Michael Gordon, better known as mk.gee, released his debut album Two Star & the Dream Police, after years of collaborating with various artists such as Omar Apollo, Frank Ocean and Fred Again. This nervous syncopated cacophony of gorgeous compositions combines Gordons unique, detached guitar playing with rhythmic vocal runs to produce a beautiful demonstration of this rising stars impressive multi-instrumental skills. Providing listeners with a familiar and distinct sound that dares you not to connect. Two Star rejects traditional audio fidelity to favour more raw and emotional sounds; from scraping metal strings, blistering saxophone solos and pulsating synth keys pairing perfectly with Gordon detached vocal cries. Gordons mesmerising voice dares you not to join in, remaining at the forefront of many tracks such as the RnB influenced How Many Miles, initially portraying a straightforward ballad but hiding incredible complexity. With bubbling guitar chords oozing emotion and ephemeral shouts of Gordons beautifully expressed lyrics painting a gorgeous tapestry of experimentation and meticulous dedication to his craft. Another stand out track Candy is seething with character. An indulgent, boisterous jam with constricting and sharp guitar solos reminiscent of early 00s Pop music. The porous vocals almost take a back seat to demonstrate Gordon guitar work, weaving in and out of laid-back accompaniment to more astringent crunchy and memorable guitar runs daring you not to tap your legs along.
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, an Argentinian hip hop duo,made incredible waves in the music sphere last year. Celebrated by NPR as their premiere artist during Latin Heritage Month, listeners were served an energetic, magnetic and extremely memorable Tiny Desk demonstrating acoustic renditions from their 2024 album BAÑO MARIA. The Argentinian duo perfectly blend bombastic samba rhythms with infectious and lush lyrical structures demonstrative of the duos playful and magnetic storytelling. Perfectly exemplified in the albums second track DUMBAI. The pairs indulgent and boisterous lyrics of desire and attraction pair beautifully with the pulsating kick drums and light, patters of synth chords all combining to a undoubtably infectious and memorable chorus as the duo’s iconic synergistic vocals play perfectly with each other and the hypnotic lyrics. The albums gorgeously curated, mischievous yet seductive tone carries beyond the Spanish language. Extremely noticeable in the album’s title track BABY GANGSTA with the songs infectious chorus and captivating refrain inviting all listeners to bob their heads along with the snappy, throbbing kick drums. Then duo’s often sporadic and hyperactive vocals blend with the enchanting and charming synths littered throughout the song. BAÑO MARIA’s growing popularity has solidified Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso as authentic and indulgent artists whose rise to fame will be a sight to behold.
Spanish artist Judeline gifted fans with her long-awaited album, Bodhiria last year. An eclectic and eerily beautiful project that blends Spanish dance music with Andalusian roots presenting an expressive and deeply personal reflection of isolation, dissonance and culture that works perfectly with the singers paradisical voice that attracts and entices.
Judeline’s sharp and misty vocals are on full display with standout tracks like angelA painting a dark and atmospheric reflection on romantic idealisation. The songs pulsating synth kicks and moody arpeggios pair perfectly with Judeline’s delicate voice, contrasting with the songs more mature and contemplative lyrics. All before an infectious drum break propels the song from a ballad to an ambient dance track.
Familiar pop motif’s litter the album with songs like Heavenly as a standout performance of the artists shadowy vocals deliver expert dissections of longing and heartbreak, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the album. With the artists angelical vocals paired with the blissful and ghosty synths creating a sonic weightlessness that is carried throughout the track. Musician feature from Spanish singer rusowsky enhance the already mystifying nature of the song, as the duos vocals seamlessly complement each other creating a wistful and nostalgic tone.
Other tracks like JOROPO take incredibly profound creative choices particularly by the inclusion of Venezuelan instrument the cuatro. Paying homage to the artists familial heritage while adding an infectious liveliness to the track painting this vivid atmosphere reminiscent of dark and musty flamenco bars. The song is a welcome presentation of the haunting beauty of flamenco music through familiar chord progressions with modern synthetic and boisterous bass drums to showcase the intersectionality of music throughout Spain and Latin America. With a rhythmically infectious outro akin to modern reggaeton tracks while simultaneously infusing cultural significance for the artist in an authentic and captivating fashion.
2024 gave rise to some of the best pieces of work in Synth Pop. Particularly through the sophomore album Imaginal Disk from American musical duo Magdalena Bay. A buoyant, boisterous and kaleidoscopic work, beautiful weaving toe curling, crunchy percussion with vibrant bass drums with bittersweet lyrics about romance and uncertainty.
This album demands your attention and continuously fights for it with loud, splashy songs like Death & Romance combining gorgeous and infectious melodies akin to 90s dance tracks but with psychedelic overtures scattered throughout the production. Similarly, songs like Fear, Sex are initially portrayed as cute and unamusing through Mag Bay’s adorable vocals, before punchy and pulsating synth drums pound listener’s ear with infectious reverb and chord progressions. Proving this conceptual work continuously keeps listeners engaged and unassuming in an almost hyperbolic fashion.
The album expertly maintains a melodic and narrative thread throughout. With many songs seamlessly melting and oozing into each other throughout the albums 15 songs runtime. Songs like Tunnel Vision provide icy and crisp rhythmic changes painting an impossibly euphoric sonic experience through toe tapping melodic motifs and beautifully rendered vocals that when combined with driving drums and synthetic sounds add to this layered unabashed masterpiece that demands to be heard and continuously proves its worth. Genres are almost an afterthought with straightforward pop songs blending into funky throwback anthems like Love is Everywhere. A true testament to musical excellence with an unmistakably groovy bass line driving the track with ethereal chord progression making it impossible to not enjoy. The albums closing track A Ballad of Matt & Mica culminates in a grandiose, exuberant pop anthem reflecting insightful contemplations on the duo’s rise to fame. Bringing back many melodic and lyrical motifs teased throughout the album, creating a gratifying sonic experience for those who pay attention.
Imaginal Disk demonstrates artistry at its apex. Unbound my creative restrictions or ego, the album is unafraid to take risks and experiment, with many of the unique choices paying off in outstanding fashion. Cementing the record as one of the best of year and placing the duo comfortably on the forefront of synth pop and music.