2DCAT - Summer, 1983
Synthwave/dreamwave outfit 2DCAT recently dropped their first new music in almost a decade. The EP is called Summer, 1983.
2DCAT
Initially formed in 2001, in Japan, 2DCAT performed under a variety of names, blending serene classical elements with forceful thick electronic sounds. Over time, the music took on leniency, along the lines of Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, and New Order. After acquiring a vast underground following in Japan, the band became involved in Tokyo’s popular alt-electronic club – CyberAgeVoodoo.
The band released a music demo in 2001, followed a year later by their EP, Regressions, a collection of electronic body music. In 2003, the band signed with Zeitgeist Records, releasing their debut album. International performances took them to Germany, Canada, and the U.S.
Finally, in 2007, frustrated for unknown reasons, 2DCAT decided to take an extended break. Summer, 1983 heralds the band’s return to recording and performing live music.
The highlight of the EP is “Remember Sailor,” which travels on darker colors full of iridescent accents flowing with coruscating hues.
Comprising six-tracks, the EP opens with the title track (7” version), riding shimmering synths atop a potent rhythm. Lush evocative vocals infuse the tune with tight dreamy tones, as the synths pulse out washes of polished hues.
“Dreams” opens on layers of pulsating dreamwave colors oscillating rapidly as strident accents give the tune a celestial nuance. Soft vocals glide over the measured but driving rhythm, imbuing the music with dance-lite energy.
The highlight of the EP is “Remember Sailor,” which travels on darker colors full of iridescent accents flowing with coruscating hues. The rhythm invests the tune with quasi-disco brawn, as the crisp drums and popping bass line push the harmonics forward. The vocals, rich and full of delicious timbres, elevate to stylish intensity on the chorus. This track alone is worth the price of admission.
The last three tracks, “I Just Need Someone,” “Broken Inside,” and the original demo version of the title track, continue the scrumptious trend of stylish retro wave music. Of the three, “Broken Inside” stands out because of its dark muscular washes of color.
Summer, 1983 is wondrously wrought, full of beau coup tasty energy, energetic streaming synths, and smooth, alluring vocals.
