Back catalogue: Coldwave/Synth

Review: Described by their label, Dais, as "a stirring new chapter" in their musical story, 'An object of Motion' has its roots in a coastal break main man Deb Demure made back in 2021. It was material recorded there, largely using a vintage, bowl-shaped 12-string guitar, that formed the basis of the four-track mini-album. These recordings were then expanded on with help from collaborators Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Justin Meldal-Johnsen and Ben Greenberg. It's a decidedly psychedelic set all told, with Demure and company blurring the boundaries between neo-folk, psychedelia, the Cure, shoegaze and the sort of saucer-eyed, turn-of-the-90s bagginess associated with the Stone Roses. Most impressive of all, though, is 'Yield To Force', an undeniably cosmic, layered and effects-laden instrumental that ebbs and flows over 15 magical minutes.

Review: TR/ST's Performance delves deeper into the dark synth-pop realm Robert Alfons has mastered over the past decade. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Nightfeelings, the album presents a smoky fusion of eerie synths, deep bass and Alfons' haunting vocals. The title reflects a friend's remark about Alfons' performative essence, a theme echoed throughout the album's narrative. The opener, 'Soon,' starts with ethereal electronics before exploding into a danceable new wave anthem laced with biting lyrics. Tracks like 'All At Once,' 'The Shore,' and 'Boys of LA' showcase Alfons' ability to blend melancholic beauty with intense, almost cinematic production. His voice anchors the emotional turbulence of the album, navigating through themes of guilt, desire, and haunting memories. Performance is an immersive experience that straddles the line between mesmerizing and unsettling. Alfons' lyrical introspection and dynamic soundscapes make this record a standout in the synth-pop genre, cementing TR/ST's place as a rising force in electronic music.