Let’s have some “Funky Times” with “Retrodelic” Luke Tangerine!

We’re excited to hear the new retro feel EP by Luke Tangerine, and from it, we absolutely enjoyed the lead track, “Funky Times”. Let us get into the mix of 80's synthpop and 70's fusion of jazz and rock, and dive into the soundscapes that we will love to be in.

Luke Tangerine

Luke Tangerine, as we all know, is the 'musical innovator' from Frankfurt am Main, Germany, who comes from a background of funk, jazz-rock, and fusion bands, and now, in this new EP, we have him crafting synth-driven tracks with a retro atmosphere and aesthetic. In “Funky Times,” he throws us straight into the danceable disco era from the very first second. A funky guitar riff kicks off, comfortably reminding one of Prince’s signature style, creating a unique and distinctive late 70's vibe and instantly setting the tone. The guitar is soon joined by vibrant synth layers that amplify the sound and want to make us dance! Since the track doesn’t rely on a vocal hook, the musical hook shifts between the evolving synths. Background vocal loops and a warm female voice appear early on, announcing “It’s funky / it’s funky time...” and it absolutely is! The song continues with the full instrumentation, and the catchy guitar riff leads us through it while the synths alternate constantly with funky textures. Additional vocal loops join to support the disco spirit, while the song keeps its powerful, upbeat stamina. Midway through, high female vocal loops join, marking the song’s emotional peak. Rather than following a traditional verse-chorus structure, “Funky Times” walks through shifting layers of sounds that appear and fade, but the power never breaks. Some more vocal loop layers appear, which take us deeper into the disco vibe. They disappear as suddenly as they came up. A musical synth hook finally marks the end of the song. Yet the track is built on groove, atmosphere, and an irresistible pulse rather than lyrical storytelling.

Luke Tangerine performing live

The production of “Funky Times” is impressively tight, using the warmth of analog instruments' sound. Every element is placed precisely in the mix while still keeping the feeling of a professional jam session. The song never loses its punch, and every instrument gets its space. The balance between vintage and contemporary textures gives us a retro shimmer of typical late 70's disco and early 80's pop mixed with a modern understanding of electronic sound. Luke Tangerine takes the listener into an immersive soundscape that puts him straight onto the dance floor of another decade. The dynamic range is well controlled with percussion and bass driving the rhythm forward without overpowering the melodic layers. The sound is warm and organic, like we know it from analog modeling or hardware synths. Hi-hats and pads add a touch of modern polish and prove Luke Tangerine’s attention to detail. “Funky Times” is a homage to the funky disco era, and it really has the essence of that era. It’s nostalgic, and it’s crafted with passion, precision, perfection, and a love for sound. Every synth, layer, and vocal feels intentional and captures the essence of the disco era. The song feels both timeless and refreshing. Every sound serves the groove and mood, and it’s rather reinventing disco than reinterpreting it through the view of today’s electronic production. Fans of artists like Daft Punk or Prince will find something satisfying here for its analog sound, danceable vibes, and groovy tunes. “Funky Times” is a reminder of the spirit of funk and proves that it’s still very much alive. Listen below!

#LukeTangerine #Retrodelic #FunkyTimes #Synthpop #Synthwave #Funk #Dance #Disco #Electronic #Music #Frankfurt #Germany

Listen to “Funky Times” from "Retrodelic" on #Spotify -

The music video of "Exoplanet Signal" from "Retrodelic" on #YouTube -

You can check out more information about Luke Tangerine's musical journey here: https://luketangerine.myportfolio.com