If you want to go back in time to the 1980s when synth-pop was at its peak, listen to Lust for Youth. They’re a Scandinavian duo that started in 2009 in Gothenburg, Sweden. They’re made up of electronic musician Hannes Norrvide and producer Malthe Fischer. Lust for Youth will perform at Space Ballroom in Hamden on Sunday Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.
Lust for Youth’s style is, in a word, nostalgic. They pay homage to the synth-pop of the 1980s, and they’re most similar to Depeche Mode and New Order. While taking inspiration from the past, they do add quite a bit of modern twists to their music. Although they aren’t extremely similar, I can’t help but be reminded of Chairlift while listening to their music because of their way to meld the past and the present together in a beautiful way.
They manage to channel their sound into something both bright and dreamlike. Their music takes you on a roadtrip where the journey is just as good as the destination. It puts you in a kind of hypnotic trance that you can’t help but get lost in.
Their newest album, “Lust for Youth,” includes eight heart-pumping, danceable songs. Compared to their previous music, the self-titled album is brighter. There’s a stronger sense of clarity, originality and purpose in each song, and that makes this album their most interesting to date.
“Adrift” is one of the stand-out songs on the album. The song mixes their retro style with the stylings of modern pop. The riffs throughout the song are so catchy you’ll be humming it for days, and the bass will have you bouncing in your seat.
“New Balance Point” is one of my personal favorites. The music swells and sinks in a way that feels incredibly natural and original. Listening to this song reminds me of binge-watching movies on a rainy day. It’s crisp and refreshing but not in a way that ruins the nostalgia that makes the song so unique. The chorus is downright addictive to listen to and the synth often sounds like a chorus backing the singer. It gives the whole song a spine-chilling, bigger picture meaning to it.
“Great Concerns” cranks the Depeche Mode vibes up to a thousand. It’s dark and stormy while staying fun and upbeat. It talks about the narrator’s biggest concerns, primarily climate change. Although the topic is heavy, the song certainly isn’t. There’s layers and layers of music in this one, and that makes for a fantastic listening experience.
“Insignificant” adds folkiness to their synth-pop sound. With a recurring flute-like riff and the singer’s echoing vocals, it’s a must-listen. This song acts more as a ballad than a high energy dance song because of the melancholic lyrics and softer sound, but it still has a strong bass line and drum beat. The song ends with an ebbing and flowing of electronic music that feels like you’re in the middle of the ocean, letting the waves take you up and down gently.
Lust for Youth’s concert also features artists Underwear, Psychic of Orange and Ross Menze. Tickets are $13, and can be purchased on the Space Ballroom’s website.
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