- Jens Atterstrand
- 7 apr.
- 3 min läsning
Label: Synthicide
Influences: Dark Wave, Synth Pop, 80s
With this self-titled debut, Dallas-based solo artist Llandon Broadhead constructs a remarkably evocative sonic narrative, one that seamlessly bridges the realms of minimalist retro synth pop, infectious body music, and the brooding, atmospheric allure of contemporary dark wave. Infused with potent, bass-driven lines, the album’s nine tracks dive into a complex and expansive exploration of deeply human emotions — heartbreak, mania, yearning, and sorrow — all rendered with a remarkable blend of emotional intensity, introspective vulnerability, and stylistic precision. His work is imbued with a cinematic quality that allows each track to unfurl like a vivid, emotive landscape, inviting the listener into a world where both light and shadow coexist in equal measure.
While the album maintains a cohesive and distinct sonic identity throughout, it also showcases a dynamic range, with its more expansive and experimental electronic pop moments providing vital punctuation within the overall sonic tapestry. The opening track, “Intl. Discotheque,” sets the stage with an entrancing, pulsating rhythmic, dreamy and atmospheric track that features a guest appearance by the talented Kennedy Ashlyn Wenning (SRSQ, Them Are Us Too). Wenning’s hauntingly ethereal vocals add a layer of atmospheric weight, creating a sense of otherworldly depth that elevates the track’s energy. Together, their collaboration imbues the song with a sense of intrigue, as the pulsating beat and soaring vocal lines blend seamlessly into an intoxicating journey through space and sound that takes me on a soothing journey back to the shimmering retro synth pop era of the late 80s.
The second track, “Forward”, is a another well executed 80s homage, vibrating with an elegance that is both nostalgic and timeless. The track glistens with the same shimmering allure as the most iconic synth-driven anthems of that era, but it retains a contemporary freshness that makes it feel at once like both a tribute and a modern reinvention. There is a profound sense of longing woven into its melodies, a yearning for the past that is beautifully tempered with an awareness of the present. It is a track that effortlessly evokes the feeling of endless possibility — of a future that is both uncertain and full of promise.
In contrast, “Good Time” ventures across the English Channel, embracing a more melancholic and introspective spirit that metaphorically evokes the sophistication of Parisian streets as well as the raw, industrial introspection of Berlin’s dark underground scene. The track’s nuanced sonic layers are rich in atmosphere, capturing the melancholy of urban landscapes, where romance and isolation intertwine within the spaces between its pulsating rhythms. There is a distinct sense of bittersweetness, as if the track were an aural portrait of longing for something elusive, something just out of reach.
This album stands as a definitive testament to the burgeoning prowess of the United States within the vintage synth pop arena that, despite it's clear and obvious retro influences, offers a deeply authentic, innovative, and distinct perspective on the genre. It captures the spirit of nostalgia and electronic innovation with a rare, unabashed sincerity that allows Broadhead to stand shoulder to shoulder with current genre stalwarts like Ortrotasce and Silent EM. Yet, it also manages to carve out its own unique niche, reflecting a singular voice within the broader landscape of electronic music. This piece of work not only solidifies his artistic presence but also stirs a growing sense of anticipation — a desire to hear more from an artist whose ability to craft intricate, emotion-laden synth-driven nostalgia is as engaging as it is forward-thinking.
All the way through, LLORA reveals a keen understanding of the ways in which music can be both evocative and transformative, tapping into universal emotions while simultaneously crafting a deeply personal, artistic statement. As the album unfolds, it becomes clear that this debut is not merely an introduction, but rather a powerful, immersive experience that invites the listener to engage with the music on a profound emotional level. In its ability to stir longing, reflection, and connection, it leaves a lasting impression — one that promises further explorations into the depths of alternative electronic pop and beyond. (Jens Atterstrand)
Follow my lead to support your scene and buy the album here.