1986? I’ll say. Kavinsky shuffles together sounds straight from the blueprint electro/new-wave records of the era, but updated with forceful, modern production and propelled by an aggro agenda more akin to big beat than Hi-NRG. “Wayfarer” is a punchy little wanderer indeed, with a rollicking and insistent synth figure undercut by dirty grunge growls and scalpel-clean licks, followed by “Dead Cruiser,” the track sounding most like a recently-unearthed relic on the spookier / noodlier side of Belgian EBM.

SebastiAn’s mix of “Testarossa Overdrive” is the sleekest monster here, recalling Daft Punk a bit with its shiny robot disco breaks. “Flashback” provides an interesting sidetrip, little more than a news report about a crashed Ferrari with some Miami Vice synths and sound effects tickling through it, while “Grand Canyon” continues the soundtrack vibe with icy arpeggios and beefy nouveau-vintage beats. A strong and not completely unimaginative pastiche, recommended for those who enjoy the poppier end of the Clone and Bunker labels.

Record Makers / REC 37
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[Mallory O’Donnell]