It is an opportune time of the season to come across Sun Airway’s debut release Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier. With references to snow in two of the songs early on, the lyrics combined with the drifting synth create imagery that will take Minnesota residents back to the unofficial start of winter last Friday night. The album gives off an aura that fits in nicely with fluffy snow on a mildly cold evening, but not so much with the harsh winter nights that lie ahead. The Philadelphia duo of Jon Barthmus and Patrick Marsceil create a soothing mix of poppy vocals and electronic beats which will surely keep one cozy on any given day in the frigid winter.

“Oh, Naoko” is a perfect blend of light synth and thick floor bass while Barthmus’ vocals balance the entire song, making it one of the highlights on the album. The programmed drum effects are a motif we hear throughout, but the click-clacking sounds in the upbeat “Waiting on You” is definitely something that will catch your ear. Their experimentation with the synth and echoed back-up vocals progresses in songs like “Put the Days Away” and “Your Moon”, which make listening to the album in its entirety worthwhile.

Dominated by synth and automated beats, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier has many songs that incorporate other sounds as well. Some resemble a harp or flute, but they are marvelously mixed in so it is rather difficult to distinguish what exactly they are. The most impressive part about the entire album would have to be Jon Barthmus’ singing. His vocals project his well-developed, image-provoking lyrics and provide the album with musical depth that will give the listener a satisfactory experience, no matter what gloomy winter weather must be endured. It is safe to assume that the duo will make a dent in the indie pop scene with this album, so make way for Sun Airway.