COLOR THEORY - Perfect Tears

I'm listening to Synth since I am 15 years old. During that time I recognized that many bands, especially bands from Sweden or Germany tried and still try to copy Depeche Mode in any way. But that is not the way Color Theory (Brian Hazard) makes Synth. Perfect Tears is the best evidence as it includes a wide spectrum of Synth styles. I prefer to listen to the eighties-style songs like April's Bonfire, Guilt Reflected and For Good. In my opinion this songs are highlights at the world-wide Synth-Scene. All songs are made of Synth combined with piano which make the songs smooth and pleasant to listen. But it is not only the music and the piano playing that is great. Brian Hazard also has a fantastic voice and he has created songs with marvelous lyrics.
It is not an album for dancefloor but it is suitable for listening during autumn and winter when things run slower and when it is gloomy outside.

TYCHO BRAHE - Cassiopeia

Tycho Brahe attracted my attention with the song "Dreams Of Dying" that came with the sampler "World Of SynthPoP III". When I heard this song I got very interested in Tycho Brahe, as they understand to make genuine eighties SynthPop that consists of classic synth-arrangements which are sometimes combined with guitar playing and real drumming. Well they do not offer any new ideas concerning SynthPoP-Music but I like their very eighties influenced songs and the good singing of the Lead- and Background singer.
Cassiopeia includes some older songs which were released on tapes before, some new compositions and 4 remixes of their best songs.

I have to recommend this album to all who like eighties music regardless whether you like SynthPoP or not.

THE ECHOING GREEN - supernova

During my holiday in New York City I met Joey B. at the ADD Summer Synthpop festival where he surprised me with this advance copy of supernova. Now it is high time to write down what I think about it.
The CD starts with "Supernova" which represents the music style of this release - thoroughly chosen synth-melodies in combination with sometimes heavy guitars. Joey cleverly combined the guitar-playing with synth without intruding it on the listener. I appreciate that Joey assigned Chrissy Franklin for more background- and lead-singing (Thief and Nightfall And Splendor) as she as a very gentle voice that is in contrast to Joey's singing. This album includes new versions of the songs Thief and Defender. The two ballads "Waterfall" and "Nightfall And Splendor) really get under your skin and probably give you the creeps.
On the whole it is more pop than Synthpop because of less dark and melancholic songs and after all of the use of guitars. It reminds me of their 1997 release "Hope Springs Eternal". I think that Joey tries to dissociate from classic Synthpop, but in a positive sense.
I am sure that this album has the chance to reach more listener. It is not an album for people who like 100 % synthetics but it is the right choice for those you like swinging pop with an emphasis on synth.

LODE - Just Another Day

Well, it seems that good things always need time. I found the first songs of Lode (previous called Rule Of Faith) on the "Transmission Volume One" Sampler in 1996. The more the better I was glad to find those songs on their debut album "Just Another Day". This album can convince with well done synth-arrangements and excellent singing. Most of the songs are catchy tunes with melancholic influence. All older songs were rerecorded and sound modern and more "poppy". But I have to confess that I found the old very melancholic version of "I Can See It In Your Eyes" much better. Anyway this release also includes a cover version of Anything Box's "Living In Oblivion" that is well done and two remixes by IRIS and Phobiagogo.
My favorite song is "Begging You For More" as it includes guitar-playing by David Procyk and remarkable orchestral synthetics. 
It is hard to find an album which you can play from beginning to end without having to push the "forward-skip" button. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite CDs by an American Band this year.