Fans: 26
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
