The truth is, that i have been eagerly waiting for the release of FRIGHT TREASURES, the first 'full length' album by A NEW LIFE. It is finally out! A limited edition release on tape (along with the digital release, of course), on OTHER VOICES records. The fact that it is available on tape, as well, makes the album even more special and highly collectible.
All the songs on the album have been composed, performed and recorded by Maurizio Pustianaz (the mastermind behind A NEW LIFE) between September 2011 / September 2012, and as the title - and the striking cover artwork (by Oleg Galay) - suggest, we're in for a deep, dark, often emotional journey.
Right fro the start, it becomes clear that the artist, has no intention of jumping on any bandwagons or following 'trends'. After playing the album many times i get the feeling that the music making approach and the song constructing process can be described as pure and sincere and the sound ideas, the arrangements of the songs, the vocal performances, are all expertly combined and produced, bringing a sense of sonic unity and a final solid vision of the album, as a whole piece of art.
A NEW LIFE, prefers analogue drums and synthesizers to bring all those dark moments and moods to life, and manages to build up a melancholic vibe that runs through the album. Early 80s synth influences are evident and ever-present on all of the songs, and that only manages to enhance the allure of the album, which by all accounts has a strong sound identity, and an undeniable quality and only leaves the listener wanting more.
For me, FRIGHT TREASURES is one of the best releases of the year.

'Other Voices Records' is a Russia based, independent record label dedicated to releasing works by 'ambitious and creative artists from the past, present and future'.
So when I first played the 'Distant Noises - A Cold Wave Compendium' compilation, I knew it was going to be a special release. The compilation brings together fourteen artists from nine countries, offering a diverse, sound palette ranging from analogue synthpop to minimal darkwave, from post-punk 80s new wave, to pure electronic bliss.
What impressed me the most, while playing the album over and over again, is that it was really difficult for me to choose a song that i liked 'the most'. That is always an indication - to me at least - of exceptional high quality of the songs, especially when listening to a compilation with many different and, i would say, unusual sounds and styles. The songs share an underlying melancholy, and a retro quality, that makes them blend together beautifully, while the emotionally charged darker melodies and vocal deliveries make, listening to this compilation, a memorable experience.
Whenever i listen to compilation albums i always try to see that certain 'passion' for the music, that would make it stand out from the rest! It is evident here! From the carefully selected songs, and the expertly mastered sound to the black and white emblematic artwork.
It is a very highly recommended compilation and it is available for FREE on Bandcamp!

The first thought that came to my mind after i played the new 'Strictly Approach' e.p. by mr Ronny Kuenniger aka BASSAZYNTHZ, is that this man is passionate about his music (and a very skilled producer). After playing it again, many times over, and listening carefully, i was starting to discover little details with each listen and to me, that always is an indication of that passion.
In this five track e.p. released on the 'Battery Park Studio' label, Bassazynthz, embarks on a multidimensional electro journey, that covers all bases.
Of course there is the much needed sonic edge, to move things forward, the very contemporary and modern production approach, that ensures that the end result is gratifying, but he does not stop there. In most of the tracks, there are little 'injections' of retro elements that enrich his compositions giving a very stable platform for him to evolve and release his melodic vibes that add this multilayered feeling/emotion, to the otherwise sometimes cold and robotic - by definition - genre of electro.
All the tracks are very carefully structured, with great attention to detail, and the overall production is flawless. There are haunting pads, driving beats, great vocoder action, and lead synth hooks, thunderous basslines and intriguing arrangements that guarantee repeated listens and ultimately a very happy music buyer!
The 'Strictly Approach' e.p. is out now, on digital form, but watch out for the vinyl release soon!

EVANTON, is a brand new italo disco duo, that have just unleashed their majestic debut album: 'EVANTON', to the unsuspecting ears of the electronic music lovers, the world over.
The two members of the group Evan and Anton are both artists/producers each with their own 'sound' (Evan as 'Binalog Frequency' and Anton as 'Alta Toscana), one coming from an electrofunk background and the other from an italo disco background. Therefore, a combination of the two, could only result in something special.
I like to call their sound 'advanced italo', because, as it is evident throughout the album, they stay faithfully true to the early 80s italo/hi-nrg roots, they manage to take that sound a huge step ahead by very skillfully adding a heavy dose of electro and funky elements within the arrangements, with an explosive result, making their sound unique, instantly recognizable, and highly addictive!
All the tracks, though perfectly mixed and mastered, maintain an almost 'raw' quality, with little further production tricks/fx and that is a wise and conscious choice. This way their sound stands out, highlighting all the right elements making them almost irresistible. Huge basslines, sparkling chord stabs and new italo beats are the 'EVANTON' trademarks, and they will - surely - win you over! FRESH!

TSTI, is the moniker of the electronic bedroom project by upstate New York artist, S. Smith''. He may be describing it as a 'bedroom project', himself, but trust me, it is anything but! Having released two excellent E.P.s, TSTI, is absolutely ready to leave his synth mark in the electronic music world, by releasing his debut album 'EVALUATIONS" on November 12th.
There are nine songs on the album (as it is often, coincidentally, the case with all the best albums). The main (and vital) characteristic of TSTI's music - for me - is that he uses his analogue synths and drum machines to produce an original new sound, that although it may be reminding us of 'a broken frame' era DM, at some points, he manages to explore and expand his electronic sound palette and come up with a completely individual style, of his own. His vocals are dark (without having to be low-pitched) and perfectly fitting to his - equally - dark compositions that enhance the beauty of his songs.
Through his multi - layered and skillfully constructed, arrangements, his powerful melodic lines, and his matching vocal delivery, he manages to push all the right buttons, and transport the listener to darker place, where his talent and musical skill, shine even brighter.
TSTI - EVALUATIONS, is an album of dark emotion, having it's roots planted in the 80's synth scene and it is guaranteed to satisfy your synth music needs. I have already placed my CD pre-order, on bandcamp, where you'll also find the digital version of the album.