Calgary-based synth-pop artist Vanden Dool makes a compelling return with his latest EP, 'I Don't Know If You Can Love Me'. Drawing inspiration from artists like CHVRCHES, M83, Depeche Mode, and Pet Shop Boys, Vanden Dool has been on a decade-long journey, fusing classic and contemporary electronic sounds with a deep, emotive tones.

Following EPs that poignantly explores his hometown life and societal themes, 'I Don't Know If You Can Love Me' turns inward, tackling the deeply personal and universally felt subject of unreturned affection. This five-track offering is a cathartic journey, as much as a musical one, through the various sonic expressions of heartbreak.

The EP kicks off with ‘I'm Not in Love With You’, a track immersed in a simmering synth-pop atmosphere. It builds around the vulnerability of the vocals, which articulate the painful unravelling of a relationship before erupting into a dazzling cascade of synths. In ‘I Want Your World’, Vanden Dool's vocals are remarkably clear and potent throughout, at times echoing the delivery of Brian Molko from Placebo, cutting through the driving percussive rhythms with striking force.

‘Not What You Want’, the lead single, is a more open and spacious affair, directly addressing the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics, such as "I can't have what I want / You don't want what I have" and "I am not what you want," paint a vivid picture of heartache and the sting of self-doubt. The track is further enhanced by its accompanying video, visually echoing its poignant themes.

As the EP progresses, Vanden Dool explores wider, more expansive sides to love, diving into brooding tones and lighter, synthwave moments. With the emotive refrains of ‘Somebody That Someone Can Love’ and ‘When I Can See You’, shining with a bright, indie aesthetic and propelled by a sense of rolling percussion, the EP leaving a lasting impression.

You can stream the EP in full above and connect with Vanden Dool on Facebook and Instagram today.