Out of the void… It’s a cold and grim evening as the winter weather begins to draw its icy fingers around town. Tonight sees the launch event for Bekimachine’s new album Another Atmosphere (see TEC review previously). The good news … Read More
Return of the loneliest girl… Since 2011, Princess Chelsea has served up four albums of engaging indie pop with her fifth album, Everything Is Going To Be Alright, ready to keep that legacy going. The New Zealand musician also has … Read More
Stormy synth-pop adventures… After a turbulent period of cancelled gigs, postponements and a lockdown which effectively wiped out the live music scene, tonight’s entertainment came under threat from a different issue. Storm Eunice was busy depositing trampolines and garden furniture … Read More
Look at what we’ve done… It’s not unusual for fans of a particular band to be asked why they continue to go and see said band night after night on tour, despite the fact the band play the same songs … Read More
OMD return to Wirral… It’s been a long time coming, but last night we finally saw OMD at Birkenhead’s newest music venue, Future Yard. With an audience of 350, it promised to be a very special night for fans of … Read More
Classic synth-pop albums come home… The first two Human League albums (Reproduction from 1979 and Travelogue from 1980) have, for some time, been hugely inspiring for me – they still sound like music of the future even now. There’s a … Read More
How can this be true… After a year of a live performance schedule that resembled a scene from Mad Max, the news that OMD were to perform live once again came as something of a shock. In fact, the You … Read More
A warmer feeling seldom owned… Following on from a host of projects tied into OMD’s 40th Anniversary (including a new book and a new compilation album/box set), the band have embarked on a tour which is designed to celebrate that … Read More
In this handmade heaven, it’s paradise… Having detached herself from her earlier title as Marina And The Diamonds (settling instead for a straightforward ‘Marina’), Welsh musician and songwriter Marina Diamandis returned earlier this year with new album Love + Fear (see TEC … Read More
Just Got Home Scheduled as Empathy Test’s homecoming gig after their recent American adventures, the London-based electronic outfit also had a diverse bill of other acts on hand to round out the evening. This included the dark dancepop of Nature … Read More
Have you ever had the feeling… Occasionally, an unusual event appears on the gig-going radar which invites curiosity. Following Northern Kind’s storming set at Silicon Dreams last summer (which marked the duo’s return to live performances as Northern Kind), they … Read More
Now there’s more than meets the eye… It would be difficult to assess the history of synth-pop without taking into consideration Norway’s own considerable contribution in the shape of a-ha. The 3-piece outfit need little introduction, having chalked up an … Read More
Spooky synths in action In a live environment, the irrepressible KNIGHT$ always manages to stand out in sharp relief through a combo of slick pop tunes and a charismatic stage presence. Choosing Halloween to stage a headlining show seems like … Read More
Liverpool’s Electronic Music Event Returns… The Silicon Dreams festival has been a semi-regular event on the synth-pop-lovers calendar for almost two decades now. Originally a small retro-computing/synth-pop crossover celebration, it’s grown over the years, shedding the 8-bit to concentrate on … Read More
All day electropop… One of the fixed points on the gig-going calendar is, of course, the Synthetic City Electronic Music Festival. It’s multi-line-up of bands and artists from both the UK and abroad has offered an opportunity for established acts … Read More
A night in the Machine Kingdom… Hitting the UK in the spring months, Japanese cyberpunk outfit Psydoll took in an extensive number of venues across the country, including Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Leeds and Birmingham. Consisting of Nekoi (vocal,keyboard,songs) … Read More
Live electropop thrills… Sometimes it’s good to appreciate the wide variety of electronic acts who are out there performing live (as well as on record). While the UK is, in many ways, the spiritual home for synth-pop, there are also … Read More
This field remains… When OMD first collaborated with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra back in 2009, you would be forgiven for thinking the project sounded unfeasible. For a band that’s carved an impressive career utilising electronic music, the idea of … Read More
Evocative Electropop Evening It’s odd to think that a year has passed since Empathy Test did their debut album(s) launch event in London. Back then, there was an energy in that room that seemed almost physical. In many ways, it … Read More
A day of electronic music magnificence… Not content with simply staging just one electronic music event in 2018, Synthetic City decided to do a return bout with the creation of Synthetic City Reloaded in the autumn months. As ever, the … Read More
Untied and weightless… The post-britpop years gradually gave rise to a renaissance of sorts for electronic music. With so many diverse acts currently ploughing their trade, it’s perhaps difficult to remember how barren the landscape was at the start of … Read More
Sardonic Pop Delights… With three studio albums under her belt, the choice of tunes to perform live for Princess Chelsea has become much more trickier. Cuts from new outing The Loneliest Girl would obviously be given a special showcase, but … Read More
Eats shoots and leaves The Norwich duo of Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth, collectively known as Let’s Eat Grandma, have been rapidly gaining attention since their 2016 debut album I, Gemini. Their latest album, the mercurial I’m All Ears, offers … Read More
Dark romantic tunes… The Slaughtered Lamb is a curious venue hived away in Clerkenwell which, as summer draws to a close, was home to a 4 band lineup combining an eclectic set of talents. Serving as a showcase for many … Read More
The opening night of a-ha’s 31-date Electric Summer tour yielded plenty of surprises, as Barry Page discovered… The home of Kent County Cricket Club, the Spitfire ground has been doubling up as a music venue since Elton John brought his … Read More
Ethereal electronica.. Ambient outfit Marconi Union are probably best known for their soothing composition ‘Weightless’, a piece whose genesis arrived after consultation with a sound therapist. The finished work was considered “the most relaxing tune ever” (to the point where … Read More
Insurrectionary Neo Futurist Adventures… The live event circuit has been boosted of late by the regular DEFSynth events. Hosted by the larger than life character of Derek Anthony Williams, the DEFSynth nights are launched under the tagline of “The New … Read More
An evening that’s Fast-paced, fun, celebratory, emotional… and everything in-between Walking through the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Canal network – there’s a biting chill now present in the early evening air, yet our welcome at one of the city’s most … Read More
Electronic music magnificence descends on London… As ever, the Synthetic City music festival keeps things ambitious with an all-day event boasting 11 acts. The 2018 affair offered up a range of styles and approaches, while also throwing a nod to … Read More
The truth can be so tragic and beautiful… It’s been quite the year for London-based electronic outfit Empathy Test. Their successful PledgeMusic campaign saw the band reach over 600% of their target – an effort that also resulted in the … Read More
OMD return to Guildford after a lengthy absence The last time Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark performed in Guildford was in June 1985 at the Civic Hall, prior to the release of their sixth studio album. In fact, this particular … Read More
A day of esoteric electronic tunes… Holding an electronic music festival inside a church might seem to be a strange choice of venue, but in practice it certainly lends a distinctive atmosphere to proceedings. The location of St. John’s Church … Read More
Acoustic love from Norway’s finest… “Suddenly we’re a band again, suddenly we understand why we’re together, and we’re in agreement like never before.” – Morten Harket “This current process has given us an incredible team spirit and a creative exchange … Read More
Iconic pop duo bring their hippo to the house at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire… Over forty-five years since their formation, the inimitable Sparks continue to delight and surprise fans and critics alike. Fresh from the critical and commercial success of … Read More
Global electronic acts descend on London for this packed synth-pop extravaganza… Among the many electronic music events of the year, the Synthetic City Electronic Music Festival was certainly one of the more ambitious affairs. Boasting 11 bands and artists from … Read More
An evening of electronic swagger… This year has seen a broad variety of multi-band line-ups for electronic music events. Getting the right balance on the selected artists can be a tough trick to pull off, but the Electro Punk Party, … Read More
The electronic musical festival returns with an impressive lineup… This summer saw the return of SILICON DREAMS, the electronic music festival whose roots were founded in the Vintage Computer Festival back in 2010 (an event which also featured OMD performing … Read More
The German electronic pioneers bring their visually impressive performance to Nottingham… “For beauty we will pay” Never a truer word as (like the rest of the tour), these tickets immediately sold out when they went on sale last September, such … Read More
The Mighty Mode deliver a powerful London performance… London Stadium, Saturday 3rd June 2017 It’s a mild Saturday afternoon and I’m following a vast throng of Depeche Mode fans into the former Olympic Stadium; the setting for triumphant UK athletes … Read More
A showcase of diverse synth-pop acts delivers an evening of captivating tunes… Earlier this month, Islington’s Electrowerkz venue played host for a showcase of electronic acts curated by Synth Club, a promotion outfit (formerly known as Analogue Nights) who are … Read More
Toronto’s finest pay a visit to London… Austra’s Future Politics album was a timely release that explored themes of human nature, politics and the environment. In a particularly turbulent time, Katie Stelmanis outlined a manifesto of sorts in which everyone … Read More
Autorotation drop in for a live show and VR demo… International Women’s Day falls on the 8th March each year, which opens up opportunities for both articles discussing women in electronic music and also special events to coincide with the … Read More
While the Nordic charms of Susanne Sundfør have been present for several years, it was the release of her latest album Ten Love Songs that appears to have pitched her music career into a much more noticeable spotlight. Now with … Read More
Bristol synth-pop outfit release their debut album… Sinestar all hail from the Bristol area and got together in late 2011, formed from the ashes of Jagged. Their debut I Am The Rain EP was released at a launch party at … Read More
It takes a lot to draw us out into a chilly November evening, but Austra provide a suitably attractive prospect. Following on from the release of critically-acclaimed new album Olympia, the sold-out Koko in Camden is proof of the Canadian … Read More
Japan’s technopop trio make their UK debut… There was a point not that long ago where the idea of an outfit such as Perfume performing in the UK would have seemed absurd. Following on from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s performance earlier … Read More
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum user manual had this to say on the subject of electronic music: “Because there is only one loudspeaker in the computer you can only play one note at a time, so you are restricted to unharmonized … Read More
Electronic charm Princess Chelsea produced one of the best sleeper albums of 2012 in the shape of Lil’ Golden Book whose fragmented slices of electronic charm and wistful tunes came as a refreshing change and demonstrated the versatility and range … Read More
Now in the fourth year of their widely documented reunion, Ultravox know no boundaries. When it came to the next jigsaw sequence in Ultravox history, the unveiling of their 2012 studio album Brilliant, with a European tour to follow, was … Read More
Picasso By Night A modern art gallery is not your typical venue for a synth-pop gig, but then Chvrches are not your typical synth-pop band. Unquestionably THE new synth band of the moment, the buzz around this Glasgow three-piece has … Read More
Venus In Fleurs The steady upward path of Grimes continues, paved by the recent success of the Visions album, which also marked the signing of the artist to the 4AD label. Transcribing the dense, complex soundscapes that form the Grimes … Read More
Machines Of Loving Grace The solo synth work of Pikachunes kicked off the action at what was essentially a Lil’ Chief record label showcase at the Monto Water Rats. Pikachunes’ DIY approach to electropop is intriguing not just for the … Read More
There’s no doubt about the influence KRAFTWERK has had on OMD. Both founding members have come out dozens of times citing the German experimental electronic band as a main influence. Lead singer Andy McCluskey jokes of how their song ‘Electricity’ … Read More
An Evening of Electropop Synthpop and electronic music website The Electricity Club (TEC) hosted their first ever live event at the weekend. Situated on New Oxford Street, The Bowery was the ideal venue for an extended night of English electropop. … Read More
Europa Endlos – The Electricity Club Go To Bavaria For their international assignment, The Electricity Club’s Nix Lowrey and Mike Cooper got together with Parralox’s John von Ahlen and headed to Germany, the spiritual home of modern electronic music, for … Read More
Music of Quality and Distinction Live “I was once watching Richard Burgess play drums with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Carol was a singer in the band. It was really when I was a budding drummer and Richard was … Read More
A Black Celebration Well this was never going to be an ordinary Depeche Mode gig… Firstly, it was a one-off charity show in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. And secondly, it was held at London’s iconic venue, the Royal … Read More
Featuring Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action HOWARD JONES is often thought of as the one man musical mastermind of synth-pop but when looked at fully, he’s so much more than that. Howard Jones has been around since the early … Read More
Into The Heart When Mirrors played a special music industry showcase at Ronnie Scott’s club in London’s Soho, The Electricity Club were in attendance. Hosted by Skint Records, the event was an intimate affair aimed at bringing the Brighton quartet’s … Read More
To a city by the sea It has been three years since OMD last played at the Brighton Dome. In 2007 the reunited original quartet of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes were in the midst of … Read More
We Get Seduced Omaha Nebraska isn’t really a place normally associated with electronic music. Known more for its flat lands, it has however, given America one of the best electro-dance, punk, indie-wave bands in the form of THE FAINT. Formed … Read More
“Everything You Say, Everything You Do…” The ballroom at Bletchley Park is a very intimate and opulent room, with its gilded ceiling and linen fold wood panelling. The grandest of the rooms there, so a fitting venue for such a … Read More
It can be said THE GOLDEN FILTER are a bit of a hybrid band. Lead singer Penelope Trappes is originally from Lismore Australia while keyboardist, programmer and drummer Stephen Hindman called the USA and more specifically, Ohio his home. But … Read More
It’s Such A Beautiful World On a balmy spring evening in London’s Hoxton district, excited fans gathered to witness the return of Australian synth sensations Parralox. For the uninitiated, Parralox are a duo from Melbourne who have produced some of … Read More
If you haven’t heard of the Swedish band COVENANT you have been missing out on what can arguably be called one of the most ingenious, enduring, and addictive EBM bands in existence. Since teenagers, lead singer and songwriter Eskil Simonsson, … Read More
Let’s Do Something Real In the tradition of some of Manchester’s finest, here are the ‘new’ young men of Delphic, who continued their meteoric rise with a second date in Manchester in as many months. Last time it was at … Read More
Undisclosed Desires So why is a review of Muse showing up on this, an electropop dominated website? They’re not exactly pop but have elements of the same catchy melodies that sit firmly in your brain; not fully electronic but indulge … Read More
Following the recent Pan-European volcano dramas, La Roux finally got round to taking the ‘Gold’ tour to the Reading Hexagon, a venue better known in the past for snooker finals! With a large number of teeny boppers now discovering the … Read More