Konnichiwa

***KONNICHIWA is a synth pop duo from New York City comprised of KAELA NOEL and D.V. CAPUTO. They take an upbeat Italo-style shimmer and combine it with catchy hooks, emotionally complex lyrical imagery, and a touch of spaced-out reverie. Their melodic, house-influenced gems garner comparisons to the feverish sonic landscapes of YMO and to the ethereal dreaminess of early 4AD releases. The two have a knack for writing songs that expand upon the musical foundations laid by early synthpop groups, and contemporize them without losing the initial quality of earnest legitimacy. It’s hard to pinpoint one exact era or genre that the two draw inlfuence from; ‘70s synthpop, ‘80s Italo, and ‘90s house all feel equally at home on this record. The cosmos are a major theme throughout Visions, in both lyrical subject and aural metaphor. D.V. constructs a loosely knit web of synth-lines and throbbing bass that maintains a framework for Kaela’s wild and playful vocals—the overall effect being a huge and spacious energy to each song.