Parralox

Parralox sounds like a high-definition restoration of a lost 1980s masterpiece. The music is built on a foundation of pristine synthesizer patches, driving drum machine patterns, and a rotating cast of female vocalists who bring a sense of cool, detached elegance to the hooks. It is music that feels both vintage and cutting-edge, capturing the optimistic futurism of the early MTV era while utilizing the surgical precision of modern digital production.

What truly distinguishes the project is John von Ahlen's obsessive attention to sonic detail. Unlike many synthwave acts that lean into lo-fi grit or irony, Parralox pursues a 'super-pop' aesthetic. The arrangements are dense but never muddy, featuring interlocking sequences and basslines that feel physically present. There is a cinematic quality to their work, often evoking the neon-drenched urban landscapes of science fiction cinema without ever losing the infectious energy of a great pop song.

Start with their debut 'Electricity' to hear the foundational sound that put them on the map, or dive into 'Aeronaut' for a more refined, atmospheric experience. If you are a fan of the 'Holiday' series, their prolific output of covers provides a fascinating look at how they can transform classic tracks from Depeche Mode or The Human League into their own polished, synthetic image.