2019 finds the genre of modern synthpop as vibrant as ever, with an incredible diversity of sounds, styles and geography making up this year’s top 10 new albums. Each year, as I assemble this list of the top modern synthpop albums of the year, I’m reminded that I have the[…]
Read More »The top synthpop albums of the 2010s
Thank you to everyone who participated in the voting for the top synthpop albums of the last decade. The artists and albums listed in this online survey received over 3,200 votes – an amazing number! The list contained a number of surprises.
Read More »Neuroactive returns to its roots for its upcoming release
Neuroactive is one of the longest-enduring acts of the modern synthpop genre, with a number of lineup changes but an excellent body of work, steadily released between 1991 and 2014. They’re unquestionably one of my all-time favorites. But things have been quiet in Tampere, Finland during the last five years.[…]
Read More »Iris shines on melodic, well-crafted “Six”
After 5 years of total radio silence, Iris is back with a new album. Entitled Six, it is stylistically darker than their last outing, Radiant. It bears a greater resemblance to Blacklight in its tone and style. Six contains a well-crafted collection of 11 melodic tracks, each with its own[…]
Read More »Quieter Than Spiders opens up about their unique, cinematic sound
Often, independent musicians face a long and challenging road to get their music heard. Most must hold down other jobs to keep the bills paid and a roof over their heads. Others face significant life challenges that force them to put their music on the back burner for a time,[…]
Read More »Modern Synthpop’s top 10 new albums of 2018
Welcome to Modern Synthpop’s list of the top 10 new albums of 2018. As usual, there was a wealth of excellent music to choose from, produced by excellent existing acts and new ones. I hope you enjoy exploring this amazing music! Each year, as I assemble this list of the[…]
Read More »DE/VISION’s Citybeats: I was hoping for so much more
I don’t know what it is about me and DE/VISION. During the last decade, my feelings about their albums have fallen into what I call a “meh/wow cycle.” Citybeats, the 14th album from the German synthpop supergroup, contains 11 decent songs. I’ve just found very little that moves me. This[…]
Read More »Good evening, Pasadena: Remembering DM’s iconic ‘101’
Today, it’s 30 years since Depeche Mode played the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. This is the concert that became the subject of an incredibly popular double live album and a concert film, both called 101. Thanks to the Alnost Predictable – Almost blog for bringing this landmark anniversary to my[…]
Read More »Frecvens: An inside look at this remarkable synthpop duo
Frecvens is an Oslo-based duo that has crafted one of the freshest sounds in the world of modern synthpop. Its atmospheric style is both highly engaging and quite unique. I recently had an opportunity to talk to the guys to learn more about their musical roots and influences, and what’s next for this rising star of the independent synthpop scene.
Read More »Modern Synthpop’s top 10 new releases of 2017
Welcome to my annual list of the best Modern Synthpop Releases of 2017. Like last year’s list, this one combines some outstanding music by “classic” artists like OMD, Gary Newman and T.O.Y. with many new or fairly young modern acts. That’s what makes synthpop so incredibly vibrant and endlessly fascinating to follow.
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