Altered Instinct: The Architects of Modern Synthwave

Altered Instinct is an electronic music project known for its cinematic blend of synthwave and darkwave. Hailing from Manchester, UK, the act achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 album Neon Dystopia, which charted in the Top 20 of the US Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

Early career

The project was formed in 2012 by producer and multi-instrumentalist Leo Vance. Initially a solo studio endeavor, Vance began crafting instrumental tracks heavily inspired by 1980s film scores and video game soundtracks, sharing them on online music platforms.

This early output caught the attention of the independent label RetroSynth Records, which released Altered Instinct's debut EP, Circuit Ghost, in 2014. The EP established a loyal following within the niche synthwave community.

Breakthrough

The major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of the full-length album Neon Dystopia on the larger electronic label Nightdrive Audio. The album's lead single, Midnight Run, received extensive play on streaming platforms and specialty radio, propelling the album to number 18 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic chart.

This chart entry solidified Altered Instinct's transition from a cult project to a recognized name in the modern electronic scene. The album's success was followed by a remix package featuring work by notable producers in the genre.

Key tracks

Midnight Run — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound of pulsating bass and nostalgic melodies.

Neon Dystopia — The album's title track showcased their skill at building expansive, cinematic atmospheres.

Echoes in the Static — A later collaboration with vocalist Maya Thorne that expanded their audience into darkwave.

Circuit Ghost — This early fan favorite from their debut EP remains a staple in their live performances.

Following the breakthrough, Altered Instinct embarked on their first international live tours, performing at dedicated synthwave festivals across Europe and North America. Their 2021 follow-up album, Axiom, explored more complex production and featured a high-profile collaboration with French electronic artist VHS Dreams on the track Simulacra.

The music of Altered Instinct finds its natural companions in artists like Perturbator, sharing a penchant for dark, driving retro-electronics. The melodic sensibility aligns with The Midnight, though with a more instrumental focus. Listeners also appreciate the textured soundscapes of Timecop1983 and the energetic beats of Carpenter Brut.

Altered Instinct's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across dedicated synthwave and retro-electronic online radio streams. Their tracks are frequently featured on independent music radio stations that specialize in underground electronic genres, ensuring their pulsating synthwave reaches a global audience of enthusiasts.

You can hear the driving rhythms and cinematic soundscapes of Altered Instinct on radio stations featured here. Explore and listen to their music through the variety of electronic and synthwave-focused radio stations available on onairium.com.