Symmetry is the instrumental collaboration between Johnny Jewel and Nat Walker, both central figures in the Italians Do It Better label and the band Chromatics. The project was born from the creative overflow of the scoring sessions for Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 film Drive.
While their specific score was not used, the aesthetic they developed became the blueprint for the 'synthwave' and 'retrowave' explosion of the 2010s. Their sound is characterized by a minimalist approach to 1980s analog synthesis, utilizing Roland and Sequential Circuits hardware to create a lush, cinematic atmosphere. Unlike their peers who often lean into kitsch, Symmetry maintains a high-art, European noir sensibility. Their work is highly influential in the fashion world, leading to performances for Chanel and Gucci. Critically, they are viewed as the architects of a specific 'neon-noir' sound that prioritizes mood and texture over melodic hooks or dancefloor utility. The project remains a primary vehicle for Jewel's most experimental and atmospheric instrumental compositions.
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, minimalist, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); mysterious, brooding, nostalgic (moods)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); mysterious, brooding, nostalgic (moods)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, minimalist, reverb_heavy (production style)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, tape_saturation (production style)
Shares analog_warmth, minimalist, reverb_heavy (production style); synthwave, ambient techno (subgenres)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, tape_saturation (production style)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); mysterious, brooding, nostalgic (moods)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, downtempo (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares synthwave, ambient techno, analog_warmth, instrumental_only (signature)
Shares synthwave, tense, tape_saturation, ambient techno (signature)
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