The Archenemy Record Co. – 06 Oct 2020
Boston synth champions Freezepop have painted another beautiful planet of sound in Fantasizer.
The fifth studio album and first release in 10 years warps open with “Queen of Tomorrow,” showcasing standard moog buzzes and intertwined square leads, all commanded by the sharp vocals from bandfront and queen of today and always, Liz Enthusiasm. “Heat Lightning Hott” borrows elements of vaporwave, gated roto toms, and a killer moog lead, resulting in perhaps one of the very best songs in the quartet’s discography. “You’re Awesome; It’s Killing Me” shifts from strength to Freezepop’s signature “Hyper cute” standards, and is friggin adorable.
The title track opens with sincere retrospect and an open canvass before firing full vogue for the catchy chorus, “The Ghost Rejoins The Living” kicks up the ambiance, showcasing Enthusiasm’s skills of imagery. “Memory Disappears” clocks the slowest bpm thus far, and drips with atmosphere and clever percussive variation to fill the gaps. “Our Solar System” resets the mood to a swing and is an excellent moment on the record.
“Step Into The Sunshine!” and “Anchor To The World Below” are layer after layer of programming and synth, as usual, skies the limit regarding variation of keys with members “The Other Sean T. Drinkwater” “Robert John “Bananas” Foster,” and “Christmas Disco-Marie Sagan.” (This band has a sense of humor, even throughout their epic ballads.) The storytelling of “Rare Bird” feels as close to 2010’s Imaginary Friends in regards to lyrical content, where “The Monster Song” staples perfectly alongside, keeping Fantasizer fresh, and demanding repeat listens.
“Heart – Rate” steers the album almost closed, slowing things way down, reminiscent of a deep, deep, cut from The Cars’ Heart Beat City, and in a very good way. Closer “Clockwise” opens majestically, the epic glides to a close with Liz Enthusiasm’s intimate hook of “Let me sing to you,” carrying as much power and transe as “Swimming Pool” from 2007’s Future Future Future Perfect. I compare only to declare: Freezepop has effortlessly known exactly what their sound is for over two decades, and they just keep getting better. Great listen.
Host of “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?,” punk rock dad, OILER from the future, oh and my biggest fears are cold poo on my face when I’m sleeping, and spiders that walk on water. Jacket enthusiast, astrological sign.
