Once Around Saturn is the pseudonym of Sydney-based synth solo artist, Dan Kelso. Dan has released a host of singles since his 2014 debut, and now is set to release his debut EP, ‘These Promises’, on June 29.
‘These Promises’ features Glenn Whitehall, and Amanda Easton on vocals.
With his music influenced by the likes of 80s keyboards acts such as Genesis, Level 42, A-Ha, Mr Mister, and Living In A Box, as well as more contemporary artists such as Goldfrapp, Dan says of the project,
“So I fired up this sonic rocket in the middle of 2014, dusted off my olds synths and incorporated some new tech. Initial songs were refined ideas that I’d had for years, but couldn’t seem to find a singer that could nail them. Fortunately, my engineer here in Sydney pointed me in the direction of the powerful yet angelic tones of Amanda Easton, a talented songstress and performer in her own right. She has become an integral part of the Once Around Saturn sound. Every few months I get into the studio and work on new material, building up a repertoire of songs to ensure a steady stream of releases for some time to come. It’s no secret that I love Synth Pop; from the classic British eighties acts to the more contemporary sounds of other artists who are also clearly influenced by that earlier era. As technology progresses, new sonic possibilities become more accessible to the independent artist, but at the heart of it all is the sense of song. I love writing. I love recording. I feel truly alive when creating music. Long may it last.”
The four track EP, which is available to download from Bandcamp, opens with ‘Because Jennifer’, a very 80s sounding track with Amanda Easton’s ethereal backing vocals providing the perfect complement to Dan’s vocals and synth instrumentation.
‘Fortress Of Love’, track two, again has an 80s infused sound, with this time Amanda taking the lead vocals. The keyboards are spacey and jangly, giving the track a sci-fi feel.
Third song, ‘Titan Excursion’, is airy and sublime, with the influences of Mr Mister coming to the fore. We’re also reminded of Pet Shop Boys, with Amanda’s and Dan’s vocals this time proving a gorgeously breathy combination.
Fourth and title track on the EP, ‘These Promises’, continues with the 80s vibe and this time reminds us of a slightly sped up David Sylvian, particularly his track ‘Orpheus’.
‘These Promises’ is available from Once Around Saturn’s Bandcamp site. You can find out more about Once Around Saturn online on their official website, Facebook, and Soundcloud.
