Synthia Looper is an artist — she isn’t defined by any particular art form. She’s a creative. Describing herself as as a musician and performance artist based in Flint, Michigan, she has burst onto the electronic music scene with a beautifully dark, avant garde self-tilted EP Synthia Looper. It’s almost a shame that the release is only three tracks because I feel it only offers a sprinkle of what Looper can do. I’m sure that was her intention. It leaves the listener craving more of her twisted sound.
“Sentient” is an electrifying opener. Driven by brooding, distorted synth root notes and Looper’s whispering, dissonant vocals, this is a menacing masterpiece. The thudding beat is incredibly catchy too — it feels like a dance piece for a shadowy, sinister nightclub. I’m reminded of other experimental electronic artists who push the boundaries of what can be achieved in this genre; Autolux came to mind because they, like Looper, incorporate elements of rock music into their electronic sound. I particularly enjoyed Looper’s sizzling riffs towards the end of the track.
The guitar effects on “Brilliant Minds,” the slightly more upbeat second track, are even more intriguing — they’re so warped and flanger-driven, in fact, I find myself wondering whether I’m even hearing guitar or some sort of alien synth. There are plenty of mesmerizing electronic layers in this track. Looper’s production skills are impressive, to say the least. And I love her singing on this song. There’s a strength to it in some sections that contrasts the general whispery, but equally beautiful, style she adopts elsewhere.
The final track, “The Ascent,” is certainly the happiest tune on the record. Synthia Looper’s self-titled EP definitely has been an “ascent” from darkness to lightness. The synth strings and springy beat are both so hypnotically wonderful. Looper has a penchant for wacky sounds that manage to be poppy (in an utterly unique way) — I really wish her success in the industry because she assuredly deserves it. The bouncy vocals also contribute to a sugary sweet aesthetic on this cathartic album closer.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Synthia Looper is a musician, performance artist, and world builder out of Flint, Michigan whose music is a blend of dark, edgy, synthpop and dreamy electronica. With the use of looping, voice FX, and her electric guitar she sings songs of vengeance, loss, love, lust, sexuality, mental anguish, and equality.
Conceptualized out of a deep love of sci-fi, fantasy, cosplay, feminism, and social justice, Synthia Looper was born. She is a synthapien (part human, alien, and synthetic android). Through song and art, she generates otherworldly sounds and lyrics to regale listeners of her interdimensional travels. She loops through space and time, experiencing many variations of form and life. Nevertheless, she remains a strong, bold artist whose compassion for humanity never sways.
Her mission is to transport listeners to her world where delicate beauty and romance coexist with the dark, the light, and cybernetics.
