Another volume of rare Italian synthpop, new wave and post-punk compiled by the goodfellas at Spittle Records! Italia Synthetica is a perfect addendum to Italia New Wave, but while the latter focused on cold post-punk and no wave vibes, this volume collects slightly warmer, more imaginative sounds from the Italian underground. These tracks are still obviously rooted in post-punk, but you can hear the scene moving towards cosmic and intergalactic themes; and there’s some undeniable crossover with the Italo Disco nightclub sound here, evident on Naif Orchestra’s “Check-Out Five,” Eurotunes’ “Swimming Pool Motion,” Actor’s Studio’s “Dancing Alone” and Modo’s “Niagra Falls.” The comp teeters into full-blown cosmic electro territory on Scortilla’s “YHW.” If you’re into that raw, DIY sound, check out La Maison’s “Bells In The Night,” Neon’s “Lobotomy” and 2+2=5’s “Haiku.” 11 tracks altogether on white vinyl, with liner notes in English and Italian. Recommended.

• white colored vinyl
• liner notes in Italian + English
• limited edition
• original release year: 2013
• music label: Spittle Records 2023

reviewed by hannibal chew 03/2018

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• Italia New Wave: Minimal Synth, No Wave, & Post Punk - Colored Vinyl LP