synth pop / electronics
|
support Merchants Of Air, check out our shop
|
Synth pop isn't something that often occurs on Merchants Of Air. In fact, this is only the third album in that genre we try to write something about. For me, synth pop has always been quite an anonymous genre, with songs played at new wave parties to keep the people dancing. I don't know many bands. Quite frankly, I always left the dancefloor when they started playing Depeche Mode. Don't ask me why, but I can't stand Depeche Mode. Luckily, there's way more to synth pop than them and often quite there's some enjoyable stuff too.
Introflirt is a duo from Oakland, California, specialized in synthpop, although they like to call it "croon wave". With this second album, they try to secure their spot in that scene, and quite rightfully too. What I hear on this album is classic, or vintage, synth pop, often reminding me of Depeche Mode but - luckily - also of acts like And One, Soft Cell, Kraftwerk, The Human League and many others. It's hip-shaking, rather cheesy but joyous music, perfectly suited for the barely lit dancefloor.
There are plenty of dancefloor fillers on this album, including 'Precious Thread' and 'Not Like Mine' but my absolute favorite is 'Frozen Lace', which drives on a downtempo but solid beat and features quite a gloomy sound. For me, this song stands out between the colorful and lively electronic anthems on this album. Let's just call that "personal taste". Another honorary mention goes to closer and title track 'Temporary Heaven', which has absolutely nothing to do with today's music scene. I can't believe this song is not on any of those 'synth pop smash hits' albums. It should be.
So yes, synth pop. I mentioned it many times and there's absolutely nothing more I can add to this review without writing those two words over and over again. Back to the eighties, and highly recommended for anyone who's waiting for the next Depeche Mode album. One of my friends actually is waiting for that one, but I'm sure this one will leave him just as happy and satisfied...
​Serge
Introflirt is a duo from Oakland, California, specialized in synthpop, although they like to call it "croon wave". With this second album, they try to secure their spot in that scene, and quite rightfully too. What I hear on this album is classic, or vintage, synth pop, often reminding me of Depeche Mode but - luckily - also of acts like And One, Soft Cell, Kraftwerk, The Human League and many others. It's hip-shaking, rather cheesy but joyous music, perfectly suited for the barely lit dancefloor.
There are plenty of dancefloor fillers on this album, including 'Precious Thread' and 'Not Like Mine' but my absolute favorite is 'Frozen Lace', which drives on a downtempo but solid beat and features quite a gloomy sound. For me, this song stands out between the colorful and lively electronic anthems on this album. Let's just call that "personal taste". Another honorary mention goes to closer and title track 'Temporary Heaven', which has absolutely nothing to do with today's music scene. I can't believe this song is not on any of those 'synth pop smash hits' albums. It should be.
So yes, synth pop. I mentioned it many times and there's absolutely nothing more I can add to this review without writing those two words over and over again. Back to the eighties, and highly recommended for anyone who's waiting for the next Depeche Mode album. One of my friends actually is waiting for that one, but I'm sure this one will leave him just as happy and satisfied...
​Serge
