US band BLACK WEDDING is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Joshua Heinrich and lyrics writer Julie Johnson, and have one full album and a handful of single and EP releases to their name thus far. “Recursive” dates back to 2015, and was released by US label Silber Records, as part of their ongoing 5×5 series of experimental EPs, where the concept is to explore five songs in five minutes.

Besides two brief interludes, both of them effective and elegant in their own right, the greater part of this short EP is given to three songs stretching from 60 to 95 seconds in length. All of them with a distinct pop music feel to them, all of them creations that by and large will be filed under either the synth pop or the new wave category.

Sparse electronic rhythms, a dominant synth bass and keyboard motifs support the dark toned, slightly raspy lead vocals, and for me at least each of the compositions have it’s own distinct flavor. Generally speaking I’d say they are darker takes on the music by Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Depeche Mode respectively. Compelling tracks in their own right too, and each of them with a concise start and finish to boot.

Those with an interest in and strong affection for mainstream synth pop and new wave as it was explored in yesteryear by the great, popular British bands might want to have a go at this one, and then especially if songs of that nature given a darker mood and atmosphere sounds compelling.

My rating: 80/100