Release writer Niklas Forsberg lists his favourites from 2016.
Niklas Forsberg
Albums
Apoptygma Berzerk: ”Exit Popularity Contest”
Stephan Groth embracing his past.
Spark!: ”Maskiner”
Regrouping and restarting proved a powerful formula.
Chrom: ”Peak & Decay”
Rapidly rising to the German throne.
Covenant: ”The Blinding Dark”
Who thought darkness could be so liberating?
Pet Shop Boys: ”Super”
Most people seem to hold ”Electric” as a better album. For me, ”Super” is superior in every aspect.
Perturbator: ”Uncanny Valley”
The saturated synthwave genre exploded in 2016, but Perturbator still managed to stand out.
Saft: ”Norrbacka”
Many years have passed. Carl Steinmarck’s song writing skills haven’t.
Ultra Arcanum: ”The Silence Inside”
Unique and mesmerisingly atmospheric, this trio deserves more attention.
Kid Machine: ”Space Elite”
Mark Wilkinson’s alter ego does it again. Instrumental nu-italo mixed with electro and space-fused synthpop.
Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein: ”Stranger Things OST”
Spectacular soundtrack, to enjoy with or without the monumental tv-series.
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Songs
Djustin: ”Stars”
Flawless electropop reminiscent of Susanne Sundfør’s ”Ten Love Songs”.
Kent: ”Vi är inte längre där”
The strength and sadness of this track are truly remarkable.
Rimini Rimmers: ”Oppio Mane”
Dance floor italo bomb, lending its main melody from Video’s classic ”Somebody”.
Poeme Electronique: ”Don’t Run”
Brilliant, surgically crafted synthpop with room for synth solos.
Mesh: ”Paper Thin”
Tucked away as a B-side for the ”Kill Your Darlings” single.
Marsheaux: ”Safe Tonight”
The girls show great confidence on their new material, but aside from a few track they need some new tricks next time.
Ortrotasce: ”City Lights”
Inches from making the album list, I had to fit in Nic Hamersly’s Ortrotasce somewhere. Stellar minimal synth.
Newcomers
Göteborgselektronikerna
Vocoder driven and Kraftwerkian, this surprise came from nowhere.
Djustin
Backed by a razor sharp EP. 2017 could be theirs.
Ultra Arcanum
Floating effortlessly between pop, darkwave and electro.
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Live
Kent
Truly grateful for being able to see them one last time. They will be missed.
Artist
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