Cygnets - Sleepwalkers
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From Edmonton in Canada, comes the trio of musicians behind Cygnets, and their self proclaimed merger of the old and the new, the sounds of classic synth-pop and modern electronica, is here to stay, as proved by their latest, fourth release. Sleepwalkers does not reinvent their existing musical blueprint but adds enough subtle elements and immediately memorable tracks to prove that they're far from exhausting their talent and the subversive wit.
The cover artwork, a perplexing simplification of the immortal expressionistic imagery from Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, appears to bear some deeper significance to the broader context of Cygnet's work. Their commitment to romance and emotional explicitness is mirrored in the music but decidedly more detached, played for laughs in as much as it is played as a constant, inherent part of the New Wave aesthetic, that they embrace, dissect but never ridicule.
In many ways the opening "Sleepwalkers" embodies some of the more permanent and defining elements of Cygnet's mode of expression. It's lyrical content roots in the mundane seasoned generously with the notions of nihilistic romanticism- the sort of approach to the usual traits of the genre that hints at Cygnets' self awareness and cynicism. Logan Turner's vocal, while velvety and measured, adds a notion of sanitized emotionalism, grounded much more in the reality outside of the new romance pop structure that it inhabits than the artifice contained within. Even musically "Sleepwalkers" is supremely enjoyable, build around a catchy and lofty chorus and swirling synths that structure the entire track like a classic pop tune, ready to be served to the listener with immediate bodily effect. Indeed Cygnets never betrays this particular property of their music, that makes "Sleepwalkers" an adequate material for busy dance floors.
Not restrained by that notion however the Canadian trio swiftly shifts the gear. "The Arbour Green" is much more potent, alive with reverberating pulse of the rhythm and it's sustained gradual rise through the darkly intense textures and towards a dramatic climax is joyous to trace and absorb. Although they remain in their comfort zone for the majority of the album, indie-like guitar on "Indoctrinate Me" and strong acoustic presence on "Born in Vain" serve as markers for Sleepwalkers subtly changing tone.
Cygnets is so firmly planted in the tradition of the synth-pop aesthetic that one might think they've been around since its heyday, restlessly perfecting their chosen formula.
But Sleepwalkers is ultimately a contemporary release, benefiting not only from the clean and meticulous production but also the decades of stylistic refinement that indirectly gave birth to an album of sustained appeal, melancholy and pure, undiluted pop brilliance.
Tracklist:
01. Sleepwalkers
02. Life Is Suicide
03. The Arbour Green
04. Day Seven
05. Indoctrinate Me
06. Data Ghosts
07. Born In Vain
08. Through Hell To Where?
09. Drøm 4
10. Lilya Forever
The cover artwork, a perplexing simplification of the immortal expressionistic imagery from Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, appears to bear some deeper significance to the broader context of Cygnet's work. Their commitment to romance and emotional explicitness is mirrored in the music but decidedly more detached, played for laughs in as much as it is played as a constant, inherent part of the New Wave aesthetic, that they embrace, dissect but never ridicule.
In many ways the opening "Sleepwalkers" embodies some of the more permanent and defining elements of Cygnet's mode of expression. It's lyrical content roots in the mundane seasoned generously with the notions of nihilistic romanticism- the sort of approach to the usual traits of the genre that hints at Cygnets' self awareness and cynicism. Logan Turner's vocal, while velvety and measured, adds a notion of sanitized emotionalism, grounded much more in the reality outside of the new romance pop structure that it inhabits than the artifice contained within. Even musically "Sleepwalkers" is supremely enjoyable, build around a catchy and lofty chorus and swirling synths that structure the entire track like a classic pop tune, ready to be served to the listener with immediate bodily effect. Indeed Cygnets never betrays this particular property of their music, that makes "Sleepwalkers" an adequate material for busy dance floors.
Not restrained by that notion however the Canadian trio swiftly shifts the gear. "The Arbour Green" is much more potent, alive with reverberating pulse of the rhythm and it's sustained gradual rise through the darkly intense textures and towards a dramatic climax is joyous to trace and absorb. Although they remain in their comfort zone for the majority of the album, indie-like guitar on "Indoctrinate Me" and strong acoustic presence on "Born in Vain" serve as markers for Sleepwalkers subtly changing tone.
Cygnets is so firmly planted in the tradition of the synth-pop aesthetic that one might think they've been around since its heyday, restlessly perfecting their chosen formula.
But Sleepwalkers is ultimately a contemporary release, benefiting not only from the clean and meticulous production but also the decades of stylistic refinement that indirectly gave birth to an album of sustained appeal, melancholy and pure, undiluted pop brilliance.
Tracklist:
01. Sleepwalkers
02. Life Is Suicide
03. The Arbour Green
04. Day Seven
05. Indoctrinate Me
06. Data Ghosts
07. Born In Vain
08. Through Hell To Where?
09. Drøm 4
10. Lilya Forever
