Classic synth-pop dominates the latest ELYXR release
Seattle-based electronic musician/producer Kasson Crooker conceived ELYXR as a collaborative project, introducing different singers for each subsequent release. ‘Engine’ marked the first such outing and featured Elissa LeCoque (Kodacrome) on vocal duties (a track which also received its premiere here on The Electricity Club back in May 2017).
Subsequent singles included the kinetic energy of ‘Godspeed’, which featured the vocal talents of Naoko Takamoto (Princess Problems) and was conceived as a commentary of sorts on the-then forthcoming Trump presidency (a popular theme of late).
ELYXR switched up to a male vocal for ‘The Last Day of Summer’, a shimmering, sunny number that featured Brian Hazard (Color Theory). Meanwhile, ELYXR have also released a whole selection of other electronic gems. ‘Planes’ featured the return of Kodacrome’s Elissa LeCoque on a sultry synthwave outing. Elsewhere, ‘Crystalline’ employed some chiptune elements combined with the engaging vocal talents of Katrina Kope (Purr Gato).
The latest ELYXR release (which marks the 7th release so far) features the vocal talents of Kurt Harland Larson of ’80s synth-legends Information Society. A US-based synth-pop outfit, Information Society previously scored a hit with their 1988 release ‘What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy)’, a track that also featured vocal samples of Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) taken from the classic TV show Star Trek.
Combing the talents of Crooker and Larson, ‘Strange Stubborn Proud’ produces a seamless composition. The end result channels classic synth-pop elements combined with a modern electronic production style to deliver a smooth synth outing.
ELYXR remains a fascinating musical endeavour by the ever-talented Kasson Crooker – and it looks like the future will offer up ever more intriguing collaborations.
‘Strange Stubborn Proud’ is out now on the Speed Of Dark label.
https://www.facebook.com/ELYXRband/
http://www.symbionproject.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/elyxrband/strange-stubborn-proud-ft-kurt-harland-larson-of-information-society
BandCamp: https://elyxr.bandcamp.com/album/strange-stubborn-proud-ft-kurt-harland-larson-of-information-society
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6kGGFx3SlPDro53zV31sna?si=iEXHy1i8Ryqf00ubcdpVtA
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strange-stubborn-proud-feat-kurt-larson-information/1345638282
