Every now and then, I like to pick out some cuts that caught me in some way — affected my perceptions, caused me to affirm or question a decision, or maybe just sound good.
Here are six of them, in no particular order.
Alex Frankel – “Negative Space”
One-half of Holy Ghost! (and delicatessen entreprenuer), Frankel has crafted the type of killer synthpop/disco vibe he and Nick Millhiser have perfected with their primary outfit. Although it’s a little more chill than a typical Ghost cut, I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone heard this and assumed it was actually Ghost. The whole solo EP is great. Check it out.
Robots With Rayguns – “Spark (Featuring TT The Artist)”
This might be my favorite cut from RWR’s new(ish) Wild Style album. Rapper TT The Artist’s pointed retro-raps are supported well by a backdrop that emphasizes RWR’s obsession with late 80s and early 90s dance music. Yes, the whole record is available on cassette.
Forbidden Hues – “Alternating Emotional Victories”
This cut is paradoxical: A fatty synth bass and pulsating drums play like a moderately paced dance number, while the laid-back synth pads conjure up an ambient-like esoterica. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
She’s Not Real – “Lucid Moment”
This is a great synth-funk cut from the Lisbon, Portugal-based artist. There must be something in the water in that country — Porto-based SaiR, an Omega Supreme artist, is also equally funkified.
Wojciech Golczewski – “She Comes”
This comes from Golczewski’s exquisite synth score for the batshit crazy (and ostensibly delightful) Tonight She Comes slasher flick, which is making its way around the festival circuit. Golczewski makes great scores — see We Are Still Here — and I’m pleased to announce Vehlinggo will soon feature an interview with him.
S U R V I V E – “Sorcerer”
The full Austin-based quartet’s instrumental dark synth work has showed up in Adam Wingard’s The Guest, and half of the band is responsible for the great Stranger Things score. This cut, from the band’s recently released album, RR7349, showcases their ability to progressively ride the spectrum of suspense to the big reveal.
