“What makes some synthwave shine amongst others? It’s the love and attention it’s made with. And United Simesky Institutes makes synthwave retro-sonics and sumptuous sounds with a blissful abundance of both…”
Synthwave
“When we last heard Last Wars it was hard-boiled and rasp-filled and retro electric, like a B-side of ‘Saturn Strip’ Vega. But now we get polish, and pumped up production, in an EP that flexes and kicks…”
“Take synthwave and shoegaze, and that lush 80’s chorus of 4AD stalwarts, and the softened cool glint of Minaxi, then just go let the song slip away…”
“Half synthwave, half chill, there’s meander and flow, but that doesn’t mean everything’s comfy. There are sombre and ominous hints and inflections that keep us from feeling too easy…”
“These aren’t just imitations of old tones and lost soundtracks, though their imprints are more than all over, every track holds a wealth of 80’s offshoot sub-genres from new-wave to synth-prog to pop…”
“There’s a surprising soft elegance to Bearcraft’s new album, a range of sounds unexpected from singles released that mixed coldwave with dark electronica…”
“Retro synth junkies and pastel schlock purists, welcome to your new neon dream wave…”
“As we fold in Crystal Castles, Heartrevolution, and recall the charred chaos of Cabaret Voltaire, what comes out is a cold blend of agropop sonics with a sly twist of hardcore macabre…”
Rats on the Run 