A gratifying sense of inspiration and class washes over with first impressions. Oozing out the gates with its glossy retro-aesthetic and twinkling melodic might intact, this British duo Gunship stands apart from other Synthwave projects. This is mostly due to its revolving cast of guest vocalists who fill a void the genre's instrumental approaches often leave unsatisfied. Performances conjure the 80s greats. Some more unabashed than others, Peter Gabriel seeming a keen influence. The stylings of Chino Moreno rears itself too. It makes perfect sense upon learning Charlie Simpson is on the record. Turns out, the aforementioned duo are his former band mates from Fightstar.
Behind some fine vocal performances, the pair find wondrous compositions of meaty bass synths churning pulsing grooves alongside competent percussion that leans into the cheesy synth toms of the era with an apt touch. Its a solid foundation, conjuring those nightlife neon-light highway speeding fantasies. Its forward synths crash in with dazzling flushes of tunefulness, overlapping and taking turns as atmospheric layers build cohesion. Sometimes, its care and attention to subtle details in the cracks. More often, the lead notations, carrying the 80s attitude, are its strongest focal point.
Either way, every song defines itself, leaning into the various Synth-Pop styles and song formats of the era. With straightforward structures, verse and choruses swoon with an easy persuasion one will be familiar with. The nostalgia tinted, glossy re-imagination of that decade is approached with such care, this debut Gunship simply turns out songs that last. Carpenter Brut seems a keen influence here, his presence co-insiding with my personal favorites, the chunkier, harder hitting songs of the record.
Rating: 7/10