Concrete: The #1 Most Popular Synthpop Track by Before After Again

March 11, 2024

It is New Release Day here at Overlook Hotel Records, and we are spotlighting what has quickly become the most widely received track in the Before After Again catalog. The single is titled “Concrete,” and it gifts us with metaphorical “concrete shoes” so that we can sink deep into the music on this fine day.

For those who enjoy the classic synthpop sounds of bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and She Wants Revenge, this track is designed specifically for you.

Why Concrete Resonates

“Concrete” has garnered a broad appeal largely due to its clarity of structure and melodic focus. In a genre that sometimes relies on dense, impenetrable layers of noise, this song succeeds by being focused and accessible.

The song is built around a strong central theme that is introduced early. Rather than confusing the listener with constant, variation-heavy development, the band reinforces this theme through repetition. This approach creates a hypnotic, memorable quality that sticks with the listener long after the track ends.

A Study in Structural Clarity

The synth work on “Concrete” is clean and deliberate. The synthesizer lines carry both the harmonic support and the melodic identity of the track. Crucially, these lines are clearly separated in the mix; there is no unnecessary layering or “mud.” This keeps the arrangement easy to follow, allowing the direct melodic content to shine without relying on exaggerated hooks or dramatic shifts.

Rhythm plays a steady, supportive role here. The groove is consistent and measured, providing forward motion while leaving ample room for the melodic elements to remain the focal point. Nothing feels rushed, and the transitions between sections are handled smoothly, reinforcing the song’s overall sense of balance.

Polished Production for Darker Moods

Vocally, “Concrete” maintains a straightforward delivery that perfectly complements the arrangement. The performance avoids excess emphasis or theatricality, allowing the melody and lyrics to sit naturally within the mix rather than dominating it.

The production is polished but restrained. The mix favors clarity and cohesion, with each element occupying a defined space. It presents a clear musical idea, follows it through without distraction, and leaves a strong impression through consistency rather than scale.

Lyrics: The Catatonic Gaze

Lyrically, the song explores themes of performative happiness and hidden trauma. Phrases like “put it in your makeup” and “add a little plastic to your disguise” suggest a character struggling to maintain a facade for the “lens that is calling.”

Dry another teardrop
Put it in your makeup
The lens is calling
It’s on your face

Looking for another
Way to hide the trauma
Your head is spinning
It’s not too late

She’s alright
Don’t dilate
I’m not too sorry to say
All alone
On her way
Her catatonic gaze

Pop another shot love
Cut it but it won’t stop
Your mirror flashes in your disgrace

Silent as the pin drops
Quiet for the moment
Add a little plastic to your disguise

She’s alright
Don’t dilate
I’m not too sorry to say
All alone
On her way
Her catatonic gaze

She’s alright
Don’t dilate
I’m not too sorry to say
All alone
On her way
Her catatonic gaze

Stream the Single

“Concrete” is available now on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp. Dive in below.

#Synthpop #Darkwave #ElectronicMusic #BeforeAfterAgain #Concrete #NewMusic

Stream and Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Plastic Horizon - Paper Lantern cover art

Paper Lantern: New Synth Funk Exploration by Plastic Horizon

March 8, 2024

Plastic Horizon takes a detour from the beaten path with the release of “Paper Lantern.” While the project is known for its cinematic synthwave roots, this track explores a decidedly different sonic landscape, venturing into the hazy, neon-lit territories of late 80s/early 90s synth funk and vaporwave.

“Paper Lantern” is built around a moderate tempo with a deliberate sense of motion. It favors atmosphere and melodic clarity over high-speed propulsion, resulting in a track that feels like a lost cassette tape found in the deck of a luxury sedan from 1991.

A Blend of Vaporwave and Synth Funk

The track unfolds patiently, allowing its primary themes to establish themselves without interruption. However, unlike standard ambient music, “Paper Lantern” is driven by a distinct groove.

The foundation of the track is a funky bass line that locks into a perfect “pocket,” nodding respectfully to the R&B and synth funk production of the 90s. While the percussion remains tasteful and crisp, it’s this bass groove that provides the essential forward movement, keeping the track grounded even as the melodies float above it.

Production Spotlight: Arturia Pigments & Diffusion

For the producers and sound designers in the audience, the unique texture of “Paper Lantern” comes from a very specific source. The track was heavily inspired by and utilizes a soundbank created for the Arturia Pigments synthesizer.

The soundbank is called “Diffusion,” created by the incredibly talented Jonathan Nicol of Oblivion Sound Lab. Jonathan is a master of capturing the “ghost in the machine,” those warm, slightly unstable sounds that defined the analog-to-digital transition era.

Listen closely for the cool, breathy synth-sax sounds that feature prominently in the mix as these are prime examples of the textures available in Diffusion. Synth lines throughout are warm but controlled, avoiding extremes in brightness or saturation. If you are a musician looking to capture this specific cinematic vibe, you can find the soundbank here: Oblivion Sound Lab – Diffusion.

Restraint as a Superpower

“Paper Lantern” works because of its restraint. It establishes a mood, maintains it, and allows repetition and tone to carry the piece.

The melodic material is simple and steady, repeating with small shifts in tone and texture rather than wide variation in structure. Production choices emphasize cohesion; layers are clearly separated with no unnecessary effects or dramatic dynamic changes. The sound design remains consistent from start to finish, supporting the track’s calm, inward character while maintaining that undeniable funk groove.

Stream the Single

“Paper Lantern” is available now on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp.

#SynthFunk #Vaporwave #ArturiaPigments #PlasticHorizon #PaperLantern #SoundDesign

via GIPHY

Stream and Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Solitude: New Atmospheric Darkwave from Before After Again

March 4, 2024

It’s New Release Day here at Overlook Hotel Records! We are proud to present “Solitude,” the latest darkwave track from Before After Again.

An Atmosphere of Isolation

This isn’t just a song; it’s an atmosphere. “Solitude” captures the suffocating feeling of being trapped within one’s own mind, where the silence is loud and the walls are closing in. With driving synth lines and melancholic vocals, the track explores the tension between wanting to escape the “twisted mind” and finding comfort in the isolation.

Lyrics

Ten years of solitude
I’ve spent my time with you
Watch as these walls all fall down

Don’t know if I can be
Alone inside my empty mind
The time unfolds

Don’t notice this silence for long
Can’t escape I’ve nowhere to run
Suffering inside I brings me down

Don’t worry it comes and it goes
Hidden deep so nobody knows
I’ll keep you safely inside

Confine my every move
Clenched hands but let me go too soon
The grip won’t do

I’m running out of time
You’re always right in back of my
Twisted mind

Listen & Support

Perfect for late-night listening in the dark, alone, or in the basement of an abandoned building, “Solitude” is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Cover art for Winds of March by Plastic Horizon

Winds of March: New Cinematic Synthwave from Plastic Horizon

March 1, 2024

Plastic Horizon returns to Overlook Hotel Records with “Winds of March,” a track that bridges the gap between atmospheric soundscapes and driving synth-rock energy.

A Cinematic Slow Burn

Drawing heavily from the visual language of Blade Runner and the nostalgic adrenaline of the Outrun aesthetic, this single is a study in tension and release. It does not rush; instead, it invites the listener into a dark, cinematic space.

The track begins with a “dark and easy” introduction, a slow burn of brooding pads and distant melodies that evoke the feeling of a solitary walk through a rain-slicked futuristic city. But as the “winds” pick up, so does the intensity. The composition patiently layers its elements, building a wall of sound that eventually breaks into a full-throttle synthwave rock anthem.

Listen & Support

This dynamic shift makes “Winds of March” the perfect companion for a late-night drive. It captures that specific moment when the empty road stretches out before you, the city lights blur into streaks of neon, and the only option is to turn the volume up and drive.

“Winds of March” is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Cover art for Decay by Before After Again

Decay: New Driving Synthpop from Before After Again

February 26, 2024

It’s New Release Day here at Overlook Hotel Records! We are proud to present “Decay,” the latest high-energy track from Before After Again.

The Sound of Decay

“Decay” is a study in contrast. It opens with a stripped-down, fairly quick pulse, a driving beat that feels urgent and immediate. This minimal approach in the verses creates a tension that demands release, which arrives in the form of a rich, expansive chorus.

The production here leans heavily into the “wall of sound” aesthetic during the bridge and chorus, utilizing layered synths to create a feeling of overwhelming motion. It is a track that sounds best when cranked up loud, allowing the listener to get lost in the “spin.”

Lyrics

Hold on this won’t take but a moment
Your head spins like a top goes round, round, round
Please understand this is intention
Not necessarily I’m down, down, down

I love the way you drop
The pieces on the floor
Decay of every touch
A slip away into nothing

You bind the ties that take us under
My grip it squeezes you for more, more, more
Shake lips and let me know when it’s over
You know it’s what we have in store, store, store

I love the way you drop
The pieces on the floor
Decay of every touch
A slip away into nothing

Listen & Support

“Decay” is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Rings of Saturn: New Astronomy-Inspired Synthpop from Plastic Horizon

February 24, 2024

Cover art for Rings of Saturn by Plastic Horizon

Synthwave artist Plastic Horizon takes a slight departure from the standard retrowave formula to bring us to the “Rings of Saturn” in this astronomy-inspired composition.

Breaking the Orbit

While the genre of synthwave is often highly codified with specific rules regarding tempo and instrumentation, breaking those rules can yield interesting results. “Rings of Saturn” feels less like a drive down a neon highway and more like a drift through zero gravity. The production is clean and crystalline, utilizing bright bell tones and arpeggiators that mimic the icy, vast nature of the planet’s rings.

The Bridge at 1:41

The track really shines in its structural evolution. It establishes a hypnotic groove early on, but listeners should pay close attention to the bridge at the 1:41 mark. Here, the song shifts gears, introducing a melodic counterpoint that elevates the composition from a simple loop to a complex musical narrative. It is a moment of clarity and “lift” that defines the track.

Listen & Support

“Rings of Saturn” is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records

Cover art for Scars by Before After Again

Scars: New Post-Punk Single from Before After Again

February 19, 2024

Before After Again releases “Scars” today on all major streaming sites. This track is a love letter to the golden era of post-punk, blending the driving energy of modern darkwave with the melodic sensibilities of the 80s.

Influences and Atmosphere

You may hear the influences of bands like Killing Joke, She Wants Revenge, and The Cure just below the surface. “Scars” is built on a relentless, driving bassline and drums that demand movement. It balances this kinetic energy with melancholic vocals and atmospheric synths, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and fresh.

It is a song about running away, the healing process, and the realization that sometimes, when you find “something else,” you might realize there is nothing left inside.

Lyrics

Hiding like a kiss from the side of the road
Put your face down let the water unfold
Everyone knows that there’s nothing to hold so let’s go

Pretty one feels like there’s nothing to hide
Holding back the tears while the feelings subside
Maybe should have thought would have opened her eyes but no

Don’t stop running you’ll find out for yourself
The time heals wounds and the scars that you felt
Everyone knows that you’re out of your mind
If you found something else now there’s nothing inside

Feeling takes a toll but the humming in time
Faking all the smiles so that no one will find
All the hate boiling up so deep down inside it grows

She can be sure that her ending is near
Turn your head away and let the wind hit your face
Everything falls into place when you just let it go

Listen & Support

“Scars” is available now. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Cover art for Cybernetic Dreams by Plastic Horizon

Cybernetic Dreams: New Robotic Synthwave from Plastic Horizon

February 16, 2024

Plastic Horizon ventures into a blend of Synthwave, Synthpop, and Downtempo vibes with the latest single, “Cybernetic Dreams.” It is a track that feels less like a human composition and more like a transmission from a machine soul.

The Ghost in the Machine

Somewhere hidden in this composition, there are shades of bands like Kraftwerk and early Ministry. The track is defined by its precision, clean, robotic melodic lines floating over a steady, mechanical beat. It captures the essence of the “computer world” aesthetic, where emotion is filtered through circuitry.

Unlike the high-speed chase energy of typical Outrun tracks, “Cybernetic Dreams” settles into a hypnotic groove. It is the perfect soundtrack for late-night coding sessions, digital art creation, or simply drifting through the neon-lit corridors of your own mind.

Listen & Support

“Cybernetic Dreams” is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Records

Plastic Horizon: Hex – A Slow-Burn Horror Synth Anthem

February 9, 2024

Plastic Horizon: “Hex” – A Slow-Burn Horror Synth Anthem

Plastic Horizon delivers a mesmerizing blend of retro nostalgia and eerie ambiance inspired by late 70s and early 80s horror films.

Step into the haunting world of synthwave with Plastic Horizon’s single, “Hex.” This track represents a distinct shift in tone for the project, moving away from high-speed chases and neon sunsets to explore the darker, grittier side of the genre. It delivers a mesmerizing blend of retro nostalgia and eerie ambiance, directly inspired by the golden age of late 70s and early 80s horror films.

The Inspiration: Carpenter, Frizzi, and Sabbath

Drawing influence from iconic musicians like John Carpenter, Fabio Frizzi, and even the doom-laden riffs of Black Sabbath, “Hex” immerses listeners in a slow, brooding soundscape.

The goal was to capture the feeling of those quiet moments in horror cinema. Think of the long drive to an isolated cabin, the shadow moving in the background, or the tension before the jump scare. It isn’t about the release of terror. It is about the anticipation of it. The track utilizes heavy basslines that plod forward with a zombie-like persistence, overlaid with sharp, crystalline synth leads that cut through the mix like a knife.

Sonic Architecture

“Hex” is built on simplicity. Unlike modern electronic music that often clutters the frequency spectrum with hundreds of layers, this track exercises restraint. It relies on:

Cold Digital Precision: The synthesizers are sharp and icy, contrasting with the heavy low-end to create a sense of unease.
Minimalist Composition: By leaving space in the mix, the silence becomes just as important as the notes, allowing the ominous atmosphere to breathe.

Part of the 2024 Weekly Series

As the sixth installment in Plastic Horizon’s ambitious weekly series of releases for 2024, “Hex” showcases the artist’s ability to captivate audiences with evocative melodies and spine-chilling compositions. This weekly challenge has pushed the project to explore new sub-genres, from high-octane Outrun to this slow-burn Horror Synth.

Dive into the depths of that long, dark drive home, crank up the music, and experience the sinister allure of “Hex.” It is the perfect soundtrack for your next midnight drive. Just make sure you check the backseat first.

Stream “Hex” Now

You can listen to “Hex” on all major streaming platforms. Support independent horror-synth by streaming on Spotify or purchasing the high-quality download directly from Bandcamp below.

#HorrorSynth #JohnCarpenter #Retrowave #Darkwave #PlasticHorizon

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Fans of horror-inspired music might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records