Archive

• Synkro’s releases ‘Hand In Hand’ EP

  Following the release of Synkro AKA Joe McBride’s collection of his formative early works in 2017, Apollo Recordings is proud to present a brand new EP that draws on the rich heritage of library music.

  Synkro’s signature expansive atmospherics are still very much present, but now they have been burnished by soaring synth pads and pulsing drum tracks that call to mind the haunted melancholy of John Carpenter or contemporary such as Legowelt or Andy Stott. Rhythmically ‘Hand In Hand’ sees McBride moving somewhat away from his usual off kilter programming inspired by 2-step and garage, embracing the steady pulse of 4:4 which turns out to be an effortless fit.

   

  Synkro’s hand has also this month been turned to an excellent remix of Jono McCleery, which can be streamed below.

• Synkro reveals ‘Memories’ mix ahead of release

  Manchester’s Joe McBride aka Synkro has produced a mix heralding the release of his forthcoming release on Apollo -‘Memories’.

  Featuring tracks from the compilation, prepare to be taken on a journey of soothing yet melancholic melodies awash with soulful vocals and lush pads, underpinned by a skeleton of tough, crisp beats and loaded with retrospective nostalgia.

  Listen to it here:

• Synkro announces MEMORIES (2008-2011) Compilation on Tailored Communication

  Following Synkro AKA Joe McBride 2015’s stellar debut album ‘Changes’, Apollo Recordings is proud to present a collection of his formative early works.

  Originally released on scene stalwart labels such as Smokin’ Sessions, Blackout, Box Clever, Med School and Exit Records, these tracks displays the music that forged his career tracking his progression up to signing to Apollo.

  Despite having come up during the dubstep era, McBride’s music has always resisted easy classification – winding together such diverse influences as Boards Of Canada, dBridge, Burial and Oneohtrix Point Never, whilst still remaining utterly unique.

  The trademark warm sonics, and emotive melodies that were ever-present in ‘Changes’ are in strong evidence here – lush pads, ambient/balearic washes and soulful vocals, underpinned by a skeleton of tough, crisp beats. What is most surprising and captivating about these early works is just how consistent McBride’s sonic vision remains – melancholic, cinematic, soothing yet vital – his is a strong and truly unique voice nearly a decade into his career.

• Synkro announces debut album ‘Changes’, shares title track

  Having forged his career in the dubstep era, with nearly 40 releases to his name, Synkro AKA Joe McBride has always resisted easy classification – his music winds together such diverse influences as Boards Of Canada, dBridge, Burial and Oneohtrix Point Never, whilst still remaining utterly unique.  

  His recent, lauded work with Indigo under the Akkord name set pulses racing with what Resident Advisor described as the duo’s “ fiercely technical take on dance music, one that you could dance to or simply admire in all its steel-plated glory”. Fittingly, ‘Changes’ acts as a soothing balm after the intense workouts that Akkord music incites – from the lush pads and rolling arpeggio pulse of the intro, to the understated dubstep meets ambient/balearic glory of the title track to the more muscular ‘Let Me go’ – awash with cavernous, soulful vocals and melancholic strings, to the epic, hymn like D&B ballad ‘Body Close’ featuring the dulcet vocals of Lyves, Synkro once again proves his effortless ability to create cinematic textures and surreal sonic vistas in long form.

  Scheduled for release on September 18, preview the title track below.

   

• Synkro’s ‘Transient EP’ and Boiler Room Upfront mix

  Synkro’s output has been extensive and wide reaching since his initial releases in 2007, planting his roots firmly into the lineage of bass music with an amalgam of modern reconfigurations. This November, he returns to Apollo Records with a new EP, and in celebration, Boiler Room have hosted a new mix in which he draws primarily from his own catalogue, germinating in tempo and navigating from ambient junctures towards 2-step, closing on the half-time cinematics heard on the title track of his latest EP, ‘Transient’.