Shanghai

Released in 2017, Shanghai represents a significant stylistic pivot for David Grellier, the French producer behind College. While his earlier work - most notably the hit 'A Real Hero' - helped define the 1980s-revivalist synthwave movement, Shanghai moves toward a more abstract, cinematic aesthetic. The album is structured as a series of 15 vignettes, many of which are under two and a half minutes, suggesting a narrative of travel and transience. The production is notably more minimalist and 'dry' than his previous efforts, stripping away the heavy reverb for a more intimate, tactile sound. Critics noted the album's shift away from danceable rhythms toward 'imaginary soundtrack' territory, drawing comparisons to the work of Vangelis and John Carpenter's more subdued scores. It stands as a mature, conceptual entry in the College discography that prioritizes atmosphere over pop structure.