Another volume of rare Italian synthpop, new wave and post-punk compiled by the goodfellas at Spittle Records! Italia Synthetica is a perfect addendum to Italia New Wave, but while the latter focused on cold post-punk and no wave vibes, this volume collects slightly warmer, more imaginative sounds from the Italian underground. These tracks are still obviously rooted in post-punk, but you can hear the scene moving towards cosmic and intergalactic themes; and there’s some undeniable crossover with the Italo Disco nightclub sound here, evident on Naif Orchestra’s “Check-Out Five,” Eurotunes’ “Swimming Pool Motion,” Actor’s Studio’s “Dancing Alone” and Modo’s “Niagra Falls.” The comp teeters into full-blown cosmic electro territory on Scortilla’s “YHW.” If you’re into that raw, DIY sound, check out La Maison’s “Bells In The Night,” Neon’s “Lobotomy” and 2+2=5’s “Haiku.” 11 tracks altogether on standard black vinyl, with printed inner sleeve containing liner notes in English and Italian. Includes CD version with 5 additional tracks not included on the LP. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve w/ liner notes
• includes CD
• music label: Spittle Records 2013

reviewed by hannibal chew 03/2018