Ace Buchannon - 2087

Everything Ace Buchannon has done up to this point has been wonderful; including this album. I've remarked a few times on this blog that he is probably the closest to the original version of synthwave from the early 2010's. Naturally, he modernized that sound with slicker production, more elaborate songwriting and a greater variety of melody on splendid albums such as Magenta Nights and Eye of the Storm. On 2087, he adds even more to his sonic template of modern, yet traditional, synthwave. It's still identifiably the same artist we all love, but with a bit of a razor sharp edge exposed.

Out talented artist still paints his music with a vibrant color pallette. However, within this pallette, he also added a few darker shades and used those darkerd colors to great taste throughout. We get more cutting edge melodies, faster tempos, and even a few abrasive textures. This is perhaps best exemplified by songs such as Dreamer Archetype and Face Me. They both contain darker textures and melodies than what we're accustomed to hearing from Ace Buchannon. Afterwards, we can listen to songs such as Accolades and Sapphure Eyes that contain the classic outrun arcade and smooth retro vibes we all know and love. Killer sax on Sapphire Eyes, by the way. Just a beautiful song.

The sound is still undeniably retro. This is also undeniably neon drenched. It's just that some of those neon lights feature darker shades of red, purple, blue, gray, and even some black. Go listen to this. It is quite fun.