Synthpop

    Apocalypso by The Presets

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    Apocalypso
    The Presets
    2008

    Before EDM consumed the heart of electronic music, musicians were still experimenting with how to weave their humanity through synths. Rather than evoke a 1980’s pastiche, The Presets arrange the instrumentation of previous decades into an emotional thrill of ecstasy and aggression.

    Recommended Track: This Boy’s in Love

    Bloom by Beach House

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    Bloom
    Beach House
    2012

    This is the sonic version of dense white mists quietly obscuring the landscape and unifying multiple views into a moody whole. The view pulls us outward in an invitation to wander and re-explore places we thought we already knew.

    Recommended Track: Lazuli

    Momentary Presence by GIFT

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    Momentary Presence
    GIFT
    2022

    This is an energetically dreamy album. GIFT blends synths of the 80’s with the vocals of 90’s shoegaze over 2000’s rhythms. It makes for music that feels out of time in the best way.

    Recommended Track: Gumball Garden

    Ghosts by Hania Rani

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    Ghosts
    Hania Rani
    2023

    Ghosts is an appropriate title for this beautifully haunting album. Hania Rani moves beyond her pure piano works to compose atmospheric and compelling tracks that express her hopes and fears.

    Recommended Track: Hello

    The Demonstration by Drab Majesty

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    The Demonstration
    Drab Majesty
    2017

    On my first listen, I fell in love with how this album made me feel and didn’t look back. The high-concept lyrics detract from the whole and, in my opinion, the album shines brighter when they’re ignored. Drab Majesty does their best to push themselves beyond an 80’s pastiche and mostly succeed.

    Track recommendation: Dot in the Sky

    Moth by Chairlift

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    Moth
    Chairlift
    2016

    A surprising combination of experimental beats with a winning sound. This is the sound of a band refusing to give in and push themselves past the safe sounds that made them famous.

    Track recommendation: Romeo

    Running by Cafuné

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    Running
    Cafuné
    2021

    This is the musical version of a lush, blue sky summer break where few things can break into your little world of chilling with friends in the sun. The possibility of a new love. Easy come, easy go. Driving is more important than where you end up.

    Track recommendation: Tek It