With their September 6 release, Synthesizer, A Place to Bury Strangers reaffirms their status as masters of sonic chaos. Known for their relentless exploration of noise rock, the Brooklyn-based trio takes things a step further with this track, layering powerful synthesizers over their trademark cacophony of distortion and feedback. The result is a thrilling, high-intensity experience that feels like a visceral dive into a dystopian soundscape.
From the opening seconds, Synthesizer sets a relentless pace with pounding drum machines and jagged guitar riffs that immediately grab your attention. However, it’s the track’s namesake—the commanding, layered synthesizers—that become its defining element. These synths create a pulsating, otherworldly atmosphere, merging with the band’s chaotic energy to deliver a sound that is both abrasive and hypnotic.
Oliver Ackermann’s vocals cut through the wall of sound like a distant beacon, distorted and haunting, adding an almost ghostly layer to the track. Lyrically, Synthesizer explores themes of escapism and the human connection to technology, with Ackermann’s fragmented delivery heightening the track’s sense of tension and disarray.
The production is raw and uncompromising, embracing the abrasive edges that define noise rock. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s an undeniable sense of control. The interplay between the aggressive guitars and the pulsating synths creates a dynamic, almost cinematic quality, reminiscent of a dystopian film soundtrack.
What makes Synthesizer particularly compelling is how it pushes boundaries while staying rooted in A Place to Bury Strangers’ distinct aesthetic. The addition of the synth layers doesn’t dilute the band’s intensity—it enhances it, bringing a new dimension to their sound that feels fresh yet unmistakably theirs.
In Synthesizer, A Place to Bury Strangers crafts a track that is as thrilling as it is relentless. It’s a powerful reminder of why they are often called one of the loudest and most innovative bands in noise rock. For fans of raw, experimental music, Synthesizer is a must-listen—a sonic assault that leaves a lasting impression.
