Missing Words - Memories

Well, I think it's high time I gave out my first review for 2017 and there is no better way to do it than to introduce all of you to Missing Words. The band first appeared on everyone's radar back in October of 2016 when they released their debut single 'Memories' along with a music video via the NewRetroWave YouTube channel. The music video easily became a hit with many retro/synthwave fanatics thanks to the old school filters and grand 80s influence. After that this Long Beach trio continued to work on their debut EP which is also titled Memories. Just today the EP has come out for the world to endure and I can tell you that it is absolutely gorgeous. 

Lead vocalist and master of keys James Meays understands his strengths as a gifted singer and only boosts his talents with well added echo effects on tracks such as 'Memories' and 'My Passenger'. His chords are really able to hold their own on the song 'Howl At The Moon' where the electropop dance grooves and synths compliment his dreamy vocals extremely well. There aren't too many digital touches on his voice on that track either, so I was listening to one hundred percent pure talent. That, and the track featured John Kunkel of the New Wave/Synthpop band The New Division. But, he isn't the only maestro on the album; both Collin Wood (Guitar) and Nestor Grajeda (Drums) push the album into a brighter spotlight. 

A lot of synth/retrowave projects that I listen to focus on the electronic side and do not use actual instrumentation in their production. However, Missing Words actually makes the human connection to move and groove your soul. Wood's melancholy guitar and the soft, but danceable touches Grajeda makes with drums is moving. I'd say that Grajeda and Wood both takeover the track 'Alright' as it has harmonious and heart wrenching power behind it. 

Missing Words has dropped an extremely promising EP and I'm eager and hoping to see them move further with themselves in the future. This is the type of release that deserves to be on a respected label and deserves a physical release. This is a highly recommended release for anyone who is either missing the classic electropop styles of the 80s or for any fan of synth/retrowave music. This is six songs of pure bliss and has definitely put Missing Words on my radar. Check them out. 
Jan 11 2017