Here are my favorite songs of the month in synthpop, futurepop, darkwave, and adjacent genres. If you want to follow my music discovery this year, subscribe to my 2025 playlist on Spotify. New songs are added every Friday. Sort by “Date Added” to see new tracks appear at the top of the playlist.
10. Scenius – “Funny Sky”
The French/British synth act Scenius has been steadily releasing music since 2020, but “Funny Sky” might be their finest moment yet. A galloping beat propels the track forward, creating a striking contrast with Fab Nau’s delicate vocals. It’s a thoughtful and compelling reminder to pay closer attention to this underrated project.
9. DiarBlack feat. Alex Braun – “Fading Flame”
On “Fading Flame,” the German synthpop project DiarBlack enlists top-tier talent: elegant vocals from Alex Braun and sleek production from Rob Dust. Braun’s velvety delivery gives the track its emotional core, especially the way he stretches out the chorus into an aching pang—“Our love is like a fading flaaaaaaame.”
8. Alienare – “The Sea”
German duo Alienare released their last full-length Lumen less than a year ago, but they’ve already returned with a new single. “The Sea” furthers the album’s seafaring theme with the unmistakable beats of uber-producer Gerrit Thomas and contemplative lyrics that cleverly wave goodbye to Lumen: “Oh, how I miss the sea… how I miss being free.”
7. Vintage Voltage – “Fade Away”
Swedish duo Vintage Voltage continue their flawless streak with “Fade Away,” a shimmering track built around an attention-grabbing chime. The softly delivered lyrics may not be as earwormy as their previous singles, but the atmosphere is gorgeous and impeccably crafted. Another gem from one of synthpop’s most reliable new acts.
6. AGNIS – “Gothess”
Polish artist AGNIS, the high priestess of witchpop, returns with “Gothess,” a fierce and stylish declaration of gothic identity. “A darker kind of goddess / Just call me Gothess,” she chants over a stabbing synth riff and clanking percussion. “Gothess” is the title track of her new album and destined to become her signature song.
5. Mari Kattman – “Anemia”
Mari Kattman, a versatile artist known for her solo work and as part of the electronic duo Helix, sings about “needing your blood” on her new track “Anemia.” An ecstatic synth riff punches through the song’s slinky club beat, giving it massive energy. “Anemia” is the first single from her third solo album, Year of the Katt, scheduled for release in late June.
4. Bootblacks feat. Chris Vrenna & Benjamin Harrison – “Only You”
“Only You” finds Bootblacks at their most romantic and melancholic, layering synth bleeps, rhythmic guitars, and haunting saxophone into a textured dream. Panther Almqvist’s vocals soar, while programming from industrial legend Chris Vrenna lends depth and polish. “Only You” is a rich, rewarding listen that heightens anticipation for their upcoming album.
3. VNV Nation – “Station 21”
VNV Nation isn’t breaking new ground on “Station 21.” Many of the sounds—especially the bombastic, swirling riff that propels the song—recall elements of earlier VNV tracks. But “Station 21” falls into one of my favorite VNV modes: the dystopian vignette. Here, a ham radio operator (listen for the clever “Victor November Victor” callout) attempts to make contact after what sounds like the end of the world. Rich details like the line “Are you busy firing rockets at the sun?” amplify its storytelling.
2. The Sound Veil Society – “The River”
The Swedish/Norwegian duo The Sound Veil Society make a strong, thoughtful debut with “The River.” Dense and richly layered, the track pairs sweeping synths with emotionally resonant vocals to create a lush piece of atmospheric electropop. Fans of Kite may hear some familiar textures, but The Sound Veil Society favor a smoother, more meditative route. It’s a promising intro that leaves us eager to hear what comes next.
1. Optic – “A Weird Situation”
Swedish duo Optic return with another lovely track, this time inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel about an artificial friend, Klara and the Sun. “A Weird Situation” may not have the immediate hook of last year’s “Dead for Real,” but its immersive synthscape and haunting lyrics reward upon repeat listens. Lines like “Save me now from this unrelenting insanity—a man-made creation” demonstrate how carefully crafted and cerebral this track really is.
