The top 10 modern synthpop albums of 2021
By any measure, 2021 was a truly bizarre year. COVID raged worldwide for much of it, and even when things appeared to be getting better, we got hit by successive waves of this global pandemic.
Fortunately for us, this enabled many modern synthpop groups more time to create remarkable new music. Here are my picks for the 10 best new albums and EPs launched during 2021 by an all-star cast of talented performers:
Actors — Acts of Worship
Acts of Worship, the sophomore album from this remarkable Vancouver-based post-punk band, blends dark and moody tones with upbeat danceable rhythms and bright melodies. Its propulsive, guitar-driven melodies are the perfect soundtrack for a world full of uncertainty. Yet even in the darkness, synth washes pierce through the veil like tightly-focused spotlights, providing an awesome counterpoint to the tightly-arranged atmospherics.
Favorites: Obsession, Cold Eyes and Only Lonely.
Nation of Language — A Way Forward
One of the characteristics that defined synthpop music of the new wave era was its simple arrangements, typified by groups like Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark. Nation of Language masterfully channels this vibe on their sophomore album, A Way Forward. This delightful, artfully composed album is a wonder to listen to. The Brooklyn-based trio is following its own path, and we’re much richer for it. Bravo!
Favorites: Wounds of Love, This Fractured Mind (one of the best synthpop songs of the year)
Echoberyl — Mother Solitude & Other Dark Tales
On its sophomore album, Echoberyl provides a rich palette of synth-driven sounds, from danceable numbers and guitar-driven post-punk to atmospheric tracks. Its all held together by Cecille Dassonneville’s haunting voice and Adriano Iacoangeli’d creative arrangements. Mother Solitude & Other Dark Tales is a strong follow-up to last year’s The Awakening of a Mutant Girl. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented Italo/French duo.
Favorites: La Dame En Rouge, Swamp King, The Siren & the Ghost
Hante. — Morning Tsunami
Morning Tsunami is an elegant collection of moody, electronic darkwave that builds slowly in the listener’s mind but never fails to captivate. Hélène De Thoury continues to evolve in her ability to construct imaginative, haunting tapestries of sound. Spectacularly dark and lovely! Lay down in a dark room with your headphones and get carried away
Favorites: Blank Love, Wasting Time, Catharsis
Leathers — Reckless EP
Shannon Hemmett, keyboard player and vocalist for ACTORS, released a dreamy, introspective darkwave EP that sparkles with energy and attitude. Her spectacular cinematic arrangements are a real treat. Every synth wash and beat is perfectly placed — never too dense — just right, topped by her wonderful voice. Lovely! Word has it that she’s working on a full-length album, which will be released some time in 2022. I can’t wait.
Favorites: Phantom Heart, Day for Night
Tenderlash — Hold Still
Hold Still is the debut album of North Carolina solo artist Cathy Durant. This exceptional nine-track album balances light and dark influences with powerful dance beats, haunting synth lines and melodic vocals. Its imaginative arrangements propel it a step above most other darkwave. It will be fascinating to see where Cathy takes Tenderlash from here!
Favorites: Hold Still, Cold Outside, Open Your Eyes
Yestergrey — Busy Rushing Nowhere
The imaginative name of this band suggests a 1980s nostalgia turn. Busy Rushing Nowhere delivers with sparse arrangements punctuated with minor key synth washes and DM-like percussive sounds. Unlike most artists who try to clone Depeche Mode’s sound, this solo Swedish artist carves out a vibe that’s uniquely his own. He calls Yestergrey “a project specifically designed to fill the present void of sombre synthpop/wave of the 12-bit sampling era.”
Favorites: Never Trust Design, Busy Rushing Nowhere Now, Secrets
Rupesh Cartel — Embers EP
Rupesh Cartel is one of the most criminally under-rated synthpop acts of the modern era. This Stockholm-based band released three excellent albums between 2005 and 2009, and then fell off the face of the earth. They returned with 2020’s Lodestar EP, which was surprisingly good. Rupesh Cartel continues its strong showing with the 5-track Embers. Their signature sound is as strong as ever. Highly recommended!
Favorites: Embers, Apex
Sin Cos Tan — Drifted EP
Finnish duo Sin Cos Tan is back after a six-year hiatus. The 4-track Drifted EP features some very strong tracks. Juho Paalosmaa’s plaintive voice anchors Sin Cos Tan’s distinctive sound, while Jori Hulkkonen’s hypnotic synth and rhythm arrangements are top-notch. There’s plenty of variety in this small package. Here’s looking forward to more creative output from this dynamic duo in 2022!
Favorites: Disconnect, If I Was Gone
Piston Damp — Making the World Great Again
The debut album from this Danish/Norwegian duo has an exuberant sound that you’re not likely to confuse with anything else. It really is quite remarkable. If the vocalist sounds familiar, he should — he’s the brother of Stephen Groth from Apoptygma Berzerk. In addition to sparkling synth riffs, Making the World Great Again stands out in its use of sampled words and sounds, which add a unique element to what is already a standout album.
Favorites: Sacred Secret, Runaway, Never Thought it Would End
Chuck Frey
Modern Synthpop
Join me for my weekly show on the Modern Synthpop Facebook page, where I feature an eclectic mix of synthpop, darkwave, electropop and post-punk tunes from the modern era plus a few surprises every week! Thursdays from 3:30 pm Central U.S. time.
