By Rick Shithouse
Manolis was one of my stand-out performers in the 80s inspired synth scene in 2014, his sounds have always been so heartfelt and deep while retaining incredibly catchy melodies that his music has had a completely Midas touch. These golden tunes have been a bit thin on the ground in 2015 but with the release of his new EP he's set the record straight once again about why his music is so important and engaging.
Things swoon together in a hazy, gauzy wash of nostalgia as the title track begins. A groove that Imagination would've been proud of rocks the bassline like a buttered lullaby and the poignant and gentle synths of Manolis start working their magic. Slow paced, strolling at a suave pace the story unfolds and the night air becomes heavy with presence and possibilities. Inhale deeply of the cool, synth atmosphere and the 'Mind Game' will take over.
'Reminiscence' continues into the night escapades with Manolis keeping the vibe rockin and the pace meandering with another gloriously crafted love theme. Ever since 'My Future Girlfriend' I've found Manolis's take on Synth Romance to be utterly honest and completely captivating. You can feel the delicate emotions and subtleties in the tonal colours of the music and that 'Reminiscence' glows and grows with each passing second.
Cut from a similar cloth again is 'A Fling', which has been previously shared recently by Manolis, indeed it's a feature on the most recent Synthetix.FM Mixtape, but the overt tenderness of the previous tracks is taken in a new electric direction that is exciting and full of romantic possibilities. The chances and charms of that first meeting and the apprehension and following exhilaration will leave you buzzing with memories that will last a life time.
The funk gets brought up to the front in the final track on the EP, 'Perfect'. A strictly casual exploration of tones that have a delightfully Library influenced colour palette bring a shiny and bright new dimension into play. The upbeat nature and even more inspiring melodic passages create a completely mood-changing experience. Listen to 'Perfect' first thing in the morning and you're sure to carry those rockin good vibes all day long.
Manolis presents the Mind Games EP on his Bandcamp page here in the usual array of downloadable formats. Once again, this producer shows his emotional connection to his music and gives us four splendidly arranged and performed synthual jewels of glittering 80s magic. A must-have EP and one that comes very, very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM.
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