Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: We here welcome a Canadian solo-project set up by Daniel X. Belasco. You might have heard of this artist who was involved in Defence Mechanism, which is a band I discovered on Danse Macabre. Belasco defines his music as ‘one part synth disco dancefloor and another part 1980’s crime drama soundtrack’. “Night Maze” is the 2^nd album by the band.

Content: The main influences running through the work are clearly getting back to 80s electro-pop music. The sweeps and global treatments have this exciting retro-touch although I can’t speak about a cheap emulation.

Glass Apple Bonzai takes care to refine its work by styled arrangements and fascinating sonic atmospheres. The last song reveals a kind of saxophone passage, which also was a familiar sound during the 80s. The vintage touch of the work is quite noticeable and mixed with a passionate vocal production.

+ + + : “Night Maze” definitely appeals for electro-pop lovers, but is not a classical production in the genre. There’s a nice twist between retro influences and a refreshing input.

– – – : The work is an easy listening experience, but I’m missing a few highlights.

Conclusion: Glass Apple Bonzai clearly strives to create a personal electro-pop sound, which for sure is the main strength of the album, but results in an average release thus far.

Best songs: “The Stars”, “I Can’t Feel”.

Rate: (6).

Band: http://gabonzai.com / www.facebook.com/glassapplebonzai

Label: www.razgrom.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Razgrom–Music/218060094876247