ESTATUAS DE SOL - Otros Tiempos

This is the second full-length album by the well-known Spanish SynthPoP band "Estatuas de Sol" from Madrid. "Estatuas de Sol" is comprised of simply knitted, catchy melodies which are based on ordinary, well-done SynthPoP structures. Those structures are sometimes supported by electric guitar that makes the melodies more vivid. The instrumentals are accompanied by excellent and powerful singing in Spanish. On "Otros Tiempos" they found the right balance between melancholic ballads (e.g. Luz, El Mundo A Tus Pies,) and catchy, very danceable songs (e.g. Tanz Trance, Caer, Ciudades, Dame Tu Alma). Also "Estatuas de Sol" impressively shows us their skill in expressing their emotions and feelings with very melodic music.
On the whole "Otros Tiempos" delivers warm, smooth and diverting classic SynthPoP music with a splash of Spanish emotions. Therefore it's a must for people who enjoy Spanish lyrics and prefer very melodic classic Synthpop music.

COLONY 5 - [Structures] (by Ahmudo)

I was never really a big fan of industrial music until I heard Colony 5. They combine both SynthPoP 'hand-made' and industrial 'machine-made' very effectively, and both their music and the vocalist are very promising. The harsh electronic sounds that they play are not without a
sense of creativity. Just as many SynthPoP bands add guitar elements to their style, yet Colony 5 chose electronic elements instead, and perhaps that is why as a SynthPoP enthusiast I admire them. I was very impressed when I heard their first album "Lifeline", but this time Colony 5 have impressed me furthermore with their new album "Structures", striking yet again with overwhelming and harmonized sounds. Fans should not expect something totally new, but they should definitely hear an improved Colony 5. Half of the songs on the album are a delight to the ears, and that is a decent enough start for any band. I think the album deserves a rating of at least 3 out of 4, possibly 3.5, but do not think I am being too demanding by not giving them all four points. Four points would only be merited by the absolute best of the genre, but the time for Colony 5 will come soon, and they are definitely in my favorite list as of now!

COLONY 5 - [Structures] (by Synthie)

After the very successful debut-album "Colony 5" and the release of the first single Structures, Colony 5 are back with a brilliant example of synth- and FuturePoP music. As on the debut album electronic melodies are pushed by fast beats. The melodic and melancholic singing, which is sometimes very catchy, is responsible for a considerable dose of warmth and it effectively compensates the cold melodies. Anyway, Structures loses personality due to the very technical sounds and can be described as "sterile". On closer inspection you will recognize that Colony 5 are on the right track realizing 100% FuturePoP, which is simply based on sterility. Also they have a good hand in finding the right balance between modern sound, minimalist structures and melodic melodies.
Well, Structures is one of fewer albums where the listener will have no desire to
push the fast forward button. All tracks are smooth fitting and form a tight unit. Maybe some listeners will notice the lack of variety and would like to listen to something more experimental. But Colony 5 were able to maintain the flow from beginning to end, and it results in a very entertaining example of FuturePoP.
Even though Colony 5 have been active for a very short time, they are a synonym for pure FuturePoP. No other band has been able to represent this genre this perfectly so far. Therefore this CD earns the highest mark.

THE ECHOING GREEN - The Winter Of Discontent

The Echoing Green are one of the few bands who periodically bring out new SynthPoP albums. Nevertheless they were always able to surprise their listeners and fans. Their newest effort is called "The Winter Of Discontent"- certainly not a typical name for a CD. - which surprises with both very danceable and mellow songs based on pure electronic music. Also catchy tunes ("The Story Of Our Lives", "Apology", "Heidi's Song", "New Gold Dream") alternate with demanding tracks that sometimes include alternative sound-structures ("Fall Awake", "Blind") and very melancholic ballads ("Starling"). Also Chrissy Franklin (also supports System 22, Virtual Server) got the chance to perform 3 solo-songs. Not a bad idea, as she is able to purvey her female charm. "The Winter Of Discontent" is a highly varied album that delivers perfect and mature SynthPoP of the highest quality.

SWEEP - Two Players

"Two Players" is the first full length album by the Norwegian duo Sweep which was announced by the two previews single releases "Emptiness, Your Loneliness" and "Miss You". The fans really had to wait a long time from the first release "Sweepeepee" in 1997 until now. With the help of the American Label "A Different Drum" (www.adifferentdrum.com) they got the opportunity to release this full-length album.
Listening to "Two Players" you can feel Sweep's love for doing very 80s influenced SynthPoP music. They concentrated on composing very melancholy and melodic melodies which always find the direct way to the listener's heart. Those catchy melodies are based on minimalist, intelligent sound-structures. Sweep really understood how to bring the fantastic 80s feeling into their music but were also able to integrate their own ideas and successfully disassociate themselves from 80s bands. So they found their own style which consists of an undeniable air of melancholy mixed with minimalist structures and embellished by very catchy refrains, supported by excellent singing.
My absolute favourites are "We Wrote Our Names In Water", "Closer To Earth" and "Miss You" as those songs are conveying so many emotions and they seduce the listeners back to the lovely eighties.
"Two Players" is the perfect album for all people who enjoy very melodic, warm and 80s influenced SynthPoP.