Browsing Tag

synth

Remilekun funked up gospel in her euphorically liberating single, Put Your Weights Down

Posted on 21 November 2023

The one and only luminary, Remilekun, is back on our radar with the momentously uplifting single, Put Your Weights Down, and once again, her unfaltering zeal has driven us to evocative euphoria.

Definitively proving that gospel doesn’t need to adhere to any genre, Put Your Weights Down put synthy funk and disco rhythms behind the ultimate good vibe anthem, which is destined to resonate with everyone. The universally infectious track hits every conceivable mark as it compels you to move to the beat and unshackle yourself from what is holding you back and down.

This is far from the first time that we’ve found reverence for the soulful force, but this new single which captures the electricity of a live performance reached the pinnacle of mindful exhilaration. The essential playlist staple will lift any mood as it encapsulates the artist’s journey from singing covers to leading a ninety-member choir. It mirrors the impact of her inspirational and transformational leadership – get behind her; you won’t regret it.

Raised by a single mother who instilled in her resilience and creativity, Remilekun’s music is imbued with the courage to overcome life’s storms. Put Your Weights Down is not just a song; it’s a narrative of perseverance and a beacon for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances. It’s Remilekun’s musical prowess and heartening background that make this track—and her—an essential presence in the landscape of gospel and inspirational music. I can’t help but adore her.

Put Your Weights Down was officially released on November 11; check it out on Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FanFixion took synth wave into dark unchartered waters with ‘Jackets Domain’

Posted on 19 August 2023

The US-based artist and producer FanFixion surpassed the synth wave trend with his 3-track project, Bleach Bitten, featuring the ensnaringly glitchy standout single, Jackets Domain.

As the emotions run high, the synth lines soak the darkwave score with atmospheric electricity which bridges the gap between new wave synthpop artists such as The Midnight and EBM icons including VNV Nation and Covenant.

With the inventive use of distortion to the hooky vocal melodies to amplify the intrinsic sense of disquietness and rock nuances bleeding into the hit that will leave your heart in your throat as soon as the chorus hits, it is safe to say that FanFixion has been triumphant in his mission to push synth wave into dark unchartered waters.

FanFixion released his 3-track single, Bleach Bitten, on August 11th; stream it in full via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

All Figured Out: Charlotte rockers The Phantom Friends urges us to let it out on Can’t You See

Posted on 31 December 2022

Sung with an exceedingly vigorous intensity which shall tremble through the windows like a fresh breeze of vibrance, The Phantom Friends return with a wall-breaking experience for many to learn from on Can’t You See.

The Phantom Friends is a Charlotte, USA-based indie synth rock band who formulates those stadium-like soundtracks to jump around with.

”Is about getting through to the people you love or getting through to yourself when you know there are frivolous things in the way of your happiness. It’s about clearing out the negativity in your life and saying the things that are not always easy to say.” ~ The Phantom Friends

Laden with a bone-shaking edge and brimming with a confident aura to surpass all expectations, The Phantom Friends slide in our ears with excellent aplomb and shall help all lost hearts heal up again.

Can’t You See from Charlotte, USA-based indie synth rock band The Phantom Friends is a flourishingly energetic single to wash those self-doubts away with. Performed with a rather incredible velocity and belted out like a classic 90s track, this is a gem to play on repeat when a new door needs to open.

When you realize what you need to do in order to be happy, everything changes.

Tune in on Spotify. See more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Leave It Behind: Keelan X is ready to embrace himself again on The Other Side

Posted on 3 December 2022

After using this abominable pandemic to rediscover his love for music again, Keelan X got those synths and drum machines striding rather sweetly together on the fine new single to play on loud, The Other Side.

Keelan X is an Ireland/London, UK-based indie synth-pop singer-songwriter who is inspired by those David Bowie-like classics to warm the heart with.

“The song has its origins in one of those 3 o’clock in the morning conversations I have with myself. Thoughts bubbling up from the unconscious, nudging at me. The song is essentially about me tentatively embracing my “other side” and dipping my toe back into musical waters – writing and recording music again. I think most people have some other side to themselves that they draw a veil over, another side we bury or let slip as life progresses. That part of you is always whispering in your ear and tapping you on your shoulder, waiting for you on the other side.” ~ Keelan X

Formulated so well and constructed with tailored class, Keelan X returns to great heights and shall improve the mindset of so many lost souls. Feeling that fire again after going deep within to find his purpose, we find a newly reinvigorated spirit to shine brightly with.

The Other Side from Ireland/London, UK-based indie synth-pop artist Keelan X is a rather striking effort for anyone who knows where their love is. Unlocking so much effortless charm and vocals to marvel at like it was the 80s again, this is a top song to be inspired by when the appetite is still there for more.

If you are hungry enough, anything is possible.

See this fab new music video on YouTube and see more energy on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Wildb0y drops unifying message about finding the love again on ‘You Are All Beautiful’ (feat. Fraser Anderson)

Posted on 29 March 2022

Sizzling the airwaves with something supremely uplifting and highly memorable, Wildb0y shows us that the world can indeed be a better place for all on ‘You Are All Beautiful‘ (feat. Fraser Anderson).

Tom Wilding aka Wildb0y is a passionate UK-based multi-instrumentalist, music producer and self-described synth obsessive artist who has moved into the solo world after making tracks for others for the past 20 years.

”As a co-writer and producer, Wilding helped to launch the career of Number One artist Gabrielle Aplin, and has recorded and produced for Grammy-nominated Yola Carter and global superstars Melanie C and Shane Filan of Westlife.” ~ Wildb0y

Featuring the brilliant Bristol-based artist Fraser Anderson, this is an exhilarating first single release from Wildb0y that will rev up your engine as you get that body to slide like a new sports car on the open highway.

”I’ve been dreaming this up a long time. It combines so much of what I love about music: technical challenge, creative exploration and emotional connection. For me, music is like medicine. It lifts me up in dark times and helps me feel connected. It reminds me that I am not alone. We all need that, now more than ever.” ~ Wildb0y

‘You Are All Beautiful‘ (feat. Fraser Anderson) from the progressive house/techno artist and music producer Wildb0y, is a speaker-shaker that will send you into a smile-filled world. This is a bounce-heavy track that has been made with so much class, by an artist who has opened the door of the solo life and sounds highly invigorated beyond previous levels of fathomable expectation.

Hear this top club track on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Elias Kopp advocates autonomy in his hooky indie synth-pop single, No One Knows

Posted on 15 March 2022
https://soundcloud.com/eliaskopp/no-one-knows

Elias Kopp declared “normal is the dirtiest of words” in his latest breakbeat synth-pop single, No One Knows; we wholeheartedly agree. There’s nothing quite as tragic as the thought of so many minds coming of age while striving for an ideal that isn’t reachable. But the Brighton/Southeast UK-based artist more than played his part in ensuring that fewer souls tarnish by the quest for normalcy that strips autonomy.

No One Knows isn’t the first single from Kopp to thrive upon dark narratives and came to life through his evocative vocals. Since making his debut, his hooky became a firm fixture on BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 6. We would put money on a bright 2022 for Kopp. His tendency to put his emotional intelligence before his ego is addictive. Save a space on your radar.

No One Knows will officially release on March 15th, 2022. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud and the artist’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Acrid Key has ‘Nothing to Lose’ in their Lynchian synth-pop meets electronic rock single.

Posted on 23 December 2021

“Nothing to Lose” is the latest Lynchian feat of soothing alt synth-pop from the up and coming experimental luminary Acrid Key. Once the Twin Peaks vibes in the intro are out of the way, the wavy distorted guitar tones continue to hammer and shine through in the downtempo instrumental mix in an indulgently hypnotic fashion.

The US-based artist and producer released Nothing to Lose as an entrancing showcase of his alt-indie inclination. Instead of following fads and making attempts at assimilation, Acrid Key follows his own vibe and lays them out in trippy synth-laced grooves. With that in mind, the hazy discordantly-tinted soundscape becomes all the more efficacious in aiding aural escapism.

Nothing to Lose is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Those Skies Above: Memphis band Dream Crusher Hope Smasher look to the heavens for inspiration on ‘Grey Foxes’

Posted on 13 November 2021
Vertebrate Moves by Dream Crusher Hope Smasher

Taken off their engrossing 5-track EP which has been bone-chillingly named Vertebrate Moves, Dream Crusher Hope Smasher are quite absorbing on their remember-this-day new single called ‘Grey Foxes‘.

Dream Crusher Hope Smasher is a high-octane synth-rock band performing with a real purpose, who is from Memphis, Tennessee.

”A mash-up of misadventure, mid-life crisis and potentially credit score lowering musical algorithms, Dream Crusher Hope Smasher is the sum of its parts.” ~ Dream Crusher Hope Smasher

You feel the insides of your awaiting core take you to a place you couldn’t have expected before, as the flourishing vocals are so crisply toned like a toasted sandwich made just right. The saucy soundscape has been made with just the right flavour too, as you feel a sudden warmth wrap all over you to help you build up the previously lost energy.

‘Grey Foxes‘ from the Memphis, Tennessee-based indie synth-rock act Dream Crusher Hope Smasher, is a thrilling experience that is all about making it through whatever struggles you are going through. You can either sit back and let everything go through you or take a step forward to reach those goals you have set for yourself. This is a movie-type soundtrack that has been made with such elegance that it shines through all over your awaiting soul to embrace lovingly, just as those great songs do.

Hear this fine new single via Bandcamp and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Dogjoy takes ‘Control’ in their autonomy embodying feat of alt-electro.

Posted on 12 November 2021

Floridian alt electro-pop duo, Dogjoy, have released their most entrancing single to date with the bit-crushing seminal track, Control. The dance-worthy  hit combines the duo’s love of 808s against distorted synths and lush vocal melodies; it’s a bitter-sweet aural pill that fans of Chemical Brothers, Caribou and Crystal Castles will want on prescription.

With the hypnotically layered vocals emanating empowered autonomy, it’s an intoxicating inhibition-stripping track like no other – imagine Peaches’ sultrier sonic cousin.

Control was officially released on November 11th. It is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I Just Need You To Know: Brecon Guthrie sings with purpose on ‘How To Be Better’

Posted on 8 November 2021

With a smoothly transformed outlook and curiously catchy vocals to supremely brighten up our dull lives, Brecon Guthrie returns with a freshly sprinkled new single with his latest track ‘How To Be Better‘.

Founded and kept alive by Chris Adam, Brecon Guthrie is a Glasgow, Scotland-based indie pop solo artist.

Fusing in that sassy synthy soundscape and pounding the sensually shuddering speakers in almost reckless abandon, he expertly layers some deliciously memorable guitar work which is up there with the best in the game.

There is much to enjoy here from a terrific singer on the top of his game – with a sweetly produced soundtrack that you will find yourself dancing to – as the nosy neighbors open their curtains to take a pesky peek. The energy is alive like the feeling you get when you are swimming underwater in a clear blue ocean with colorful fish nibbling at your naked feet, as there is so much to feel healed by on this tremendously fluid effort.

‘How To Be Better‘ from the Glasgow, Scotland-based indie pop act, Brecon Guthrie, is a lovely single from an artist on a mission to move up to a new level in life and leave the past behind. He sings with a meaningful attitude and simmering a souful gaze, as he brightens up the airwaves with this highly enjoyable new single.

Check out this high tempo effort on Soundcloud and see more news via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen