Coldwave/Synth charts

Review: Three years on from the release of their acclaimed debut album, "Yr Body is Nothing", Augustus Miller and Jae Matthews are finally ready to release the second Boy Harsher full-length. It's a hugely atmospheric affair, with the lauded pair sashaying between moody creepiness (the slowly shifting musical dystopia of opener "Keep Driving"), guitar-flecked new wave ("Face The Fire"), arpeggio-driven alternative synth-pop ("Fate"), Pet Shop Boys-esque Italo-disco influenced throb-jobs ("LA"), EBM-driven dancefloor funk ("Come Closer", "Tears"), icy electronic soundscapes ("Crush") and immersive, wide-eyed ambient ("Careful"). It does sound like it could have been made around 1985, but that's precisely the point: Boy Harsher can certainly deliver well observed retro-futurism better than most.

Review: Boy Harsher's second album delves into the shadowy realms of minimal wave, weaving stark synths and propulsive rhythms into a haunting tapestry. Tracks like 'Face the Fire' and 'Fate' showcase the duo's ability to craft dancefloor-ready beats infused with a brooding intensity. The lo-fi production evokes a sense of icy detachment, yet there's an underlying warmth in Jae Matthews' vocals that adds depth to the coldwave aesthetic. While some ambient interludes may feel less impactful, the album's cohesive atmosphere and emotive undercurrents make it a compelling listen for those drawn to the darker side of electronic music.