Release Date: 29 April 2026
Song Count: 12
Duration: 43 minutes, 40 seconds
Rating: 7.3/10
Description:
Song Count: 12
Duration: 43 minutes, 40 seconds
Rating: 7.3/10
Description:
Summer has at last arrived (and Pride month with it!) according to the calendars, and what better way to start off this mark than some synth-filled, nostalgia-driven tunes to jam out to? We seem to be in luck in that regard today, as around a month ago, Manchester producer Benjamin McGarvey, known to many as Minute Taker, released his fourth - discounting the many iterations of so-called "Secret Songs" he released to a subscriber base - and most recent original album, that being The Oblivion. Described by the man running the show as "dark-edged, queer and existential" synth pop, it is an evidently 80's inspired album that goes cosmic and almost philosophical with its surface theming, promising to represent more than its mere broad description.
Space-y sounding catchy beats grab one straight into the atmosphere as the tracks undergo a formulaic yet effective progression through their runtime. McGarvey's charisma shines through in his singing performance as well as the interludes of him speaking and addressing the audience, and he accompanies a composition of synths, electronic sounds and occasional saxophones being mixed together into smooth, wavy songs, dance tracks, and frequently both at once. A subtle flamboyance adds the finishing touch to a collection of music that has plenty of melodic and enjoyable moments.
Though far from groundbreaking territory in the world of synth music, The Oblivion focuses less on treading particularly new ground with its contents and more on providing an all-around fun time throwing back to older times in the world of music, which it firmly achieves. Minute Taker has loads of presence as the star of his work and brings the momentum forward as he breathes life to many of the tracks in the album - with some falling just short of standing on their two feet and some more than managing. Overall a solid listen with plenty that shines through as highlights.