Anachronist — Self-Titled Album
Timed for extreme listenability, Self-Titled Album is eleven tracks placed onto a C45. This streamlined approach allows individual tracks to coalesce into a warm, synthy whole. Opening with keys that play in stark contrast to what follows, "Running Low" shows the capability of Anachronist to play beyond the cyber rhythms for which he is known. Unfolding into pounding electronic drums and shimmering synths, Self-Titled Album opens up and brings on the neon nightlife for this top down cruise through the city. Along with songs like "The Rabbit" and "Don't Worry About it," Anachronist builds a persistent groove that helps convey the bright synthesizers of discovery, all while remaining fun, playful, and upbeat. This helps to further the slower, more contemplative tracks like "Alone in a Dark Cave," "Sink or Swim," and "Fall." Not content with these two tempos, Self-Titled Album also contains some quicker paced, electro concoctions that should get any retrowave fan out of his or her seat. Having these different tempos and approaches spread throughout the album keeps the listener intrigued and showcases not only Anachronist's talent on the keys, but his skill at arrangement and flow.
A solid sophomore effort from Ryan Shaw, Anachronist's Self-Titled Album receives a fun cassette release from Ektro Records. Limited to 100 copies, this one should go fast, so synthwave fans would do well getting their copy early. While it may be harder now to find a car with a tape deck to cruise in, it's worth the shot to hear some electronic driving fun.