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.
Synth Pop
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.
Confidently walking the line between the profoundly personal and the broadly accessible – Denver-based artist Jaid captures a sense of intimacy and vastness united, for the all-consuming soundscape, provocative reflections, and uplifting energy, of his latest single Last Dance.
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.
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.