SATURDAY MAY 25, 2019
Breathers
Breathers challenge perceptions of synth-pop on their new album Designed to Break. Each song is a refreshingly honest dive into the modern human psyche balanced with vibrant synth lines that capture the imagination and drip like dew into our parched subconscious. Despite the pop moniker, Breathers defy categorization, drawing inspiration from the Sophisti-pop movement and the cryptic poetry of Steely Dan. Even the album title is multi-faceted, referencing both the analog gear that Breathers use to craft their sound and the disposable nature of modern technology.
Over the past few years, Breathers have laid the groundwork for Designed to Break with a series of insightful tracks featuring T. Lee Gunselman and Jake Thomson on synths and vocals, with Mike Netland providing live drums and sequencing. The result is a danceable mix of organic and synthetic sounds that warp traditional song structures into something subversive yet enticing. Throughout this album, lead singer and lyricist Gunselman offers thoughtful observations on isolation and anxiety, focusing on the corresponding weaknesses and strengths of the human spirit, and the importance of listening to oneself apart from the cacophony of an increasingly commercialized world. Each topic is couched in a comforting sensitivity which plays off the spacious chords and delicate melodies of Designed to Break.
Both sunny and cerebral, there’s an intangible generosity in the way Gunselman expounds on society and culture while the band weave jazz-influenced chords into Mediterranean hues. On Designed to Break, Breathers have jettisoned everything that doesn't shimmer and fused what remains into a rejuvenating cosmic polyphony. Never has a synth record felt so intrinsically human. Designed to Break is out 9/12 on LP/Digital via Irrelevant Music.
Breathers challenge perceptions of synth-pop on their new album Designed to Break. Each song is a refreshingly honest dive into the modern human psyche balanced with vibrant synth lines that capture the imagination and drip like dew into our parched subconscious. Despite the pop moniker, Breathers defy categorization, drawing inspiration from the Sophisti-pop movement and the cryptic poetry of Steely Dan. Even the album title is multi-faceted, referencing both the analog gear that Breathers use to craft their sound and the disposable nature of modern technology.
Over the past few years, Breathers have laid the groundwork for Designed to Break with a series of insightful tracks featuring T. Lee Gunselman and Jake Thomson on synths and vocals, with Mike Netland providing live drums and sequencing. The result is a danceable mix of organic and synthetic sounds that warp traditional song structures into something subversive yet enticing. Throughout this album, lead singer and lyricist Gunselman offers thoughtful observations on isolation and anxiety, focusing on the corresponding weaknesses and strengths of the human spirit, and the importance of listening to oneself apart from the cacophony of an increasingly commercialized world. Each topic is couched in a comforting sensitivity which plays off the spacious chords and delicate melodies of Designed to Break.
Both sunny and cerebral, there’s an intangible generosity in the way Gunselman expounds on society and culture while the band weave jazz-influenced chords into Mediterranean hues. On Designed to Break, Breathers have jettisoned everything that doesn't shimmer and fused what remains into a rejuvenating cosmic polyphony. Never has a synth record felt so intrinsically human. Designed to Break is out 9/12 on LP/Digital via Irrelevant Music.
Dots
"It’s been just over a year since Dot.s released their sophomore full length, the whimsical and prismatic We Swim, and while the band has kept plenty busy with shows and touring, their musical output has remained noticeably quiet. Today, however, we’re happy to announce the group is finally breaking their silence with “Rose Lens,” a taut and sleek new single that highlights Dot.s penchant for turning bubbling synths and twitching rhythms into art/dance rock of the highest caliber. Recorded with Damon Moon at Standard Electric Recorders Co., the track unfurls in steady waves, each atmospheric pulse and burbling groove striding confidently into the next. Yet, despite its swaggering self-assurance, “Rose Lens” finds the band working in a darker mood than in the past, confronted by the dread of isolation, fallible memories, and the silent voices that keep us awake at night. Still, the vibe here is more meditative than dreary, more coming to terms than a statement of disillusion. Throughout it all, the methodical beat and throbbing ambience thrust inexorably forward, shrouding any thoughts of gloom in a shimmering haze of brooding electropop. Life is still full of wonder, after all, even if it isn’t always pretty." -Immersive Atlanta
"It’s been just over a year since Dot.s released their sophomore full length, the whimsical and prismatic We Swim, and while the band has kept plenty busy with shows and touring, their musical output has remained noticeably quiet. Today, however, we’re happy to announce the group is finally breaking their silence with “Rose Lens,” a taut and sleek new single that highlights Dot.s penchant for turning bubbling synths and twitching rhythms into art/dance rock of the highest caliber. Recorded with Damon Moon at Standard Electric Recorders Co., the track unfurls in steady waves, each atmospheric pulse and burbling groove striding confidently into the next. Yet, despite its swaggering self-assurance, “Rose Lens” finds the band working in a darker mood than in the past, confronted by the dread of isolation, fallible memories, and the silent voices that keep us awake at night. Still, the vibe here is more meditative than dreary, more coming to terms than a statement of disillusion. Throughout it all, the methodical beat and throbbing ambience thrust inexorably forward, shrouding any thoughts of gloom in a shimmering haze of brooding electropop. Life is still full of wonder, after all, even if it isn’t always pretty." -Immersive Atlanta
The Queendom
THE QUEENDOM consists of two royal entities with a musical chemistry that reigns in all aspects. AUDIADASOUND and Rocket Rhonnie, both Atlanta natives, joined forces and started creating music in July 2016. Since then, they have performed locally with aspirations of reaching global audiences.
Both queens are skilled in their crafts. AUDIADASOUND has been the primary producer of Avant Garde Exchange, LLC since 2007. Rhonnie has mastered audio engineering while having the opportunity to intern at Music Box Studios and Sound Resort Studio, both located in Atlanta, GA. Through collaborative songwriting, production and recording, these two combined embody the beacons of modern creativity in the realm where femininity is underestimated.
THE QUEENDOM's first piece was featured on the CLASSIK Apparel compilation "Been Good, Vol. 1" on the tracked entitled "F.D.B.S." Since becoming a duo, they've released their promotional singles, "Come" featuring Shria Amour and "#QUEENSHIT." Their self-entitled LP will be released in the Summer of 2017.
THE QUEENDOM consists of two royal entities with a musical chemistry that reigns in all aspects. AUDIADASOUND and Rocket Rhonnie, both Atlanta natives, joined forces and started creating music in July 2016. Since then, they have performed locally with aspirations of reaching global audiences.
Both queens are skilled in their crafts. AUDIADASOUND has been the primary producer of Avant Garde Exchange, LLC since 2007. Rhonnie has mastered audio engineering while having the opportunity to intern at Music Box Studios and Sound Resort Studio, both located in Atlanta, GA. Through collaborative songwriting, production and recording, these two combined embody the beacons of modern creativity in the realm where femininity is underestimated.
THE QUEENDOM's first piece was featured on the CLASSIK Apparel compilation "Been Good, Vol. 1" on the tracked entitled "F.D.B.S." Since becoming a duo, they've released their promotional singles, "Come" featuring Shria Amour and "#QUEENSHIT." Their self-entitled LP will be released in the Summer of 2017.