reviews

Our old pal Tobias Isaksson and his Azure Blue project are out with a brand new single, a prelude to a fresh LP dropping at the end of November. As always, Tobias specializes in driving synth pop with massive hooks, and it’s interesting to hear the darkened tones on the beat work this go round. The song manages to balance that with a softer wash of keys on the top layer, then letting Isaksson bringing in more warmth through his vocal delivery too. I love the energy of this tune too, as it feels more like a punching club banger, adding to our Friday energy once you turn the volume knob to the right. The Night of the Stars will drop on November 22nd via Hybris, Matinée Recordings, and Anna Logue Records. —Austin Town Hall

Azure Blue, the prominent solo venture of Swedish artist Tobias Isaksson, unveils a captivating auditory experience with his latest single, “Visions and Themes.” This track strategically integrates elements of love, dreams, and introspective doubt, set against a backdrop of lush synthetic textures and intricate drum machine patterns. The evocative synth beds create a rich soundscape, allowing Isaksson’s deeply personal lyrics to shine as they explore the nuances of longing and existential uncertainty inherent in the human condition. As the verses unfold, Isaksson artfully weaves nostalgia with dreamlike reveries, crafting a sound reminiscent of a neon-tinged urban night skyline. “Visions and Themes” is a compelling precursor to the forthcoming album, “The Night of the Stars,” scheduled for release this November. This single subtly encapsulates the album’s thematic essence: an analog exploration through expansive soundscapes highlighting Azure Blue’s hallmark synth-pop aesthetic and poignant narrative style, achieving an elevated sound synthesis. As a meticulously crafted pop composition, “Visions and Themes” is an homage to enduring emotional moments. With Tobias Isaksson steering this artistic endeavor, listeners can anticipate an immersive auditory journey characterized by the purity of dream pop and a luxurious sonic palette that promises escapism and profound emotional engagement. —Kindline Magazine

Azure Blue pubblica il quarto e ultimo singolo tratto dall’imminente sesto album. “Visions and Themes” In concomitanza con il singolo, Azure Blue annuncia la data del sesto album completo dell’artista, “The Night of the Stars”. Verrà pubblicato il 22 novembre. Tobias dice: “Visions and Themes” e l’intero album sono un sogno analogico in un’epoca afflitta da androidi che sognano pecore elettroniche. Mentre alcuni scrivono simultaneamente 100 canzoni con l’aiuto dell’IA, io ho dedicato 100 ore al pop artigianale con hardware analogico. Tutto è una sorta di terapia che rasenta la follia“. L’album “The Night of the Stars”, pubblicato con il sostegno del Consiglio di Stato per la Cultura, è realizzato in collaborazione con tre note etichette indie. Hybris in Svezia è affiancata da Matinée (CD e digitale negli USA) e dalla tedesca Anna Logue (vinile). Tobias Isaksson ha completato il mixaggio insieme a Ollie Olson. Il tema principale è l’unione in tempi difficili. Il suono brevettato dagli Azure Blue è intatto, ma in una forma più lussuosa. Più ricco, più chiaro e con un’artigianalità più analogica che mai. Tutto è dedicato a sua madre, scomparsa a maggio. —Indie for Bunnies