Category: Synth pop

Coldwave, Post Punk, Synth popLeave a comment

Par Avion – Par Avion

Tom

I have been listening to a lot of compilations featuring minimal synth/coldwave tracks from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s over the past couple of months and this new EP from Ukrainian outfit Par Avion sounds like it could have jumped from any one of them. These tracks have an extreme retro feel about them none more so than the excellent Simulakra that sounds likes The Normal’s Warm Leatherette crossed with Kraftwerk’s Pocket Calculator. Another high-quality release that is amazingly available on a pay what you want basis from Bandcamp. Continue reading Par Avion – Par Avion

Alt Rock, Synth popLeave a comment

State of the Nation – Rotterdam

Tom

It’s hard not to compare State Of The Nation to New Order and I am not going even to attempt to do so here. Suffice to say that this is a thoroughly enjoyable retro pop single that sounds like Blue Monday, Confusion and most of Brotherhood. Thankfully there are no pointless remixes this time around and you can get it digitally from Bandcamp. Another single entitled Amsterdam follows next month. I wonder what that will sound like? Facebook Continue reading State of the Nation – Rotterdam

Alt Rock, Coldwave, Garage, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Minimal/Cold Wave, Post Punk, Powerpop, Punk, Riot Grrrl, Shoegaze, Synth pop1 Comment

Records I Like Top 10 2016

Tom

Blimey. This year’s list was hard to compile given that I restrict myself to just 10 choices (self-inflicted stupidity!). I have been listening to plenty of punk, coldwave, indie-pop, riot grrrl, queercore, garage and post-punk but I think this selection is a fair reflection of my listening habits these past 12 months. Tracks missing the cut include the likes of Underworld, Joanna Gruesome, The Radio Dept., The Legends, Earth Girls,The Liminanas, Red Sleeping Beauty, Massive Attack, Jessica & The Fletchers, Vital Idles, Useless Youth, E’spaniel, Nice Try, Hate Week, Primetime, Tape Waves, The Wolfhounds, Merchandise, Slam, Blind Delon, Lad’s Mags, … Continue reading Records I Like Top 10 2016

Synth popLeave a comment

New Division – Precision

Tom

Vicious and Vices are taken from the forthcoming by EP from retro synthpop act New Division. It’s called Precision and will be released in mid-January. Both tracks here are a natural progression from last years thoroughly enjoyable Gemini album and if you cannot wait until the release date both these tracks are available digitally from the usual places. EDIT: 06/01/2017 Precision has now been released and is available on Bandcamp. Homepage Facebook Continue reading New Division – Precision

Dream Pop, Dreampop, Drone, indiepop, Krautrock, Post Punk, Shoegaze, Synth popLeave a comment

From Russia With Love

Tom

Three Russian bands for your enjoyment today including two who I have mentioned before. First up is Moscow’s Commis Voyageur whose new digital single Youth is about being young. Yeah I vaguely remember that. Anyway both tracks here, Moonlight and Submissive, are catchy synth led efforts with the former taking the glory as it is the most vigorous of the two. Available as a free download from Bandcamp. Facebook For The Empty is the new single from Herlights and like above this title does not appear on either of the two tracks that comprise it. Laidback dream pop at its … Continue reading From Russia With Love

Darkwave, Minimal/Cold Wave, Post Punk, Synth popLeave a comment

Blind Delon – Edouard EP

Tom

Excellent post-punk from French act Blind Delon via Spanish label Oráculo Records. The music is a mix of minimal synth-pop coupled with a fair share of Gothic undertones. Stuff like this really cheers me up no end and this EP has been on regular play for the past week. Excellent stuff and is recommended for fans of Factory Benelux and Les Disques du Crépuscule for one (or should that be two?). Available on 12″ vinyl or digitally. Facebook Continue reading Blind Delon – Edouard EP

Synth pop1 Comment

State Of The Nation – Departed (Remixes)

Tom

Hmmm. I wonder who this lot will sound like given their name? Well that’s a surprise. They sound like Slayer. Actually that’s a big lie. Of course they sound like a New Order lite right down to the bass lines. Mind you to be fair they also sound like The Pet Shop Boys on some of the gulp, seven remixes. Given that both those aforementioned bands have released two excellent albums these past few months you have to wonder if there is any need for the likes of State Of The Nation. Well maybe. The original edit of the track … Continue reading State Of The Nation – Departed (Remixes)

indiepop, Synth pop1 Comment

Red Sleeping Beauty – Mi Amor

Tom

Mi Amor is the second single since their comeback by Swedish indiepop legends Red Sleeping Beauty. It’s a fine piece of synthpop sung in both English and Spanish. An album, entitled Kristina, will be released later this year. The band will also be making their first live appearance in 19 years at this years Madrid Popfest. Mi Amor is out now on Shelflife Records and will also be released on Labrador Records. Facebook Continue reading Red Sleeping Beauty – Mi Amor