This is the fourth time I’ve had to recreate this post, so hopefully it functions normally for you (and me). Today’s edition of The List features a compelling slate of songs from artists in the synthpop, synthwave, and something a bit yachty.
Flight To London — “Elephant”
This is one of those synthy numbers that sounds straight out of the 1980s (albeit with obviously more modern production). Everything from the emotive vocals down to the bright synths, searing electric guitar solo, and drum pattern scream ’80s. In this way, it’s a bit more like the synthwave Forêt de Vin (or even Iversen sometimes) would create. Flight To London is the project of Jimmy McGorman and Robb Vallier, big fans of Tears For Fears, Phil Collins, and Depeche Mode and who have backgrounds as professional songwriters. (McGorman’s resume includes work with a wide net that encompasses both the Goo Goo Dolls and Avril Lavigne, and Vallier has worked with Sabrina Carpenter and, hey ’80s, Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics.) It’s out now on the streamers as part of their Moog Sessions EP. Get on it.
Girl As Wave — “Good Fiction”
“Good Fiction” is, well, a good song. We shouldn’t be too surprised, though. Girl As Wave (AKA Marci Elizabeth) has been giving us quality, synth-driven material for years. This latest single has all her hallmarks: neon light blasted against a dark backdrop; hazy, somewhat detached vocals; and just downright catchy hooks. Perfect for night drives. Notably, her approach has remnants of golden-age indie synthpop acts like Class Actress (albeit with a darker approach) and Chromatics.
FM Attack & Betamaxx — “Remember”
Vancouver-based FM Attack (Shawn Ward) and Pittsburgh-based Betamaxx (Nick Morey) are synthwave pioneers — with the former unleashing the classic Dreamatic in 2009, long before any of us knew what to call synthwave and the latter releasing catchy cuts like “Only In Movies” with Dana Jean Phoenix as far back as 2012. They’ve been on these pages for almost as long. They’re gifted musicians and so it shouldn’t be a surprise they’re capable of creating delightful music together. This one has a laidback groove laced with kinetic synth arps and Ward’s vocoder vox, among other noteworthy elements. The way it all comes together makes me remember why I fell in love with this genre in the first place. Out now on Bandcamp and streamers. How about a full collab album gents?
DDYER — “Natant (Above The Abyss)”
Cincinnati, Ohio-based DDYER has put together a wistful track that kicks off with a mind-bending kosmische flair and shifts into full-band, yacht-rock mode with a yearning synth lead occupying the place of vocals. The piece has other twists and turns, too. In this way it’s not tightly-wound like a yacht rock cut. It flows more like a Brian Wilson pocket symphony. The whole thing is just a gorgeous journey. It’s out now on streamers.
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