- Jens Atterstrand
- 2 maj
- 3 min läsning
Label: Progress Productions
Release date: May 2, 2025
Influences: Synth Pop
Time really flies. It’s hard to believe that sixteen years have already passed since Rupesh Cartel released their third album, Anchor Baby — a true gem that earned high praise across the synth pop community. Featuring sleek, addictive tracks like “Oh No Oh No!” and the outstanding “Kick Into Action,” a collaboration with the talented Swedish electronic solo artist Firefox AK aka. Andrea Kellerman, who's impact was undeniable.
The Stockholm-based duo Viktor Ginner and Daniel Bergdahl made their return in 2020 with the dreamy electro-pop EP Lodestar, followed by Embers the year after. After a three-year hiatus, and the release of two singles last year, we are now treated to a collection of crisp, wonderfully melodic, and superbly produced tracks. Residual Light is a testament to their signature sound, once again delivering the dreamy, feather-light synth pop that fans have come to love. The album’s production is immaculate, with effects and reverbs constructing a soundscape that blends warm strings and pads with shimmering synth melodies.
The album’s clarity is remarkable, with every detail thoughtfully placed. It feels like an emotional journey, with melancholic electronic pop songs that showcase the duo’s undeniable skill. Glittering and delicate sound fragments are perfectly balanced against spacious, atmospheric backdrops, creating an immersive experience. As I listen, reality seems to fade away, and I’m transported to another world — one that stretches across space and time.
The opening track, “Phantom Battles,” immediately sets the tone, wrapping me in a thick, fuzzy atmosphere that pulls me into their world. There’s no escape; I simply surrender, close my eyes, and let the music guide me. Each track is filled with tiny, precise details placed with incredible care, creating a sense of depth and space. The steady rhythmic drive, mostly within a mid- and lower tempo range, keeps the album moving forward while the melodies — endless, yet never overstated — remain at the forefront. Pauses and harmonies are perfectly timed, with catchy yet sophisticated choruses that stick in my mind long after the last note fades away.When it comes to the lyrics, they convey both inner personal emotions and a unique perspective on the world. Beautiful, poetic narratives that are open to personal interpretation, offering lyrics that inspire reflection and contemplation.
One track that really sticks out is “Down This Road.” It’s a song that grabs you instantly with its slick synth riff, cutting through the chorus like glue. The track has a distinct, direct feel of a hit, making it impossible to forget. As the song shifts tempo, the verses slow down, offering a beautiful contrast with delicate breaks and perfectly timed pauses. The track flows seamlessly between energy and vulnerability, capturing attention in a way that only the best pop songs can.
The duo may follow a fairly consistent formula, and some listeners might find it a bit streamlined at times. However, tracks like “Cycle” and “Endless,” which are led by distant, melancholic synth brass melodies, show the depth and subtle emotional pull of their sound. In fact, each of the nine tracks flows together like a seamless wave, effortlessly carrying the listener through the album’s vast, emotive landscape.
Rupesh Cartel has clearly taken their time to craft this album, and it’s undoubtedly worth the wait. Residual Light is emotional, polished, and filled with synth pop perfection that resonates on a deep level. From start to finish, it showcases their masterful ability to blend melody, emotion, and intricate production into something truly captivating. (Jens Atterstrand)
