SYNNX are a genre-defying duo who have just released their debut EP and origin story, Atlas of Heart.
By Graeme Smith
From the off, you can tell you’re in for something different with Atlas of Heart. Its title track opens things with looping piano, cinematic neoclassical and expressive vocals. Folk, pop and something altogether undefinable comes together to steal one’s breath and hold onto one’s heart as the listener is lead by a soft hand into their world.
Consisting of vocalist Lynx and pianist Nova, SYNNX are a duo of Berklee College of Music graduates holding Master’s degrees in Contemporary Performance. That academic background adds a certain polish to their performance, but what gripped me most about their EP was its organic, natural feel. Each note is emoted with authenticity and its instrumental compositions stir.
The drama of the first track is put aside for dreamy interlude Hypnagogia. Named for the psychological term of being in a state of ‘in-between,’ it quite literally provides a bridge to the rest of the EP. Arriving at the other side, we are greeted by Spinning Ring. The EP’s journey’s most prominent location, it takes us into the world of alternative rock and is rich with relatable narrative in its lyrics.
Title track Atlas of Heart draws on Chinese Opera in its composition, and so does Trade. Combining those Eastern influences, with Western ones, including Mozart’s The Magic Flute, we get a rousing and unexpected track that straddles genre from rock to classical.
Extended track Spaceship closes the EP with a slow-burning prelude that’s followed by a ghostly, cosmic first verse. As it progresses, it builds to a theatrical, operatic climax before we arrive at a cryptic morse code closing.
SYNNX are true innovators, determined to bring something new to the world of music. As confrontational as their debut EP is, there’s also plenty in it that welcomes the listener and has them lingering around for me. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long for the duo’s next release. They are already hard at work with their next record.
Atlas of Heart is out now via Stillwaters Records, and you can give it a listen below.
