Ribbon Recordings レコード& CD

Review: John Maus has been operating at the fringes of the US underground for the better part of a decade now, with one of the most enthusiastic live shows of anyone in his circle. Much like his prolific contemporary Ariel Pink, Maus has amassed a massive collection of tracks which reference 80s synth pop, easy listening, and even hair metal, all swathed in a muddy but warm fuzz of reverb and delay. For fans this is essential, but even for those yet to acquaint themselves with his unique genius, its well worth investigating.

Review: It's been a long time between drinks for John Maus, the former college roommate of Ariel Pink with a fondness for blending baroque "modes" and moody, often lo-fi '80s synth-pop. Screen Memories is the producer's first new album since 2011, and glistens from start to finish. After opening with the grandiose synthesizer soundscapes of "Combine" (think Handel on Fairlights, and you're close), Maus delivers a range of atmospheric instrumental and vocal synth-pop gems dripping with Italo-disco style arpeggio lines, John Carpenter flourishes and decidedly cheap, lo-fi drum machine rhythms. At times, such as on "Teenage Witch", he sounds like "No More Heroes"-era Stranglers jamming with Com Truise, at others - see "Touchdown" - like Gary Numan circa "Cars". It's an intoxicating and entertaining blend.