Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: After their astonishing official debut album “Evolve” (2016) the Bristol (UK) Sinestar gang is back on track unleashing their new full length. Iain Brownlie (vocals), Mark Trueman (synths, programming), Mathew Mohangee (drums & percussion) and James Skuse (bass guitar) have been joined by Tenek’s member Peter Steer (synths, guitar, backing vocals) to accomplish this new work.

Content: The sound and inspiration clearly remains identical to “A Million Like Us” although you rapidly hear Sinestar didn’t try to accomplish a ‘copy-paste’ from their debut work. The songs reflect more maturity and an impressive harmony between all different sound layers and instruments. It’s melodic electro-pop music, which will make you feel good. Some passages are quieter, inviting the listener to close his eyes and dream away.

Some of the most noticeable cuts from the album are “Smiling On The Inside” for the dubby bass line, “Erotic Hypnotica” for being the potential hit of this work and “The Preacher”, which sounds pretty Tenek-like.

+ + + : Sinestar doesn’t compose easy electro-pop music, but a sophisticated production where every single part is fitting with the next one. It feels like an impressive electro-pop puzzle with a great singer on top. I was impressed by the synth leads carrying some of the songs, but I also have to say a word about guitar parts reinforcing the global sound. The song “Erotic Hypnotica” appears to be the new potential hit of this album.

– – – : I was less convinced by some of the few softer cuts, but that’s just a very personal point of view. After having composed the precious and successful “Evolve”-album it has been a kind of challenge to hit back with a new masterpiece. Speaking for myself I prefer the debut album although this opus appears to be more mature although missing the innocence of the debut work.

Conclusion: Sinestar definitely is a talented electro-pop band hitting back with a styled and high-tech production. Even if I have a preference for “Evolve” this album features multiple great moments of music.

Best songs: “Erotic Hypnotica”, “The Preacher”, “A Second In Your Arms”, “Lie On Lie”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.sinestar.co.uk / www.facebook.com/Sinestarmusic

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: Dimitri (DMT) Berzerk is a Mexican DJ and producer you for sure already discovered by one of his endless remixes he made for other artists. He started assembling these remixes on albums and has unleashed the second volume in the “Remixes Collection”. The CD format is strictly limited to 200 copies and has been released on his very own label.

Content: This second edition features remixes Dimitri Berzerk made for Future Perfect, Reflection, Sinestar, Vox Humana, Cid Project, Want/ed, Devilsight, Dead Man Recovering, Zoon Politicon, Wumpscut, Data and Kromak. It’s an interesting selection of bands dealing with different kinds of electronic music; from electro-pop to EBM to dark-electronics.

DMT Berzerk seriously reworked the songs into mainly electro-pop driven edits, but he also added or hold on EBM influences on other cuts.

+ + + : Making remixes is a long-time habit in different music genres, but the interesting element about this artist is he has some particular skills to do the job. It’s not just a remix that has been made in a hurry, but you can feel a real sound approach and I dare to say ‘sound philosophy’ behind the remixes. Even if most of the songs have been restyled into danceable and sometimes clubby electro-pop, I also noticed a few surprising songs such as the minimal remix of Wumpscut’s “Wreath Of Barbs” and the trance vibes that have been held on at Kromak’s (side-project C-Lekktor) “Dying 4 U”. There’s a great diversity, which sometimes moves at the edge of electro-ambient and then becomes pretty vintage-like, but globally speaking there’s a real coherence between all remixes.

– – – : This is a fully enjoyable and entertaining album, but maybe without absolute hits although multiple tracks for DJ’s.

Conclusion: I’ve never fond of remixes, but this kind of concept is different. I think it’s a damned good idea to get the remixes Dimitri Berzerk made for others on one disc.

Best songs: Kromak: “Dying 4 U feat. Manriquez”, Sinestar: “Fortunes Faded”, Wumpscut: “Wreath Of Barbs”, Zoon Politicon: “Dreamer”, Devilsight: “This Is The Feeling Of My Hate”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.dmtberzerk.mx / www.facebook.com/dimitri.berzerk

Label: www.sector–industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Sinestar has released the first single of their eponymous electropop album, scheduled for release on February 9th. “A Million Like Us” is out as a digital single and is available in all major download stores.

The 3 tracks on the single are “A Million Like Us”, “I Know (exclusive track)” and “Locked From The Inside (Brutal Remix) (exclusive track)”. “I Know” is a brand new track from the album sessions and is exclusive to this release.

“Locked From The Inside” is a remix of the track which was featured on the Sinestar debut album “Singularis”, remixed by Mark Trueman. All tracks were mastered by Tim Dorney, who also mixed the title track. The album “A Million Like Us” will be released on Friday the 9th of February 2018 and will be available as a limited edition CD and from all major download stores.

You can listen to all tracks of the single right below.

https://soundcloud.com/conzoomrecords/sets/sinestar-a-million-like-us-digital-ep

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Genre/Influences: Electro & wave-pop, indie-pop.

Background/Info: Based in Bristol (UK) Sinestar has a few self-released productions, mainly EP’s and one album. The band consists of Mark Trueman (keys & programming), Iain Brownlie (vocals & guitar), Matt Mohangee (drums) and James Skuse (bass). They last year joined Conzoom Records recording the EP “Fortunes Faded” and are now back on track unleashing this DCD.

Content: The opening song “Ready Set Go And Die” is the best way to get introduced to the magic and irresistible sound of this British formation. This song is the perfect mix of electro-wave-pop and indie-pop music. It sounds ultimately catchy, powerful and dancey. This is transcendental pop music lead by a passionate singer. I honestly was a bit scared to hear what would come next after such an outstanding opener.

I can assure you “Evolve” will be one of the absolute ‘top’ albums of the year. Sinestar sounds a bit like the offspring between Apoptygma Berzerk and Mesh. I guess it’s not exactly of a coincidence if a few songs were produced by Richard Silverthorn. This band deals with passion and is accomplishing their songs with impressive catchy arrangements. There also is a retro touch, which at the softer songs reminds me of OMD.

There are several potential hits, which are following each other in a furious cadence. From “The Madness Of Control” to “The Same Way” to the previously released EP-track “Fortunes Faded” to Falling” to “Chemical Romance” and the extremely beautiful “Sentinel” this album sounds like the ultimate gift even for demanding pop lovers.

I really dare to say that this album is one of the best releases I’ve heard in the entire history of electro & wave-pop music. The production reflects maturity and the song writing have been accomplished by knowledge and this little touch of genius which makes the difference between average bands and great bands.

The 2^nd disc features the entire EP “Fortunes Faded” although some versions are a not that different. Next to the “Original Version” of the title song you’ll get 10 remixes. There’re excellent remixes among the tracklist, but I’ll especially mention the work of Republica, Parralox and Oren Amram.

+ + + : The global elements of the production are simply outstanding. From the passionate vocals to the elevating choruses to the perfect balance between electronics and guitar to the transcendental breaks played with real drums to the alluring bass lines, this work smells like the ultimate release in the pop genre.

– – – : The only minus point I can figure out is the EP and its endless number of remixes from one, single song. I think there are more songs on the album that could have been remixed.

Conclusion: If this album would have been released let’s say 10 years ago Sinestar would have become without a shadow of a doubt an absolute leading formation in their genre. Sinestar hasn’t invented perfection, but they have the genius to get close to it.

Best songs: “Ready Set Go And Die”, “The Same Way”, “Fortunes Faded”, “Falling”, “Sentinel”, “The Madness Of Control”, “Chemical Romance” + “Fortunes Faded – Republica Remix”, “Fortunes Faded – Parralox Remix”, “Fortunes Faded – Oren Amram Extended Remix”.

Rate: (9).

Band: www.sinestar.co.uk / www.facebook.com/Sinestarmusic

www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Conzoom Records is a synth-pop label with a nose for talented electro-pop bands. Think about bands like Parralox, Dual Density, Future Perfect, Vision Talk, Zynic.. but the newest revelation and maybe next sensation on ‘planet pop’ is the British band Sinestar. Their official debut album “Evolve” is an impressive and professional production, which makes me think to the offspring between Apoptygma Berzerk and Mesh. I’ve been deeply impressed by their sound and got in touch with Mark Trueman.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Can you briefly tell us something about your musical background and influences plus the way you met and set up Sinestar?

Mark: Sinestar formed in 2011 following the break-up of a previous project, Jagged. Four members from that band, Mark Trueman, Iain Brownlie, Steve John and Mathew Mohangee, went on to form Sinestar with a view to create a more accessible and electro-pop focused sound. We were joined by new bassist, James Skuse. Steve John appeared on our first releases as a guitarist but left in 2013 and the guitar was picked up by singer, Iain.

Our musical influences are varied across the band members. I was primarily a synth/electronic music fan with Gary Numan and Vince Clarke as my primary influences. Mathew is a superb drummer who has played in many differing genres including rock, jazz and pop. He brings a dynamic to our live sound that has been applauded by our audiences. James is the youngest member of Sinestar and brings a solid bass style that suits our sound with influences from the UK indie scene. Iain Brownlie grew up in Manchester and was inspired by bands such as Joy Division and New Order. Later he got into the whole Manchester scene and fronted some successful indie bands before finding his niche in Sinestar.

Q: Tell us a bit more about the multiple ‘pop’ influences running through your work and the way you accomplished the “Evolve”-album?

Mark: “Evolve” is essentially a pop album. The idea was to create a piece of work that we could all be proud of. Each track would start with Me creating a basic song template. Iain would then apply lyrics and start to create melodies to complement the feel of the track. I wouldn’t say that any of the individual tracks had specific influences but obviously, there are sounds and production techniques that can be heard on many electronic music tracks.

Q: How did you get in touch with Richard Silverthorn (Mesh) and what has been his impact on the few songs he produced on “Evolve”? Why did he only produce a few tracks?

Mark: We have been friends with the guys from Mesh for a number of years, and have supported Mesh on many occasions both in the UK and in mainland Europe. We live in the same area in the UK and often pop into Rich Silverthorns studio for a coffee! Rich offered to produce some tracks for us for a limited run EP. These three tracks, “The Same Way”, “Fortunes Faded” and “Running Home”, later appeared on the “Evolve”-album. We were incredibly grateful to Rich for his time on these tracks, and also his help and guidance. “Evolve” was the first album produced by Me and Rich’s help was invaluable. We chose to produce the album ourselves as we wanted “Evolve” to be our sound and not someone’s interpretation of how we should sound.

Q: According to you what’s the main strength of the “Evolve”-album and what are the element(s) of your sound you still want to improve?

Mark: We have been told by fans that each track on “Evolve” could be a single. And that’s exactly what we wanted. There are a number of musical styles on the album. All synth based, but each track differs from the preceding one, which keeps the listener interested. Without doubt, having a vocalist as strong as Iain is a huge asset to Sinestar. His vocal range and craftsmanship of melodies do stand out. We do tend to create tracks that come under the label of ‘earworm’. It’s all about memorable melodies and making your foot tap! Most of all though, we’re all best mates who have a huge amount of fun creating music together and I think this is reflected in the album and our live performances.

We are all extremely proud of “Evolve” but as I said, this is the first album I’ve ever produced so there is still loads for me to learn and improve on I’m sure!

Q: What do you want to accomplish during the next few months?

Mark: Simply, to get “Evolve” heard by as many people as possible. We are looking to take “Evolve” on the road and hopefully, get back to some live dates in Europe. We are appearing in Lille, France in May 21st, in the ‘I-Synth 4’ festival and are looking for more dates. We have just appeared in ‘Electronic Winter’ in Gothenburg, Sweden which was an incredible night for us. We are also shooting a video for our next single over the next few weeks which we are extremely excited about. We continue to write on a weekly basis when we all meet up so there will be more material to come! Most of all though, we will continue having fun!

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com