ALBUM REVIEW: Origins – Dynatron

Origins might be the best title for this record, as it’s a clear indicator of what DYNATRON had in mind when making it. Going back to the starting points of synthwave, the electronica of 40 or 50 years ago, the vastness of science fiction that can be visualised with this music, and a sense of nostalgia for that time is right at the heart of this record. That might sound very commonplace for synthwave, but the coupling of wanting to find connection in this contemporary space and the desire to create past the void makes this a very expressive creation.

There’s less of the extremes and mutations of the genre in this album, and less of the harshness and transmutations with other genres we’ve become accustomed to in the past five years or so. This is delving into the heart of where synthwave came from so the vintage sounds are the main draw here, and often the simple embellishments are what stand out and actually draw you in. Tracks like A New Place have all the bright and hopeful glimmers the title might imply, as does Tumbling Upwards – another subtle, calm affair that doesn’t push into the heavy, abrasive areas but keeps things light and refreshing.

As with all of DYNATRON‘s music, Origins is a record of mental storytelling, aiming to inspire imagery in your head. This is exemplified in the title track, which has all the tropes and trimmings of classic synthwave: a sense of atmosphere; deep, almost unnoticed drones; a blanket of faux-nostalgia in it’s tinkling keys and sighing melodies; the snapping, drum machine. It’s beautiful, and a clean, pristine example of how to do this genre well and really shine a light on the best of the best.

For something with a little more mystery and allure, Close Encounter starts with an airy and wistful introduction before bellowing into deep bass tones and overlayered lines of melody and pushing through some classic guitar-style tones. The Machine holds the trope of epic trailer music that holds on dramatically in its booming chords, pulling down into a melancholy but very heroic and thought-provoking swell. All the while the overarching melody ticks over meticulously, adding pressure as it maintains a methodical beat.

The best works are those that can carry the weight of being colossal and yet hit very much at the heart. This is true of a track like Future, which is hopeful and powerful. It’s a track that makes you feel warm, with heart and bittersweet passion at its centre. Likewise, Epilogue has some of the quietest, most tender moments that draw on strings and a sense of space and well-earned calm after a journey’s end.

Uncertain Destiny is a stand out in expressive, heart wrenched synthwave. Again, it’s incredibly cinematic, and blends beautiful abstract sounds with Jean Michel Jarre-esque melodies. There’s something of that very inception of electronica in here, with certain filters creating the shapes of the sounds in a very late-70s way. That’s not to say that this feels aged, just that it’s paying homage to the very beginning of electronic music. In the same vein, The Portal has some of the best avant-garde ideas on the record. Bold, clear synth-horns call out its sinister intro, while the main body adds a electronic snap and beat that makes you want to sway into the swell of padded synth and spiralling soundscapes.

If you’re looking for cinematic, VANGELIS inspired music, this is the place to find it. DYNATRON has exemplified just how expressive synthwave can be, how of any genre it can feel the most utterly sci-fi for modern audiences. Paying a huge amount of respect to those electronica artists that came first more than a century ago, Origins uses that inspiration to innovate on that classic, authentic sound and remind us why we love to look forward by looking back.

Rating: 8/10

Origins is set for release on October 15th via Blood Music.

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