Hailing from Upstate New York, synthwave duo Architrave is here to take you on a journey through a retro-futuristic soundscape. Formed by Jennifer Maher Coleman, a seasoned DJ and singer of synth rock outfit Haley Moley, and Paul Coleman who’s known for his work with Haley Moley and Sinkcharmer, Architrave brings a unique blend of influences to the table, including dance, shoegaze and post punk music, stitching together echoes of iconic acts like The Cure, New Order, The XX and Giorgio Moroder.
Now bringing us their latest offering, the 11-track record titled Out of My Mind and Into Yours, available on vinyl, CD and limited-edition VHS, Architrave invites you to explore a genre-breaking, textured world of danceable tracks with a new wave twist. Kicking off with “Look Out,” the album immediately immerses listeners in an 80s synth dreamscape. Spacey synth tones and stabs, pulsating bass guitar lines and slick electronic beats create the perfect backdrop for Jennifer Maher’s smooth and compelling vocals. The track, written about a descent into madness, features a hauntingly processed voice that weaves in and out, foreshadowing a recurring theme throughout the album.
“Twitch of the Wing” injects a lively rhythm into the mix. The interplay of bouncing bass plucks and vibrant synth lines is infectious, while stuttered vocal shots and stretched melodies make this track irresistibly danceable. “Synesthesia” offers a change of pace with its downtempo, mesmerising synth textures and Maher’s rich, floating vocal lines. As the song unfolds, it gradually builds in intensity, introducing crunchy synth timbres and grittier vocal stylings.
The album’s highlights continue to dazzle. “Circles” is a high-octane ride, driven by relentless beats, dynamic synth work and vocals wrapped in intricate processing, delivering a burst of dance pop energy. “Lorem Ipsum” dives into a moody, atmospheric soundscape with brooding synth layers and haunting vocals set against a punchy shuffle of a beat.
“No Days Off” stands out with its energetic sound, featuring crunching guitar lines, lively drums and a dynamic display of vocals. The song paints a vivid picture of the crush of the corporate grind, all wrapped up in a synth rock aesthetic. Finally, the album closes with “The Edge,” an engaging narrative from the perspective of a Flat Earth evangelist. This track features bright synth flourishes dancing above a gently grooving electronic beat, with Jennifer’s theatrical vocals delivering a captivating performance while Paul’s bass lines provide the anchor that propels the track forward.
Throughout the album, Paul Coleman’s bass lines play a vital role, lending weight to Jennifer Maher Coleman’s superb vocals and vibrant synth melodies. Out of My Mind and Into Yours presents a sonic adventure into the heart of retro synthwave.
The duo’s knack for blending diverse influences and filtering them through their own unique sonic lens into a cohesive and highly enjoyable sound is a stunning showcase of their musical prowess and creativity. Each track invites you to get lost in its nostalgic yet fresh world, making this album a must-listen for synthwave enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Architrave has created music videos for each song, providing a visual pairing to accompany the whole record which you can catch on their YouTube here.
Listen to Out of My Mind and Into Yours below
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