It is a realm of experimental suggestion and electronic exploration, a place where retro sci-fi intimation and otherworldly atmospheres align to observe the potentialities of the future. It is Possibilities of Heaven, the new album from electronic synth pop duo ANDREAS AND THE WOLF and a sphere where surprise and imagination unite.
the POSSIBLITIES OF HEAVEN
Possibilities of Heaven is also a kaleidoscopic home for pop contagion and darker shadows to play, tempt and taunt; it brings an adventure of sound that defies yet embraces that synth pop tag whilst venturing through numerous veils to explore the essences of diversity bred opportunities. Basically it is a typical atypical ANDREAS AND THE WOLF adventure but their most unique, striking and fascinating moment yet.
As their first two albums, Fountain of Truth (2020) and Sci-Fi for your Hi-Fi (2023), the pairing of Andreas (vocals) and Mr B Wolf (synths) has crafted a proposal that even with its almost nostalgic breath at times gives expectation no house room and allows evolution of adventure and experimentation to remake its bed. Also featuring Daveon guitars, Andrew on drums and the supporting vocal prowess of Tiggy Pop, Possibilities of Heaven builds on what came before but embraces the heart and imagination of its predecessors into its own unique senses rallying electronic quest.
Most of all it is an ear grabbing and involvement inflaming encounter that is also so often a vehicle for dancefloor roaming fun and it all begins with the light of magnetism that is Background Music For Active People. The song pulsates in ears as it sets its stall out in enterprise and captivation with rising layers of synths accompanying Andreas’ inviting tones and words. Further textures and flavours only add to the blossoming of pleasure as too the early-HUMAN LEAGUE breath that courts the band’s own individuality.
It is a song that addictiveness soon gave its presence to as it also swiftly did around the following contemplation of The Remedy. It too draws on the 80’s electronic inspirations that lie within the “modern retro futuristist pop” of ANDREAS AND THE WOLF, the song bearing an air of FAD GADGET to its ethereal yet earthly rapture while Space Invader has a KRAFTWERK meets LANDSCAPE dystopia and smoulder to its melodically industrial rumination.
Both tracks continued the courting of ears and imagination with relish being more than matched by the celestial romance of A Love So Strong. As with many tracks, shadow and light collude in an electronic firmament of suggestion and possibilities around a hope rich heart, its rhapsody a gently but firmly rousing proposal before the album’s title track takes to the electro throbbing dancefloor of rhythmic and melodic sensation. There is a BRITISH ELECTRIC FOUNDATION hue to the moment of contagion and a virulence that had instinct and muscles twitching in moments and gliding over floorboards thereon in.
Delays Of Layered Grey casts an electro industrial soundscape around ears next from which melodically glowing and infectiously tempting enterprise pulsates and gleams. Like an illuminous beacon within a crepuscular twilight the track radiates in sound and emotive support all the while setting up ears and appetite for the electro pop punk saunter of We’re So Young. It too is a tapestry of flavours and textures though, its synth pop seeded catchiness courting new wave, reggae and post punk essences in its compelling weave.
Possibilities of Heaven closes out with the electro funk theatre of Opposite Detraction, it too a song that works with a dextrous palette of genres to spring its addiction evoking shuffle. It is a song of dark grooves and creative flirtation, its electronic glamour part seduction part trespass and all rousing temptation.
ANDREAS AND THE WOLF has never been slow in captivating our ears here but never quite as virally and addictively as within Possibilities of Heaven which adds to the pleasure on its digital version by including 2024 re-imagined tracks Loves Mystery and All I Want Is You. The first is a noir romance lit moment and the second an arcane synth pop glide and both truly flourishing in presence and captivation by the revisit and exploration. It all makes for a thrilling affair and as we soon found pleasure dependence.
The Possibilities of Heaven album will be released on all digital formats and to order on 12″ vinyl with a choose your own b-side option and cd through Perfect Pop Co-Op on October 19th at andreasandthewolf.bandcamp.com
https://andreasandthewolf.co.uk/
