The second volume in the Generation Blitz series is out today. Generation Blitz 2: Concrete and Chrome is another whopping compilation—36 tracks!—featuring many of the best synthpop artists from around the world.
Like the first volume, Concrete and Chrome is a celebration of the New Romantic period of the ’80s that emerged around the Blitz nightclub in London’s Covent Garden. Steve Strange and Rusty Egan of the influential band Visage co-hosted these parties, and the people who attended were known as the Blitz Kids. Famous Blitz Kids included Boy George, Princess Julia, Midge Ure, fashion designer John Galliano, and the members of Spandau Ballet.
The music of Concrete and Chrome recalls the time period in modern and unique ways. You’ll discover synthpop, electropop, and post-punk artists who grew up listening to bands like Visage, Ultravox, The Human League, Duran Duran, and Japan.
All 36 tracks on Concrete and Chrome are exclusives—either unreleased songs, edits, or remixes. Of particular note, the comp includes new songs from Swedish duo Cold Connection, the best new synthpop artist of 2021, and Los Angeles-based synthpop band BlakLight, who are getting ready to make their live debut. There’s also a new remix from one of my favorite new artists, Video L’Eclipse.
Concrete and Chrome is the follow-up to last year’s first Generation Blitz compilation, which included music from BlakLight, Nostalgia Deathstar, The Livelong June, MORE, and others. Australian synthpop band Parralox covered the Visage classic, “Fade to Grey.”
The producers behind the Generation Blitz series are already at work on a third volume. It’s going to be called Mutant Electro, and it will be a celebration of the 12″ extended dance mix—’80s style.
You can find Concrete and Chrome at Bandcamp.