MOVING beyond the dance floor, celebrated veteran D.Ramirez makes his debut under his new alter ego with a deeply personal album, Angry Silhouette which is out now.
Inspired by the 1980s Sheffield scene where he grew up and artists like Depeche Mode and Human League, the album emerged during the pandemic as Ramirez explored introspective themes of technology, self-worth, and social media addiction. The result is a collection of raw, authentic music that blends cold wave, alt-rock, and synth-driven soundscapes.
Raze.D has released his new album[/caption]
D.Ramirez aka Raze.D has revealed his favourites[/caption]
From the haunting melodies of Coming For You to the industrial beats of Push The Fader and the cinematic closer Do You Feel The Same, each track builds on accomplished songwriting,
As Raze.D himself puts it, “This music is 100% me—every beat, note, and lyric is my truth.”
We caught up with the veteran producer and asked him to compile a playlist featuring tracks by a selection of the electronic pioneers that inspired the album. Listen to the music and read what he had to say about the tunes below.
Yahoo – Goodbye 70’s
My all time favourite Yazoo deliver fiery synth-pop anthem with attitude. Goodbye 70’s sees Yazoo at their most electrifying. Vince Clarke’s punchy synth work collides with Alison Moyet’s powerhouse vocals, delivering a high-energy farewell to the past and a bold leap into the future.
Heaven 17 – (We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang
My Sheffield compadres deliver a politically charged synth-funk bomb. (We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang is Heaven 17 at their sharpest. Propelled by jittery basslines, razor-sharp synths, and urgent vocals, it’s a timeless call to the dancefloor—and to action. Fun fact, I used to cut Glen Gregory’s Mum’s hair in the 80’s.
Soft Cell – Sex Dwarf
Almost pornographic, synth-laden masterpiece, Sex Dwarf is Soft Cell at their most provocative. Dark, pulsing electronics and Marc Almond’s theatrical vocals create a twisted, hypnotic groove that still shocks and seduces in equal measure. Imagine being a 10 year old boy hearing this for the first time.
Kraftwerk – Numbers
A minimalist electro blueprint, Numbers is Kraftwerk at their most futuristic. With robotic vocals, crisp drum machine beats, and hypnotic synth sequences, it laid the foundation for generations of electronic music to come whilst inspiring my synth journey.
Depeche Mode – Any Second Now
Another Vince Clark masterpiece: a dreamy, melancholic synth-pop gem, Any Second Now showcases Depeche Mode’s early atmospheric side. Floating synth melodies and soft, hypnotic rhythms create a cinematic moment ahead of their darker evolution.
Boards Of Canada – Roygbiv
A warm, nostalgic trip through sun-faded memories, Roygbiv is Boards of Canada at their most hypnotic. Wobbling synths, dusty beats, and an eerie yet comforting melody make this a timeless electronic daydream. For anybody who’s never heard them, this is a great introduction to a unique sound.
Aphex Twin – Window Licker
A twisted, mind-bending masterpiece, Windowlicker is Aphex Twin at his most surreal. Glitchy beats, warped vocals, and lush melodies collide in a genre-defying trip that’s as seductive as it is unsettling. And that video!!
Yello – Desire
A cinematic blend of seduction and drama, Desire drips with Yello’s signature flair. Lush synths, smoky vocals, and pulsating rhythms create a hypnotic, dream of electronic elegance. And that voice – dark and seductive! I Love you Deiter Meier.
Caribou – Second Chance
A hauntingly beautiful blend of airy vocals and shimmering electronics, Second Chance sees Caribou at his most ethereal. Floating over a hypnotic groove, Jessy Lanza’s delicate voice turns heartbreak into a dreamy, late-night reverie.
The Human League – Crow And A Baby
A sharp, synth-driven tale of consumer culture and surreal storytelling, Crow And A Baby sees The Human League at their wittiest. It’s pulsing electronics and deadpan delivery make for a uniquely offbeat new wave gem. I used to see Phill Oakey daily in Sheffield throughout the 90’s, when I finally got to meet him, I couldn’t get a word out!
Bonus selection: New Order – Confusion
A high-energy fusion of post-punk attitude and club-ready electro, New Order’s Confusion (12-inch) is a synth-driven powerhouse. Produced by NYC legend Arthur Baker, it blends pulsing basslines, sharp drum machine grooves, and hypnotic vocals into a timeless dancefloor classic. Who would have thought I’d be breakdancing to New Order in the 80’s!
