Heavily influenced by Depeche Mode’s format of using only synths and a beatbox, And One
has become one of the most prominent Synthpop bands to come out of Germany. The group is currently comprised of founders Steve Naghavi and Chris Ruiz plus Gio van Oli who joined in 2001.

Few groups can trascend genres as gracefully as Norway’s Apoptygma Berzerk. Though their initial albums leaned more towards the darker EBM/electro sound, APB eventually achieved lasting success with a more upbeat (and highly danceable!) synthpop sound. Powerful synth leads blend together with more traditional instruments to create a broad, sometimes even symphonic sound pulsating with energy.

There aren’t many futurepop artists that have enjoyed the success and acclaim of Assemblage 23, which is especially impressive considering the band is comprised of only one member, Tom Shear. His poetic lyrics paired with a dark but symphonic sound have set a high standard for darkwave electronic music. Ironically, much of Shear’s early music was instrumental because he lacked confidence in his singing. However, after experiencing the industrial music of a DJ opening for Depeche Mode, he finally found the sound to take his music to the next level.

The music of Neuroticfish is generally high in BPM, with punchy synth leads matched with a driving beat with very melodious lyrics that set them apart from the usual atonal sounds of other darkwave electronic artists. Although the project is closed, the music continues, and you can check out some of their sounds below, including an excellent remix of The Smith’s There is a Light. Keep watch on their official website and myspace; you never know when the group might resurface!

[:SITD:] is a German electro-industrial band founded by Carsen Jacek and Thorsten Lau, although Lau eventually left the group and was replaced by Thomas ‘Tom’ Lesczenski who programs the music, and Francesco ‘Frank’ D’Angelo on keyboards. The name stands for Shadows in the Dark which pretty much encapsulates both the music and lyrics of this group.