it took a few listens to really sift through, but the more it came into focus, the better it got.
i like that it is basically a continuation of
fantasies, in production and mood. it really feels like these songs were written under the same conditions and at the same time. for instance,
breathing underwater could be a sister to
gimme sympathy....
nothing but time, a mirror to
blindness. and practically all of the rest interchangeable with their previous album. unlike the complete realization that is
fantasies though, this album is a little more nostalgic, has less of an edge, and takes a couple awkward turns.
the first five songs are satisfyingly rock solid, but moving on to
lost kitten and, especially
the void, i notice a lack of the usual conviction. they aren't terrible songs by any means, they just don't give much, comparatively speaking.
despite that brief skip though, the last four songs bring it home strong.
of that stretch,
the wanderlust is a throwback to 1988 97X if i ever heard one. it's due in large part to lou reed's backing vocals (which is the best use of him in quite a while), but also something about his minimal input and the melody itself is reminiscent of the litany of modern rock collaborations of the late 80's. it is an unusual fit in the flow of the album, but the novelty of it makes it worthwhile.
overall,
synthetica is sweeter and more self-reflective than
fantasies. both are good albums, but
fantasies still fires on all cylinders whereas
synthetica drops into neutral and coasts in a few spots.
early favs: speed the collapse ,dreams so real, nothing but time
