Trade Secrets – Before We Vanish (CD Album – Distortion Productions)
Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, dance-pop, lounge-pop.
Background/Info: Set up in 2017 in Los Angeles (USA) by F.J. DeSanto, Trade Secrets became a so-called ‘future-synth’ collective featuring several members. After a previously released EP, “Before We Vansih” is the collective’s debut full length.
Content: The album reveals 9 songs, which are constantly supported with a poppy touch, but clearly mixing different influences with each other. Sometimes groovy and dance-like (cf. “Broken Instincts”, “Your Heaven”), I also noticed some sweet 80s reminiscences reminding me Spandau Ballet (“Games”), but also a more club-orientated passage (cf. “Wish For The Rest”).
+ + + : “Before We Vanish” has something atypical, which in a way makes the originality of the work but also the challenge. “Broken Instincts” perfectly symbolizes this approach by a mix of groovy elements and something lounge-minded. There also is a more sensual touch coming through at “Ultra Devil” while my personal favorite is the dancefloor friendly “Wish For The Rest”.
– – – : I can’t get away from the feeling there also is certain ‘commercial’ approach hanging over the songs. Trade Secrets might appeal for a wider audience, which is fine for me, but I prefer a darker and more underground-inspired production.
Conclusion: “Before We Vanish” sounds as a sweet lounge’n’pop production for the Summer.
Best songs: “Wish For The Rest”, “Broken Instincts”.
Rate: (6).
Artist: www.facebook.com/Trade–Secrets-256437681172862
Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions
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