Sound Republic: Music News

Westernsynthetics album launch tour

Share |

By Jess White
12 November 2010

Pioneering South Pacific label Sub Continental Dub presents ‘May Day Radio’, the politically charged debut album May Day Radio from Australian producer Westernsynthetics AKA Rhyece O’Neill.

Fusing his unique blend of acid, dub, techno and psychedelia, Westernsynthetics draws from vast pallet of electronic soundscapes, live instrumentation as well as the subversive imagery he projects through his lyrics. With help on vocals from the softly spoken Charles Smith as well as Florida MC Werd2jah, Westernsynthetics provides his own brooding insight into the daily struggles of capitalist society.

Lead single ‘The Machine’ summons the sadness that lingers in the dark corners of the urban jungle – surviving among the madness, while also yearning to be born again. It’s a mission statement that extends across ‘May Day Radio’.

Westernsynthetics summons a soundtrack of beats that is both slickly produced and emotionally gripping. Jangling guitars mesh with industrial soundscapes, there’s a sense of warmth and melody that compliments the dark beats, and the political sensibilities extend beyond mere statements or sloganeering.

“I’d like people to feel inspired both politically and artistically by the album,” says O’Neill, of the dual musical and political goals he pursued for his debut album. “I wanted to cover a range of soundscapes. I did this by using a lot of my own and other peoples sampling of old radios, streets, voices and noise.”

The result is one of those rare dance albums that carries an appeal stretching beyond the scene from where it originated. There’s every bit the polish we’ve come to expect from all of our accomplished dance producers, but it’s coupled with a beautiful sense of the organic, and a South Pacific identity that belies O’Neill’s roots. Highly meditative in its nature, the pressure builds and releases across ‘May Day Radio’, with an album that keeps on giving after many listens.

THE HYPE

“Sounds dope! Really great heavy-hitting work.” Posivision Magazine Tokyo

“Nice release! Any sensible DJ out there will place this in their chill out bag for those early morning sessions. This will sit nicely alongside Four Tet, Pitch Black and Joy Orbison.” Spektrum

“There’s some seriously crisp production at play here across each of the tracks. The Machine references current trends in broken beat with a neat twist. Lush stuff.” Street Press Australia

“It’s clear his sound is among the country’s most original.” Cyclic Defrost

TOUR DATES

Sydney - Friday 12th November 2010

Presented by VOID/INDEX

Venue: Phoenix Bar, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney

Doors open: 10pm

Entry: $15 on the door, $25 with album

Supports include: