Makeup and Vanity Set releases an accessible synthwave EP, ‘Syncro’

by: Grace Fleisher Nov 27, 2017

Makeup and Vanity Set oozes a pleasingly pulsating, alter-dimensional arpeggio of evocative 8-bits.

In its established decorum of mollifying melodies and striking kick drums, MAVS’ scintillating sequences are served to the masses in a satisfyingly wide range of samplers, synthesizers, and handclaps. Having started producing in the late 90s on PCs and giant Rolands, MAVS has since moved into working with mod trackers on a multitude of film scores and said inspired works.

In recent years, MAVS has moved from his integral role in the U.S.’s early electro scene to an under the radar pioneer of the ever-expanding, retro-tinged synthwave scene of Nashville, Tennessee. He’s garnered immense support through both Bandcamp and Last.fm, beginning with both of his 8-bit remixes for The Protomen and his dark-wave, 80s slasher-film inspired Charles Park Trilogy.

His most renowned record, 88:88, marked his first official foray into film soundtrack. The notable number “A Glowing Light, A Promise,” serves as a driving marriage of his presently established sound. It’s undoubtedly an airy companion to the brooding score of the short film of the same name.

Presently, MAVS is continuing to pave the way for the retro-inclined. His most recent release, an eight-track EP Syncro, is a marriage of his pursued styles — both the desolate and optimistic — and perfectly reimagines the electronic music of the past.

“We have no future because our present is too volatile. We have only risk management. The spinning of the given moment’s scenarios. Pattern recognition,” he says preluding the new work.

Syncro is the third EP in Makeup and Vanity Sets’ Neuromancer series completed by both Wavehymnal and Chrome. On the new installment, MAVS exudes a more accessible, dancefloor sound for his listeners than other works in the series. Most notably, he does so while maintaining the dark sonic elements that listeners flock towards. The record’s commencement is of a more distorted and glitchy milieu, similar to that of the previous Chrome, but transitions midway in “Pure Wave” to a cautiously optimistic conclusion to the looming dystopia.