Today’s edition of The List features a host of relatively unknown artists (at least in Vehlinggoland) who make music you really should hear. I’m featuring a few genres to provide some variety: There are some ambient contemplations, some tunes that recall classic synthwave, a bit of a Deep Forest vibe, and more.
Ship Says Om — “Mother Director”
Ship Says Om, a California-based musician who leans heavily on acoustic-guitar driven ambient numbers, has released a fantastic EP entitled Dream Journal. “Mother Director,” one of six cuts on the EP, is a gorgeous piece built on a conversation between guitars over electronic soundscapes and wordless vocalizations. (Her vocals work really well with the arrangement.) The song, and the entire EP really, are a colorfully subdued meditation perfectly crafted for our frenetic modern era. I love it. I wish it were longer. Perhaps an album will come one day. Dream Journal is available on digital platforms but also as a cassette on SSO’s Bandcamp page.
Broken Videos — “The Frequency”
Oddly enough, I don’t think I’ve heard of Broken Videos. I’m glad I have now, though. “The Frequency” is a captivating synthwave journey. There is a swirling, intergalactic quality to it — like you’re on some serene but important voyage and all the stars, asteroids, and other space ephemera fly by you as you eye them out the window. This is definitely worth checking out, either on streaming or Bandcamp.
Trip Tease — “Acapulco Wave” & “Palcon Funch”
Mexico-based Trip Tease makes some compelling nu-disco with strong italo vibes. In fact, it recalls some of the early synthwave that helped make the genre an underground hit 15 years ago. On these two tracks, he takes that classic foundation and punches it up with some updated sensibilities that make for some damn fine listening. “Acapulco Wave” has a sexy, laidback quality to it that nevertheless has the energy to power the dance floor. “Palcon Funch” has a nice strut to it. Together, they remind me a bit of some Bordello a Parigi or Valerie Collective releases. From the Sex Having Disco, Pt. 1 EP, out now on streamers.
Mister Fluo — “Nowhere Static”
Mister Fluo’s “Nowhere Static” is a well-crafted, majorly catchy nu-disco/French Touch number. (This makes sense, given that the artist is from France. There’s something in l’eau there.) The bright synths, driving rhythm section, and big-but-laidback vox are, interestingly, reminiscent of the best cuts on Kavinsky’s most recent album. It’s a body-movin’ song with hooks that stick to your brain far beyond its mere two minutes and 39 seconds.
David Clavijo — “Atlantis (Instrumental)”
Clavijo is showing up on The List because “Atlantis” feels like a lost song from the first Pure Moods compilation, one of my all-time favorite releases. The Spain-based musician employs a yearning violin lead that etches itself right into the fabric of your soul. The driving-but-understated drums excel at keeping things moving, and the electronic chorus and other ambient textures provide a gorgeous and meaningful support system. The result is a delightful blend of the sensibilities of Deep Forest, Enigma, and Sacred Spirit, but with Clavijo’s own artistic voice.
JT Curtis — “Walk of Shame”
JT Curtis has released a fascinating progressive rock concept album entitled Where Did The Music Go. According to press materials, it’s about a society resisting the stranglehold of AI music. On “Walk of Shame,” a standout track, we find Curtis and keyboardist Dino Covelli unfurling a host of fuzzy synths (both atmospheric and arpeggiated) over a modest retro drum machine backbeat; over which his David Gilmour-esque emotional electric slide guitar and pensive, atmospheric piano maximize the emotional power of the message. You can find the album on streamers and on Bandcamp with a physical option. (A note about Curtis’ background: He once played George Harrison in the Broadway run of Let It Be and he hosts a web series entitled History of Rock & Roll.)
