I am not sure if it is intentional or not, yet it is so interesting that Crimer notably seems to release new music at this time each year. Either way, the Swiss, pop musician always grabs my attention with his latest dark pop releases. In the latest offering “Sportscar” Crimer returns to the sounds of the 80s, which he loves to shape into something new and evocative for the ’20s.
Time and again, Crimer brilliantly channels the vibrant synthpop influences of legendary artists. Most notably drawing from the iconic sounds of Depeche Mode and New Order. This time, however, his inspiration appears to stem from Liverpool’s premier synthpop group of the 1980s, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark. It’s especially noteworthy how Crimer’s vocals evoke the essence of OMD frontman Andy McClusky, while his synth-pop craftsmanship mirrors the creativity of Paul Humphreys, the driving force behind OMD’s musical brilliance.
Crimer’s song powerfully conveys the struggle of feeling sidelined in a relationship. He vividly illustrates how his romantic partner’s fascination with sportscars overshadows their connection. Thus transforming their once meaningful time together into a fixation on materialism. While many artists opt to use the sportscar as a metaphor for deeper issues. Crimer’s distinctive quirkiness suggests a more literal interpretation. This adds depth to his narrative, effectively capturing the sense of loss and distraction in contemporary love, making it resonant and relatable for listeners.
Photo by Tim Wettstein / Nico Schmeid
Another striking example that captures my attention is the single artwork featured prominently. This piece showcases Crimer clad in a costume reminiscent of the beloved 80s character Optimus Prime. (Known as the heroic leader of the Autobots in the iconic Japanese animation “Transformers“). The design not only pays homage to this nostalgic figure but also highlights the vibrant connection between past and present pop culture. However, what makes this portrayal even more captivating. The way the Swiss musician cleverly reimagines the name, transforming it into “Optimus Crime.” This playful pun adds a fresh twist, seamlessly intertwining his identity with the larger narrative of the “Sportscar.” Similarly indicating, we should pour as much care into ourselves as we would a prize possession such as a sportscar. Thus providing an intriguing layer that encourages viewers to explore the themes of transformation and personal reinvention within his work.
Crimer has a new show coming up March 2025, in Zurich where he hints he will share new music. Going on previous efforts, it is definitely worth popping a note in the diary about this as I feel certain there will be teasers of the new music online around this time.
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