Delta IV : Radium Arc

If you’ve been following along with Seattle’s electronic synth duo Delta IV for the last few years, you’d notice a steady progression. They’re following in the footsteps of legends like Zombi, Tangerine Dream, post-Gabriel Genesis, and The Secret Machines; forging thoughtful, expansive sound worlds through big drums and steely synths. And while the retro-futuristic, chromed-out sound has its DNA in cosmic synth music there’s real world-building in their music. Without words, Delta IV tells one hell of a story.

2023s The Electron Coast saw drummer Michael Schorr and keyboardist Jared Pace move their band’s progressive electronic sound into new territories. They continued to have a heft to their music, but there were also more moments of subtlety and eloquence in their hard-hitting music. We now have Radium Arc, an 8-track long player that evolves and expands even more. Cinematic, densely-layered, and a world-building musical exercise in the best sense. Radium Arc is heavy, heady, and ready to take you on a journey.

There’s a menacing feel to album opener “Equations for a Falling Body”. A slow burn that builds through big drums and icy synths. There’s touches of the great John Carpenter and his ‘Lost Themes’ series of LPs here. Delta IV capture the rapturous melodrama of Carpenter’s best late-era work in this fantastic opener. “Polymorph” is all wobbly synth before Michael Schorr lays down a drum beat that would make John Bonham proud.

One of Delta IV’s secret weapons is their ability to lock into a groove and ride it throughout. Schorr and Pace love a groove, and this song captures the post-Froese Tangerine Dream sound. More emphasis on rhythm and feel.

Elsewhere the album offers up subtle moments of moody introspection, like on the excellent “Gliss”; wavering in heady synth strings and a shuffling rhythm. “Mists of Tarantula” is ominous in its opening moments; cold electronics build in atmospheric waves like a cross between Vangelis and Ryan Lee West’s Rival Consoles. The song persuades the listener to lock in, but with caution. An eeriness looms over the proceedings. “Primordial” starts out menacing but works its way into a dream-like world, both encompassing and mysterious.

Delta IV continues to evolve their synth/drum formula to stunning effect. Taking the DNA of bands like Zombi, Pinkish Black, and to a lesser extent Trans Am and morphing it into their own icy, futuristic sound. Radium Arc is their best yet.

‘Radium Arc’ is out now. Buy it here.