Absolute Valentine: Police Heartbreaker (album review)

Police Heartbreaker, the new album from Marseille based synthwave act Absolute Valentine contains nine tracks and is exclusively released through Lazerdiscs Records. What does that mean? Well, get ready for nine songs of 80s style at its best. Listen to nine pieces of atmospheric sounds in the style of Moroder, Faltermeyer and Hammer. In total there are 35 (way too short) minutes in which you can listen to the thrilling adventures of a cop in this concept album. One that wants to hit you directly into the middle of your heart like the brilliant predecessors American Nightmares and Sunset Love already did.

Those who know these two albums from Absolute Valentine will feel like coming home when the first sounds from Police Heartbreaker began to play. You'll recognize the beats, some synths, the pace and also the arrangement of some songs. These tricks still work and everything sounds great, simply because that French 80's specialist knows how to cook a delicious meal. The opening track, which is "Bad News", already take use of exciting, melodic synths and heavy drums. "Stake Out" goes straight into the ear, let your eardrum shudder toasty and brings back the age of mullet hairstyles and big shoulder pads in a heroic way.

This time unfortunately the sun doesn't always shine in the rough streets for Absolute Valentine. Tracks like "No way out" with its "Shadow of the Beast" biased, echoing synths, or "Extreme Drift" are pumping drama in the story about revenge and love. The problem here is that some instruments are chosen badly and are scratching strong at the overall impression. A risk for the longevity of this album .

However, Police Heartbreaker has its strongest moments when having a seat in the chill out corner. "Out of the Void" for example gushes more atmosphere than the Niagara Falls. In "Fallen Rose" you really want to hold your dearest in your arms, so warm and beautiful sounds the arrangement. And "Synthwave Rider" is quiet and moody for six minutes  and before the final two minutes take you back on track with a blast.

 So for whom was Police Heartbreaker made? It works great those who like perfectly arranged 80's synthpop. Driving synths alternate with quiet arrangements that do much to tense the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it comes close to but is not as perfect as both previous albums have been. Police Heartbreaker sounds a bit too similar and having the odd wrong chosen types of sound. Nevertheless, we bow down in humility in front of Absolute Valentine, because he has sent plenty of bright spots into our heart. Also it's nearly impossible to forget  those lovely melodies Absolute Valentine has created for this release. Those of you who like the synthesizer music of the 1980s can safely order their downloads. All others must know that they would useless squander any money here, so got and get your download link now!

Track list:
1. Bad News
2. Police Heartbreaker
3. Stake Out
4. Extreme Drift
5. Fallen Rose
6. In the 42nd Street
7. Out of the Void
8. No Way Out
9. Synthwave Rider

Police Heartbreaker @ Bandcamp

Personal Favorites: Out of the Void, Fallen Rose, Bad News

Thanks to ne7 for proof-reading and correcting the translation.

Image source: BandCamp / Johann Derime