Positonic is a synthpop creation of Michael McDannold, who has been making music since the late 80s and is based in California, in the states, his music influences include, Erasure, OMD, Pet Shop Boys and early Depeche Mode.
The new Positronic album "Retrospective", is exactly that, Michael has revisited songs that he had previously written between 1987 and 2005.
The atmospheric intro of "Revelation", with some nice bass sounds, opens the album and develops into a much lighter sound, some excellent sequencer parts laid over the darker bass parts, I like the vocal on the track too, I can definitely hear an Erasure influence on this track.
"Always" is upbeat and four to the floor, a great throbbing bass-line and a chorus that grabs you, a catchy track, some brilliant synth work throughout the song.
"Karma's Forest" is mid paced, with a strong vocal and neat melody parts, the sporadic use of melodies on the track works perfectly, very enjoyable.
Next we have a track that instantly reminded me of the Erasure track "Drama", "Moving On" has killer hooks and heavy synth sounds and I do like the glock/bell sound.
Some nice Acid bass sounds kick off the next track "Ride" and boy I like that synth sound that kicks in at 21 seconds, beautiful. This is a more melodic ballad. I like the emotion in Michaels voice on this song. My favourite track on the album so far.
A synthetic work out next, in the shape of "The Image", Melodies are Michaels biggest strength, for me modern day songs completely lack anything that resembles a melody, which I think is criminal, so thank god we have people like Michael making great synthpop songs, lots of hooklines in this song and a confident vocal.
"Dance With Me" ups the bpm a bit more, driving bass-line and a dance beat carry this melodic number through its paces, again strong melodies, one of those songs you know he enjoyed making, a strong vocal again too, another of my favourite tracks on the album.
Next we have an Erasure/Pet Shop Boys influenced track, "Lost In A Dream", love the sequencer work here especially the bottom end of the track, simplistic melody parts demand your attention, a wonderful track.
As I am listening to the album, one thing stands out that doesn't immediately hit you, is how strong the bass-lines are, I love the structure and sounds used, "Miracle Of Love" is another fine example of that. The track features beautiful warm sounds and is another ballad, with a gentle pace, a strong track.
"Fade Away" has a gorgeous synth hook and the sound used is just perfection, another achingly emotional vocal aove a superb backdrop of synthesizers, another track I really like.
On to the dancefloor next with the fantastic "Walking With You", a sequencer dominated track, the melody hook is very catchy, I like the haunting pad sound which sits perfectly in the background of the song, brilliant, I love everything about it, best track on the album.
"Yesterday" is a darker sounding song that has a powerful chorus, that said, I don't think it grabbed me as much as, the rest of the songs on the album.
The album closes with "Happily Ever After", which is a pefrect way to end the album, a mild sounding mid paced track with an infectious melody and strong vocal, Erasure fans will love this song.
This is an album that has really surprised me, synth hooks and melodies can be found across all the songs on the album, Michael produces strong bass elements and has an ear for a melody, his vocal style really grows on you the more you listen to his music.
8.5/10
The album is available from Bandcamp on CD and as a Digital Download
https://iampositronic.bandcamp.com/album/retrospective
Visit the Positronic Official Homepage
https://iampositronic.wixsite.com/website
