“In a way, it’s a Hyperbubble album turned inside-out,” says Hyperbubble’s Jeff DeCuir about their most recent release, “Drastic Cinematic.” While previous releases consisted primarily of catchy, offbeat synth pop, “Drastic Cinematic” lives up its name with darker, atmospheric tracks containing minimal vocals. At times, it actually seems to be entering the realm of ‘industrial … Read more
Best known for the synth pop classic “Send Me An Angel” as wells as such club hits as “God Tonight,” Australian synth band Real Life is back with new covers CD, “Send Me an Angel: ’80s Synth Essentials.” As the title suggests, the release has the band covering songs for their own era, doing renditions … Read more
With his various projects over the years, former Bronski Beat / Communards vocalist Jimmy Somerville has done some great cover versions (The Communards “”Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a personal favorite of mine.) So the fact that Somerville would eventually do a covers-only release comes as no surprise. But what is unexpected is that … Read more
Best known for the-synth pop classic “Send Me An Angel” as wells as such club hits as “God Tonight,” Australian synth band Real Life is back with new covers CD, “Send Me an Angel: ’80s Synth Essentials.” As the title suggests, the release has the band covering songs for their own era, doing renditions of … Read more
Fully embracing synth pop but giving it a modern edge, Freezepop creates some of the most addictively catchy electronic music out there. Their music has a strong sense of fun, with cleverly humorous lyrics and bouncy synth lines. While their sound is bound to appeal to New Wave fans, it must be noted that Freezepop … Read more
Influences of early synth-pop and electro are highly apparent in the music of Ladytron, but they are far from being a retro band. On their debut full-length cd, “604,” they successfully drew from the past to create a highly unique, futuristic sound. Their sonic palette often sounds like it could have been used to create … Read more
Interview with Lauren and Susan of Book of Love5/18/01 How did the reformation come about? Did the “Best of” Book Of Love album come about before or after you decided to record new songs together? Susan: Ted and I started working together again a couple of years ago. The project organically turned into the “Best … Read more
NOTE : This article was written when preparations were underway for the WOTAPALAVA tour in 2001. With tickets already on sale, the tour was canceled, reportedly because a suitable replacement for Sinead O’Connor could not be found. We’d had the opportunity to ask Neil Tennant a few questions, and decided to keep this article online … Read more
The following interview with synthpop legend Gary Numan was conducted in 2000, as he was releasing the album “Pure.” What effect has the evolution of electronic musical technology had on your approach to music? Gary Numan : “I think when it comes to songwriting, I really hasn’t had much of an effect at all. For … Read more
Jimmy Somerville was first heard from as part of 80’s synth-pop trio Bronski Beat (“Smalltown Boy”). After leaving that band, he went on to the equally excellent The Communards before launching a solo career. His new CD, “Manage the Damage” is out now on Instinct Records. On “Manage the Damage” you worked with Sally Herbert, … Read more