It’s about that time of year we start contemplating and reflecting on the months behind us. My annual lookback at the year in synthpop music begins soon. In the weeks ahead, you can expect a full slate of features: a roundup of the year’s notable cover songs, my pick for the best new synthpop act, and, of course, countdowns of the best music videos, songs, and albums.
If you don’t want to miss a thing, follow me on Facebook or Instagram. You can also subscribe to my RSS feed on your favorite news reader.
But before we get to all of that, let’s rewind a bit and revisit the best music of 2024 to put the synthpop landscape into context.
Best new synthpop artist of 2024
For the first time since launching this annual feature, my pick for best new synthpop act of the year was an American act: the Los Angeles-based duo Sleek Teeth. I chose them for the way they blend thumping mechanical beats with infectious melodies and sinister spirit. And they haven’t let me down yet. Sleek Teeth returned this year with the sharp, shadowy “Same” and the foreboding, EBM banger “The River.”
Read my interview with the band: Sleek Teeth is the best new synthpop act of 2024.
Best synthpop music video of 2024
It should come as no surprise that a legendary act like the Pet Shop Boys has the vast creative resources to produce top-notch videos. For “A New Bohemia,” my pick for 2024’s best synthpop music video, they tapped acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh (of All of Us Strangers fame) to create a beautiful mini-movie about finding joy with your chosen family. The video, set in a roller disco, even stars actor Russel Tovey. I still get a bit misty-eyed every time I watch it.
View the full list: 10 best synthpop music videos of 2024.
Best synthpop song of 2024
Sweden’s Kite remains my favorite band in the world, and their 2024 masterpiece, “Losing,” reveals the reason why. It is a stunning, slow-burning epic that delivers one of the most powerful builds I’ve ever heard. Starting from a single, mournful note, Kite miraculously introduce layers of brooding synths and atmospheric voices (including those of collaborators Anna Von Hausswolff and Henric De La Cour) that swell and topple all over one another, culminating in a ferocious finale. We’ll see Kite again on this year’s list, though not at the top.
View the full list: The 100 best synthpop songs of 2024.
Best synthpop album of 2024
California trio Matte Blvck claimed the top spot on my list of the year’s best albums with Vows, a record that shatters the boundaries of synthpop. Like many acts in the dark electronic scene, Depeche Mode is a crucial influence, but Matte Blvck explode the comparison with powerful, at times punishing percussion. The album is a sonic furnace blast that remains in heavy rotation at my house. They’re also a commanding live act you should not miss if you have a chance to see them on tour or at a music festival like next year’s Dark Force Fest.
View the full list: The 25 best synthpop albums of 2024.
