Synkro (2) – Changes

A standout from the 2010’s. Lovely textures, hybrid genres and inspired lyrics and themes. Undervalued, rich and complex.

Beautiful artwork. The silver is reflective and the star field is textured.

Comparing this with something like the Irresistible Force's Kira Kira, the differences in types of ambient music approaches is really apparent. Here the music slips into uniformity and repetition. While Mixmaster Morris keeps things fresh and interesting, the sign of a skilled musician and music lover with 40 plus years of experience in utilising and recognising amazing melodies. And being able to deploy them at the right time. Not saying this is bad, but it isn't hugely interesting. Ambient music needn't be dull!

Incedible sounding press, Theres no noise and it's super quiet.

Synkro sets sail on a different tangent to that of his 12"s and finds a route through calmer waters, including some brooding ambient tracks, plus a few more uptempo pieces.

I could do without the smooooth vocals which I find pedestrian, mannered and somewhat hackneyed. As they only occur a couple of times I let them drift by without paying too much attention.

The album is brilliantly produced with a ton of bottom-end which started moving pieces of furniture around in my house.

Underrated album. Synkro comes with a mature album which emphasizes ambient soundscapes (doubtless inspired by Brian Eno and Tangerine Dream). This apparently confused many who were used to his signature downtempo and dubstep singles. Open your mind, play "Empty Walls" or the darker, more ominous "Your Heart", and see if you can get away untouched by this music. I have a feeling you won't.

"Midnight Sun" is a beautiful, beautiful thing. Three more words.

I'm not much of a fan of his other work but this album does it for me. And I do love me some Robert Manos, particularly his work with Seba and Paradox. For a chilled out record I love it. Different strokes I guess.

I'm totally into his E.P.s "Acceptance" and "Transient" which I've been listening to constantly of late, but this one... I don't know, it really sounds great but it lacks originality and edge... all of it sounds too generic and uninspired...
and did he really have to use the ever-the-same sounding singer Robert Manos who seems to be on every record these days and whose inspiration-free melodies drag on and on.. Fortunately, he's only on one track..
Synkro doesn't seem to be an "album artist", I hope he'll get back on his feet creatively and will get back to making those brilliant E.P.s.