Jay Roecker - Electronic Symphonic (LP)

PHOTO: Evie McNeil

Electronic Symphonic (LP) - Jay Roecker (Synth Pop) With Electronic Symphonic, Jay Roecker delivers a versatile, eclectic and well-sequenced album heavy on the 80s synth pop references but with more than meets the eye. His sophomore album, Jay puts both vulnerability and introspection on display, often to high octane, club-ready productions.

Overall, the album is thoughtfully produced, as if every track could be a radio single. It is complex and always delivers something unique. We have found that synthwave albums can often fall into the trap of sameness throughout the project, a wall of big synth sounds that never gives the listener time to breathe. Not so with Electronic Symphonic, which loses its predictability with each new track, delivering a pleasant surprise behind every corner.

Before digging into the specific tracks, we should take a moment to praise Jay Roecker’s vocal performance and production. A strong, resonant baritone, Jay’s voice is commanding yet emotive. His layering techniques are top notch and his understanding of counterpoint and weaving in multiple musical phrases is what elevates this entire project into Top 40 territory—which decade depending on the song.

The album begins with reverence for 80s synth pop. Pour On Me, the remix of which we had the privilege to review previously, evokes New Order’s True Faith, and we defy you to not think this was a chart topper of the 80s. It’s a perfect introduction to Jay’s world—a straight up anthem.

The House and A New Day For You complete the introductory trio of 80s-styled songs. The former, which is given the remix treatment later in the album to put the bittersweet song to a more uptempo and modern club beat, has the standout lyrics of the entire project, and is a prime example of Jay’s masterful vocal layering. The complexity of the instrumental adds a richness to the track, our favorite part being the twinkling keys which add a goosebumps factor. It also displays a mounting bridge of callbacks to prior musical motifs throughout the song which puts Jay’s musicality on full display.

The House then seamlessly transitions into A New Day For You, and helps distinguish that “loud wall of synth” sound we mentioned above with great level cuts that keep listeners engaged.

Sus is a surprisingly modern song considering what has come before. While certainly synth pop inspired, the track feels more like a recent Weeknd number, say Blinding Lights. Complete with a catchy hook and a title using modern slang, this is the one to lead Electronic Symphonic’s marketing and promotion for sure. Further ahead on the album, Thicker Than Blood is also extremely modern and radio friendly, with an incredible guest vocalist VALIMOOR helping craft a real “get your lighters out” 80s/90s inspired pop ballad. The synth-guitar line is an earworm and in addition to showing off Jay’s versatility in soundscapes, there’s just something special about this one. This track feels at home with the album’s slight nod to R&B on the Let’s Run Away Together (Remix), which reminds us of Apologize by Timbaland and OneRepublic.

Don’t Give Up On Love (The Perry Twins Mix) takes us to the dark, after hours nightclub with a track made for club DJs, with Mi Amor / I Have A Dream pivoting us back to the 80s inspirations with an immediately recognizable synth sound from Running Up That Hill. Considering the resurgence of that Kate Bush classic thanks to Stranger Things, we also recommend pushing Mi Amor.

Finally, Electronic Symphonic and covers Chances Are (Johnny Mathis) and My Way (Frank Sinatra) display a much more theatrical side to Jay. The former has a very jazzy feel, evoking a speakeasy with the verbed keys and R&B drumkit, only going back to the synthwave sound in the choruses. The covers are done with a classic songbook flare, with My Way serving as a perfect curtain call to the record.

While certainly a synthwave album, Jay Roecker’s Electronic Symphonic does much more than time travel. With modern twists and surprising left turns, the album is an excellent example of musicality, mixed genre referencing and eclectic style.

Alan Dreezer - 99 Percent

99 Percent - Alan Dreezer (Pop) The early-90s are calling with Alan Dreezer’s 99 Percent, ready for all your retro-tinged playlists. The song is bookended by a phone call/voicemail scene, starting with an apology from a former lover and ending with a full inbox, which gives a great structure and completion of storytelling to the track. In the middle of this sandwich, Alan tells the listener that he’s over her, by just about 99%. That message is delivered with Alan’s silky baritone, carrying the song with little of today’s modern vocal tricks, only using the occasional background and layering to let the strength of his performance do all of the work. The song has great 90s crossover R&B vibe complete with a motown style chant and a funk guitar driving the song along. It’s a classic sounding song with great movement, one we know you’ll be singing along with.

Best Lyric: “I still taste your scent”

Adik Angel - Saved Time (Remix)

Saved Time (Remix) - Adik Angel (EDM) In the Saved Time (Remix), Adik Angel delivers an EDM instrumental that conjures images of summer sun and outdoor tea dance. As with the original, the song is driven by spunky guitar plucks—a very current trend—punctuated with a verbed vocal effect. Importantly, Adik continues to introduce new musical elements to keep the listener engaged. Our favorite moment is when the guitar plucks handoff to a more bluesy, verbed guitar that really leans on a descending melodic progression, before handing it back off to the plucky guitar, whose line gets more and more complex. Poppy and fresh, Adik Angel’s “Saved Time (Remix)” is a must have for DJs, especially for summer rooftop and beach dance parties.

Chris Bloom - Frames

Bloom - Chris Bloom (R&B) Chris Bloom’s new track “Bloom” pulls off quite the hat trick. There’s a retro R&B sensibility to it, and yet everything about it is incredibly current—from the crystal clear, front and center vocals, to the introductory sung verse that almost feels more like a rap flow than a traditional lead vocal. The instrumentation is gorgeous, from the “Blackhole Sun” reminiscent verb guitar to the surprising church organ, and that’s just in the first part of this multi-layered track. Because before long we kick it into full R&B in a completely unexpected turn that makes the track incredibly engaging, with our new soundscape providing a sparse but effective production in service of the main event—Chris’s incredible vocals. The backgrounds and ear candy effects are also light touch, but when done, incredibly effective. This is one of our favorite tracks to date, and we can guarantee you’ll feel the same.

Best Lyric: “Knock it out like a ball game, put me up in the hall of fame.”

Sadie Nix - Tell Me

Tell Me - Sadie Nix (Pop) There’s a Gaga “Shallow” feel to Sadie Nix’s Tell Me, particularly in the chorus. It’s certainly similar in that it’s an anthemic power ballad with a cinematic feel, evoking the pop-rock ballads of the 90s and early 00s. We could definitely hear this one on the charts next to “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” if you catch our drift. Sadie’s vocals are strong, feeling like a pleasant hybrid of Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus, and chock full of passion. We specifically love the chord progressions backing Sadie, and the understated nature of the instrumental overall that leaves the vocal right out in front. Few production tricks are employed here, letting the song rest on the strength of the vocalist. Tell Me is just perfect for karaoke, that’s for sure, having a very sing-along-able chorus. This is one you belt along with in your car.

Best Lyric: “When the whiskey’s gone and so are you.”

LJ Smooth - All In

All In - LJ Smooth (R&B) With All In, LJ Smooth delivers a silky smooth R&B gem about wanting reciprocation from the one he is falling in love with. The soundscape is that delicious late 90s/early 00s crossover R&B, with crisp percussion cutting through a lush, vibey guitar riff and a sprinkling of keys. The record brings us back to the days of Joe or Mario, with the slight pushes of tuning on the vocal that dips the song ever so slightly into T-Pain waters, especially in the chorus. Our favorite part of the track is definitely the switch up in verse 2, where the EQ slides starts a warping effect that really helps break up the song. This one is a certified hip winder, and we recommend adding it to your commute playlist.

Best Lyric: “I just wanna fall asleep while talking.”

ET Reed - Directions

Directions - ET Reed (Rap) ET Reed has a dream and a mission, and she needs to shed some dead weight that threatens to hold her back in Directions. It’s such a mature realization for a voice that sounds so innocent. This is the plight of the artist—as you rise, so many you relied on will fall to the side. What we really enjoy about this track is the vulnerability. ET Reed isn’t yelling at those who failed her to get lost, instead there’s a somber melancholy of bittersweet epiphany and disappointment. That vibe is exemplified by the warm lofi track, which loops hauntingly as ET Reed’s understated vocal pours straight from the heart. Intentionally over-tuned, combined with the natural innocence of her voice, it creates a smooth, ASMR-like experience. All this combined, Directions pulls the listener in, and then connects with a raw exploration of the inevitable disappointment of growing apart.

Best Lyric: “Shit I lost my mind, let alone my temper.”

Merunisa - Countin' Sheep

Countin’ Sheep - Merunisa (R&B) Merunisa delivers a lofi R&B gem with Countin’ Sheep, a warm and fuzzy track that will circle your brain much like those sheep. Versatility is the first word that comes to mind when describing Merunisa’s vocal performance—soulful sung leads paired with an attitude tinged flow debuting in the second verse, putting her in the same vein as early Alicia Keys and classic Lauryn Hill. Countin’ Sheep is one of those rainy day coffee house jams, giving a vinyl warmth with beautiful lilting keys cut by a steady snare. 90s love abounds with some classic backspin/scratch effects along with that “Here Comes The Hotstepper” vocal call out effect. We miss the days when these smooth crossover R&B jams would crowd the Top 40, and there’s no reason Merunisa’s Countin’ Sheep shouldn’t be doing the same.

Best Lyric: “Blinded by your love, blinded by mistakes. Trying to move on, but I’m losing this race.”

Jimmy de la Mar - You Know

You Know - Jimmy de la Mar ([Retro Pop]) It’s a return to the late 80s with Jimmy de la Mar’s “You Know”—a Rick Astley-esque production of crossover funk that utilizes all those classic synth sounds primed to bring you back to the days of neon clothes and shoulder pads. With a beautiful melding of disco and motown sensibilities on top of a lush and driving instrumental, Jimmy is giving us a straight jam session, complete with those classic synthetic horns and strings, as well as a boatload of 80s ear candy effects. Our favorite part of the entire affair is for sure the little bell hits during the chorus, just a small touch that really elevates the track. Add this one to your retro playlists, or to any collection you rely on to spin yourself around on the dance floor.

KINGA - Something's Gotta Give

Something’s Gotta Give - KINGA (Disco) Kinga serves a retro affair with Something’s Gotta Give, delivering an early 80s style of pop anthem with a good number of 70s disco callbacks buried within. Vocally, KINGA is strong. His falsetto definitely evokes the Bee Gees, while when in his lower register we get pure George Michael—especially when layered in the chorus and pre-chorus. With that said, the track feels like it would fit right at home with Wham!. Tinges of nostalgia abound in the instrumental, the bouncing synth lead gives moments of Sweet Dreams while the percussion delivers some delightful disco claps. All in all, KINGA displays that he knows his references quite well, delivering a record that could stand shoulder to shoulder with them on the pop charts of yesteryear, and spin you on the dance floor to boot.

Best Lyric: “You have a gift that you can use.”

Jolene Lozano - Imaginary Wonderland

Imaginary Wonderland - Jolene Lozano (Pop/R&B) We fell in love with this track the moment it started. In Imaginary Wonderland, Jolene Lozano fantasizes about a different life while jamming to music on her commute. An extremely relatable subject matter on a track with a Top 40 crossover vibe, Jolene gives a melding of throwback R&B with modern vocal styles, evoking NAO’s “Adore You” in the production and a mixture of Ariana Grande and Alessia Cara in the vocal. And speaking of vocals, Jolene is a powerhouse, strong and emotive, tossed into a cavernous verb that turns this into quite a BIG song. We’d love to hear this record live in concert. Our only question is, with a voice and track this damn good, why would Jolene Lozano ever want to be anyone else?

Best Lyric: “I put my headphones, press play, set the scene. Before it’s my stop, I play fantasy.”

Bradley Denniston - What If?

What If? - Bradley Denniston (Pop) In his latest track, Bradley Denniston wonders What If? a flirty encounter turned into something a bit…more. Despite some sexual overtones, we still think the song is an all ages affair primed for Top 40 radio. It’s a beautiful marrying of punk/alt rock styled vocals and a retro synth beat. The EQ dampened but hard hitting kick really gives this track its identity, pairing nicely with the bouncy synth keys. But while relying on a very retro vibe, the song maintains a timeless quality, one that feels appropriate for the ending credits of a Hollywood romantic comedy. But where it could rely on “cutesy” it’s actually a very BIG production thanks to a lush verb. Add this catchy tune to your commute or gym playlist.

Best Lyric: “This bottle’s got us hot and heavy, and just one more sip might change the mood.”

Lili Joy - DWYCT

DWYCT - Lili Joy (R&B) Lili Joy brings some seriously 70s retro vibes with the lush production that is DWYCT—which stands for “do what you can for me”. The production is verby and vinyl, with an excellent build of instrumentation throughout, driven by a delightfully funk bass that turns the track into a solid groove at the pickup. But despite the retro feel, we can’t help but feel this could’ve been a very early Ariana Grande track (back around “The Way”). The vocals are intimate and close, and use a deliciously earcandy effect similar to what Adele played with on her last album. We are really enjoying this return to classic R&B, and Lili Joy brings a maturity to the track which elevates it when compared to her peers. Rainy day coffee house vibes abound in DWYCT.

Best Lyric: “Rooftop, a kiss on the nose.”

Activ8te - All We Do Is Shine (ft Footleg)

All We Do Is Shine (ft Footleg) - Activ8te (Dream Pop) First off, this mix is incredible. With Activ8te’s All We Do Is Shine, we have almost an ASMR experience with these lush, verbed synths and guitars complimented with a close, crispy percussion that just slices right through the mix—the whole affair is very pleasant on the ear. Footleg’s vocals are very mellow, very fluid, and just melt beautifully into this dreamy track. All We Do Is Shine is a chill groove, a real “feel good” track, about the glow of love and the possibilities of human connection. With a lush soundscape, we think this track is primed for those “chill vibe” playlist placements. Summer breeze and sunsets, this track is a “cruise down the highway” kinda jam.

Best Lyric: “Dive into the depths, where secrets intertwine.”

Amen Sioux - Dramatic

PHOTO: Angie Angelson

Dramatic - Amen Sioux (Dream Pop) Amen Sioux serves up some silky smooth dream pop in his latest track, Dramatic, which gives that warm, analog, vinyl fuzz that feels cozy and inviting. The song is easy breezy, hazy and dreamy, with a chorus that has some serious staying power (we were still singing “it’s draaaaa-matic” hours after we finished listening). Amen’s vocals are just as warm and cozy, a buzzy resonant sandwich of delicious layering that slices through the swirling of the instrumental. It’s a lush production, chock full of earcandy including the panned guitar strum and those sprinkling of rhodes. It’s a retro vibe for sure, highlighted by the guitar solo which is given a good chunk of the track to shine. We think this one has major playlist appeal, and we defy you to not put this track on repeat.

Best Lyric: “You say I’m a liar then you wanna play with me.”

The Screaming Pope - Correct Picture Color (LP)

Correct Picture Color - The Screaming Pope (Avant-Garde) With Correct Picture Color, The Screaming Pope has delivered a unique sonic experience of genre bending electronic music that feels like the music corollary of an immersive theatrical experience. In fact, we could definitely envision a modern dance piece set to the record, or some other type of art installation. It is clear just from listening to the expert production of the piece that whoever is behind The Screaming Pope must have quite a lot of experience.

And we were right. Behind the Pope is George Bolton, a veteran of various music scenes including Chicago, Boston, New York and Rhode Island who has been writing electronic music since the early 80s. Correct Picture Color is his seventh LP in a series of albums, with this latest addition started just before Covid. A producer, engineer, session musician, songwriter and music video assistant, George certainly has quite the resume.

This is vibe music, with sparing female vocals used mostly in parallel to other instrumentation in the applicable tracks. Structure is abandoned in favor of mood, creating something more akin to an ASMR experience, or a meditation of sorts. After the brief intro of The Corporation, we immediately delve into a cavalcade of creatively titled pieces. On Accidental Mullet, we get a Norah Jones-esque vocal and an instrumentation that feels rooted in chill R&B. Another favorite of ours was Scrub-A-Dub, which pulls elements of nature and reggae to create an immersive atmosphere which continues into the trancey The Mountains—best described as almost a sleep meditation.

On The Wind is a beautifully crafted mix, and the vocals give more a of a spoken word poetry feel. On this track specifically, The Screaming Pope displays the maturity of his musicality. It feels seasoned and rich. Pairing nicely a few tracks later is Desert Heat, which evokes an eastern-tinged religious experience.

Other standouts tracks include Wheel of Destiny which immediately struck us as the closest to the mainstream thus far in the album. There is a feel of late 90s/early 00s EDM pop, specifically the work Madonna was doing on Ray of Light and Music, with ideas of the Don’t Tell Me and What It Feels Like For A Girl cropping up as we listened. Machines Making Machines Work For Me goes darker, giving a Berlin after hours club vibe with a melody that reminds us of an instrumental piece we doubt anyone knows called Incantation and Dance. This one should be served to DJs for sure.

But in the end it is Escondes which is our standout track. Coming out of nowhere from the collection of more mood inducing records, we are suddenly shocked by a latin bop with serious Ariana Grande vibes. This is the one we’ve had on repeat.

The talent on Correct Picture Color is obvious from the first few minutes of the collection, and we invite you to take a step away from the world, pour a glass of wine (or honestly, take an edible) and let Correct Picture Color take you on a trip around the world.