SYNTHESE are a Russian post-punk act who sing not only in their native language but in German and English too. When I first heard their blend of coldwave, minimal and synthpop hooks I was immediately impressed and purchased their own discography. It was my own, and very small, Victor Kiam moment. After a few singles and one EP Show is the band’s debut album.

The opening track German Disco is emotionally cold and very early Mute Records like. Высоковольтные провода continues with an empty, harsh metallic sound but still manages to derive some emotion. Elements of italio-disco appear on Просто друзья before they revert to a dystopian, sometimes industrial sound on Провалиться целиком.

On tracks like Marmalade Rainbow, SYNTHESE introduce rhythmic patterns that inject energy into the track, in order to ensure that Show flows freely as possible. The band maintain an ability to keep the listener engaged throughout by alternating between moments of calm before following it up with bursts of synths that add excitement, grabbing the listener’s attention, as demonstrated on the likes of Закрой глаза.

This prevents Show following a somewhat formulaic pattern, adding diversity to a genre and sound that easily stagnates. That said, at times the songs do have a tendency to blur into one and another. I think this works to SYNTHESE advantage in order for them to create this excellent soundtrack for the sometimes dystopic world we find ourselves in.

Show is out now in digital formats.

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