Syntoma

These recordings pull back a curtain to reveal the mysterious world of Syntoma and early-'80s underground Mexico. Syntoma was founded by Alex Eisenring in 1980, made use of synths and drum machines, and was driven by a freedom-seeking DIY ethos informed by a "rock-jazz-prog-experimental" background. These '70s-born influences throw crazed funhouse mirror reflections onto later Kraftwerk, UK synth-pop, post-punk, and pure pop forms. The first five tracks are instrumental, evidencing some intelligent melodic and harmonic conceptions; the same can be said for the remaining female/male vocal tracks, but the sense of otherness is boosted as the vocal stylings combine a definite UK '80s feel with an unplaceable geo-temporal essence, spanning decades and continents. Primarily a trio during the period of these recordings, 1981-84, Syntoma transcends the era and stands apart from their peers with a surprising melodic sense, harmonic adventurousness, interesting arrangements and, above all, an atmosphere of freshness and enthusiasm. Includes liner notes and lyrics. CD includes two bonus tracks.