Olly Alexander (Years & Years) – Communion

Review

Oh man, when I first popped "Communion" into my CD player (that's right, I'm still old school), I was immediately transported back to the heyday of synth-pop. But don't get me wrong, this ain't your grandma's dated electronic music. Years & Years manages to take those classic eighties vibes and give them a fresh, modern twist that totally works. It's like they've channeled the spirit of Depeche Mode and New Order, while still sounding totally contemporary.

From the anthemic "King" to the shimmering "Shine," Olly Alexander's vocals are the cherry on top of this electro-pop sundae. The guy's got serious pipes, and he uses them to explore some heavy themes like heartbreak and isolation. But even in the album's more somber moments, there's a sense of resilience and hope that shines through. Sure, some critics might call it derivative, but I say Years & Years have done an awesome job of putting their own spin on the tried-and-true synth-pop formula. Bottom line? "Communion" is a rad debut that proves this band is one to watch. - Beth