SDH - Fake Is Real

The strength of SDH has always lied in their ability to jump from one idea or theme to another. There is no greater evidence of this other than their 2020 EP “Against Strong Thinking” in which the first two tracks, ‘Suffer’ and ‘No Miracles’, are paired side-by-side with one another. The first of which is a melancholy darkwave track and the next is a down and dirty dark techno song suited for your local club night. Their thematic change in rhythm and pace has become signature and carries over to their brand-new album “Fake Is Real”. 

Killer electropop starts off the album with ‘Balance’, bringing European discos to the world over through the means of digital connectivity. ‘Denial’ reinforces their idea of different genres and occasions for every song. Attitude driven lyrics, an annoyance, delivered with an EBM bassline and plenty of electronic wizardry. ‘Talk In Dreams’ brings forth SDH’s signature roots; melancholic electronic music where Latorre’s voice takes center stage and shines brightly amongst the music. ‘Hollowed Out’ takes and ambient approach in the beginning. An encroaching shockwave of an electronic tempest on the horizon. Delightful and fruitful, fulfilling and again going against expectations. 

‘Cellular Sky’ gives a kick of joy with brighter synthpop beats and is followed-up by an interesting track titled ‘Do I Look Like I’m Laughing?’. This is one of the first songs SDH composed together, but this is the first time it’s seeing daylight. On the outside of what’s on the album but fully within the scope of SDH’s talent. Minimalist EBM during verse with dance mechanics presented during the chorus; it’s fun and dance worthy. ‘Our Fear’, however, crashes the dancefloor and doesn’t let go; in the vein of ‘No Miracles’ but more hypnotic than punchy. ‘Greedy’ continues the ebb and flow of the album with grand modern-disco vibes and the final song ‘Hectic’, gives us a final punchy beat meeting gorgeous vocals. 

SDH nails their sound once again on “Fake Is Real”. Production is tight, vocals are excellent and varied, music is non-stop and attention grabbing. A thorough exploration of what makes underground electronic music so grand and another reason why SDH is at the forefront of the movement.