Various Artists - Wild In Blue

No matter what genre of music you listen to, no matter who your favorite artist is, it is always a unanimous decision that eighties music and sounds are timeless. Everything from underground industrial movements to widespread and heard of pop musicians have found a ton of success during that long past era, and their fanbase still remains loyal and strong to this day. Many, many artists and labels still hold that era in high regards, which is definitely noted in fields such as synthwave and retrowave, and can be same the said for Giallo Disco Records.

While the record label has been mainly focused on darker releases for the past while, almost always soaking in some sort of bloody, horror based music or the 80s Miami drug/corrupt scene, one of their latest albums is quite different. 

"Wild In Blue" is a throwback soundtrack album to so many different movies of the time, citing films such as "The Breakfast Club" as influences. While it is labeled as a soundtrack, it has no affiliation to any real film, and is quoted as being "...the previously unreleased soundtrack to fictitious writer / director Joel Hughes controversial 80s teen drama 'Wild In Blue.'"

So, the fun in making the album to an unreleased and fictional film by a made up director is completely apparent, but "Wild In Blue" pretty much serves as a bunch of artists giving love to their favorite films from the 80s.  Label head Antoni Maiovvi kicks off the album with 'Molly's Theme', a synth based track that's as chill and smooth as the man himself. This track would be a loving fit in the video game series "Hotline Miami", but serves perfectly as the opening track on this release.

Umberto made his contribution with 'High School Daze'. Following the same footsteps as the previous song and sticking within the realm of synth based music, the track makes its mark with a kick to its bass and lightly played out guitar work. Kindest Cuts comes in with synthpop, and his song 'Prone' features the first set of vocals on the album. His performance was spot on and fit right within the mythology of the album. 

Mushy came off with a darker edge with her song 'Cross Face', focusing on a much more passionate, emotional touch to her music. While I wasn't a huge, huge fan of the overlapping vocal effects and echoes that were places over her astonishing voice, the song still managed to impress. Mirror Talk's 'Everything Is Ridiculous' was more poppy than any other song presented on the album, and I believe that if he sung a little more clearly and energetically, the song would have had a much better appeal. 

Going back to the synth field, Vercetti Technicolor's 'Confessions' goes back to instrumental music and slows down the pace. I felt as if the next song, 'Deliverance' by H o R D, wasn't as clear and concise as other songs on the album, but the synths were well played and had a nice ring to them. And, lastly, Fever Dream's 'Infatuation' was mellow and pleasant, giving off a song that would roll perfectly with the final moments of the film that would lead right into the end credits. 

Each of these artists came out with cracking songs that played out wonderfully given that they were writing for an unreleased, fake film. Yes, I do have my complaints, but they are mostly minor and merely serve as constructive criticism for each of the artists. Though I do hope that my comments make some effect on them, I cannot be over critical as each one of these musicians just did a splendid job. If "Wild In Blue" does ever actually become a film, I'm sure this soundtrack will become one to remember for ages to come. 
Jul 21 2015