Today’s The List is pretty darn stacked with some good new studio releases and a score, from synth-pop favorites Nation of Language to the likes of ambient artist Kaela, Amanda Jones’ Murderbot score, and more.
Nation of Language — “Inept Apollo”
The Brooklyn-based trio of Nation of Language have been making exquisite synth-pop for nearly a decade, featuring pronounced shades of 1980s retro but nevertheless grounded in an inherently modern approach. Their new single (and first on Sub Pop) maintains the act’s long-established strong songwriting, meaningful vocals, and skilled musicality. The triumphant chorus will surely stick with you. They’re currently promoting new live shows, an experience I highly recommend. [NOL are Richard Devaney (lead vocals, guitar), Aidan Noell (synthesizer), and Alex MacKay (bass guitar).]
(Vehlinggo first covered NOL in 2018.)
Amanda Jones — Murderbot: Season One—Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack
Amanda Jones’ score complements well the compelling (and somewhat quirky) Alex Skarsgård-starring sci-fi series on the best sci-fi streamer among the mainstream offerings. Jones deftly blends modern electronic elements with traditional symphonic work to evoke the nuances of the poignant story about an intelligent cyborg who hacks himself into clandestine autonomy. Out via Lakeshore Records. (You might recognize Jones’ name from her score work on shows such as Apple TV+’s Home and Max’s Young Love.)
Murderbot is based on Martha Wells’ lauded series of novels, The Murderbot Diaries.
Kaela — Supraliminal
Kaela Sinclair’s debut LP is a masterwork of transcendental, ambient electronic compositions built on a foundation of catchy, rhythmic pop and dance fixtures. This album really is just an incredible utilization of analog synths and Sinclair’s dreamy vocals. Sinclair, a live member of M83, providing vocals and keys since 2016, certainly has internalized some of the best elements of the band. However, she has clearly carved her own path with her sound. Out now via M83 principal Anthony Gonzalez’s new label, Other Suns.
Jonathan Sharp — Neon Night Ride
The album title is certainly an overplayed trope in the retrosynth/synthwave/scores-for-films-not-yet-made realm. Hell, this title was a tired trope in 2016. Nevertheless, don’t let that trick you into passing over Sharp’s Cliff Martinez- and John Carpenter-inspired foray into neon-lit nights. The calibre of the execution is up there with the best work of the imagined-film genre — folks such as Dallas Campbell/OGRE (AKA OGRE Sound) and Antoni Maiovvi. You’ll find kinetic arps and dark synthscapes, alongside ethereal, crystalline pads and memorable melodies that defy expectation. The cues readily display a nuanced storytelling that allows the listener to conjure up their own visuals in a fulfilling and comprehensive fashion. Out now via Spun Out of Control.
