Retro Soul from Sol Syncd

Portland-based duo Sol Syncd features the talents of musicians Djemini and Salvatore Manalo who seek to bring a refreshing wave of soul and R&B back into the modern music scene. The pair, who bonded quickly after collaborating on Djemini’s JUST A PAWN? EP last year, discovered an immediate synergy in their weekly sessions and their musical chemistry soon led to Sol Syncd.

What began as a collaboration between two friends and two guitars has evolved into an exciting creative partnership that blends classic soul with a current twist. The name Sol Syncd itself reflects the ethos of the duo’s music with “Sol” not only representing their passion for soul music but also signifies the warmth and brightness they aim to infuse into their sound, akin to the sun.

The “Syncd” part is a nod to their connection, a partnership that feels as natural as it is creatively rewarding. There’s also a playful homage to *NSYNC, with Justin Timberlake being one of their musical inspirations. Together, Djemini and Salvatore create music that draws on both nostalgia and modernity to craft a shared musical vision that’s at once familiar and new.

Bringing us the first taste of the new project, they share the debut Sol Syncd single titled “Moonlight” which also serves as the lead single from their forthcoming eponymous EP set to drop later this month. Perfectly distilling what Sol Syncd is all about, the track is a modern-retro fusion that explores the excitement and vulnerability of a new and blossoming romance.

Brought in by the snap of crisp snare, the track tumbles into a mellow sound of softly grooving percussion, airy guitar rhythms and gently popping bass guitar lines. With soulful vocals spinning alluring melodies and heartfelt lyricism, they craft a dazzling sound of pop-tinged soul music that takes influence from the past and filters it through the pair’s modern sonic lens.

Casting a truly charming, upbeat sound with a laid back rhythmic sway, the delicate ebb and flow of the arrangement dips from moments of dreamy aesthetics to the lively finale where lead guitar licks dance alongside the vocals. Having made an impressive artistic statement with their debut single and with their first EP arriving imminently, Sol Syncd are sure to win over listeners around the world with their elegant and catchy soul pop sound.

Listen to Moonlight below