Cardiff indie pop dup The Vanities join forces this season with award-winning songwriter Kaysha Louvain, for a sharp and sultry 80’s venture that’s as nostalgic as it is smart, and unignorably catchy.
Synth Pop
Initially appealing for its Tim Minchin-esque vocal lead, The Earthquake’s Daughter soon becomes both an earworm and an alternative indie hit that’s lyrically refreshing. Ghost Rebel Club have a likeable sound, but in this case, it’s their snappy and alluring songwriting that really sets them apart.
From the dawn of the Bad Bubble audio experience – the first mention of Underscore, the historical poignancy of Future 9 – all of this has been with devout purpose; an artist intent on creating a legacy and lasting memory of a story and of his daughter. There are many heart-breaking and beautiful moments throughout the vast collection of albums, EPs and singles, but more relevantly, there are many, and perhaps some of the most impactful of all, to be found throughout a conclusion.
Sweeping sonic landscapes bring drama and depth, to an otherwise intimate singer-songwriter approach to vulnerability and expression. Australian artist LACHYO captures a uniquely meaningful series of moments, for the five-track EP Tell Me No.
Funky indie bass and guitar lays out a strong groove for pop-fusion, as ALEXIS dives into a colourful and upbeat debut, for the catchy synth-pop single Blue Jeans.
Lyrically vulnerable, melodically uninhibited – almost freeform – musically dreamy for its organic, lightly reverb-washed guitar sound; Orlando songwriter and singer Linndsyeah reflects on interpersonal connections, with I’m Not Her.
Sincerity and self-discovery, a conceptual realism and intimacy expressed through the intricate layering of dreamy synths, keys, and light rhythms. N!cole presents an ethereal walk through introspective thoughts and feelings, with the evocative embrace of getting there (somewhere).
Retro electro-pop and synth-wave join forces, for a smooth and gamer-esque array of tones, melodies and vocoder-style effects. Odd Cadet blends the robotic and heartfelt, with This Is Goodbye.
Electronic alternative pop, ambient electro soundscapes and pulsating eighties grooves, catchy retro vocals – Imbermind balance the ethereal and gritty, with the introspective wonder of Never Ending.
Cinematic synth-pop, a sense of story and intention, combined with a performative flair and purposeful design – of both groove and melody. Renowned and vastly streamed indie artist GRAE releases her intoxicating new album 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, capturing attention with the spoken scene-setting of American Dream, and proceeding to tighten her grip with the darker vibes and vocal charm of a distinct pop classic Dark Energy.
Originality matters more than ever, and this could be in your lyrics, your voice, your performative energy, your production or intentions. It could be combination of all of these. In this case, Sara Diana walks along a line that’s fairly nostalgic and familiar, but quickly captures a sense of pure identity and story that’s entirely her own.
Creatively bringing together a timeless synth and dance-pop arrangement, with deeply personal lyrics and a boldly distinct vocal sound – Revived Echoes delivers a poetically complex ode to romantic longing, with Hypnotised.