SECRECIES is a dreamy synth pop project from Dallas, TX featuring band leader and songwriter Shawn Magill on vocals, bass guitar, and synth. She is joined by Alex Bhore on guitar and synthesizer, Lean Lane on guitar, Dean Adams on percussion, and Ivan Beltran on drums. Perfect Bite was produced and engineered by Alex Bhore and mastered by Dave Cooley. Some musical touch points include Slowdive, Beach House, and St. Etienne. Sure, I can hear those artists’ influence, but I am reminded more of classic 80s synth pop. The melodies are memorable, the singing is great with crystalline tones, and the lyrics hit home.
‘Cathedrals’ is a fine first single to start things off. I love the atmospheric, electronic swirls overlaid with Shawn’s pretty vocals. Sometimes synths can create an icy sheen, but SECRECIES has found a way to infuse warmth into their music, and it works wonderfully well. The title track follows, and it’s another killer tune. ‘Fashion Week’ is lush and has the makings of a dance floor smash. It’s a definite ear worm! ‘Game Show’ ramps up the energy into engaging indie pop, and it’s a definite toe tapper. ‘Golden Rule’ is moody post-punk, and it creeps into the exotic electronica Jane Weaver is famous for. Simply excellent!
‘Mars Rover’ has faint echoes of classic 90s Brit pop, and I dare you to get it out of your head. ‘Imagine’ offers up some tasty synth pop, the music swirling like a magic cape over your auditory senses. Shawn’s wine dark voice will leave you spellbound by the song’s end. ‘Dance With Me’ is more straightforward, but like all the songs here, it is memorable and will uplift you. ‘Messed Up’ is another charming tune, suffused with intoxicating lust and love. ‘Worn Out’ is the album’s coda and man, it sure defines my state of mind as a still unemployed person.
The entire album is great, and fans of the aforementioned bands and anyone who digs 80s synth pop will love this record.
