Customer Reviews

State of Synthpop

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this collection in hopes of discovering some new artists in the synth genre and initially, I must say that the sheer number of tracks (85 all by different bands ) is quite impressive. After listening to all 5 cd's first in order and then shuffled, I was surprised at just how many of the tracks reminded me of Depeche Mode. (Alot of Euromale vocals set to highspeed dance-synth) I'd estimate that about 80% of the included tracks are high NRG, DJ, rave type, 80's inspired, 100+bpm synth driven tracks that you'd expect to hear at a dance club or DJ competition.

I'm not saying this as a slam in any way and in it's defense, this mix does offer a sense of continuity to the project as a whole, (although some may comment that it also supports the limitation of this genre of music). If music driven, upbeat, danceclub, Europop a la Depeche Mode/Erasure/Black Box with added synth is what you're looking for, then buy, buy, buy this compilation.

The other 20% or so of this set is a good mix of electro, nu-tech pop type songs. (More akin to New Order, Bjork, Colorbox, 4AD, Xymox, Venus Hum, Garbage, Cranberries etc.) I almost wish they had pulled these songs out and released them in a separate set, because some of the songs seem a little inconsistant dropped into the mddle of the rest of the 80% (example: Spray's "I KIll With My Car", a great, tech, almost punk lyric song just sitting there, wedged between 2 of Ganymead and Psyche's upbeat europop type tunes.)

Don't get me wrong, there are some really great tracks in this compilation that I felt stood out from the rest, (Spray, Droom, Hungry Lucy, Glow, Regenerator, Obscyre, Freezepop to name a few) and I did give the set 3 stars overall because of it's scope and the 20-25% "other songs", but too many of the majority of songs sounded similar to each other, (as mentioned, many of these artists seem greatly influenced by Depeche Mode and a lot of them do an excellent job of recreating the feel of this type of music, but after 20 or 30 songs like this, they start to feel like they're melting into one long DJ type mix.)

I was hoping, with the sheer number of artists included I'd get a wider crossection of different styles, but I have to admit, I feel that this is where this set is a bit weak. I had wanted to make some CD's for friends to turn them on to new artists, but for the most part, only a few tracks/artists really caught my ear and stood out as fresh and unique.

In summation, if you're a big fan of 80's, synth/dancepop or are looking to recreat your own Euro DJ E*rave, this is right up your alley, but if you're looking for a more eclectic sampling of some of the finer, lyrical driven aspects of synth, tech, nu-electro without the "dancefloor, megamix feel", I'd definitely recommend the compilation ELECTRO NOUVEAU instead. (2 discs, 23 tracks, also available on Amazon) I feel it does a better job of showing the diversity of this genre and every track rocks out while maintaining a sense of individuality to them.

Peace

This compilation was the result of several synthpop-type labels (such as A Different Drum, Cohaagen Records, Ninthwave Records, Nilaihah Records, Alpha Matrix Records, Hand Held Halo Productions, Intrapop Records, DSPB, and several others) banding together to create one massive compilation that would be affordable and also give synthpop fans a chance to, in one fell swoop, check out a wide assortment of the many newer (and some not-so-new) synthpop bands on the scene. In fact, there are over 80 bands represented here!

I've written in much greater length elsewhere about this excellent release, but suffice it to say there's a track here for every single type of Electronic Pop preference I can think of. Feel free to email me through my profile if you want the link to the full-length review of this title. Truely, a very excellent snapshot of the wonderful Electronic underground that needs to be heard to be believed!

While A Different Drum's "State of Synthpop" 5 disc collection showcased a plethora of bands of the electronic pop persuasion it also successfully had a much better playlist than it's sequel, "A State of Synthpop 2005". I won't bother mentioning the crap but the good stuff comes from artists from all around the world such as Wave In Head, Echo Image, Ganymede, Eloquent, Sweep, Raindancer, Neuropa, Axoe, Intuition, Neuroactive, Celluloide, Droom, Carnival of Dreams, Virtual Server, Backlash, Cosmicity, Gebrauche-Musik, Syrian, Gary Flanagan, Atlantic Popes, System22, New Clear Sky, Macando, Provision, & Nukleon. In all honesty I don't think this represents the real & amazing talent of this genre so your better off getting single tracks through Itunes or A Different Drums "Synthpop Club Anthems" series is far better than this too.

IT is hard to go wrong for this price. You get to sample 85 (85!) bands' music.

The stuff here runs the gamit from EBMish stuff to dead on old skol synthpop. In fact you will hear just about every kind of electronic pop that is being made today. If you like to explore new music in the pop vein then you need to check this out. My only complaint is that it is almost too much! I will be exploring this set for months to come.

Great songs, but instead of getting cd number two I got two disc number fours. Some snafu at the plant no doubt. Otherwise this is an awesome collection of my favorites like Gebrauche-Musik, Monolithic, Intervox, Provision and Echoing Green.