I, SYNTHESIST: Avalanche (CD on Satellite Symphonics)
This CD from 2003 features 49 minutes of electro-pop.
I, Synthesist is Chris Ianuzzi.
A powerful union of pulsing electronics and persistent e-perc and commanding vocals conspire to make this release a tasty dose of Eighties-style synth pop.
Nimble-fingered keyboards produce a lively framework for auxiliary riffs that belt out with tantalizing determination. A puissant mechanical demeanor is infused with organic qualities, resulting in a cyborg temperament. Complex rhythmic loops define a dense foliage of beats, combining dance sensibilities with serious intent. Rapidly delivered tempos are expertly accompanied by surging electronics, inducing a breathless character. Clever mixing adds a quirky touch that sets the music apart from average techno.
Ianuzzi’s vocals are richly masculine, yet the lyrics are tempered with an objectivity that is devoted to human interface with the modern world. Some tracks feature vocal treatments, imbuing the voice with an extraterrestrial quality.
An often sparse sound reveals an austere craftiness, casting a moody spotlight on the tune’s plaintive message.
Fans of Fad Gadget and Kraftwerk will derive much pleasure from this tuneage.
JONDI & SPESH: The Answer (CD on Spundae Records)
This release from 2004 features 53 minutes of lush techno tuneage.
Pulsating foundations support peppy rhythms and engaging drone melodies that gyrate and whirl, transforming any environment into an impromptu dance-floor. Complex e-perc generates a throbbing propulsion for the production-heavy electronics. Inventive keyboards and versatile effects merge in an ethereal union, creating a drifting demeanor that conveys a mild urgency while retaining a comfortable easygoing mood. Bass tones coexist with high-end resonance, generating a lush sound that fills the environment without doing so forcibly.
Overall, the tunes are peaceful and relaxing. While elements of a hyper frenzy can be detected, these aspects are utilized to achieve a more soothing style of electro-pop. This anti-jarring disposition makes Jondi & Spesh's music more accessible, appealing to an audience who like activity but spurn a frenetic velocity.
Vocals alternate between solo female and a male chorus, both treated and filtered to increase an enticing edge to the positively oriented lyrics.
Although steeped in modern airs, there's a strong retro influence going on that will appeal to fans of techno's early daze.
KRYSTIAN SHEK: Eisblumen (CD on Fax Records)
This release from 2003 offers 63 minutes of upbeat rave music.
This release starts with soothing atmospheric textures, but as the tracks progress, the music becomes more and more demonstrative, leaving behind ambient traits and striking off into rhythmic territory dedicated more to an up-tempo dose of rave music. Shimmering harmonics cavort in a sea of dance-conscious beats.
The tunes are laced with engaging beats and energetic electronic harmonics, weaving a superb array of hypnotic trances without any intrusive lyrics. The e-perc simultaneously utilizes frenetic high-end beats in conjunction with guttural bass beats, creating a complex tapestry of artificially generated impacts. Electronic tonalities and effects are mixed into this beat-nest with meticulous care, resulting in a gestalt that is invigorating and sedative at the same time.
Shek has concocted a delivery that mildly tempers these upbeat tunes with a dreamy quality that manages to subvert repetitive techno sensibilities with a pleasant disposition. A European demeanor permeates the music, producing somber-but-lively melodies rich with congenial BPMs.
While most of these compositions are beat-dominated, a few of the tracks allow the melodies to emerge and occupy the forefront of the sound with tasty prominence.
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