Filtering synthwave arrangements, complete with hard bass drones and glittery arpeggiations, through chiptune instrumentation, this debut EP from Three Chain Links manages its energy with clear wit. Establishing solid beats and melodies before rising into intensifications, hovering there long enough to savor, then dropping back down, the songs do nothing to hide the relish with which the extra layers of ornamentation are added, and that distinct enjoyment of the process gives the tunes an infectious virility. Though only two of the six songs run longer than three minutes, it’s still a strong debut, getting across a clear sense of character while demonstrating the musician’s knack for hooky melodies and beats.
Scrambled Brains 