Franklin Gotham – Fascination (2026)
As a song that defined the golden era of British synth-pop, ‘Fascination’ by The Human League is an iconic track. Taking any song of this level and properly reimagining it can be a daunting task, but Franklin Gotham have done just that. With their cover, they have elevated the arrangement with a contemporary push, filling the song with an intoxicating energy.
While lyrically and melodically, they pay homage to the original, the band is leaning into something modern to craft a love letter to the pop royalty that came before. The release of this cover is the peak of a fantastic summer for the band after a 2-year studio hiatus. Using their signature sound, meticulously crafted since they formed in 2013, the band highlights their ability to mix vintage roots with fresh vibes.
From the first rolling note, you can hear the influence of the original single by The Human League. However, instead of the big sounds, this version is a little softer with a heavier synth edge that creates a twinkle to the track. The arrangement is similar to the original, but there is something unique to it. You can hear the newer tones of Franklin Gotham woven into the more retro vibes of the original. It is not only the melody that has been softened, but the vocal performance has a really smooth and clear tone.
The softer take on the track allows later instrumentation to really come into its own as sparkles against the synths. The blend of the original track with something that is purely Franklin Gotham creates a really infectious single. You can easily have this song on repeat, and the earworm that was part of the original comes at you in full force. As you fall into the new take on the track, you can hear the appreciation of what has come before woven into each note. It is really a love letter to the original with, not only a modern take, but a homage to other synth pop royalty that have come before.
Franklin Gotham have created the perfect balance between homage and modern takes with their version of ‘Fascination’. The big sound of the original has been toned down slightly to a softer synth base that is just as infectious. The tempering of retro vibes with modern touches has been handled perfectly, really highlighting the musicality of the band.
Find out more about Franklin Gotham on their Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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