Soundtracks, nu-disco, 1980s disco/funk influences, Italians Do It Better, and synthwave are on offer for you today. Enjoy!
Donny Benét – Girl of My Dreams
The hypnotically suave classic disco and funk revivalist is back with a two-fer bathed in unbridled cool. The Aussie is kicking off a North American tour very soon.
Satin Jackets – Mercury Moments
Let the warm sun, easy-to-drink rum punches, and refreshing ocean breeze embrace you. This is Satin Jackets’ world and you have permission to enjoy it. Out now via Eskimo.
Chromatics – Closer To Grey (Deluxe Edition)
You know about the excellent original album, released last fall. But this expanded version featuring 47 tracks (the original record plus instrumental versions, alternate takes, and new songs) allows you to dive deeper and experience the record more holistically. (Also, don’t miss Chromatics’ new single, “TOY”, which came out on Jan. 24.)
Ollie Wride – “I’m A Believer (FM Attack Remix)”
FM Attack (AKA Shawn Ward) introduces an engaging interpretation of the original Thanks in Advance cut. Augmenting that is the compelling video work of Brad A. Kinnan, well-known in the synthwave scene for his creative visual eye. Buy the original LP and deluxe version with remixes via NewRetroWave. (Note: Don’t miss FM Attack’s mind-blowingly good contribution to the Vehlinggo Presents: 5 Years comp.)
Kid Moxie – Not To Be Unpleasant, But We Need To Have A Serious Talk (Original Motion Picture SoundtracK)
LA-based Kid Moxie, AKA Elena Charbina, has crafted a poignant and compelling score for Giorgos Georgopoulos’ indie film — shifting from synth-driven passages to journeys infused with more organic-sounding orchestration. Album is out now via Lakeshore Records.
Von Hertzog – Neon Aileron Soundtrack
Von Hertzog’s score for Saturday Development video game Neon Aileron is a lot of fun, whether you’re playing the game or not. I’ve found it a great release to listen to while writing. Here’s what ol’ Von had to say about it in press materials:
“It was a three year labor of love making this game. I took influence from the great Turbo Duo shooters and other CD-ROM games that allowed full audio as a video game soundtrack. This was the entirety of my video game loving youth poured into a project. To think Vince and I used to sit around and play shooter games back in the ’90s, and now we made our own. Dreams do come true, boys and girls!!!”
Various Artists – Overdrive EP
I also forgot to mention this a few months ago — it was a very low-key release. Synthwave artists such as Waveshaper and Das Mortal remixed cues from Cliff Martinez’s score for Drive. When others have tried to mess with the sacred soundtrack, I’ve cried sacrilege, but these synthwave remixes add something new and compelling to Martinez’s masterwork.
(Editor’s Note: As established in this post, the One-Liners column is a concise but meaningful way to highlight Vehlinggo-recommended releases. It’s not exactly weekly, but it can be. Entries are almost never one line, but they could be. Check out the previous post to this one.)
