Synthpop
Apocalypso by The Presets
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
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
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
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
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
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
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