Karl M. 13/12/2024 Karl M. 13/12/2024

5 Years Of My Favourite #Synthfam Artists - Part Two

by Karl Magi

Dimi Kaye

Dimi Kaye has always captured me with his skillful guitar playing and melodic songwriting. He crafts a sonic universe defined by energy, motion and vivid storytelling, blending melody and atmosphere to create a thrilling auditory experience. Dimi Kaye’s music embodies the exhilaration of movement.

The way in which Dimi Kaye uses synths adds texture and emotion, ranging from gleaming, nasal tones to broad, trumpeting patterns that pulsate dynamically. These shimmering layers are complemented by his electric guitar mastery. He can make his guitar growl, shred or evoke deep emotional resonance. Whether delivering a smokin’ solo or a tender melody, hs guitar becomes a powerful force in his compositions.

A solid rhythmic foundation underpins Dimi Kaye’s tracks, where smooth basslines oscillate beneath steady drums, creating a seamless interplay between groove and energy. This rhythmic precision enhances the uplifting, victorious quality of his melodies, often soaring with positive energy and a sense of triumph.

Another reason I enjoy Dimi Kaye's music is the way he tells cohesive stories, weaving warm, detailed elements into dynamic and evocative scenes. From open roads to sparkling seas, his compositions take me on an auditory journey, combining melody, power and emotion into a vibrant and unforgettable musical experience.

Mayah Camara

The first time I heard Mayah Camara’s amazing voice, I was hooked. her voice brims over with soulful energy in an irresistible way. emotional storytelling, relationship and personal growth take centre stage in her songs, blending powerful imagery with intricate musical textures to create deeply resonant experiences.

I’m drawn to the deep nostalgia and longing in Mayah Camara’s songwriting as she reflects on better times and memories of lost connections. She expresses a yearning for idealized moments, balancing melancholy with an undercurrent of hope. She also explores the complexities of unrequited love, separation and misunderstandings while highlighting the resilience required to move forward.

I am deeply appreciative of Mayah Camara’s entrancing and powerful vocal performances that burst with deep feelings and emotional complexity. She can carry me to the stars or make me ache with sadness through her captivating voice and expression.

The way in which Mayah Camara effectively creates cinematic imagery enhances her storytelling. Images are metaphorically etched in the clouds and neon-drenched visions paint vibrant emotional and situational landscapes.

The backing music for Mayah Camara’s songs often emphasizes lush synth textures and dynamic melodies. Luminous and glittering synths create a balance between delicacy and robustness, while uplifting yet aching melodies express both hope and melancholy.

Damokles

Damokles remains one of my enduring favourites in the synth scene. I enjoy the way in which he blends vintage vibes with contemporary flair. his style is rooted in retro sounds and infused with funk, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and disco influences, But ends up sounding completely individual and fresh.

I've always been drawn to Damokles’ high production values, as he creates soundscapes full of intriguing synth tones and intricate textures. Layered arrangements and blistering synth and keytar solos showcase instrumental mastery and technical flair, elevating each track into an engaging listening experience.

Another reason I so enjoy Damokles’ work is his distinctive, deep-toned voice. He sounds like nobody else in the scene and creates compelling melodies that are both catchy and emotionally expressive. That strong sense of melody is pervasive, as he blends heartfelt expression with infectious playfulness.

Damokles’ blend of vintage-inspired sounds and modern production captures his deep sense of individuality, offering an exploration of intriguing sonic possibilities. Whether through its funky grooves, jazz-infused rhythms or spirited synth journeys, his music expresses his unique personality.

With its bright energy, personal expression and genre-spanning appeal, Damokles’ music carries me on a bold and entertaining journey through eclectic, well-produced and innovative sounds.

Lau Fares

Lau Fares captured me from the get go with her vocals that mix emotional depth and dynamic energy. She weaves love, loss and catharsis into a luminous sonic tapestry of sound in her songs. The way in which she combines expressive vocals, radiant synths and powerful instrumentation captures both the ache of heartbreak and the hope of renewal.

Another strong aspect of Lau Fares’ music is the way in which her vocal performances bring together raw intensity and heartfelt emotion, mingling love and loss with passion and need. Her voice is warm, enfolding and unmistakably emotive as it soars and caresses. her performances embody the struggles and triumphs of human connection.

I've always appreciated the way in which Lau Fares fearlessly explores complex relationships In her songs. Her themes range from toxic ties to the challenges of love at a distance. Yearning melodies and throbbing basslines capture the push-and-pull of desire while dynamic synth solos and intricate guitar often amplify the emotional arcs.

There is something elemental in the way that Lau Fares captivates me. Despite the overt retrowave feeling in her tracks, her fusion of sound and emotion resonates deeply, producing a satisfying and transformative musical experience.

Elevate The Sky

My first experience With Elevate the Sky’s music exerted a powerful pull because of his expressive passion and his deeply heartfelt vocals that convey both strength and vulnerability.

Elevate the Sky crafts detailed synthscapes, blending retro aesthetics with modern flair to transport listeners on an emotional journey. From gentle caresses to soaring intensity, his voice becomes a vessel of yearning and triumph, evoking hope and resilience.

I am also a fan of the way in which Elevate the Sky uses rich, retro-inspired instrumentation— including pounding '80s drums, glowing synths and dynamic guitar solos— to immerse listeners in an engaging auditory experience. All of the elements add depth and diversity, creating an intriguing, broad sonic palette.

Elevate the Sky’s songwriting often embodies feelings of hope and triumph as it uplifts, energizes and inspires. His songs exude positivity, resilience and the triumph of light over darkness, creating an exhilarating sense of adventure. I also enjoy the way in which his songs unfold as journeys of emotional exploration.

The fact that Elevate the Sky also collaborates with a wide variety of artists further enhances his music, as they all add harmony and warmth. Elevate the Sky delivers a nostalgic yet timeless blend of emotive storytelling and vibrant sound, a true celebration of music’s transformative power.

Montse Torres

Ever since I first discovered her, I've appreciated the way in which Montse Torres crafts music that immerses listeners in a narrative-driven world. I find her emotional depth and rich sonic textures captivating. She explores themes of resistance, memory and human resilience against the dehumanizing forces of a technological dystopia.

Her instrumental sophistication is another reason why I so enjoy Montse Torres’ music. Her dynamic range creates tension and intrigue, underscoring her storytelling’s emotional weight. Her music often pairs modern electronic elements with organic sounds like the koto, xylophone or soaring electric guitar solos, adding nuance to her synthscapes.

I enjoy the way in which Montse Torres delves into the struggle between humanity and technology, capturing both defiance and hope. She looks at the resistance against technological dehumanization and the power of love and emotion.

I’m compelled by her focus on preserving human connection and feeling. Her tracks unfold like cinematic stories, set against dystopian cityscapes where love and memory act as beacons of resistance.

The way in which Montse Torres’ music combines emotive elements with atmosphere balances haunting melancholy with glimmers of light. Her layered, evolving soundscapes carry me on a journey of introspection, defiance and hope in the face of looming darkness.

LukHash

I’ve always found LukHash’s blend of digital nostalgia, grandeur, and emotional depth particularly intoxicating. The way in which he draws from 8-bit and chiptune elements evokes the early era of computer music with bubbling chip sounds, spiky digital landscapes and grungy computerized textures. These retro influences are intertwined with modern synth mastery, where glowing, lissome tones bend and twist, majestic melodies soar and broad notes dance with an air of adventure.

I find LukHash’s mixture of kinetic energy and motion quite compelling. Propulsive basslines and massively punching drums drive the low end with explosive speed while sharp-edged rhythms and bouncing synths create a dynamic sense of uplift. His melodies can express moods and feelings moving through dark majesty and aching emotion to dreamy tranquility.

My ears are pleased by the atmosphere and emotion permeating the music, painting vivid scenes of cyberpunk adventures, dangerous digital worlds and shadowy landscapes. The interplay between light and dark is Something that LukHash does well is contrasting gleaming, noble synths with the gritty elements, balancing uplifting triumph with lurking tension.

Ultimately LukHash’s mixture of digital nostalgia, majestic drama, and kinetic intensity creates music that’s powerful, evocative and richly textured.

Sunesis

I am deeply compelled by the way in which Sunesis creates profound musical experiences by blending emotionally Impactful storytelling with Textural soundscapes. I am touched by the way in which her vulnerable, tender vocals tremble with emotion and By her lyrics that explore themes of love, longing, and loss. This emotional depth is complemented by the duality of melancholy and hope, reflecting the complexity of human experiences.

The defining factors that draw me to Sunesis’ sound are its galactic tranquility, stellar glow, and spaced-out environments. Her music has a sense of immensity, transporting listeners to celestial realms. Layers of shimmering, twinkling synths intertwine with gigantic bass and solidly pounding drums, creating dynamic contrasts that ground the ethereal with rhythmic vitality.

Sunesis also has a beautiful touch for evoking flowing sensations. Her music’s rippling motion and gliding notes mirror the emotional journey embedded within. The interplay of light and shadow, desolation and warmth emphasizes the transformative nature of the songs, where struggles resolve into moments of clarity and connection.

By weaving together lush instrumental textures, cosmic imagery, and heartfelt vocals, Sunesis offers a cinematic and introspective auditory experience. Each track becomes a journey through inner emotions and vast, otherworldly realms, resonating deeply with me.

Aisle 9

The way in which Aisle 9 mingles superb production quality, enchanting guitar playing and richly layered synthesizer tapestries immediately makes him one of my favourite synth artists today. I am enamoured of the way in which he uses intricate guitar, complex synth sounds and Intertwining notes to weave an intricate and immersive tapestry Is deeply enjoyable.

I am touched by the way in which emotion flows deeply through Aisle 9’s melodies. Haunting delicacy meets uplifting encouragement, Coming together into tunes that resonate with nostalgia, hope and a tinge of melancholy. Each track carries an aching expressiveness, bringing together loss and yearning while maintaining a sense of forward motion and optimism.

Aisle 9 has a superb sound defined by dynamic and textural layers. Powerful basslines, ethereal synth strings and airy chords interlace with punchy drums and vibrant melodies that sail effortlessly through the compositions. Sharp bursts of rhythm and digitally flickering notes add texture, while The artist's solos emphasize moments of free-flowing, joyful energy.

There's a deep atmospheric quality about the artist's music that lends it additional depth and engaging power. I find myself moved by his soundscapes. Aisle 9 creates a sound that is both grounded and otherworldly, carrying me on a deeply moving auditory journey.

Calida J

The way in which Calida J weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, blending themes of love, memory and self-discovery is charming to me.Her compelling Strength as they explore the complexity of human relationships, touching on longing, heartbreak and reconciliation. Her Writing explores the tension between closeness and separation, often framing these emotions with a sense of unfulfilled longing.

Nostalgia and remembrance are central motifs, evoked through Strong imagery and songwriting that captures intense feelings. many of her songs acknowledge the impermanence of cherished moments, while also celebrating their impact.Calida J Also explores personal transformation, balancing the heartache of past experiences with optimism and resilience.

Her frequent collaborator, Fonz Tramontano, weaves his own magic, using his synth skills to evoke cosmic glow, diamond galaxies and velvet night. He creates an otherworldly atmosphere, emphasizing Calida J’s intense and grabbing performances.

Another reason why I so enjoy Calida J is the way in which her emotionally expressive vocals amplify her storytelling, she can deliver aching emotion and pure soul with trembling vulnerability or defiant power.

Through her heartfelt narratives, introspection and evocative melodies, I am struck by the way in which Calida J invites listeners on a transformative journey, exploring love, loss and the human condition with profound sincerity and hope.

Beckett

Beckett’s music always seizes me as he fuses nostalgia and rhythmic energy, blending retro influences with contemporary flair. With his smooth, funky grooves and a retro-tastic production style, his sound is heartfelt and sharp, rooted in synth-based melodies that pay homage to genres from classic video game music and Japanese city pop.

I’m entranced by Beckett’s voice as it glides effortlessly through sultry, smooth tones and gritty intensity, full of captivating versatility. I also enjoy his diverse instrumentation like funky slap bass, layered synth, jazzy guitar solos and talkbox effects. He creates an immersive experience that’s equal parts playful and sophisticated. I also find Beckett’s knack for catchy melodies and fun synth solos to be deeply pleasing.

His collaborations are another reason that I enjoy Beckett’s work with guest performances from artists like Luca Ricardo and Rachel Jones adding depth and variety. Each piece radiates atmosphere, conjuring imagery of city lights, cerulean skies or intergalactic adventures.

Beckett’s ability to seamlessly meld synthwave, funk, jazz fusion and city pop allows him to craft music that feels both timeless and fresh. The result is a soundscape that invites me to dance, dream and revel in a richly textured auditory journey.

Seersha

I find the way in which Seersha’s music skillfully combines excellent storytelling, dynamic instrumentation and lush soundscapes. Her explorations of empowerment, resilience and emotional complexity allow her to explore the highs and lows of love, loss and personal growth. She blends introspection with poetic imagery to create intense narratives.

Her silky, emotive voice is another reason why I enjoy Seersha so much. Her vocals are aching, wistful and dynamic, as they pull me into the heart of her storytelling. Seersha’s vocals, often complemented by collaborators like Juan Cezar from Frisky Monkey, add depth and contrast to her sound, creating a harmonious blend of styles and tones.

I also enjoy the way in which Seersha's backing music features layered synths, undulating basslines and bursting drums. She uses textures such as shimmering chimes and glowing sonic waves to generate ethereal atmospheres while throbbing beats and oscillating rhythms provide a powerful undercurrent. Guitars, saxophones and even panpipes further enhance the dynamic and immersive experience.

In the end, it's the blend of resilience and vulnerability in Seersha’s music that most attracts me to it. She layers intricate soundscapes with heartfelt vocals and introspective lyrics. I find her music deeply pleasing for the way in which it invites me into a world of emotional exploration and sonic sophistication.

Chris Magdalenski 12/12/2024 Chris Magdalenski 12/12/2024

STYGIAN RUIN - A Violent Egress

Soundtrack to a Burning Sky: A Review of A Violent Egress by Stygian Ruin. Written by Chris Magdalenski.

Soundtrack to a Burning Sky: A Review of A Violent Egress by Stygian Ruin

There's a world where those that worship the old gods succeeded. The fruits of their blood rites ripening on a tree of sacrifice, only to come crashing to Earth in unspeakable glory. Monstrous terrors released laying waste to everything within a tentacles reach.

Oslo's Stygian Ruin brings the darkness of that world to life with their latest release A Violent Egress. Comprised of two tracks that clock in at around 40 minutes total, the album is nothing short of an epic journey through a post-apocalyptic hellscape.

Like their previous releases, the music is darkly beautiful. Masterfully orchestrated with multiple layers of sonic texture to uncover though repeat listenings.

The vocals are a character by themselves. They lurk in the depths of the mix, guttural growls that emerge from the grinding guitars and sinister synths with all the menace of an eldritch creature.

This is mood music for the end of days, and I offer that as the highest of compliments. With five previous releases to explore I'm just getting acquainted with this band. I highly recommend you do the same.

For more, visit https://stygianruin.bandcamp.com/

Karl M. 09/12/2024 Karl M. 09/12/2024

5 Years Of My Favourite #Synthfam Artists - Part One

by Karl Magi

Introduction

This is a showcase of some of my favourite artists from the #synthfam across five years of reviewing synthesizer-based music. This was a labour of love for me, as well as a great challenge to decide on. There are so many tremendous artists out there in the scene that it was very difficult for me to choose the people to feature in this article. I thought long and hard about who would and wouldn’t make the list. If you’re not here, know that it has nothing to do with the quality or relevance of your music. This was simply a subjective and purely emotive list to put together. This is part one, so please stay tuned for part two!

NeverMann

I can’t get enough of NeverMann’s emotionally evocative vocals, his ability to reference the ’80s in a fresh and engaging way and the quality of his melodic and production choices. He also writes lyrics that perfectly capture the vibes created by the rest of the music.

I find his ability to pour out emotion compelling. He has an earnest and heartfelt delivery and an ability to capture the lyrics with his strong, unique voice. He’s especially good at creating a sense of affection in his performances.

The way in which he remains powerfully ’80s-influenced without crossing into cliché is something I enjoy. He doesn’t just emulate the sound of that era; he captures it and makes it fresh again. I also enjoy the jazzy, groove-based elements in his music.

His melodic writing is another strong draw for me. He writes melodies that are high-quality and full of expression as they move between brightness and wistful emotion. I also enjoy the way his melodies complement his vocal style.

I’ve always been drawn to his sharp, clear production. He manages to blend all the different parts together while allowing each to remain defined and individual. The end result is deep and layered.

Dana Jean Phoenix

Dana Jean Phoenix is one of the first synthwave performers I ever heard, and she has had a profound influence on my tastes and enjoyment of the genre. I’ve always been drawn to her powerful vocal abilities, entertaining songwriting and the retro aesthetic that permeates all of her music.

Her intense vocal performances move me. Her voice can soar and exude deep feeling or jump for joy. She brings real guts to her singing and the backing music foregrounds her vocal ability to great effect and makes me pay attention to what’s being sung.

The blend of pure ’80s pop vibes and high quality production is another reason I enjoy her work. While I can’t deny the nostalgic feelings her music stirs up, she manages to keep things fresh and modern in terms of production values. The blend is intensely ear-pleasing.

I also admire how she explores escape, love and emotional complexity in her well-written pop songs. She touches on a complex variety of feelings while keeping things fun and listenable. There’s an earnestness and warmth in her music that I find compelling.

L'Avenue

Ever since I first discovered L'Avenue, I was struck by the tranquility, hope and vivid sonic imagery within his music. I enjoy the way in which it’s tied together by flowing, layered elements and his ability to create musical depth.

I've always been struck by the mixture of hopeful feelings and serenity that fills L'Avenue's music. He uses water and tropical elements to create a sense of delicately lapping blue waters and sun-drenched beaches.

The layered lusciousness and depth of L'Avenue’s music is another compelling aspect that draws me in. He smoothly interlaces a wide variety of synthesizer sounds to conjure different moods and atmospheres.

I enjoy the way in which L'Avenue uses instrumental elements like guitar, percussion and trumpet to deepen the atmospheric and evocative nature of his sounds. I like the auditory explorations on which he takes me as his albums and singles unfold.

Another aspect of L'Avenue’s music that attracts me is the auditory aesthetic he goes for. There's a cool, 1980s retro feel that conjures up images of white suits, pastel walls and palm trees at the poolside. I find that the artist paints strong images for me with his music and immerses me in the sensations he wants to elicit.

Chelsea Owen

From the moment I discovered her, I’ve been impressed by Chelsea Owen’s artistry—her moving voice, her skills as a songwriter and her talent for creating vivid sonic and emotional experiences. Her music is not only well-crafted but also deeply affecting.

Chelsea Owen’s voice was the first thing that captivated me. It’s powerful and gripping, effectively conveying feeling, passion and depth. I also admire the soundscapes in her music. Collaborating with skilled producers, she creates varied synth textures that focus on contrasts, such as the interplay of low-end drive and high-end luminosity. The backing music serves to enhance her vocal performances more fully.

The way in which Chelsea Owen infuses her performances and lyrics with feeling and passion also captures me. She fills her songs with deeply personal themes of heartache, longing and self-expression. The way in which she harnesses those themes with her voice elevates the emotional weight of her songs as they unfold.

As a whole, Chelsea Owen is one of those artists who has a cohesive and rounded approach to music. She is able to explore all of the varied emotions that make us human and connect with them fully through her voice and words.

Cat Temper

I appreciate Cat Temper’s creative and playful approach to music, his mastery of layered synth sounds and his ability to create immersive, emotionally rich and replayable auditory experiences. He stands out as one of the freshest and most unique artists in the scene today.

Cat Temper’s playfulness and inventiveness shine through in his music. I enjoy how he has fun with the creative process, making music that is clearly engaging for him to produce. His eclectic approach allows him to experiment with a wide array of tones and textures that create fascinating sounds.

I’m also a fan of the melodies he writes. They stay with me and evoke various moods and emotions. Each track is a journey, and his compositions are always fresh and unique.

The immersive quality of Cat Temper’s music is another highlight. He takes full advantage of synthesized music’s dynamic and emotional range, creating tracks that feel like self-contained worlds.

Finally, his charming and witty touches add to the appeal. He isn’t afraid to bring joy or humor into his work and his pun-based titles, often featuring cat-themed wordplay, are some of the best in the business.

Bunny X

Since I first reviewed their music, I've had deep respect for Bunny X’s artistic approach In which emotion, nostalgia, collaboration and detailed soundscapes come together to create compelling synth-driven music. The '80s retro aesthetics are always close by but they never overwhelm the music’s quality and artistry.

Bunny X’s music centres around their emotive and touching voices. The vocals capture affection, longing and hope with sensitivity and energy. Their voices reach out and take hold of the listener, pulling them in. I've always found their vocal performances especially enjoyable as they connect with me deeply.

Bunny X also stands out for their melodic writing which is warm, uplifting, yearning and bittersweet. Those melodies help carry the themes of emotion, connection and escapism then fill their song writing. Both elements reinforce one another and make their music especially rich and powerful as a listening experience for me.

I also enjoy Bunny X’s ability to work with other musicians in the synth music scene. Their collaborations are well done and skillfully mingle their own sound with those of other artists to create refreshing sonic combinations. Their ability allows them to enhance the music's depth and character.

Color Theory

The emotional intensity, vocal expressiveness and dynamic musical textures that define Color Theory’s ( Brian Hazard) work have always drawn me in. I enjoy his ethereal voice and distinctive sound that captures emotional depth. The way in which his lyrics explore human experience is compelling and I enjoy the journeys on which he takes me through his songwriting.

In terms of his musical approach, I am drawn to the way in which he dynamically contrasts sounds that move between brightness and darkness, weight and delicacy. He also has an ear for synth and bass interactions and often incorporates luminous, serene sounds that add to the touching nature of his work. His use of some fascinating tones, textures and timbres gives his music added complexity.

Color Theory has a sound that touches on 1980’s New Wave but retains a unique quality of its own. He is able to make music that intrigues my ears with its interlocking layers well adding a voice that feels classic and both of a time and beyond it. I've always been a fan of his fearless exploration of challenging feelings and ideas in his songs.

Star Madman

Since I first heard it, I found Star Madman’s music to be deeply atmospheric and emotionally rich with a strong narrative voice and sonic landscapes that are complex yet accessible. I'm always enamoured of her singing abilities and focus on high quality songwriting.

Warm, caressing and expressive are all words I used to describe Star Madman’s vocal performances. She has a strong ability to reach out with her voice and surround the listener with it. She uses her talents to deliver her well written lyrics to full effect.

I am also drawn to her music by the themes explored in her lyrics. She can write songs that are encouraging and empowering, creating sensations of uplift and positive progress. She can also delve deeply into more complicated and challenging emotions in her songs. No matter what topic she writes on, her words always get right to the heart of the matter.

Her approach to music making is lusciously layered and full of contrast between light and shadow. There's also a frequent focus on mystical imagery that adds to the intensity of the vocals and lyrics in her music. The fact that she makes all of her own music also deepens its meaning.

Russell Nash

I enjoy many elements in Russell Nash’s music including its dynamic motion, luminous imagery and emotional depth. It creates a strong interplay between synths, bass and percussion that evokes a wide range of emotional states and sensations in the music. I find myself transported by his layered synthscapes.

One of the consistent elements of Russell Nash's music is the way in which it creates uplifting emotion through sounds that have warmth and hopeful qualities. Many of his melodies also have an encouraging and positive feeling to them which I find engaging.

Another part of Russell Nash's music that compels me are the light and lustre he creates in his tracks. I enjoy the diamond illumination of the synths he uses to paint his sonic landscapes as they interact with other auditory elements. He evokes flow and motion in the music he writes, weaving an auditory tapestry.

I also find the way in which he creates musical energy and drive quite exciting. His music is full of good energy and driving motion that permeates every layer of the tracks. I continually find an irresistible sense of liveliness and irrepressible motion within his writing which is deeply enjoyable.

The Lightning Kids’ Emma Ballantine

From the first time I heard The Lightning Kids, I was captivated by Emma Ballantine’s passionate vocal performances. She blends emotional vulnerability, dynamic storytelling and layered soundscapes to create a deeply resonant experience. They explore escape, desire and connection, underscored by textured instrumentation.

I’m attracted to a recurring theme that The Lightning Kids explore: breaking free from conformity and embracing youthful freedom with a sense of risk and abandon. Their songs express a longing for release and self-discovery. Desire and intimacy are central with passion infused into both lyrics and delivery. Emma Ballantine’s tender, emotive voice is uplifting, effortlessly carrying the narrative weight.

I've always been strongly pulled in by the way in which The Lightning Kids’ gliding synth textures, glowing guitar and crying saxophone solos create layers of sonic beauty. I find that the interplay of vocals and instruments creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously nostalgic and forward-looking, capturing moments of reflection and possibility.

I am drawn to the way that The Lightning Kids’ music weaves a tapestry of emotional storytelling, that blends hope, passion and melancholy. Emma Ballantine’s ability to balance heartfelt vocals with the band’s layered soundscapes is captivating, connecting and inspiring.

Aeronexus

Aeronexus’ music explores cosmic adventure, emotional depth and the intricate interplay of dynamic musical textures, all tied together by strong visual and narrative qualities. I find his ability to create a synthesized journey quite attractive. A sense of urgency and tension often fills the music as it unfolds. The way in which Aeronexus generates emotion in his music draws me in as he evokes feelings that run between soaring triumph and pained tragedy.

I'm also drawn to the tones, textures and timbres of the synth sounds with which Aeronexus paints his music. I’m impressed by his beautifully woven synth palette and his use of unique instrument sounds that range from panpipes and chimes to Theremin. He also has a strong grasp of drum and bass dynamics that add more weight and shape to his music.

Aeronexus’ music is often filled with imagery that explores vast, velvet blackness and conjures images of nebulae and constellations. I also enjoy his skill at using music to weave strong imagery in my mind.

I appreciate Aeronexus’ layered and evolving compositions as he combines textures and sensations with melody to further deepen this music’s emotional qualities. I also enjoy his approach to creating musical contrast and balance across his albums.

I Am Boleyn

From the moment I discovered her, I was drawn to I Am Boleyn’s ability to convey loss, longing and liberation in her voice. She weaves stories that are emotionally resonant and vividly atmospheric. She takes me on journeys are both literal and emotional, marked by determination and the desire to move forward.

I Am Boleyn’s voice radiates clarity and heartfelt emotion in a way that pulls me into her music. Her voice is clear and fresh-sounding as she delivers each song’s lyrics. She is able to press feelings home through her airy and delicate singing, adding more depth and breadth to her music.

I am enamoured of the way in which I Am Boleyn’s music uses strong imagery to evoke a cinematic quality, heightening the emotional stakes and adding texture to the music's storytelling. Ideas of chemistry and connection interweave with moments of empowerment and agency in her work.

I Am Boleyn’s vocals work well with shimmering, glimmering and pulsing synths to paint layered soundscapes that mirror the emotional intensity of her vocals. Dynamic basslines and driving rhythms propel the energy, while flickering synths and broad, trembling tones add depth and resonance.

Vero Kitsuné 08/12/2024 Vero Kitsuné 08/12/2024

EDITORS PICKS: Top Releases of 2024 And Year-End Review

Another year has gone by. 2024 has been a strange year, ending with increased tension and dread brought by the US Election results. Yet as we each carefully draw our collective breaths and try to enjoy the holiday peace before the impending storm, we also saw some revolutionary sparks and comforting reminders of goodness to be had and worth fighting for. If the mass exodus from the corrupted, oligarchic stench of the app formerly known as Twitter to the promising clear, azure space of BlueSky is any indication, a collective inner compass containing shared principles and greater moral values is truly ever present and is now spinning more wildly, more ferociously and louder than ever before. Opportunities to push back and counter against the growing tyranny and malfeasance, to rebuild and start anew, and to consciously do things better will continuously present themselves as a new, bright blue space burgeons. It is distinctively more conscious, more self-aware, more proactive and ready to fight back and defend along with its heavily gatekept walls against the permeating foul. The first to surge within this space are beloved artists, musicians, creatives, writers and great thinkers gathered not just by their passions, but also unwavering shared values - a reminder that we all still have each other. At very least, the cool ones are here.

Despite the year’s dystopian, tense tones, 2024 had gifted us with a lot of incredible music. In our own cute little corner, Absynth continues to flourish and evolve. This year we added The Laboratory, spearheaded by Bytemapper, as a space to test and review the latest developments in the world of virtual instruments, and as a new channel to connect with and serve our peers who revel in music production. We also began adding darker hues, grittier textures and heavier smoke in the spectrum of our music reviews thanks to Chris Magdalenski’s efforts in unearthing more gothic rock, post-punk, darker waves, and varying shades of metal from the deepest terrains of the underground. Karl Magi continues to hold down the neon-lit fort with his unparalleled, prolific streams of synth reviews. And I have been preoccupied with the cosmic hunt for mythological creatures across the spectrum - the hybrids, the chimeras, the unicorns, and the great krakens of our spaces who defy conventional genre norms, delivering something new and unique, who are brave enough to stand out — never bending, never conforming to any box, never blending in — and whose creative brilliance is matched by technical ingenuity and authenticity.

Without further ado, here are the Absynth Collective’s Top Picks for 2024: A mix of the most memorable and notable LPs, EPs, Singles, and Music Videos of the year that rose to the occasion.

Vero’s Picks

Dread Majesty - All The Saints Are Dead

Fresh newcomers from Colorado, Dread Majesty’s debut single “All The Saints Are Dead” completely satisfied this year’s hunt for the elusive, chimeric hybrid creature with their incredibly unique and expansive brand of gothic, avant-garde progressive metal. Their impeccable and meticulously crafted production, musical endurance and athleticism, and beautiful theatrical vocal performances and ferocious chants are absolutely beyond this world. They are just getting started, and I’m eagerly looking forward to what they deliver next.

https://youtu.be/812lZQimbSE?si=_YOyM1mtFFd2iGhI

Vision Video - Modern Horror

As one of the finest in the gothic rock, post-punk arena, Vision Video’s latest LP, “Modern Horror” showcases superb musicality and refined songwriting, balancing super catchy and memorable hooks with introspective and sensitive lyricism delivered by Dusty Gannon’s distinctively rare, “handsome” and perfectly tuned, soaring vocals. The record also carries also some of the most tasteful, lush guitar work. Under the dark glam, each song in “Modern Horror” leaves an indelible mark, carrying weight in message, painting a clear, honest picture articulated through the lens of intense life experiences that had truly seen it all.

https://visionvideo.bandcamp.com/album/modern-horror

Temporal Waves - Temporal Waves

One of the most unique projects that debuted this year, tabla and percussion maestro Shawn Mativetsky’s synth project, Temporal Waves, brilliantly fuses the organic sounds of the tabla with cinematic, neon noir synthetic soundscapes, resulting in a captivating and deeply engrossing aural exploration. Shawn’s masterful and exhilarating percussive work creates the illusion of having four hands and arms, reminiscent of the Hindu god Ganesha, who is symbolically connected to the tabla. His self-titled record also utilized analog production techniques, adding further to the authenticity of his project.

https://temporalwaves.bandcamp.com/album/temporal-waves

Kerli - Oversoul

Mesmerizing goddess-incarnate Kerli’s EP “Oversoul” carries mystical and ethereal vocal work mixed with modern trip hop beats and experimental pop sensibilities. Masterfully crafted, crossing medieval sorcery and folklore with the sounds and textures of the present and the future, “Oversoul” is extraordinarily fresh and sprawls in flavor and vibe that can easily transcend time.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ng311qhNUoPPldAQXTAya9Emdp9Mf5LlI

New Wave Kill - Stitches For The Soul

Madrid-based New Wave Kill’s brand of post-punk is interwoven with the very distinct swagger of a Spanish caballero. The understated cool, smokey and stylish vibes in their debut full-length “Stitches For The Soul” are reminiscent of Nick Cave classics, vintage Americana sounds of The National and spaghetti western flicks. They also have one of the best vocals in the genre, and their songs are imbued with perceptive lyricism, memorable drops, luscious guitar work and driving percussions marked with tasty, creative fills.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vJtvr5YE6Rc&list=OLAK5uy_laRGmMeUkHeh1sZg7XLP8OeA5ZFqZNgjs

Zanias - Ecdysis

A follow-up instrumental offering to her 2023 LP “Chrysalis”, Zanias’ “Ecdysis” is an aural expedition that casts off language in its ethereal vocal experimentations, consisting of psychedelic sound palettes and textures that bring bioluminescent creatures to mind. Earthbound and extraterrestrial at the same time, “Ecdysis” is a body of work that crosses dimensions, pushing the boundaries of electronic music we currently know today, and comes with a longing for a futuristic timeline filled with hope, life and rich biodiversity.

https://zanias.bandcamp.com/album/ecdysis

Circuit Preacher - Made To Burn

Reminiscent of early Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode, Circuit Preacher’s debut full-length “Made To Burn” is an EBM revelation that drives stakes into the heart of institutionalized evil. Marked by its feral and rebellious defiance, “Made To Burn” buttheads with sheer ferocity against the conventions of religion, complete with a stunning, wide-span vocal range and a backdrop of giant saw bass and heavy beats — the perfect record for the End of Times.

https://circuitpreacher.bandcamp.com/album/made-to-burn-2

VH X RR - Warning Signs

VH x RR maxi-single “Warning Signs” delivers their signature vibrant, crystalline synthpop in this powerful track while providing glimmers of hope as signals of dystopian prophecies turn into our present-day reality. VH X RR (Producer Von Hertzog and Rob Rowe of the 90s synthpop band Cause & Effect) are known for conjuring some of the most beautiful spectral sound treatments and electronic palettes while still maintaining infectious pop appeal, charming lyricism with hints of dark romance at the intersection of synthpop, electropop and darkwave.

https://vhxrr.bandcamp.com/album/warning-signs

Connör - The Key Of Death Minor

One of the princes of dark synth, Connör’s latest majestic full-length, “The Key of Death Minor” pushes the boundaries of dystopian cyberpunk. From haunting gothic choir elements against fast saw basses in the opening track, pop rock vocals exhibited in the track “Tearing the Wings of An Angel”, the frenetic experimental energy of “The Red Stuff”, to the nuMetal treatments found in “Fake Skin” and “Moshpit”, and the dramatic cyberpunk opera of “Never Sleep Again”, the record is a box of controlled and calculated masterful pandemonium that offers variety in its multi-faceted distribution of vibes and packs one helluva punch from start to finish.

https://connoer.bandcamp.com/album/the-key-of-death-minor

Bad Guys Get Dead - Gaia Has Fallen

A tremendous effort created over a span of a few years, Bad Guys Get Dead’s concept record “Gaia Has Fallen” is a sprawling masterwork about a starship’s survival during the darkest hours of humanity. Incorporating prog metal elements, cinematic synths and voice-over storytelling, the record brings spacewave to new exciting territories and is exemplary of the progressive, evolutionary phase and trajectory of the synthwave genre dubbed as “post-synthwave”.

https://badguysgetdead.bandcamp.com/album/gaia-has-fallen

Alpha Chrome Yayo - Home For Hitodama

Whimsical Japanese-inspired motifs and vintage nostalgia only Alpha Chrome Yayo can do with unerring devotion, “Home For Hitodama” is a delightful instrumental LP that unfolds like a sweet little origami about the souls of the dead in Japan. The record features fantastical shakuhachi flute performances and vintage koto synthesizer that borders on the mystical with every note. “Home For Hitodama” is quite the record to eat mochi balls to, while cozying up in warm colorful kimonos, and welcoming any lost kodama or yokai that may come your way.

https://alphachromeyayo.bandcamp.com/album/home-for-hitodama

Anniee - Let Her Hair Down

Anniee has began releasing the first singles for her anticipated full-length debut coming out Spring of next year. With “Let Her Hair Down”, she embarks on darker territories and psychological drama, matched with Lynchian visuals directed by synthwave’s favorite filmmaker, Brad A. Kinnan. Anniee’s brand of theatrical synthpop is marked with infectious melodies and stunning angelic vocal performances reminiscent of Sarah Brightman, delivered against a backdrop of colorful electropop palettes and shimmering sound designs co-produced with Von Hertzog.

https://youtu.be/1B2ih_RpqKs?si=-AyTr4FkEbHa1Cxf

Agnis - Antipriest

Polish witch pop artist, Agnis has started releasing a slew of singles for her upcoming record entitled “Gothess” due out at some point next year. In this new record cycle, she steps outside her usual ethereal, witchy soundscapes for a more industrialized Europop, fast saw basses, heavier beats, catchy danceable numbers, and visuals dripping in irony and cheeky humor as evident in “Antipriest.” The video and musical number follow the underground misadventures of a misbehaving clergyman, cradling his flask of “Unholy Water” in a drunken gothic club revelry. He continues to appear in every Agnis music video since his charming video debut.

https://youtu.be/OyvmRx9Gks4?si=R86A8FKF_D-Xqw3m

Extize - MediEvil

Known for their brand of unhinged, brazen camp, Franco-German gothic industrial artists Extize unveiled “MediEvil” - the first single from their upcoming concept LP and Back To The Future homage, entitled “Delorean 666”. “MediEvil” features the sampled Gregorian chants “Belial, Behemoth, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Satanas, Lucifer” from Ghost’s track entitled “Year Zero”, but this time, draped against dark techno beats, combined with visuals of medieval knights in battle under the sensuous spell and allure of witches.

https://youtu.be/sHPLihFHW08?si=bUPck-ECejK1MgT4

Neilio and Shadowrunner - Nightmare

Guitar hero Neilio joined forces with synth maestro Shadowrunner on a horror track for Halloween this year. Yet instead of giving listeners the typical John Carpenter-esque horror synth of blood and gore, we get super chill, arpeggiated sunset vibes and visions of zombies, werewolves and evil vampires in Hawaiian shirts hanging out in neon-lit, palm-tree lined beach paradise, toasting their pineapple punch with pink flamingos driving Corvettes and Lamborghinis. This is why I absolutely love and adore Synthfam.

https://neiliomusic.bandcamp.com/track/nightmare

Odder - At The Pace Of Death

The only dark and horror synth release that leans more gothic. Odder’s use of gothic orchestra with clever, intelligent writing and compositions, glitch textures, powerful percussions, twisted bass lines, and layers upon layers of unpredictability and surprises provided a new type of elevation in the horror genre we can fully sink our fangs into. Progressive, faceted yet cohesive, “At The Pace of Death” is a meticulously crafted, action-packed journey in desolate soundscapes with several heart-stopping moments, and is one of the very few masterclasses in cinematic horror extended-play production.

https://oddersound.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-pace-of-death

Chris’ Picks

The Cure — Songs of a Lost World

I knew this album was going to be nothing short of fantastic when the opening notes of the first song “Alone” kicked in. When Smith’s iconic voice finally appeared It locked itself into my soul and hasn’t left since.

https://www.thecure.com/

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds — Wild God

I was a latecomer to Mr. Cave’s darkly poetic music, with 2013’s “Push The Sky Away” being my entry point. His latest release is a continuation of his off-kilter musical genius, offering the listener haunting vocals mixed with compositions that shift seamlessly from the low-key profane to the grandiose sacred.

https://www.nickcave.com/

C Z A R I N A — Empire

I’ve been a huge fan of CZARINA’s artistry since her first major release “Painted Holograms” in 2018. To me “Empire” is more than an album, it’s a journey into the farthest reaches of time and space. As far as I’m concerned she’s Cybergoth’s Bowie.

https://czarinaofficial.bandcamp.com/album/empire-deluxe

Cemetery Skyline — Nordic Gothic

This album is near flawless. Every song is the perfect balance of the powerful and the melodic. Its unmistakable influences are the goth-rock bands of the 80’s, with a healthy dose of the now infused in its DNA. Not much else to say other than this album will be in heavy rotation for some time.

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/nordic-gothic-24-bit-hd-audio

Graywave — Dancing in the Dust

They’re Dark. They’re Heavy. Their song are dripping with pitch black ambiance. If you like your goth infused with a bit of melodic metal influence this album is for you. Singer Jess Webberley’s vocals are haunting and beautiful.

https://graywaveuk.bandcamp.com/album/dancing-in-the-dust

Black Angel — Elektra

With “Elektra” Goth/Post Punk rockers Black Angel have produced an album that truly pays homage to goth greats of the past like Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy and The Damned. Every song on the album is a black-clad banger.

https://blackangelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/elektra

Cruce Signatus — Cruce Signatus

Cruce Signatus’ first release is epic synth at it finest. The four-song concept album mixes synthwave vibes with prog metal to create ever intensifying soundscapes that defy convention. This is an epic story told through song, but once you give the album a listen, you should check out the accompanying YouTube video.

https://crucesignatus.bandcamp.com/album/cruce-signatus

Cloud People — Simulacra

This six-piece band from Norway is pushing the bounds of electronic music in new directions. Fusing the now classic synthwave elements with those of improvisational jazz and rock bands, this album is an absolutely refreshing listen.

https://cloudpeople1.bandcamp.com/album/simulacra

Alex — Now You Know My Name

Alex hasn’t disappointed yet, and this most recent release is no exception. These songs are pure dark, danceable dystopia. Go out for a drive at midnight in a near empty city and crank it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

https://alexofficial.bandcamp.com/album/now-you-know-my-name

Windows96 — Yes Da Da Da

Brilliant and quirky, Windows96 newest release is a joy to listen to. Deep textures and complex melodies take you on a trip to a cyber lounge of chill. This is my go to album when I need to unplug and destress.

https://windows96.bandcamp.com/album/yes-da-da-da

Karl’s Picks

Caspro – Coastal Edge

Caspro’s Coastal Edge captures the essence of the ocean through rich, layered synth sounds that evoke vivid seascapes. The album transitions seamlessly between serene aquamarine moments, powerful tidal energy and tranquil sunlit shallows. Caspro’s mastery of auditory imagery shines as he creates intricate sonic tapestries that transport listeners to peaceful and dynamic marine vistas.

The album’s beauty lies in its nuanced melodies and lush textures, crafted through well-chosen synth combinations and contributions from guest performers. These collaborations add depth, complexity and emotional resonance, creating microtonal moments that engage and captivate. Caspro's compositions allow listeners to relax, roam mentally and immerse themselves in the oceanic atmosphere.

https://caspromusic.bandcamp.com/album/coastal-edge

Hill Valley Hero – Electric Outlands

Hill Valley Hero’s Electric Outlands offers a cinematic, adventure-filled journey through vividly layered synthscapes. The album blends intricate melodies, evocative synth sounds and stellar guest performances, creating a dynamic and dramatic listening experience.

Hill Valley Hero's storytelling prowess is evident in the music’s ability to elicit vivid imagery of exploration and action. The melodies are emotionally impactful and contribute to the narrative’s cinematic quality. The carefully chosen instrumental layers and synth sounds weave together a rich sonic tapestry with each element enhancing the album's emotional and visual storytelling. The guest performers add further depth and variety, elevating the music’s overall complexity and engagement.

https://hillvalleyhero.bandcamp.com/album/electric-outlands

At 1980 – Forget to Remember

At 1980’s Forget to Remember is a heartfelt retrowave album that channels the emotional depth of '80s music without relying on clichés. Its standout features include strong musicianship, emotive vocals and rich production, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

The album’s collaborators, including vocalists Josh Daily and others, deliver deeply moving performances, while the production by Adrián Quesada Michelena creates lush, layered soundscapes. The songs explore themes of melancholy and warmth with melodies that resonate deeply and convey heartfelt emotion. Each track captures unique moods, ensuring the album connects profoundly with its audience.

https://at1980.bandcamp.com/

Full Eclipse – In Place Of Power

Full Eclipse’s In Place Of Power delivers emotionally resonant songwriting paired with a rich, complex musical backdrop. The album explores human experiences with poetic, introspective lyrics that delve into emotional contradictions and difficult ideas.

Full Eclipse's distinctive vocal style adds depth to the themes, his voice resonating with uncertainty and emotion, drawing listeners into the lyrical narratives. The musical arrangements complement the songs' atmospheres with Michael W. Stuart's saxophone performances standing out as particularly evocative, enhancing the album's emotional power.

https://fulleclipse.bandcamp.com/album/in-place-of-power

JESSY MACH – Asphalt Reapers

JESSY MACH’s Asphalt Reapers is a cinematic musical narrative set in a dystopian city, blending tense, dark atmospheres with moments of hope. The story of rebellion against corruption unfolds through detailed soundscapes, expressive guitar work and layered synth textures.

Jesse Mach’s guitar playing is a highlight, combining emotional intensity, technical skill and rhythmic precision. The album’s layered synths create vivid, engaging auditory contrasts that deepen the storytelling. Each listen reveals new details, making Asphalt Reapers a richly rewarding experience.

https://jessymach.bandcamp.com/

Electron Odyssey – Citizen Generator

Electron Odyssey’s Citizen Generator is an instrumental exploration of layered synth textures, engaging melodies and thought-provoking themes. The album features lush, cohesive soundscapes enhanced by Electron Odyssey’s fluid and expressive guitar work.

The intricate layering of unique synth tones creates a captivating listening experience. The guitar adds richness to the compositions, blending seamlessly with the synth elements. Thematically, tracks like “Technology” encourage reflection on humanity's relationship with innovation, combining intellectual depth with musical allure.

https://electronodyssey.bandcamp.com/album/citizen-generator-album

Hotel Pools – Nature

Hotel Pools’ Nature is a tranquil, ambient synth album that invites quiet reflection and relaxation. Its carefully crafted soundscapes inspire peaceful, meditative moods tinged with nostalgia and gentle melancholy.

Short yet cohesive tracks flow seamlessly, creating layered, textured imagery reminiscent of serene natural moments. Guest artists contribute depth and richness, blending their styles with Hotel Pools’ soothing compositions. Nature is a tender, contemplative journey through the softer side of the natural world.

https://hotelpoolsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nature

Michael Angelaux – Young & Restless

Michael Angelaux’s Young & Restless channels the drama and passion of 1980s soap operas through powerful vocals, evocative lyrics and lush instrumental arrangements. The album creates a vivid and entertaining atmosphere, immersing listeners in its emotional intensity.

Michael Angelaux’s versatile, expressive voice captures a wide spectrum of feelings from anguish to sensuality and delivers them with clarity and impact. His lyrical prowess shines in the album's intricate wordplay and imagery, making the lyrics as engaging as the music itself. The melodies and harmonies amplify the album's evocative 1980s-inspired mood, enriching the listening experience.

https://michaelangelaux.bandcamp.com/album/young-restless

Hirobleep – My Own Reality

Hirobleep’s My Own Reality is a serene, meditative journey through soothing synth soundscapes. The album combines gentle textures, delicate melodies and a tranquil ambiance to create a deeply calming and immersive experience.

Hirobleep’s carefully chosen synth tones, enhanced by classic jazz organ and piano elements, call forth warmth and comfort. The hypnotic melodies relax the listener while maintaining engagement, offering a perfect balance of focus and peace. The album’s ability to induce a meditative state makes it an effective escape from life’s stresses, providing both mental clarity and relaxation.

https://hirobleep.bandcamp.com/album/my-own-reality

Cat Temper – Still Just a Cat in a Rage

Cat Temper’s Still Just a Cat in a Rage is an adventurous and playful album that blends progressive influences with inventive synth work and dynamic compositions. The album showcases Cat Temper's ability to craft complex, multilayered soundscapes filled with surprising and quirky sonic elements.

The album’s appeal lies in its intricate synth layering, which creates constantly shifting textures and captivating sound combinations. Cat Temper’s playful experimentation and the emotional shifts within each track—from gentle moments to bursts of energy—add depth and keep the music engaging. The artist’s control over the balance of chaos and cohesion further elevates the listening experience.

https://cattemper.bandcamp.com/album/still-just-a-cat-in-a-rage

GammaFlow – Gaia

GammaFlow’s Gaia is a serene, immersive journey through lush synth textures and tranquil soundscapes. The album explores delicate emotions and imagery through meticulously layered synths and contributions from guest artists who add depth and diversity to the music.

The atmospheric focus of Gaia stands out with its flowing, pastel-hued tones evoking peace and introspection. GammaFlow’s thoughtful sound design combines fragile high tones with rich bass elements, creating tracks that are both soothing and intricate. The collaborative efforts on the album enhance its richness while maintaining a cohesive, harmonious vision.

https://gammaflow.bandcamp.com/album/gaia

Jetfire Prime – THEY

Jetfire Prime’s THEY delivers a haunting and cinematic synth experience, reminiscent of classic horror films. The album blends eerie atmospheres with evocative melodies, creating a darkly entertaining and chilling auditory adventure.

The moody, brooding ambiance of THEY is its most striking feature, as Jetfire Prime’s inventive synth textures build a sense of creeping tension and unease. The melodic writing enhances the storytelling aspect of the music, evoking strong emotional and visual responses. Each synth choice deepens the album’s horror-inspired, cinematic quality.

https://jetfireprime.bandcamp.com/album/they

Max Cruise – Sunrises

Max Cruise’s Sunrises is a soulful, nostalgia-infused album featuring masterful performances, strong songwriting and heartfelt melodies. The blend of jazz solos, expressive vocals, and vibrant synth layers creates a warm, emotionally rich listening experience.

The album showcases outstanding musical performances, including Max Cruise’s soulful saxophone and intricate guitar work by Cam Blokland. Nostalgia is balanced with sincerity, capturing both the warmth and wistfulness of memory. The layered synths and lyrical melodies, combined with inspired solos, give Sunrises depth and a sense of joy that resonates throughout.

https://maxcruisemusic.bandcamp.com/album/sunrises

BYTEMAPPER’S PICKS

I’ll admit this is my first time doing a year-end round up when it comes to any sort of releases. I’ll also readily admit I’ve not listened to my fair share of the latest electronic music releases. That said, it’s been a banner year of sorts when it comes to what I tapped into musically. While I am certainly guilty of lounging too long in areas of nostalgia, these releases had at least something to catch the ear and the mind.

BADBADNOTGOOD and Tim Bernardes - Poeira Cosmica

Up first is a single, but one of the finest I’ve heard in a long while. Peoria Cosmica is evocative of the halcyon years of Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, and all the other bossanova greats. There is enough of a psychedelic tinge to it that it immediately catches the attention. What you’re left with is another must-listen in the BADBADNOTGOOD oeuvre.

https://badbadnotgoodofficial.bandcamp.com/track/poeira-cosmica

Night Tapes - To Be Free

The creative force behind Night Tapes are people after my own heart. A wash of reverb lurks beneath this song, acting as its own instrument of sorts. Night Tapes have been a marvel when it comes to the independent synth pop scene, and their latest is more of the same. It doesn’t quite have the same hook as previous singles like Selene, Human, or Forever. Still, this one saw plenty of play in the car.

https://nighttapesmusic.bandcamp.com/track/to-be-free

Kowloon and Louie Rubio - Your Name

My ears perked up when I heard the latest from Kowloon. Kowloon itself has always seemed to be a project at odds with the current trends in indie. The style is more akin to the heyday of bands like Arcade Fire rather than the big names today. There’s a tinge of 70s garage rock nostalgia intermingling with 2000s indie sensibility. It might lack innovation, at least going by the purists in the indie scene, it more than makes up for it with a heavy dose of sincerity.

https://kowloonkowloon.bandcamp.com/track/your-name

Hammock - From the Void

I wouldn’t be me without at least a little ambient on a list. Hammock has been a long-time favorite, and their latest is more of the same. Strings soar, and layers of sound weave together to create a tapestry for the ears. There’s plenty of music to drive to on the market today, but this is one best reserved for a chilly evening and something warm to drink.

https://hammock.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-void

HOMESHAKE - Horsie

HOMESHAKE have been one of my personal standouts from the bedroom pop movement. Twinkling synth melodies, squelching resonant basses, and a smattering of digital processing give this a decidedly 90s home studio vibe. Production is lush throughout while still maintaining a groove and soul at the heart of it all. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a date night.

https://homeshake.bandcamp.com/album/horsie

Robohands - Thermae

This could’ve crawled right out of the 1960s cool jazz scene with us being none the wiser. Thermal is a stellar single from UK act Robohands and one that has received an exhausting amount of playtime on my end. I don’t have much to say, but if you dig jazz, give this a listen. It isn’t quite as self-indulgent as many of the current jazz releases by old stalwarts of the genre.

https://robohands.bandcamp.com/album/thermae

Miles Davis Quintet: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 - Miles in France 1963 & 1964

Yeah, I know, recent releases and all that. This is new, releasing this year as part of a continuing bootleg series of the Miles Davis Quintets performances throughout the last 70 years or so. This is a wonderful live recording, sounding downright uncanny to a studio pressing of the era. Differing interpretations of classics like “So What”, “Autumn Leaves”, and “My Funny Valentine”.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m1Ig-vJukbjMWUd_1oUL7dEBRAvaNl9jg

Tyler the Creator - CHROMAKOPIA

I’ve kept an eye and ear on Tyler the Creator since the early days of Odd Future. His latest continues down the same path taken by IGOR. Production is top notch, but something about this release just didn’t captivate me. All the old hallmarks of Tyler’s production style are shown, the abrupt key changes, the RnB and Gospel tinged musical influences, and so forth. Fine release, but I didn’t catch myself going back for multiple repeat listens.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lXfobdFVDhci6mn7_TKHTrvKECta6GTIo

Khruangbin - A LA SALA

Khruangbin is something of an acquired taste for me. I’ll resonate with some of their releases while others just leave me cold. A LA SALA is thankfully in the former camp. Stand outs like “May Ninth” and “Hold Me Up (Thank You)” elevate the album, but it’s a wonderful listen throughout. They don’t truly make them like this these days.

https://khruangbin.bandcamp.com/album/a-la-sala

Joesef - Borderline

I’ll readily admit that I don’t care for 99% of Borderline. I’ve got nothing against Josef as an artist, but I found most of the release to be a forgettable indie release. What elevates this release is “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”, a catchy and infectious dance pop song with one of the most memorable hooks I’ve heard in recent years.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwiRmYLeZQ

Nilufer Yanya - My Method Actor

My Method Actor by Nilufer Yanya is arguably my favorite release of 2024. I return to “Keep on Dancing”, “Like I Say (Runaway), and “Call It Love” pretty much daily at this point. My Method Actor meshes together more modern pop sensibilities with synth tinges and lush effects processing with the likes of traditional indie guitar work. It works in spades, go listen, you won’t regret it.

https://niluferyanya.bandcamp.com/album/my-method-actor

Charli XCX - BRAT

I did get caught up in the hype of BRAT Summer, if only for a moment. BRAT is a fine release, calling back to the 2000s and 2010s with the cutting synth lines and downright choppy stutters heard on some songs. Interestingly, I have a lot of trouble remembering many of the songs aside from “Apple”. Still, if I was a bit younger, I imagine this would dominate my thinking and personal listening. Stellar dance record, but not something I’ll see myself revisiting with steady frequency in the next six months.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmzoSOa_tCizE-r4sweNz91d9qBv1UCVY