Xordox - Neospection [Editions Mego - 2017] | Australian one man gang, JG Thirlwell (Foetus), comes to Editions Mego with his newest project, Xordox. Synth filled and fun, this release comes at a time when everyone is dusting off their keyboards and riding the nostalgia wave. While it's true that synthesizers never disappeared, their dramatic reappearance over the past couple of years makes one look at each release skeptically. "Is this genuine? Is this a cash-in?" Sometimes, it's not always easy to tell. Comprising eight, well crafted tracks, Xordox's Neospection plays a lot like a collection of themes for sci-fi films. Though a lot more danceable than most recent offerings in the genre, Xordox still sticks to the general tone that persists. Keeping this familiar turf as a starting point allows him to move in various directions, experimenting with his vision while still keeping safety and the listener close at hand. Making good use of the varied waveforms, Neospection shifts tone between each song, but still keeps to the vibe of the album. Whether highly arpeggiated and propulsive like "Auto Velocidad" and "Deep Shelter," or lofty and spacey like "Antidote" and "Asteroid Dust," Xordox runs the gamut on spacey, distopic soundscapes. One could easily hear his tracks in something like Blade Runner as well as a more contemplative film about drifting into contact with alien worlds. Lush and interesting, although often times too familiar, Xordox uses his skills to keep the listener engaged.
Another entry in a sea awash with synthy goodness, Xordox's Neospection stands above the imitators and Johnny-come-latelys with an effective, well played album. Channeling the past while staring off into the future, this release gives one hope that people are still highly passionate about synth scores and not just here for the ride. Editions Mego has a good eye for releases, and this is another for their ever growing catalog. Paul Casey
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