Master James Rod (SXDNS099) is undoubtedly one of the best players amid the Nu Disco/Indie Dance scene. When it comes to Disco-infused cuts, his output is second to none and has led him to be published on many a respected imprint: Masterworks, Rare Wiri, Gouranga, Nang, Logical, Paper Disco, Cosmic Sumo, Imagenes, U’re Guay, NEIN, Discoweey, Midnight Riot, Sprechen, Wonder Stories, Emerald & Doreen, and his very own Golden Soul. Phew! Many Top 10 & top-notch stuff in his prolific and eclectic catalogue, you should check it out on your favourite on-line retailer in case you are not familiar with his work. Thank us later!

For his forthcoming endeavour, “Synthetic Glory”, coming soon on the competent Paisley Dark, J.R. cooked two nervous originals and gathered a proper line-up of superstars for the remix duties: Mindbender (BANDCAMP003), Rude Audio, Hunterbräu, Högt I Tak (SXDNS179), and MAN2.0 (SXDNS081/FREEDL002) have definitely raised the bar of the release with their insightful interpretations.

Despite the high quality of the remixes, we opted to go with the title track for our review. Intense and robust, “Synthetic Glory” marks with grandeur this new phase of James’ work in which he explores his EBM, Industrial, and Cold Wave influences to deliver obscurity-meets-groove cuts. If not suitable for pool parties, no problem: foggy and darkened dance floors it is!

You can find (and buy) this and other music pearls on the Bandcamp page of the label.

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