Synthia Looper - Synthia Looper EP

Synthia Looper

Synthia Looper EP
​self-released; 2022

3.9 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Synthia Looper is a musician and performance artist out of Flint, Michigan who recently released a self-titled three-song EP Synthia Looper. Looper mentions the project was “Conceptualized out of a deep love of sci-fi, fantasy, cosplay, feminism and social justice.”Musically Looper says she has an appreciation from artists like St Vincent, Daphne Guinness, Goldfrapp, Massive Attack, Bjork and Imogen Heap. I’ve been a fan of most of those artists since the ’90s.

“Sentient” is up first and you are introduced to a fuzzy and phase infused sound which sounds like a guitar but is so wet with effects it is a little hard to tell. The drums are electronic and sound mechanical which fits the mood and tone of the song. There’s also some deep synth bass and some metallic textures. The vocals are fairly varied although there’s an almost monotone on the verse which does make it sound robotic which was the intent. Looper sounds good although when she reaches for sudden higher notes she occasionally has a little trouble getting there which I didn’t mind because it shows some human qualities on an otherwise very electronic sounding song. Overall, a very cool opener.

“Brilliant Minds” is great. The vocals sound fantastic here. Looper is in a good range and the emotive qualities come through. The music is also great. It’s ethereal, otherworldly and avant garde. There are two artists that came to mind that Looper didn’t mention. I was reminded of Zola Jesus as well as Lali Puna who I happen to love. I also found this song very cerebral sounding and perhaps that was also the intent given the name of the song.

“The Ascent” is a hard hitting song with a heavy beat and scattering electronics. Looper has a different affectation here. There’s a sense of urgency to the vocals at least on the verse. The chorus however was the most infectious and catchy moment on this EP. I loved it. Looper sings “I guess that’s what you get  When you finally fall off the edge I’ve learned my lesson next time I’ll just stop at the ledge.” The production is very cool as well. There's a lot of unique production which sounded similar to The Knife. Then there’s the atmospheric and heavenly sounding outro. Looper’s vocals sound the most beautiful on this section when she sings “I’ve got you now I can hear you I’ve got you now / I can’t do this alone I’ve got your now / Please don’t let me go / I’ve got you now I think I’m finally home.”

​This was a great EP and a solid introduction to her music. All three of the songs felt cohesive and I thought the songwriting and production was well implemented. Hopefully, this is just the start. There’s a lot of potential here and I look forward to a full-length LP.

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