While listening to any of the songs on Avalanche, the debut release by I, Synthesist(a.k.a)composer/producer Chris Ianuzzi on his own Satellite Symphonics label) it quickly becomes evident that what you're hearing is indee... more »d a coherent whole. This genre-transcending sound is not a fortunate accident, nor is it the result of slick, expensive studio production, but rather the synthesis of years of musical influence and experience for an artist whose talent and creativity enable him to listen to the past and hear the future. And what of the influences? You'll hear traces of the pioneers here: Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, Fad Gadget, Ultravox. But the most exciting compound in this joyous chemistry may be the hint of bowie-esque rock sound, even reaching into territory covered by innovative musicians like Bjork. There's a hit song here, and you'll know it when you hear it. There are remix-ready tracks poised to explode on international dance floors. There are words; Ianuzzi's command of the medium gives life and sound to the twitchy introspection that hovers behind post-millennial shoulders. And there's a lot more where that came from; proof that Chris Ianuzzi knows what he's doing?he knows he's going to keep Synthesizing?which, really, is what music and culture are all about.« less
While listening to any of the songs on Avalanche, the debut release by I, Synthesist(a.k.a)composer/producer Chris Ianuzzi on his own Satellite Symphonics label) it quickly becomes evident that what you're hearing is indeed a coherent whole. This genre-transcending sound is not a fortunate accident, nor is it the result of slick, expensive studio production, but rather the synthesis of years of musical influence and experience for an artist whose talent and creativity enable him to listen to the past and hear the future. And what of the influences? You'll hear traces of the pioneers here: Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, Fad Gadget, Ultravox. But the most exciting compound in this joyous chemistry may be the hint of bowie-esque rock sound, even reaching into territory covered by innovative musicians like Bjork. There's a hit song here, and you'll know it when you hear it. There are remix-ready tracks poised to explode on international dance floors. There are words; Ianuzzi's command of the medium gives life and sound to the twitchy introspection that hovers behind post-millennial shoulders. And there's a lot more where that came from; proof that Chris Ianuzzi knows what he's doing?he knows he's going to keep Synthesizing?which, really, is what music and culture are all about.
CD Reviews
Alternative "College Rock" Electronic Pop
D. H. Richards | Silver Spring, MD USA | 05/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best "synthpop" albums this year, but don't let that stop you from getting this album! Yes, these are electronic pop songs, but don't think Erasure, think late 70s Bowie (for great songs and sometimes on the vocals) done with a "today" electropop sound. The tracks here are usually harder edged than your average synthpop album, almost bordering into EBM and industrial (ala NIN's Pretty Hate Machine ) from time to time. Remember that song "Standing in a phonebooth..."? And ifyou were unlucky enough to pick up the whole album...? How awful that was? This album here sounds like what that album should have been. Inventive, quirky but very accessible. Thomas Dolby fans NEED to check this out too since there are moments where I am back in 83 listening to Golden Age of Wireless. Yet the album is not at all cutesy retro (it is very much NOT electroclash). What else can I say? Take a chance if you want something less sugary than standard synthpop but still well done and well written enough to be a fun listen."
A fantastic debut!
Frank J. Freda | 05/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have seen I,Synthesist live several times and based on those shows I purchased "Avalanche".The CD is fantastic from start through finish and I have found it a favorite for my car stereo. My favorite tracks so far are "Avalanche", "Images" "The Lost Parade", "Aerial Dreams", "Red Clouds" and "Captain, My Captain".I highly recommend this CD and if you get a chance to see I, Synthesist perform do not pass up the opportunity. The songs are great live and cool visuals are used to enhance the show even more.Frank J. Freda
http://www.halovox.com"
A hidden synth pop gem
Paul Dunphy | Troy, New York USA | 09/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw "I, Synthesist" last night with "The Cruxshadows" at a local venue. Prior to last night I didn't have a clue as to who "I, Synthesist" was and thought "Oh, just another opening act filler." Boy was I wrong. From the moment this one man band appeared on stage my ear was magically drawn into the beats, synths, and vocals emanating from the sound system. After the set, I didn't have to be told twice and immediately bought this album. I love it and if you like New Wave and modern day Synth Pop you'll love it as well. I'm amazed that I didn't hear more about Chris Ianuzzi before. All in all if you're looking for a nice, well crafted, and catchy electronic album to dance or bob your head to this is a great selection to make."
NEW new wave!
Ilker Yucel | Annapolis, MD United States | 07/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some may call it a trend, some may call it nostalgia, and some may call it a musical renaissance, but the recent wave of new wave and synth pop revivalists seems to be going strong. Joining the ranks is I, Synthesist, the brainchild of New York composer/producer Chris Ianuzzi. The man has been brewing his special blend of electronic-generated bliss for sometime, having contributed his skills to the likes of HBO, The History Channel, and collaborating with Vangelis and Peter Baumann of Tangerine Dream. With such an impressive resume, expectations for a debut solo release may run high; suffice to say, Ianuzzi knows electronic music well and rises to the challenge wonderfully. I, Synthesist is pure avant-garde new wave synth pop the likes of which have not been seen or heard since Kraftwerk or Gary Numan. Running the gamut from creating pure mood and atmosphere to beautifully infectious dance sequences, the music on Avalanche is sure to get listeners moving their feet and aspiring musicians running for their keyboards.
Kicking things off is the song "Red Clouds," exemplifying what the disk has to offer. Ianuzzi's vocals are, for the most part, raw and unfiltered (with exception of the vocoder effects on "Paralyzed"); he comes across sounding like an American Stephan Groth. The lyrics are very futurist, recalling the attitudes of the `80's new wavers who looked forward to a shining new technological age in the 21st century. The electronics blend pulsating bass lines and dance beats with the familiar but oh so tried and true pop melodies; enough to give the futurepop EBM heavyweights a run for their money. Another standout is "Images," sounding like a mutant hybrid of older Depeche Mode mixed with Covenant. The music is of special note here, revolving around some unorthodox chord progressions, which belie the simplicity of the synth pop genre. "Captain, My Captain" sounds like the best song Gary Numan never wrote, with a synth melody that sounds eerily like those used on "Cars." Songs like "Aerial Dreams" and "Hiding" begin with a slow buildup of dreamlike soundscapes and sequences that gradually lead into more fodder for the dance floor.
I, Synthesist's Avalanche is an album the new wave crowd can be proud of. It manages to recall the sound of old while still having the ability to compete with the modern sound. It both complements and challenges today's futurepop and EBM scene with music and lyrics that may sound like old-hat, but are really just as relevant today as it was then. With Avalanche, Chris Ianuzzi makes a statement that I, Synthesist is here to revel in a new future. Listen and enjoy."
A lush synthpop gem
Max Clarke | NYC | 09/16/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Chris Ianuzzi's solo debut recalls many turn-of-the'-80s influences, but not the ones that have been done to death these last few years. Instead of dry, primitivist electro, he's created polished, cerebral singer/songwriter synthpop a la Thomas Dolby. His gritty voice -- edged with the rasp of Peter Gabriel and the wail of David Byrne -- guides you through the dense, burbling production, telling stories of sci-fi romance and danger."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1