Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Atlas, Independent 2016.
FM-84 is Col Bennett, a synthwave musician who resides in California but was originally from Scotland.
Col Bennett describes Atlas as “Sun-soaked ‘80s inspired cinematic synthwave” and that really sums it up well.
It’s light and airy, an angst free zone that reminds me of lazy summers, sunscreen, sand and surf.
The album’s been out for a few years but I’ve only just come across it on Bandcamp and although synthwave is not really my thing I was captured by the quality of the songs.
The album has become a marker in the synthwave movement and stands out from the other exponents because of the inventiveness and catchiness of the melodies.
There are eleven tracks on the disc and Bennett collaborates with a number of other musicians, including Timecop 1983 & Josh Dally, Clive Farrington, and particularly Ollie Wride who appears on arguably the best three tracks on the disk.
Wride has a great voice and the track Running In The Night is a standout – it is classic ‘80s new wave pop at its best.
His input isn’t limited to his vocal prowess; Ollie Wride was the lyricist and co-writer of the three tracks he appears on.
Col Bennett is a master of the synth and he creates complex soundscapes for each track that are laden with musical hooks and memorable melodies.
The disc is also notable for the excellent production qualities with Col Bennett doing the recording and production himself with only the mastering being outsourced to Steve Gillson of Silent Gloves Productions.
If you’re looking for a bit of 80s nostalgia to warm your heart in the cold of winter then give this disc a spin.
