Instrumental Electronic Music from IOA

Coming out of Denmark’s alternative scene, IOA is an artist bringing a genre-breaking edge to the sonic streets of Copenhagen. The solo project of a solo producer, IOA first arrived on the radar in 2023 with the debut single “Collapse,” an impressive introduction that hinted at the eclecticism and diverse catalogue to come.

Since then, IOA has been building a world of their own where retro aesthetics meet forward-thinking production, all stitched together with an engaging sense of atmosphere. The past year has seen IOA deliver not one, but two full-length records, with 2024’s The bonsai machine and Isolation which landed in February this year, both exploring different facets of their musical vision.

While many emerging artists spend years perfecting their sound before dropping an album, IOA has taken a more immersive approach, diving headfirst into long-form storytelling and showcasing an emphatic command of tone, texture and mood. Now, the Danish artist returns with their latest single titled “’80s highway drive,” a track that feels like it was pulled from the neon glow of a VHS dream.

It’s an homage to the decade of synths and cinematic escapism, built with infectious rhythm and a warm sense of nostalgia. Cut with a sense of motion running through the song in its pulsing beats and shimmering melodies, the track was crafted with such detail that it practically demands a night-time cruise with the windows down. The single was born in IOA’s home studio on the outskirts of Copenhagen, built with retro-tinted synth lines that guide the listener through a glittering sonic landscape.

Brought in by the ominous rumble of deep bas textures, sweeping synth leads emerge from the hazy soundscape, casting an enveloping atmosphere of cinematic instrumental electronic music. With the soft bounce of synth tones, the rattle of snapping beats injects a punching energy that rolls with slick groove as dancing synth elements flutter above.

Forming a truly transportive sound, the track distils a vintage synth pop aesthetic into an enthralling sonic cocktail of modern music, dashed with lively disco vibes. Building with danceable energy, the song sees IOA present a euphoric listening experience that showcases the artist’s fierce originality and sound design flair, resulting in the perfect slice of their thrilling musical universe. Each release from IOA feels like a new chapter in that ever-expanding world, guided by an exciting artist who’s able to shift gears to always offer something new and surprising.

Listen to ’80s highway drive below

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