Today’s version of The List features a fun array of mostly synthy fare. There is a TRON-related video game score. Jessie Frye gets paired up with a French pop-synthwhave group. Jake Shrock makes an appearance. Hitmaker The Bad Dreamers pairs up with synthwave pioneers New Arcades.
I do intend to do more of these lists with more regularity. So, please do keep the submissions coming and do indeed keep reading and then supporting these artists. All we have is each other. Now, onto the tunes.
Dan Le Sac — TRON: Catalyst
Full disclosure: I haven’t played this video game. However, I have listened to composer Dan Le Sac’s score and will say it lives up to the work of those who have scored the two films that have been released: Daft Punk (and Joseph Trapanese) and Wendy Carlos. The synth arps, cinematic grandeur, and raw energy are all here, giving us a downright satisfying sonic journey through one of the most famous of cyberspaces. The UK-based Le Sac is known for his collaborations with Scroobius Pip and Bithell Games. [Out now on all streamers via Walt Disney Records.]
TimeMachine1985 — “Perfect Girl, Wrong World” (feat. Jessie Frye)”
The relatively new French duo TimeMachine1985 have teamed up with synthwave vocalist and lyricist Jessie Frye to craft a catchy new song that blends modern electronic pop with stalwart synthwave ingredients. The end result recalls the best elements of Carly Rae Jepsen’s modern classic, Emotion: shiny synths, memorable vocal hooks, and a tight rhythm section. Added to this a searing but tempered electric guitar solo and Frye’s dynamic vox and poignant lyrics. TM85 are mostly known (particularly in France) for their covers of College’s and Electric Youth’s “A Real Hero” and Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” but if this single is any indication they’re about to be known for a whole helluva lot more. [Out now via Universal France/Polydor on all streamers.]
Rewind It: Memory Tapes Vol.1
This various-artists comp celebrates the first anniversary of the Barcelona-based label Rewind It with a brilliant array of cuts that journey through kosmische, ambient, Carpenteresque, and other instrumental electronic fare. Familiar names Jake Schrock and Stefan Smith contribute key highlights to the eight-song digital release, but don’t sleep on the others. I highly recommend this collection, and the label in general. Great music is still out there, if you’re willing to search for it. [Available via Bandcamp (and probably elsewhere)].
New Arcades x The Bad Dreamers — “Brand New Phone”
New collab, who dis? Both London-based New Arcades and LA-based The Bad Dreamers have been around the synthwave world for many years, unleashing some of the catchiest, well-written songs in the scene. Together, though, they’re elevating their craft. The dark and energetic “Brand New Phone” blends sexy cool with a pronounced splash of colorful foreboding. TK. [Out now via NewRetroWave Records.]
