Tension & Fusion: Exploring Synthesis in Modern Media

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This free admission electronic music concert is presented by staff and students of Liverpool Hope University.

A reflective exploration of synthesis, bridging past techniques with present innovations. Over the course of an hour, three performances demonstrate the evolving relationship between traditional analogue synthesisers and modern digital processing, showing how these tools coexist, interact, and influence one another.

The event begins with Manoli Moriaty, whose performance blends ambient drones with field recordings. These recordings are integrated into the synthesis process, modulating the sound to create a seamless fusion of natural and synthetic textures. The result is a slow-evolving, atmospheric soundscape, touching on the darker shades of urban life while evoking a quiet sense of hope.

Next, John Lowndes and Adam Hart (Patchwork Rattlebag) present a collaboration that merges traditional analogue synthesis with influences from Italo disco, microtonality, and indie music. Using an array of synthesisers, their performance moves fluidly through different moods and tonalities, combining familiar synthesis techniques with experimental song structures A psychedelic electronica group, Patchwork Rattlebag was formed in Little Hulton, Salford. Their output has been varied, ranging from audiovisual installations to stripped back acoustic performances. The group will release their debut album in 2025. This song-based record features vocals, guitars and beats, alongside field recordings and synthesis. At Tension & Release, the group will perform tracks from the album with a Moog modular synth and Moog theremin.

The concert concludes with Transient Shapes, Liverpool Hope’s student-led electronic ensemble. Their high-energy set draws inspiration from krautrock, Detroit techno, synthwave, and Eurobeat, offering nods to synthesiser-driven music from the past 60 years, all woven into a dynamic, danceable performance.