Inspired by the seventies and eighties, Pennan Brae’s Arcade stands tall on its dedicative musicality, yet also makes sure to weave in a clear sense of identity.
Eighties
The California sound is alive and well, and there’s no better time to delve in and appreciate the uplift and musicianship of this professionally crafted, largely cheerful collection.
Soulful simplicity captivates from the outset, as songwriter and artist PHINYX releases the third track from her upcoming EP Bad Girls.
Nightbird Casino return to enchant listeners, with the beautifully hypnotic, cascading synth tones of a dreamy and seductive Sunglasses After Sex.
Recorded on a TEAC 4-track tape machine back in the eighties, Bad Dream celebrates immersive, purposeful songwriting and production, with a multi-layered and dreamy array of synth-led original songs.
Cardiff’s own electro-rock extraordinaires The Vanities storm through with a full-length album of absolute anthems this season.
Big beats and the blissfully nostalgic embrace of melodic synths and multiple layers of colour – Coolmowee brings back the dance-pop weight and warmth of a simpler era, with a series of catchy releases.
Creative is the key, the track showcasing strength of ability in both the unorthodox intricacies and the sheer weight and immersive energy of the drops.
Jordana Moon and Tom Aries join forces as the indie duo Moon and Aries, promising originals that fuse retro tones and contemporary, sci-fi-style intricacies, with a clear thread of identity.
Collaborative strength and absolute awareness from a catchy pop perspective, the unmissable dance anthem Red Jordans proves nostalgically soulful yet contemporary.
Freshly crafted with a fine combination of crisp, contemporary elements and clear eighties inspiration – producer Maxime Luft delves into the art-form with passion and precision.
Stunning, in short – a defiant highlight from the year so far, rooted amidst some legendary sounds but more firmly connected to the clear identity and artistic intention of the band.