Tag: synth pop

Fatal Jamz Drop Cult Star

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I didn’t have a ton of time, but I absolutely couldn’t resist posting this seductive Fatal Jamz tune that just dropped today. It’s a synth pop croon performance for the ages, part nostalgia, but every bit stepping into the present; especially when the chorus slides into the picture, toying with the song’s structure. There’s something in this that also feels like a nod to Pet Shop Boys, which occurs right when the song sets up that aforementioned chorus, ultimately leaving with this delectable little morsel of pop that you’ll be devouring all day long. Whether you choose to dance alone in the dark or drive down that lonesome highway, this song should be on the stereo.

Another Tune from the Grey Factor Reissue LP

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Listening on repeat this morning, it’s crazy to even think that Grey Factor were crafting tracks like this in the late 70s/early 80s; I mean how the fuck did the musical world go so wrong! Honestly, the slow-pacing of the band’s synth construction here seems perfectly fit for our world, a reminder that we should all allow ourselves to slow down. As the band does this, the fuzz of the synths buzz your ears, the guitar notes twinkling in the distance, creating this cavernous feel, adding a huge depth to the vibe. You’re seduced by the blanketing solemnity of the vocals, then as you reach the 2 minute mark they erupt with an almost pained burst of joy, raising the song even further. Grey Factor: 1979-1980 AD – The Complete Studio Recordings will be available on January 27th via Damaged Disco.

Eye Tiger Drop Touchdown + Release Autumn Tropical

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If ever there was a sucker for a propulsive little beat and a heavy croon on top, I’d be that guy. Chicago’s Eye Tiger definitely fits that bill, particularly with “Touchdown.” From the start, it gets right under you skin, creeping along those muscular lines and getting you to tap your toes. Synth craftsman Evan Ennis drapes his deep tones on top, careful not to weigh down the hook here; I love that everything seems so perfectly balanced there, allowing melody and bounce to mingle at the party. If you’re digging it, or enjoy acts like Black Marble, might we suggest you give a listen to the debut Autumn Tropical? Do so!

Fatal Jamz Share Eternity

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I’m pretty much a sucker for any brand of synthetic pop, particularly if it’s got a shade of darkness…which this Fatal Jamz tune has, both in the song’s origin and the overall vibe here. The track arose in the months following the passing of a dear friend of singer Marion. I think you can hear some of the open wounds still being processed in the presentation, with this almost nakedness hanging out there a bit for the listener. Most of that revolves around the fragility of the vocals, but I think the cavernous feel illustrates Marion’s push to climb from the darkness of those times and bring a bit more light into the world. Loving this jam for sure.

100% Share Abandon Single

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Australia’s synth pop outfit 100% are set to release their debut album pretty soon here, so they’ve decided to entice us with this heavy darkwave track so we can be prepared. “Abandon” is a mixture of beats and synth washes to create this cavernous background that hangs just behind the vocals. For their part, the vocals are emphatic in their delivery, punching in a sense, though mixed in with the musical elements, they’re likely to entrance you, beckoning you into the tune like haunting sirens. Maybe it’s a little dark for your morning, but wanted to keep you in the know so you can be on the lookout for Clear Visions when it drops later this year via It Records.

Urban Heat Shares Have You Ever Single

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Jonathan Hortsmann has been a vital part of Austin’s music scene, but his work with his new project Urban Heat seems as important as anything he’s done. The pulsing synth work in this new single has a throbbing line that bursts to the front of the track, captivating you as Hortsmann wraps his voice around the tune. Lyrically, the song asks the listener to question their existence and their belief systems as a human…which, unfortunately, seems ultra-important as the US descends into a regressive cultural moment. Perhaps we can take the tiniest crumb of solace knowing that folks like Jonathan are going to continue to craft music that challenges us to not only enjoy, but to grow and be better through that enjoyment.

Tempers Announce New Meaning

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I was hyper-focused on getting our Year End Albums list up, so I missed the announcement that there is a new Tempers LP coming out early next year. The press release for this tune listed their new record as something to be defined at “quietly intense,” and I think that’s perfectly fitting having spent a few days with this single. It’s got that classic synth pop sound, though the beats aren’t overindulgent, allowing this light propulsion to kick the song forward; it almost creates its own tension the way it never quite seems to reach full speed. When you mix that with these heavenly vocal notes, you understand that things in this world really do operate on multiple levels. Enjoy this tune, and keep an eye out on New Meaning next April via Dais.

Azure Blue Shares Define Your Dreams

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To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Rule of Thirds, Tobias Isaksson and his Azure Blue project share a brand new single, with hints at a future record on the way. This one hits hard immediately, pulling in a pulsing synth beat and these heavy grooves that drive the track forward. The song flirts with a dark edged vibe, though Isaksson’s voice constantly provides a melodic flourish that’s hard to ignore; I love how his vocals always seem to have some calming gravitational pull while the tunes pulse and push around him. For now, we’ll let you enjoy this new tune courtesy of Hybris Records, but we’ll keep you in the loop as we get more info on the new LP.

Synth pop from Masculine Pain

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I want to be forthright and acknowledge that we’ve put out records by 2/3 of Masculine Pain (Big Bill/Literature/Tres Oui). That said, this trio has their pulse on their own brand of synth pop, crafting these seductive, nostalgic beats that are easily digestible, but primed for repeat plays. The band excels in the way they’ve layered the vocals throughout this tune; I think Eric’s voice is the perfect foil for Nate’s sweeping pop tendencies, particularly when they get into chorus mode…don’t be afraid to admit you’re swooning here. As of now, the band are just leaking out singles, so we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything else.

Synth Pop from Hallows

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It’s really interesting to hear what’s being accomplished in the electronic realm of things, like with the Seattle duo Hallows. I thought I had the song all figured out at first, bringing in this driving sparkling synth pop; it was like the sweeter little sister of Crystal Castles. But, then the song took a turn, switched vocalists, and catered to this dark, cavernous haunt, equally as enthralling, however. Things get even more exploratory in the last minute of the tune, bringing in both a little bit of the song’s natural pop tendencies mixed by the tune’s latter dangerous half. This track will appear on the group’s debut Subtle EP, out March 18th via Phage Tapes.

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