ALBUM REVIEW: DEAN RED – ‘D-OUBLE’
ALBUM REVIEW: DEAN RED – ‘D-OUBLE’
Written By: Dan Eachus
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Genre: Synthwave
Dean Red’s latest EP, ‘D-ouble,’ is pure classic synthwave—an electrifying four-track journey through shimmering synths, pulsating basslines, and immersive soundscapes. As the next chapter in his ambitious five-part series, ‘Double’ solidifies Red’s mastery of nostalgic yet forward-thinking production, fusing synthwave, synthpop, and chillwave into an experience that feels both timeless and fresh.
Opening with “Daisy Dance,” Red throws listeners straight into a retro-futuristic cityscape of neon lights and cybernetic dreams. The lush layers of analog-inspired synths and dynamic bass grooves instantly call back to the golden era of synthwave—the late ’80s—where electronic soundtracks and arcade nostalgia reigned supreme. With no lyrics to dictate the mood, listeners are left to navigate this sonic world on their own, imagining scenes of dystopian highways or cosmic escapades.
Then comes “Digital Dream,” a track that effortlessly straddles synthpop and danceable electronica. Its infectious melodies and rhythmic drive showcase Red’s knack for crafting hooks that are both hypnotic and propulsive. The balance of euphoria and introspection makes it an instant standout—music that moves both body and mind, keeping the listener locked in its magnetic pulse.
The third track, “Dusk Matter,” leans into the chillwave spectrum, bathing listeners in an ambient haze of lush pads and emotive, dreamlike textures. Its easygoing rhythms and melancholic undertones create a cinematic space of longing and serenity, a track that invites you to drift weightlessly through memory and time. The unexpected rhythm shift at the song’s end further cements Red’s ability to transform atmosphere into experience.
Closing out the EP is “Day Walk,” a synthesis of all that came before it. Jubilant yet controlled, this track ties together the EP’s sonic themes into one cohesive crescendo. The rhythmic precision and glowing chord structures bring everything full circle—leaving the listener satisfied yet eager to dive back in for another round of exploration.
From start to finish, ‘D-ouble’ is a testament to Dean Red’s attention to detail and passion for the synthwave aesthetic. The production is polished, the arrangements are meticulously crafted, and each track flows seamlessly into the next. Red’s ability to blend subgenres while maintaining a distinct identity is what sets him apart—this is synthwave in its purest, most evocative form. Classic, cinematic, and undeniably immersive, ‘Double’ is essential listening for anyone who thrives on the nostalgic pulse of retro-futuristic soundscapes.
