We hear fragments of anger, gritty reflections and ideas, but otherwise it’s the music that takes precedence – which is actually a brilliant encapsulation of the very concept at hand. The voice of conscience is quiet, taking a backseat over the stylistic requirements of a mainstream audience. “I sold out… I f*cked up…” These words are nearly silent echoes amidst an otherwise celebratory instrumental wave of music.
Synth Wave
Norway producer Indieclimb impressively brings together the evocatively ambient and the boldly intense. LEGACY is a fascinating original track, built around the unique pairing of a siren-like riff and atmospheric synths that emotively descend underneath it.
Big beats and euphoric synths, a mass of detail united within a dreamy blanket of escapism – Bryyo kicks off the hypnotic EP Past, with the pristinely ethereal tones and hopeful melodies of Visor.
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.
This World Belongs To Everyone is everything its title implies – a song devoted to unity and community, but also directly addressing the individuals who listen; there is time to change, there is always more, and regret is a heavy burden to carry.
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.
Originality and organic inspiration unite brilliantly for this release, a producer making fine use of both professionalism and playfulness at the creative helm. Mario Tha Great (MTG) connects with artistic flair and consistency combined, for the quickly recognisable tone and tempo of Ascend.
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
Presenting an intoxicating depth of sound from the ambient to the intense, Icelandic artist Sporfari pairs industrial rhythms with synth-wave arrangements and impassioned vocals, for the likes of the enchanting to euphoric new electronica anthem Echoes.
In my opinion, this is categorically the most memorable, musically satisfying, and perhaps emotionally impactful song from the extensive Bad Bubble repertoire to date. It’s a step in the direction of simplicity and realism in both the clarity and boldness of the voices, and in the honesty and relatable authenticity of the lyrics. The opening reference to Occam’s Razor is decidedly fitting; sometimes the simplest answers are the best.
Distinctly intertwining the atmospheric escapism of heavily synth-led dance production, with quirky and light vocals offering a pop-cinematic thread of humanity, T-TAURI captures a sense of urgency and calm united, for the impactful and memorable Behind The Crowd.
Big vibes from a retro electronic Odd Cadet – I Should Go is the nostalgic new anthem, and is all at once catchy, evocative, and powerfully immersive.