Parallels
Shimmering analog synths and ethereal vocals that feel like a midnight drive through a neon-lit city. Dreamy, cinematic pop with a nostalgic heart.
Shimmering analog synths and ethereal vocals that feel like a midnight drive through a neon-lit city. Dreamy, cinematic pop with a nostalgic heart.
Parallels, led by Toronto-based artist Holly Dodson, emerged in 2008 as a pivotal act in the synth-pop and synthwave resurgence. The project's sound identity is defined by Dodson's ethereal, high-register vocals - often compared to Kate Bush and early Madonna - layered over rich analog synthesis.
Originally formed with Cameron Findlay (ex-Crystal Castles), the project evolved into a vehicle for Dodson's sophisticated songwriting and production. Their debut album, Visionaries (2010), established them as leaders in the 'neon-noir' aesthetic, blending 1970s pop sensibilities with 1980s electronic textures. Culturally, Parallels occupies a space between the indie-pop world and the dedicated synthwave scene, frequently collaborating with visual artists and filmmakers, most notably on the soundtrack for the sci-fi film Proximity. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain melodic warmth within a digital framework, avoiding the 'coldness' often associated with the genre. They are a key influence on the 'dream-synth' subgenre, bridging the gap between retro-fetishism and contemporary electronic production.
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); ethereal, breathy, soprano (vocal style)
Shares synthwave, synth-pop, electropop (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); dreamy, nostalgic, romantic (moods)
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); dreamy, nostalgic, romantic (moods)
Shares synthwave, synth-pop, dream pop (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); dreamy, nostalgic, romantic (moods)
Shares synthwave, dream pop, synth-pop (subgenres); dreamy, nostalgic, romantic (moods)
Shares synthwave, dream pop, new wave (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synth-pop, electropop, synthwave (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synthwave, analog_warmth, romantic, dreamy (signature)
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