Browsing Tag

Synthpop

Pop Meets Darkwave in Skull Smith’s Latest Single “The Ghost of Mr. Hyde”

Posted on 12 March 2020

There were many saccharine love songs released on Valentine’s day. Up and coming artist Skull Smith’s Gothically romantic release “The Ghost of Mr. Hyde” certainly was never in danger of falling into that category.

With lyrics revolving around the ghost of someone’s shadow-side, naturally, the single was a darkly tantalising tale.

The Ghost of Mr. Hyde doesn’t fall into the usual realms of Industrial or Synthwave. Instead, through Skull Smith’s Pop-style vocals mixed with the progressive instrumentals, you’re treated to a soundscape which is far more theatrical.

From ethereal organs to sonic blasts of almost psychedelic synths which would be fitting in a Rock Opera you’ll find a smorgasbord of influence in The Ghost of Mr. Hyde. Evidently, Skull Smith isn’t an artist who concerns themselves with genre constraints.

The instrumentals may be consistently progressive. Yet, one thing which remains as a constant is the captivating nuanced draw of Skull Smith’s effortless vocal harmonies. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but those with darker aural inclinations will undoubtedly appreciate what Skull Smith has to offer.

You can check out Skull Smith’s latest single for yourselves via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ReveLever – Play with the Fire: A Synthpop Minefield of Melodic Hooks

Posted on 12 March 2020

I’m fairly convinced that old school 80s analogue synths will never lose their mesmeric appeal. Even more so after hearing the latest single “Play with the Fire” from Netherlands-based artist ReveLever.

The striking synthesised notes create the perfect platform for the female vocals to sit neatly above as they exude hypnotic levels of magnetism. As usual, the lyrics have been left light. Yet they still efficaciously draw you deeper into the mix which is an aural minefield of melodic hooks.

Play with the Fire may not be the most innovative or bold soundscape. Instead, it’s a captivating revival of the 80s Synthwave sound. ReveLever has found the perfect balance between dark and light in Play with Fire. There may be some moody tones found in the mix, yet, there’s also sensual warmth and effervescent charm.

You can check out ReveLever’s single which was released on February 14th for yourselves via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Thrv – Deaths of Despair: Eclectically Progressive Rock-Infused EDM Synth Pop

Posted on 9 February 2020

As you’d expect from an electronica track titled “Deaths of Despair”, there’s quite the serving of immersive aural despondency within the instrumental mix from up and coming artist Thrv.

Yet, as the mix progresses, you’ll hear the full tonal palette explored as the six-minute soundscape takes you through a journey of happy Synth Pop, snappy Funk-driven Disco, and heavy riff-laden Rock riffs thrown in for good measure.

With the Synthpop and soaring riffs combined, Deaths of Despair feeds you all of the best parts of the 80s simultaneously. Which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we certainly appreciate the all too palpable ingenuity in Deaths of Despair.

You can check out Deaths of Despair for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A&R Factory Present: Tourist Dollars

Posted on 15 June 2016

With just two singles to their name, Melbourne trio Tourist Dollars have certainly made a strong impression for themselves — having already charmed the likes of Triple J, Indie Shuffle and Spotify (who featured previous single ‘Horse Girl’ on their global Fresh Finds playlist) in recent months.

Ahead of their eponymous debut EP release, Tourist Dollars will share the record’s enchanting opening track ‘Ageless’.

Playing out like a hazy, reverb-doused ballad, ‘Ageless’ is teeming with soaring harmonies; underpinned by warbling synths and a rickety drum machine, it finds itself sitting somewhere between a Beach Boys b-side and an Ariel Pink offshoot.

Much of the heavy-lifting is left to the trademark croon of songwriter Jesse McCormack though, whose penchant for ‘60s favourites The Zombies continues to shine through — as it did with previous singles ‘Horse Girl’ and ‘End of Times’.

McCormack’s knack for crafting potent, and engrossing pop songs is what’s particularly at work here. It’s a talent sure to see  Tourist Dollars continue to gain recognition, and one that will likely see them go far.

Tourist Dollars ‘ eponymous debut EP is due for release June 9th