project was founded in 2019 by vocalist and guitarist Alex Rivera and producer‑drummer Maya Chen, both of whom had previously collaborated in a local garage band. The name “2Almost” reflects the duo’s focus on the liminal space between mainstream pop conventions and experimental electronic textures.

Rivera and Chen first gained notice through a series of self‑released EPs on Bandcamp, drawing praise for their blend of nostalgic 1980s synthwave beats with contemporary lo‑fi production. Their sound is characterized by melodic vocal lines, layered synth arpeggios, and a penchant for cinematic string arrangements, often juxtaposed with subtle IDM influences. The duo has cited artists such as CHVRCHES, M83, and The Left Banke as key inspirations.

In 2020 the group released their debut full‑length album “Halfway Horizon,” which received favorable reviews from outlets like Pitchfork and Resident Advisor. The record achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Following the album, 2Almost undertook a small touring circuit on the West Coast, performing at festivals such as SXSW and Primavera Sound, where they featured a live string quartet accompaniment.

Their sophomore effort, “Nearly There,” dropped in 2022 and expanded their sonic palette to incorporate elements of jazz vocalise and ambient soundscapes. The lead single “Eclipse” entered the Spotify Viral 50 playlist for two consecutive weeks. In addition to studio work, the duo has maintained an active presence on social media, collaborating with visual artists to produce animation‑infused music videos.

As of 2024, 2Almost is working on a third studio album slated for release later in the year, while simultaneously engaging in several cross‑disciplinary projects, including a soundtrack commission for an independent short film and a limited‑edition line of synth hardware. Their approach to music production is noted for its emphasis on analog circuitry blended with digital mastering, aiming to preserve warmth within a contemporary pop framework.