Self-penned as left-wing synth-pop and electronica, a contemporary take on political protest music – the aptly named and rather unforgettable Debt Shop Boi delivers a series of boldly scathing original songs, and soundscapes that rain down with the hypnotic multi-coloured depth of eras past.
Synth Pop
Dance-pop and synth-wave crossover artist Barbara Romanov, building tracks out of dreamy, impassioned vocals and purposeful writing, lights up the indie space with a handful of originals this year – not least of all the anthemic eighties groove and infectious hook of Do It With You.
It’s a devastating ending, but the calm and quiet of the music, the humility and tiredness of the vocal, all counters the impact of this – making it feel like a necessary surrender of sorts, to the unsolvable desperation and ache of searching for someone who can’t be found.
Introducing the perfect electro-pop track to immerse yourself in this season – Charlotte Jade blends pop perfection with eighties synth-wave and a deep groove, for the smooth and engaging BACK TO YOU.
Continuing the creative climb, the latest single from an ever-mysterious Love The Magician emerges in the form of a multi-layered, colourful and calming instrumental – a synth-pop arrangement of cascading layers that work towards a dreamy overall finish.
The Bad Bubble saga continues, this time backed by Electric Eden Records for that extra boost. February is a pristinely established new album, beginning as ever with an instrumental string and synth atmospheric opener, then quickly rising up for the multi-layered vocal depth and satisfying resolve of Chivalry.
Originally an acoustic guitar stomp of a track with a Taylor Swift-esque story and tone, That’s So True is completely reinvented under this light. Jon has taken the vocal in full, slowed things down, and injected a heavy dose of distorted synth chords and a mellow slap of a rhythm, to give the song a deeply consuming and ethereal style.
Indie duo The fin. explore the depths of human expression, with their latest artistic venture that is the evocative synth-pop EP Echoes.
As Love Forever rains into view, we’re instantly reminded of the hypnotic multi-coloured chaos of Isaiah’s unique production, and the distant and equally recognisable tone of that leading voice.
Creative composer, musician and philosopher Lauri Järvilehto highlights a broadly appealing scope of sound quite instantly, with the engaging rhythms and evocative yet retro synth choices of his album Songs About Sadness. The project is quick to redirect expectations, with the heavy tones and somewhat cinematic, sci-fi mystique of Alive With You, then quick again … Continued
Kiki writes stories about both her own life and the scenes she’s witnessed and experienced in the world around her. Not everything is personal, hence these projects being overloaded with unpredictable twists and turns. It makes the music fun, engaging, original, and clearly indicative of an artist with a relentless drive to create.
TASKS has balanced the appeal of the mainstream with the humanity and realism of the underground with Bring On The Flood. Impressive songwriting, a pleasure to listen to at volume.