Computermixage by Cocy: A Retro Synth-Pop Gem That Still Kicks Ass
Alright, let’s cut the crap. If you’re into that raw, unfiltered 80s electronic vibe with a dash of Italo-Disco magic, Computermixage by Cocy is gonna slap you in the face—and you’ll love it. Released in ‘86 outta Germany on some no-name label (seriously, "Not On Label"?), this album feels like it was cooked up in someone’s basement—but in the best way possible. It’s got grit, heart, and enough bleeps and bloops to make your head spin.
Cocy did damn near everything here—keys, vocals, mixing, even the freakin’ artwork credits go to him or his crew. The dude didn’t phone it in; he went full DIY mad scientist mode. And yeah, sure, there are moments where things feel kinda lo-fi or rough around the edges, but isn’t that what makes it so damn charming? This ain’t some polished pop-star nonsense—it’s real, sweaty, analog vibes straight from the era when computers were still kinda scary.
Now, onto the tracks. You wanna know which ones stuck with me? Let’s talk about “Oh Sarah (Soft Disko)” first. Holy hell, this track slaps harder than most modern synthwave garbage trying to rip off the 80s. The bassline grooves like a motherfucker, and those dreamy synths hit just right. Cocy’s vocals? Yeah, they’re not perfect, but that’s why it works. There’s something raw and desperate about the delivery, like he’s pleading with Sarah through a haze of neon lights and cigarette smoke. It’s cheesy as hell, but also kinda beautiful. You can tell this wasn’t made by committee—it’s one guy pouring his soul into a machine and hoping it spits out gold. Spoiler alert: it does.
Then there’s “Huc’s Passion (Instr.)”, an instrumental track that sneaks up on you like a ninja in the night. At first, it’s all moody and atmospheric, like you’re wandering through an empty city at 3 AM. But then BAM—the beat drops, and suddenly you’re vibing hard. Those arpeggiated synths spiral out of control, and before you know it, you’re air-drumming like a lunatic. No lyrics needed here—just pure emotion pumped straight into your ears via cold, mechanical precision. It’s hypnotic, man. Like staring at a screensaver for ten minutes without realizing how much time has passed.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, bouncing between dancefloor bangers like “Fancy Tonight” and chill instrumentals like “Cocy’s Space.” Tracks like “Warm & Kind” bring the feels, while others like “Disco Hyp” remind you why Italo-Disco ruled supreme back in the day. Sure, not every song hits perfectly, but who cares? This whole thing is dripping with personality, and that’s rare these days.
So here’s the kicker: listening to Computermixage feels like stepping into a time capsule, except the capsule is leaking radiation and might explode at any moment. It’s messy, imperfect, and absolutely addictive. In a world obsessed with overproduced beats and cookie-cutter sounds, Cocy reminds us that sometimes, all you need is a busted keyboard, a wild imagination, and zero fucks to give.
Final thought? I bet Cocy would’ve killed it on TikTok if he had access to smartphones back then. Imagine scrolling through your feed and hearing “Oh Sarah” blasting while some influencer lip-syncs dramatically in slow motion. Yeah, weird flex, but I’d totally watch that.
