CRYSTAL embraces old school sound, with ‘Ecco Funk’

taken from the forthcoming EP 'Ecco Funk' Download/Stream http://smarturl.it/CRYSTAL-EccoFunk/Pre-Order https://flau.bandcamp.com/album/ecco-funkartwork by R...

Fans of 80’s new wave, CRYSTAL prepare to deliver a new EP fresh from the past

With retro melodies and a touch of sparkling chiptune, ‘CRYSTAL’ are laying claim to their own unique place in the Tokyo synthwave scene. It’s clear to see that Ryota Miyake and Sunao Maruyama are influenced by decades past and keen to resurrect retro sound to bring life and energy to their modern music.

Their discography shines with the vibrant electro pop funk of the late 70s and early 80s, unapologetically groovy synth and energetic electronic percussion keeping the mood neon bright. A love of retro gaming also finds its way into CRYSTAL’s sound, samples sneaking into their tracks from classic franchises and generating a layer of nostalgic comfort.

Their firmly retro sound is niche but the bubblegum energy captured by CRYSTAL is infectious. The pair has received praise for their work from names like French label Sound Pellegrino, and has collaborated with artists including Ikonika and Matias Aguayo.

The duo just released their new EP, titled ‘Ecco Funk’ on the alternative Japanese label Flau. Referencing the cult classic game Ecco the Dolphin, the lead track plays around with dolphin chatters and smooths out the mood with cosmic sighs.

Support the new album on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify

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Listen to the label- Flau Records
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Eclectic and electronic- listen to our playlist below!

Robert Robert taking us through space and time with his latest release 'Hoodie bleu ultra'

Robert Robert new single from upcoming EP "Hoodie Bleu Ultra" Stream / DL : http://smarturl.it/robertrobert-hbu Credits : Réalisation: Laurent E. Malo et Rob...

Robert Robert is a French-Canadian artist of many talents hailing from Montreal. Wearing a multitude of different creative hats, from composer and producer to singer and performer, this diverse approach to moulding and shaping sound has brought forth the release of his latest album ‘Hoodie bleu ultra’ on Nowaday Records. 

Anytime I hear “French” and “House” in the same sentence I get a tinge of excitement running though my veins. If you look back to the calibre of artists that have released French House influenced music such as Daft Punk, Justice, Cassius, Bob Sinclar, Dimitri from Paris, St. Germain.. (need I go on?) they all have a few key qualities in common: a high standard in polished sound design, warm feel-good vibes, and sophisticated, yet highly imaginative arrangement and production. The simple truth is ‘International National’ is a track with that same kind of essence; French house infused electronica at it’s finest.

Serving as the single from the album, ‘International National’ wastes no time in pushing the launch button, mapping its course and sending us into orbit.  The play between the warm arpeggiated keys, glaciated vocoded vocal and lead melody set up feelings of the familiar while also looking towards the future. The accompanying music video adds to this sense of interdimensional head space and is actually illustrated by Robert Robert himself. I highly recommend you purchase your ticket, sit back, strap in and wait for departure.

Support the new album ‘Hoodie Bleu Ultra’ on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify

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New landscapes with Hologramme’s ‘Alaska’

Hologramme - Alaska Alaska, reflects the passage of time in our lives by its slow and constant movement, so precious, so volatile. A version of oneself in th...

Hologramme released a self-titled album back in 2015, taking to the stage with eight electro-pop tracks splashed with shades of funk, jazz and melodic rock. Brought together by Clément Leduc, the debut album was a collaborative project with fellow artists Rémi Chenette, Laurent Saint-Pierre, and Dominic Lalonde.

The EP was received with positive reviews, earning a nomination for CBC Canada’s album of the year, and managing to earn a place among GAMIQ’s best annual electronic albums.

As the motivating force behind Hologramme, Clément Leduc has since produced a handful of singles, and organised cooperative projects with a variety of artists including La Bronze and the Dead Obies. Leduc has also worked together with Gabriel Gagnon to build up the Homy Studio label, connecting with creators such as Geoffroy, Larry Kidd, and the acclaimed Milk and Bone.

As Hologramme, Leduc released his second LP in 2019. ‘Felicity’ carried South American and African vibes, night time synthwave and subtle beats driven forward by a physical force of organic percussion. Tracks like ‘El Rey’ in particular showcased how valuable creativity can be when creating complex tracks from simple beat manipulation.

The most recent release from Hologramme is ‘Alaska’, shimmering synth interacting with percussive samples; a thoughtful experiment from the Montreal based artist.

Stream the release on Spotify

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Golan uncovers the unconscious mind, with ‘Anima’

Download/Stream - Anima: https://GolanOfficial.lnk.to/Anima https://GolanOfficial.lnk.to/ThisIsGolan Produced by Golan Follow Golan: Website: https://www.gol...

Golan began formation back in 2014, the result of a chance meeting between future members in Havana. Six years down the line and the group has reached five members, without sacrificing integrity of their production or cutting down on risk and creativity. At this point Golan is practically a community of sound, with connections spreading to the event organisers and labels they’ve worked with.

Any attempt at a full summary of Golan’s sound would lack detail, but key elements include classical influence, vibes of electro-pop, minimal and vocal sampling. Regardless, their group size means no shortage of experience or talent, and if that simultaneously leads to instances of artistic conflict in the creative process, it certainly doesn’t appear in the final product.

Despite rapidly making waves, and even receiving Sunete magazine’s ‘Best Electro’ award the same year the band was established, Golan has taken their development at steady pace. Their first EP came in 2016, and it wasn’t until a year later that their first LP ‘Intro’ was released.

It follows that the upcoming 2nd album is highly anticipated, the first track of which will be made public on April 24th; ‘Anima’ is song that looks inward to inescapable thoughts, lifted by vocals which drift between subtle beats.

Check out more from Golan:
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