Dark-o-Matic formed in 2017 by Greg Dovas who was later joined by the vocalist Piero
Delux from the project Elsehow. Enlisting the help of sound engineer and
producer George Nerantzis, the duo started recording their music best described
as a cross between 80's wave music and synthpop but with also a darker edge to
it.
Their debut
album entitled "New Hope", consists of ten tracks, including
"Zugzwang", "Make Me Blue" and "Authentic?" that
have already won many synthpop fans over. It was released November 2019 on Skyqode,
the Russian independent record label established to promote new artists in the synthpop,
electronic dance, and industrial genres. On the 21st of February
2020 they managed to present the album live by performing at Death Disco in
Athens, participating at the Future Sonic Fest, just before the lockdown due to
the Covid-19 pandemic.
The album begins
with "New Hope", a wonderful track that sets the vibe of this album,
dark and poppy with a soul. Next is "Zugzwang", a catchier track that
was released as the first single in March 2019. Things get a little darker and
minimalistic on the emotional "Ever After", while on "Rather Be"
we are transported even more into the vast 80’s as on the second more poppier
single "Make Me Blue". On "Authentic?" the beat is turned
up with Piero’s voice sounding really smooth over Greg’ synths. We have more
synth-pop grooves with "Past Trip" and "All We Do Is Wait"
where Piero showcases his wide vocal range and then the lovely "A Cage
With The Door Wide Open, third single to be taken from the album. The last song
"So Real" is a slower track, ending the album with a more atmospheric
and emotional feel. Overall, a nicely crafted album for fans of synth music
worldwide.
The CD also
contains the following four bonus remixes, "Zugzwang (Unity One Remix)",
"Make Me Blue (Requiem4FM Remix)", Zugzwang (People Theatre's
Drifting Remix)" and "Make Me Blue (Purple Fog Side Remix)".
Review by Nick
Drivas
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