Swedish synth pop outfit Split Vision — currently Dan Hansson and Henric Palmqvist — formed back in 1985, when four Kristianstad-based high schoolers, who were influenced by Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Pet Shop Boys started the band.
The quartet quickly developed a sound that they described as melodic, dance floor friendly synth pop, which they began playing live: They played several live shows in Northeastern Skåne, radio shows and talent shows. And by 1988, they signed to Platina Records, who released their single “How Will I Ever.”
After some intense and difficult years, the band split up. But in the spring of 2019, the band’s Hansson and Palmqvist decided to revive the band, with the goal of writing new material with a clear and deep connection to their 80s roots.
2020’s Among The Stars, their first full-length album in 30 years, saw the Swedish synth pop outfit actively giving listeners a decidedly retro experience — and to recreate the sound that they’ve strived for back in the 80s.
The duo’s latest effort, Elements EP was released earlier this year. The EP’s latest single “The Fire Within” is a decidedly 80s-inspired synth pop song built around glistening synth arpeggios, thumping boom bap-like beats paired with a yearning vocal. But underneath the slick production is earnest lyricism paired with deliberate attention to craft and some razor sharp, catchy hooks.
