SYNTHAR. Just one simple word. Simple, but powerful. Powerful, but wicked awesome. What does it mean? It could be a Scandinavian word for "synthesizer." It could also be a name for one of those synthesizers that looks like a guitar. It could even be some kind of combination of a centaur and a synthesizer, because how bad-ass would that be?

In our context, however, SYNTHAR is the genius of producer/synthmaster Andrew Best ( formerly of the Dandelion Method, and also the electronic music mastermind behind DJ GoLYTELY) and singer/songwriter Johnny Bertram ( recently featured on NPR's Open Mic for his solo work). Andrew and Johnny have crafted a brilliant collection of organic, passionate songs with more electronomical gadgetry and dusty analog keyboards than you can shake a stick at. They were aided by Matt Basinger (also ex- Dandelion Method), who contributed songs and guitar riffs. And me? If you must know, starting SYNTHAR was my idea. But ever since I moved to China, I've been more of an honorary member, so I can say this with integrity:

This is really freaking good music. The synth lines and falsetto ooohs on "Beating Drum" send chills up and down my spine. The lyrics to "Hurricanes," written shortly after Johnny witnessed Katrina and Rita first-hand, are gut-wrenching and true. The scary vocoder gang on "The Robots Among Us" terrifies me. Andrew's hooky, rhythmic, and, dare I say, dance- instincts mixed with Johnny's earnest, earthy vocals and lyrics are a match made in indie-pop heaven.

You have heard Moogs and electronic drumsounds before. You have heard pretty melodies and harmonies before. But my friends, you have not heard SYNTHAR before.

SYNTHAR is not a revolution. It's a revelation.

Joel Hartse
November 7, 2007