One of the most anticipated synthwave/retrowave albums finally sees a full digital release across streaming and digital platforms today. We’ve been lucky here at T&D to have lived with Bunny X’s ‘Young & In Love’ album for a few weeks which has given us the chance to pull some thoughts together.
On reflection we’re not entirely sure that ‘Young & In Love’ is either synthwave or retrowave. What it is is a beautiful collection of 80s inspired pop tunes, with far more warmth, in the main, than you’d usually associate with the aforementioned genres. There are reference points galore, which we have tried to bring to the fore in our track by track. There’s also a wonderful consistency to the record, with Don Dellpiero and SelloRekt/LA Dreams seamlessly coming together in collaboration with the Bunny X ladies.
Perfect Paradise
The album opens with the soft funk of ‘Perfect Paradise’. By title alone this gives off a sunny vibe and would have ideally soundtracked many a scene in a classic ‘Baywatch’ episode. It also has a playfulness in common with Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s ‘Bad Boy’. A great way to kick things off.
Can’t Wait
The cinematic/televisual vibe remains strong on ‘Can’t Wait’ – this could totally be an 80s action movie love theme. The track also has both percussion and vocals recalling Wilson Phillips’ ‘Hold On’ which is high praise indeed.
Young & In Love
The title track is a holiday romance story with strong Europop connections and, dare we say it, a non-cheesy Disney element to it.
Go Back
‘Go Back’ is one of the more melancholic moments on the record. It shares that nostalgic grace last exhibited so stylishly by Annie across her ‘Dark Hearts’ album. This one has our heroines longing for the freedom and naivety of youth….”time flies by” indeed.
Who Cares What They Say
This one sounds like an Italians Do It Better release – but happier! We also note some comparison with Boy Meets Girl’s underrated ‘Reel Life’ album (they had songs beyond ‘Waiting For A Star To Fall’ you know!!).
Back To You
There are very subtle UK new wave hints about this one – but with much softer pastel tinted synth work.
Head Rush
‘Head Rush’ is a snappier, darker affair than much of the rest of the album. We hear a bit of the synthwave queen Nina on this and also (yes we are going there) a bit of actual ‘Teases & Dares’ – the incredible 1984 album by Kim Wilde from which this blog takes its name (we know Bunny X are big fans of Kimmy, and not just casual fans, we talked deep cuts with the ladies not long ago – they know their stuff).
Lost Without You
This one has a different musical feel to the other tracks, especially after the guitar and piano from the opening. Influence wise we’re getting first album Belinda Carlisle (the one before ‘Heaven On Earth’ that few folks in the UK knew about at the time) and also the first solo album by Susanna Hoffs (‘When You’re A Boy’ is still a top listen).
Diamonds
We’ve been enjoying this nod to UK vocalists like Sarah Blackwood (Dubstar/Client) and the attitude laden Human League ladies.
Still On My Mind
We close the set with another movie nod – just us or could we hear Madonna doing this in ‘Vision Quest’ (would have sat nicely with ‘Crazy For You’/’Gambler’)? It’s a classy conclusion with some great synth and sax work.
So we’d say the wait was totally worth it. This already feels like a timeless and entirely cohesive set of high end pop songs. Bunny X seem to ooze charm and class in equal measure and it seeps through to all that they do.
You can stream ‘Young & In Love’ on all platforms and grab a physical format from their Bandcamp.
Teases and Dares 
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