Spectres of Desire: Incursions: Cassette

Cassette

"Spectres of Desire is a solo project of dark-wave new wave synth pop from Minneapolis punk rocker Jonny C Tamayo, perhaps best known as one of the on and off members of The Slow Death. Deep vocals mix with shimmering synths and pulsing drum machine, creating the sounds of a post-apocalyptic world as seen from 40 years ago. Which, it seems, we’re already in. There’s a desolation in the sounds, a feeling of loneliness and isolation, even as the beat is very danceable and the synths sparkle and shine. Of the six tracks on this EP, I think 'Feel the Blade' may be my favorite, with a cool simulated backing vocal track from the synths, powerful rhythm, and strong baritone vocals. Lyrics refer to the class wars, how some people feel they age out of battles for justice, yet all we need to do is 'learn fast, change tactics' to be effective. I also like the piercing synths on 'Circles,' a song that seems to speak to the divide between those who follow religious beliefs and those who do not. Those synths give the song, dare I say it, a heavenly sound. It’s pretty cool that these retro synth pop sounds are being used to convey subversive social and political messages, and I love the DIY ethic that went into this."

-Paul Silver, Jersey Beat