"Strange Attractor" is the seventh studio album by German synth-pop band Alphaville. It was released on 7 April 2017 by Polydor and Universal, marking the band's first album in seven years, since the release of "Catching Rays on Giant" in 2010.
The album is an intricate tapestry of synth-pop and retro styles, mixed with lyrical themes of melancholy, love, and exploration. Jean-Michel Jarre and Steven Wilson are two of the more recognizable names that have shaped the sound of this album. "Strange Attractor" has received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its polished production and nostalgic approach to the synth-pop genre.
The band was founded in 1982 by singer Marian Gold, Bernhard Lloyd, and Frank Mertens, and they originally gained fame with hits like "Forever Young" and "Big in Japan." Over the course of their career, Alphaville has seen members depart and new ones join, but Gold has remained a constant figure. At the time of "Strange Attractor's" release, the band consisted of Gold, David Goodes, Jakob Kiersch, Carsten Brocker, and Alexandra Merl. This album features a significantly expanded and evolved Alphaville sound, further cementing their legacy in the genre of synth-pop.
