Electro Euphoria #2 – Synth-Pop

I recently completed a round-up review based around songs with elements of electronica. I discovered a range of fantastic artists and bands, and so decided to create another article, focusing more on the synth-pop side of things. If you liked my previous review of the electro scene, then the playlist at the end of this review is a must listen!

Review by Jane Howkins

Photo by Hawk Jupiter

Hawk Jupiter – Land Beneath Waves

Hawk Jupiter is an Irish producer and musician, collaborating with a range of vocalists on his tracks. On Land Beneath Waves, he is joined by captivating singer Lauren Davis, who lends her gorgeous vocals to the tune. It’s fairly mellow sounding at times, building up to the catchy chorus, repeating the main refrain over and over again until it sinks deep into your brain. The synths sound lovely here, although the focal point remains on Lauren’s voice throughout the tune. Add in an upbeat rhythm section, and you have a truly hooky synth-pop song, set to captivate anyone into the genre!

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MURDAH SRVC – Running On The Surface

Next up is MURDAH SRVC with the elative sounding Running On The Surface, also featuring TonYnoT. It sounds like more of an EDM song at times, with a quick, pulsating bassline that melds well with the throbbing synths and drum beat. The lead vocals drift through the music in a dreamy fashion, utilising some impressive vocal effects in the process. Occasionally, the music breaks down, enabling a fully-fledged piano melody to really shine through, showing another side to the tune. Running On The Surface is a track that constantly keeps you guessing, keeping your attention poised throughout!

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EtaCas – Turn Up The Colour

Turn Up The Colour has more of a steady beat than the previous track on this list, having more of a classic synth-pop vibe, as well as some noticeable 80s pop elements. It’s a real testament to EtaCas’ talent, as it’s a catchy tune, yet it never sounds too mainstream, making for a perfect mix of sounds. Layers of synths dance around in the background. underpinning the vocals, bass and drums perfectly. The chorus really elevates things, seeing the vocals rise up to meet some gloriously melodic harmonies that just need to be heard to be believed!

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Moon and Aries – Don’t Feed The Demons

Regular readers should be well aware of electro duo Moon and Aries by now, as we’ve shared them a few times over the past couple of years. Don’t Feed The Demons is one of their best tracks yet, making for a perfect introduction to the duo. The main synth line bubbles its way through the music in glorious style, alongside the fast beat. The spacey backing effects add something really cool into the mix, with more and more layers added as the music progresses. And, as always, the vocals are fantastic, creating a sultry sound on the chorus that will draw any listener in immediately.

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Kim McClay – Comin’ Home

Kim McClay is a newcomer to the music scene, currently working on her debut album. However, new release Comin’ Home shows an artist with a great deal of talent, sure to reach big things in her musical career! It’s a little different to most of the other tracks here, as the music is fairly minimalist at times, also featuring quite an organic sound. The little guitar motifs are lovely, working surprisingly well with the throbbing electronic bassline in the background. Kim has a fantastic voice too, ensuring Comin’ Home is a must listen track!

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Zhazira – Mirror on the Wall

Mirror on the Wall is more on the alt-pop end of the musical spectrum, although it still has a synthy vibe on occasion. In particular, the dark synth-lines in the background have a gorgeous sound, ebbing away underneath Zhazira’s dreamy vocals, creating a wonderful atmosphere in the process. Little piano flourishes emerge every so often, alongside some distinctive backing effects, making for something utterly unique in the modern music scene. Zhazira’s vocals are pretty cool too, dropping down to a lower tone at times, adding even more to the dark vibe of this tune.

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The Heroic Enthusiasts – Tears Run Rings

Tears Run Rings is another song with an 80s feel, particularly reminding me of the post-punk genre that became so prominent in that era. This factor is partly due to the vocal style, but the synths The Heroic Enthusiasts create are also reminiscent of that sound. Multiple synth layers run round the bass and drums, with occasional spidery guitar lines appearing, adding more layers to the tune. If you listen faintly, a fingerpicked acoustic guitar melody can also be heard on the verses, showing another track in which organic and electronic instruments are combined perfectly.

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Marlon Bianco – She Can’t Leave Me Here

She Can’t Leave Me Here is perhaps the dreamiest song on this list, created by inventive London-based musician, Marlon Bianco. It’s actually rather jazzy at times, featuring a slow beat that is well aligned with that genre, as well as some wonderful saxophone melodies. Marlon’s vocals are a little distant sounding in the mix at times, but they suit the style well, drifting along effortlessly. There’s a lot going on here, so you’ll need to listen to She Can’t Leave Me Here a few times over. However, that shouldn’t be a problem, as it really is a charming tune to behold!

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Lucy Crisp – Locked Down

Lucy Crisp is another 80s-influenced artist, and she’s not afraid to show it! Locked Down mixes elements of that era with a more modern synth-pop sound, making for the best of both worlds here. The main synth melody is absolutely infectious, carrying through most of the track. Different layers are slowly added, ramping the energy up as the killer chorus kicks in. Lucy has a truly amazing voice too, showing a fantastic vocal range as her voice soars over this hooky, upbeat tune. It’s great to hear so many artists integrating a retro quality into their music!

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Aino Elina – Hold On

Aino Elina is an artist from Edinburgh who creates indie-electronic pop songs such as new release, Hold On. It’s a really pretty sounding song, introducing some lovely synths from the very start. The bassline pulsates throughout the tune, with a array of gorgeous synth-lines present in the background, creating an evocative and mystical sound. Aino’s vocals are absolutely on point here, suiting the style of music she’s curated, making you really believe everything she sings about in the poignant lyrics. This might just be my favourite song on this entire list!

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