Episode 6 - January 23 2016 - A jumble of synthy tunes

Songs played (* Canadian Content):

• Chvrches - Gun (Groundislava Remix)
• Grimes* - Kill v. Maim
• Mozart's Sister* - Salty Tear
• Foxtrott* - Driven
• Young Galaxy* - The Night Wants Us to be Free
• Rococode* - Panic Attack
• Pender Street Steppers* - Bubble World
• Aphex Twin - minipops 67 [sourcefield mix]
• AFX - serge fenix Rendered 2
• Unalaska* - Skeleton

This commentary comes in a bit late, but this time I believe it was timely, especially since this Province article touched on two of the tunes I played this episode! Synthesizers are making a triumphant return in both the mainstream and underground music scene and I'm excited, especially as a new electropop fan.

The Chvrches remix that kicked off the set was produced by Groundislava, Shigeto's opening act at his show at the Imperial on January 22! The Shigeto show was absolutely fantastic. I'm currently in the process of writing up a review for it.

Four artists with a connection to Quebec follow! Though no longer based in Quebec, Claire Boucher's Grimes project started in Montreal, befriending fellow artists such as Mozart's Sister in the process. All four have a very distinct sound that's pop-oriented but experimental-sounding at the same time.

Rococode follows with a somewhat Mother Mother-like sound! In a way the Panic Attack EP is a cross between the hit-laden Eureka and synth-heavy Very Good Bad Thing. I love it though. xD

And we have our first vinyl appearance! Currently we just have the Pender Street Stepper's EP on vinyl only. It's a 12-inch that I believe is to be played at 45rpm...but on the vinyl it said (translated from memory, from French) "33rpm or 45rpm, it's your choice." It's a nice loungey house-influenced track with a lot of bubbly sounds, hence the track name "Bubble World". Did these Vancouverites name it after the bubble tea place? Who knows.

Richard D. James' two tracks follow. Aphex Twin is the most commonly known name this fine Irishman goes by...and has significantly influenced electronic music as we know it today through his intricate beat-making and innovative production. He goes under multiple names, the other being AFX (what he actually was known as before Aphex Twin!).

The set comes to a close with Unalaska, a Vancouver-based experimental electronic duo consisting of Edo van Breemen of Brasstronauts and Zachary Gray of the Zolas!