Album Review: Older Future – The Captains

Older Future is the name that Alon Yish uses for his electronic music project. The Israeli musician (and synth designer) employs an array of electronic instruments/devices to create the rich soundscape that is The Captains. The hypnotic, pulsing and gurgling synths of “Mitch” lay the groundwork for some truly appealing lead synth work. It’s one thing to lay down an irresistible EDM/rave groove, but adding intriguing lead lines takes things to another level. The song’s treated vocals may not be for all tastes – they’re oddly redolent of a children’s cartoon character – but somehow it all holds together.

The moody and melodramatic intro to “Neon Summer” gives way to a spooky and sleek vibe, one that draws the listener into Older Future’s world. “The Nerd” is a lush soundscape with skittering varispeed/helium vocals flitting in and out of the mix. “Waking Up at Dawn” is less EDM and more melody, underscoring Yish’s facility in a wide array of textures. The vocals are treated here as well, but this time they take on a slightly sinister, robotic feel. “The Confession” weds some dreamy synth sequences to a series of spoken vocal parts, all uncomfortably shot through with paranoia. It’s a weird flex, but an intriguing one nonetheless.

More of those flown-in type spoken bits inform “Supersong” and the provocatively-titled “Fuckrockers.” The latter features some lightning synth lines amid the clattering EDM percussion. “I Am I Will I Was I Will I Want” is moody and mysterious. But the album closer “New Plug” has synthesized vocals of a very different sort, suggesting the choirs one used to find on a vintage Mellotron. Otherwise free of vocals, it’s easily the most interesting track on the set.