Color Theory - This Bright Circumstance

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Color Theory’s This Bright Circumstance moves through the complications of anxiety, stress and panic to gentler and more calming emotions. It reflects Color Theory’s past along with his experiences in gaining self-knowledge through meditation. This is music that combines intriguing synth textures, well-crafted melodies and a vocal performance that is weary, beautiful and at times heartbreaking. When one adds in the introspective, carefully written lyrics that explore the incredible diversity of emotional experience, the end result is an album that affects me profoundly.

One of the outstanding features of This Bright Circumstance for me is the way in which Color Theory combines vocal and lyrical craft. His voice is full of pensive, plaintive emotion and captures the richness of his lyrical output. There are moments of brightness leavened by mournful shadow, along with advice for living that moves me. Both elements come together to pierce me with a welter of emotion and transport me to new realms of thought.

Another excellent synergy on This Bright Circumstance is the combination of the ever-fascinating synth sounds with Color Theory’s compositional abilities. He writes melodies that are direct but deliver a powerful emotional impact, carried on synth tones that shimmer with intricate texture and depth. As these two elements complement one another, the album gains in scope and blossoms with beautiful musical moments.

Most importantly, Color Theory has spoken directly to my own experiences. I’ve struggled with anxiety and moments of darkness in my life, so hearing about his own challenges and the ways he has learned to cope with them has given me inspiration and a sense of deep connection.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Where Tigers Are Said to Roam" begins with tapping, xylophone-like sounds behind lushly spinning arpeggios, joined by a steady drumbeat. Color Theory’s unmistakable vocals call out in a hopeful melody, rising above the coiling, rippling tones and fluent drums.

The vocals dynamically capture the adventurous spirit of the lyrics. A deep undercurrent rumbles as flitting notes flow easily. Color Theory’s silvery voice takes hold of me and the chorus is full of exultant energy as the low end glides smoothly past. Skittering noises tremble and voluminous bass growls while Color Theory delivers his lyrics with a touching feeling.

The chorus flows with graceful smoothness as the synth twirls while the woodsy sound of the xylophone continues to tap. The kick drum pulses strongly as the undulating notes carry the song to its conclusion.

Our narrator opens with the statement: "they say that tigers roam free in these lands." He adds that you might question how that is possible when you've never seen a tiger, even if you hear "legends of mist-covered hills" and their dangerous thrills. "The mighty roar, the savage gore" are all just folktale and rumor until you "map out a route, remove all doubt" and find out for sure by heading out into the wilderness "where tigers are said to roam."

"Don't be content to rely on hearsay" is the advice that our storyteller gives us. In order to confirm what we deny, we should "explore every region, seek out the cat in its den" and do so over and over again. He reminds the audience that it might be dangerous and you never know what you're going to find. He points out that you should still "embrace the wilderness" to courageously face "the nature of your own mind."

In conclusion, the narrator tells the audience that we have to act alone when we "set out for the great unknown where tigers are said to roam."

Reverberating sonic figures bounce along with stuttering drums to commence “The Rehearsal.” The craggy synth moves in fractured lines as Color Theory's voice is full of bittersweet emotion while the bending notes wriggle past.

The vocals ache, driving home the words and filling me with emotive sensations. Color Theory's silken voice trembles with uncertainty as the low end throbs. The widely leaping technical sounds move as the open-voice percussion continues to pop. Color Theory wraps his words in distinctive vocal sounds and his voice slides with the melody as the fragile, prismatic tonal pattern continues to shift.

Resonant melancholy fills the vocal performance and the drums tap easily. Once more, jumping synth cuts with ragged edges and Color Theory calls out with mingled emotion. As the track draws to a close, the vocals are layered and the drums and tremulous tones move together before the music fades.

The storyteller deals in daydreams and traffics in text while constantly trying to predict what the other person will say next. He says, "I pick my battles and I take my licks" while rewriting the script during rehearsal. He adds that he has something to get off his chest but isn't sure how to say it best.

Our narrator points out that tape decks eat old cassette tapes and pacing the floor wears out the floorboards. He says that he'll "grasp at smoke and call it home, shape my thoughts like molten chrome." He yearns to tell stories and break each silence but "I bottled the eclipse from my umbra to your lips."

Compulsion gets the storyteller caught in a "cognitive trap" as he's always trying to polish his act during the rehearsal. He adds, "I'm the sole architect of each pause, I preach my gospel to empty halls." He asks why he shouldn’t allow the words to “find their own flow, I can make it all up as I go.”

"Improvisation is the skillful way" for the narrator as he urges himself to trust that when the time is right he'll know what to say. He reminds himself to "let go of scenes that may never exist, live in the moment and welcome the risk."

“Thoughts Can’t Hurt You” opens as raging synth slashes harshly while the rhythm adds an assertive heartbeat. Broadly separated, sliding notes flare and descend as the lead singer cries out in choppy vocals, his voice full of trembling energy. The slicing tones pulse and the drums create an even throb while the blinding synth exudes brightness and the melody mingles encouragement with focus.

Now the song moves into a slowly undulating pulse as rough-edged notes add a smooth quiver. The way the lead singer captures the wandering nature of thought pleases me as the warm synth is joined by tumbling xylophone tones while bending notes shift and the bouncing synth cascades. His fresh, expressive voice carries the yearning vocals as the glimmering notes sparkle.

Once again, the song flows into a drifting segment in which the vocals slide past the track concludes on rippling notes and gruffer sounds before silence falls.

“Your thoughts are never dangerous, accept them without prejudice,” is the advice that our storyteller gives to us. He reminds the audience that “the only passage out is through,” and whatever you resist will come back on you.

As the narrator says, “you think your house a cluttered mess as you wrestle with uninvited guests (who) vandalize your furniture.” He reminds us to be grateful for every visitor. In a secondary message, he adds, “these patterns, like phantoms, don’t chase them.”

“Thoughts can’t hurt you, don’t usher them away,” is further advice from our storyteller. He asks the audience to invite those thoughts to stay, because they can’t hurt them. He points out, “they whisper like a breeze, if you keep the doors open they’ll come and go as they please.”

The narrator goes on to say that one can’t “reason your way out of this” because there’s no one there to bargain with. He asks, “who do you think you’re talking to?” adding that the voice you hear isn’t you. The parenthetical message is that thinking “unravels like shadows point backward.”

A digital-sounding deep sublayer is joined by hand claps and swinging percussion as “The Art of Anger” starts. Color Theory’s sonorous voice carries the slowly drifting, stretching melody above the added luminescence.

The lead synth has an unctuous sound as it carries a surprisingly uplifting melody in view of the song's topic. The root vibration throbs in extended lines as Brian Hazard imbues his voice with a dark quality and the smoothly swinging percussion moves as the auroral swells with expansive ease. The main melody sings out again with a positive contrast to the lyrics, dancing with a hip-swinging motion.

Now the bass rumbles as rapid synth flashes flit through, uncertain and a little uncomfortable. The hi-hat ticks again in a swinging pattern as a metallic, flaring motif cuts in short bursts above the weighty bottom line. I always enjoy the distinctive tone and expression of Brian Hazard’s voice. The melody leaps out, twirling radiantly through the music before the song ends.

A “master class in the art of anger” is what the narrator offers as he points out that "righteousness and wrath" present themselves in many forms. Memory is cruel and becomes "the fuel for this whole endeavor.” He points out that trauma can leave an everlasting scar. He reminds the listener that one can "keep the flame alive" through constantly reminding oneself of it.

Our storyteller talks about whispering to the flames "as you stoke the embers" and repeating the names of all those who you feel have wronged you. He speaks of holding a grudge and never moving from it or allowing distraction over it. He says that it takes work to stay angry. He adds, “Feel the hurt, keep your mind in action.” He concludes the song by reminding listeners to "dedicate yourself to reliving dying grievances.”

“Flavor” commences as the resonant bass moves with Color Theory’s echoing voice while the clapping percussion adds shape. The vocal melody is spectral as the chorus introduces a soothing element, while the layered vocals create a fascinating sonic experience.

The bouncing hang drum-like sound shifts as full tones vibrate, while the chorus is tinged with gentler feelings. The percussion has an unsettled feeling as the computerized-sounding notes dance through the music in an elastic manner.

A diaphanous sound moves briefly along with sharply twinkling notes and Color Theory’s voice captures the emotional tenor of the lyrics, interweaving with the chorus to create a fascinating harmonic effect.

I appreciate the way the melody incorporates elements of uncertainty and shifting emotion, reflecting the ideas within the song. The song ends on the bursting percussion and Color Theory’s voice fading along with a glockenspiel-like sound.

Our storyteller asks the listener why one shouldn't savour "the salt in the tears running down your cheek" because it's just a flavour, "like bitter or sour, spicy or sweet." He asks if there's any living thing that's always happy, adding that day will "never arrive."

One should "feast upon the sting of the cold, the warmth of a summer's kiss" according to the narrator as nothing else is real except those sensations. He adds that one should taste each flavour and "welcome to burn so that we might learn."

Now our storyteller reminds the audience that it's just a flavour, "like falling in love, wanting to die." He speaks of it being like a heat exchanger to "breathe in the fire of a dragon's sigh." He urges the listener to welcome the pain and "take in the unpleasant, whatever is present." He concludes by pointing out that one should be like a mirror, "reflecting what's really there."

Effortless percussion moves as tautly jumping synth is punctuated by computerized bursts to begin “Undone.” Color Theory’s fascinating, expressive voice carries the choppy melody, which stutters as a plaintive melodic line slips out with. The steady percussive pulse and digitally punching sounds contrast with the flowing vocals.

The contrast of the easy-going slide of Color Theory’s voice with the cut-up, rapidly vibrating melody is one which I enjoy. Twisted notes wriggle as bass thunders and the drums pulsate. Now the vocals become briefly choppy before they make a silken slide while brightly robotic notes tremble. The drums continue to break before the track ends.

"Our lifeblood flows into one heart, like shadows merge beneath the moon," as they are aligned "in silent grace." This tale’s teller asks where he ends and the song’s subject starts. He wonders if the thoughts are his or the other person's, as their "raw perceptions intertwine."

For the narrator, the world is "a humble prediction based on the weight of conviction." He asks if there's up or down when the centre can’t be found. He speaks about how "vision and sound blend into one," as we are living and undone. He adds, "When I close my eyes, there's no edge."

Now, as "constructs collapse" around the storyteller, he asks, "How could I stand at the boundary when every sign of what I am is all right here, contained within?" He talks about how thoughts "like whispers take their flight" and vanish into the empty night.

“Disappear” starts as the lead synth pops while a heavy rhythm moves below it. The synth sonorities have an elastic quality as they move through. Color Theory’s honeyed voice captures the dreaming sensations in the lyrics.

Diamond-edged notes trickle through above broad, slicing synth. Color Theory’s voice drifts as twisting, flanging synth moves in the background. The drum cadence keeps pulsating as the vocals float through while the song moves forward. Phosphorescent synth flickers through as gruff notes cut in below it.

A warm synth sound climbs while brilliant notes leap out and rubbery synth bends through the music. Fragile notes flit through and heavy drums reverberate along with the solid bass as trumpeting synth echoes out and the song ends with Color Theory’s unique voice.

Our narrator says that he spent a day without sleep "awakened by the dream again, just to drift away." He says that on occasion a "half remembered thought occurs" as he goes over what he should have said before. He has to fight the urge to "watch the tug of war in my head. "

"The self that sits behind your face cannot survive your inner gaze” and the storyteller says that one is free to disappear at any point. He goes on to say that it's simple to "search for the homunculus" rather than a sneak attack.

Our narrator continues, "you're not some sort of exorcist, examining the rope you hold" and checking that there's nothing attached to it. He concludes that the thing you felt like you controlled “surrendered with a smile and a laugh."

Slightly pulsating drums move with a bouncing synth that echoes out into space as “Stop Breathing” starts off . there's an luscious resonance to the sonic components as angular synth trembles through.

Color Theory’s inimitable voice carries a slightly broken melody, touched with gentleness. The rhythmic underlayer is dense and the flatly popping percussion adds an intriguing sound. The synth that flows through the music bends and wobbles as airy notes move past as gilded synth sweeps.

Color Theory’s voice is weary but tender as the meandering melody flows through the music. Metallic synth notes dance out in a slightly uncertain sounding melody as softer, rounder notes move through the music. Sharp-edged synth contributes a glistening sheen as gruff notes cut through.

The percussion has an open sound and flaring accents dance past. Brian Hazard transfers the emotion in his lyrics through his unique voice. Bending, flashing synth rises and falls as digital sounding notes shine. The song ends on metallic, reverberating synth and the popping percussion.

The storyteller says that he's a soldier at war with the atmosphere. His brain is carrying on a dialogue "like an auctioneer." He goes on to say that when he hyperventilates he sees stars and feels like he's suffocating. The process is forming scars. He talks about shutting everything down and ceasing to breathe, adding “take what you need, just what you need.”

Our narrator speaks of how he seems to “envelop myself in catastrophe” with every potential outcome "a threat to my mortality." To conclude, he talks about being as white as snow when he hyperventilates and he feels his world imploding.

Clean-sounding, rebounding notes add an opalescent glow to open *“When I Can’t Remember You.”* As they undulate and bounce, Color Theory’s vocals carry a weary melancholy as the melody doubles with his voice. The continual rippling motion supports Color Theory’s mournful but touchingly affectionate performance.

A nasal synth glides tenderly as quickly patterned tones intertwine while the vocals combine deep loss and a sense of care. The fresh-sounding notes trickle, and Color Theory’s voice breaks my heart with its emotional depth.

A trickling flash of notes is joined by the oscillating synth as it bubbles and the percussion skips. The gentle, heartwarming sound of the slightly distorted tones merges with Color Theory’s broken feelings before the song comes to a quiet close.

“In the gathering dusk, I will fade to a husk. Vital systems will fail, trains of thought will derail.” Our storyteller points out that “what you think of as me, will in time cease to be.” He asks, “can you give me a clue when I can’t remember you?” Every name and face will become harder to place, “like a verse left unsung on the tip of my tongue.”

The narrator reminds all of us that we end up as dust, “so we do what we must.” He asks to have his hand held and to be guided “when I can’t remember you.” A voice in the darkness whispers that he’s going to lose it all and he says, “(I) feel like I should apologize for what I’ll put you through.” He points out that “the faithful will testify that true love never dies,” but adds the bleak reminder that “nobody knows for sure what’s going on behind those lost eyes.”

To conclude, our storyteller says, “recollection recedes, strangers tend to my needs. Play this song in my room when I can’t remember you.”

“The Last Time” starts with hugely reverberating bass that bounces off a densely packed synth which stutters in sharp-edged emotion. Color Theory's emotionally immersive voice carries the splintered melody as the metallic drumbeat echoes with the rebounding synth.

Color Theory's voice catches the bittersweet quality of the lyrics while the chorus carries a melody that is tender in contrast to the gigantic, hard-hitting beat. The harmonies are intriguing and draw me in as the vocals capture the song’s mingled feelings.

The softly hissing hi-hat moves with the floating synth as Color Theory pulls me in with his performance. The broken, gleaming synth sweeps past in intertwining motion as the intermingled vocals flow out. Now the drums drive with Color Theory's chanting as the tempo increases.

Towering underpinnings rumble as the huge synth vibrates and the vocals carry out the song’s strong message. The chorus swells again, spreading warmth and complex feelings, as the low end continues to rebound and silence falls.

Our storyteller muses that there have to be a million things he won't do again like "sleeping beneath the stars, holding my father's hand." He adds that "when our lives are enchanted, we take it for granted, sipping on borrowed wine." He points out that we direct our attention the wrong way without mentioning that it could be the last time.

As our narrator asks himself what he'd do differently and if he'd start weeping uncontrollably, he reminds himself that "this could be my last time and I wouldn't even know." He adds with pain that "it wasn't so long ago, I kissed my son good night, then one night I let him be, figured he'd be all right."

The storyteller points out that "we're all dying in pieces and deepening creases" as we’re imprisoned by our minds. He reminds us that we can't afford recklessness with such a precious thing because it could be the last time. He says that "it may sound a bit morbid, tasteless or sordid" to dwell on harsh facts, but "these moments define you and serve to remind you" that it could be the last thing you do and you won't get the day back.

Conclusion

This Bright Circumstance is a shatteringly emotional, gorgeous musical experience that lays bare all of the complicated and contradictory responses that rest at the heart of what it means to be human. In terms of sheer feeling, this album is hard to beat.

Editors’ Picks For Halloween

By Vero Kitsuné, Chris Magdalenski and Karl Magi

As the nights grow longer and the veil between worlds thins, Halloween—and for some, Samhain—calls for a soundtrack steeped in shadow and atmosphere. Beyond the costumes and candlelight, it’s the menacing vibes of dark synth and EBM, the effervescent smoke of darkwave and coldwave, and the broodiness of gothic rock that summon the season’s true magic. These sounds conjure visions of fog-drenched streets, flickering neon, and rituals whispered after midnight. Whether you’re honoring old traditions or just reveling in the eerie beauty of October, our editors have gathered their own selection of fresh releases, recent favorites and a few classics to set the tone for your haunted celebrations.

Vero’s Picks

JOHN CARPENTER - “Halloween”

I’m throwing in the most obvious first to pay respect to the OG. Because there’s no Halloween playlist without this iconic theme from the most legendary horror synth figure ever. Where would we all be if it weren’t for this genius?

EXTIZE - “MediEvil”

Extize’s dark HELLektro sorcery fuses pounding EBM rhythms with eerie Gregorian chants that summon demons by name, creating a ritual on the dance floor. This industrial goth club banger channels both menace and ecstasy, transforming sacred tones into something deliciously profane. It’s the kind of track that turns a rave into a rite—and keeps the faithful dancing long after midnight.

MERCY GIRL - “Ghost”

When you’re aiming for a cool, low-key Halloween gathering with your goth friends, Mercy Girl’s “Ghost” sets exactly the right tone. Stylish and understated, it drifts between darkwave and post-punk with effortless poise. The track’s moody basslines and gauzy vocals create an atmosphere that feels more like a midnight art show than a costume party—cool, chic, and beautifully haunted.

PERTURBATOR - “Future Club”

Halloween or not, this track is a perennial staple, a true classic that finds its way onto nearly every synth playlist—and likely will for years to come. No matter the season, it’s guaranteed to get any party moving.

VIOFLESH - “Within The Veil”

Chilean duo Vioflesh have been making waves in the modern darkwave and coldwave scene with their effortlessly catchy and memorable hooks, and jewel-toned nostalgic atmospheres. “Within The Veil” is perfect for the cemetery dates.

CARPENTER BRUT - “Turbo Killer”

Carpenter Brut’s “Turbo Killer” is another synth classic that oozes dark, killer energy. Its driving arpeggios and relentless momentum make it feel like a neon-soaked thrill ride, full of retro horror vibes. It’s the kind of track that instantly gets the blood pumping, no matter the time or place.

APNOIE - “Ivy”
Apnoie has just dropped one of the most exciting LPs of the year, Sad Living + Sad Mind. With sharp production, dark charm, and endearing doll-like performances layered over massive beats, it’s a record that feels both intimate and unsettling. Apnoie’s sound evokes the kind of discovery you’d stumble upon in the depths of the Parisian underground—raw, stylish, and haunting.

THE CURE - “Burn”

My favorite song by The Cure ever. Actually, it’s my favorite song, ever. Plus, Brandon Lee forever. I basically live and breathe this track all year round. Devil’s Night is special.

SHADOWRUNNER + NEILIO - “Nightmare”

One of the more playful and imaginative releases from the synth community, “Nightmare” offers a laid-back synthwave twist on classic horror synth, subverting genre expectations. Rather than channeling the usual John Carpenter–style slasher energy, it paints a sun-drenched vision of the macabre smothered with SPF 100. The track conjures images of vampires and werewolves in Hawaiian shirts, sipping piña coladas, doting on pink flamingos, cruising down palm tree-lined Los Angeles boulevards in Corvettes, chasing not victims—but sunsets.

HEALTH - “Hateful (Feat. Sierra)”

My favorite Health track and collab. The perfect soundtrack for all the haters, stalkers, and psychos lurking in the dark corners of obsession. It’s vicious, seductive, and unsettlingly catchy—because really, what’s scarier than that?

AGNIS - “Creatures of The Night”

From Agnis’ latest LP Gothess, “Creatures of the Night” blends the dark, theatrical camp of Danny Elfman with her signature industrial gothic pop flair. A throbbing bass arpeggio runs beneath it all, building tension like a heartbeat in a haunted carnival. The result is a cinematic, tongue-in-cheek piece that dances between menace and mischief, equal parts macabre cabaret and midnight rave in its nocturnal parade.

HELIX CODE - “The Monster”

New Jersey–based synth duo HELIX CODE make a comeback this year with a horror synth-rock offering that’s retro, lo-fi, full of character and sinister charm. With playful sound choices and gritty performances, HELIX CODE makes a monstrous splash in a truly blood-soaked sonic playground.

LACRIMORTA - “Nocturnal Lucidity (Black Roses and Blood for Red Wine)”

For those drawn to eclectic, avant-garde dark drama, multi-instrumentalist and producer Lacrimorta’s self-titled LP offers a trove of shadowy gems. Blending influences from Visual Kei, gothic romance, dark electro, and trance, Lacrimorta conjures a world where beauty and melancholy intertwine. It’s a moonlit summons for all dark souls to gather, dream, and drift through the night together.

CIRCUIT PREACHER - “Made To Burn”

If you’re more into heavy-hitting EBM in the vein of Ministry, Skinny Puppy, or early Nine Inch Nails—blended with David Gahan–esque vocal flair—Circuit Preacher is the man. His anguish-fueled tracks and brooding synth work hit with both power and precision. “Made to Burn” feels destined to become a modern industrial classic.

Karl’s Picks

BEACHDOLLS – “Werewolves”

Beachdolls’ Werewolves glows with passionate remembrance and burning need underneath moon-silvered skies. Jessica Ess’s touching voice dreams with misty desire while Rob Nordli’s saxophone leaps with fervent feeling, balanced with trembling need. As colossal drums crash and the night radiates, the narrator surrenders to wild hunger and haunting love beneath the howl of darkness.

DRESS TO IMPRESS – “Stranger in the Dark”

Dress To Impress’ Stranger in the Dark creates impressions of fear in the misty night. Pan pipes, chimes, and saxophone intertwine as his spectral voice trails with enigmatic shadow. Wind sweeps and the tightly wound chimes create a hypnotic effect while menace surges below. The lyrics unfold like a sinister dream, reflecting a ghostly pursuit through shadowed alleys.

BENDING GRID & JOLIE – “Predator in Stilettos”

Bending Grid & Jolie’s Predator in Stilettos struts with temptation and menace. Jolie’s sultry voice cuts through pounding bass and glittering synth as she prowls the night with hypnotic confidence. Her vocals drip with danger and desire, embodying a nocturnal queen who hunts for all of the blood she can get.

ELEVATE THE SKY – “Entity”

Elevate The Sky’s Entity unfolds in waves of tension and looming dread. A pipe organ synth creates frightened energy, terrified arpeggios spin and slicing notes with jagged edges descend. The track’s luminous melody and growling bass conjure visions of spectral figures moving through shadowed ruins.

BECKETT – “Sleeping With The Lights On”

Beckett’s Sleeping With The Lights On is a funky fever dream of duality and spiraling madness. Driven by pulsing bass, brassy bursts and writhing synth, it hovers on the border between horror and groove. The lyrics reveal Dr. Beckett’s fractured mind as his evil alter ego emerges, trapped in a hallucinatory nightmare of their own creation.

HEARTBEATHERO – “Stranger Things”

HeartBeatHero’s Stranger Things seethes with spectral tension and retro horror movie threat. Deep bass and glowing synth textures create a cinematic pulse, like something evil breaking through a torn sky over a haunted town. As arpeggios whirl and darkness swells, the track captures both the wonder and the fear of the unseen world lurking beneath the earth.

Chris’ Picks

PRIEST - “A Signal In the Noise”
This is song is pure darkwave goodness. It belongs on the soundtrack of a lost cyberpunk horror film from the 80’s. Go for a drive down a long desolate road at midnight and crank it.

TYPE O NEGATIVE - “Die With Me”
Truth be told, I could easily fill all five slots of this with Type O songs, but I’ll restrain myself. “October Rust” has been my go to album for getting into the Halloween spirit since its release way back in 1996.

STRVNGERS - “My Black Queen”
This one is a recent discovery. It’s off-kilter, slightly demonic intensity wormed its way Into my brain and refuses to leave.

VEXTRA - “Design”
Vextra made its way to my ears thanks to my TikTok algo, and for that I am grateful. A self described “dystopian cyberpunk metal band” from Nottingham. Say no more… I’m all in.

DEAD ON A SUNDAY - “Damnit (After Dark)”
Does the world need a creepy, goth-ed up cover of a classic Blink 182 song…. My answer absolutely yes.

If you enjoyed our selection, we’ve put together a playlist. And tell us what your favorite Halloween tracks are on social media and we’ll check it out.

Peter Gagliardi - Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Peter Gagliardi’s Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow is a reflective exploration of the struggles we face in life and as a broader species. The artist combines a powerfully expressive and open journey through his own challenges with fascinating vocal samples that deepen and extend the music’s message. He cloaks the journey in unique synth sounds, superbly composed melodies that drive home the feelings he wishes to convey and an atmospheric welter of intense emotion.

The first thing that stands out to me about Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow is the atmosphere created by Peter Gagliardi. He takes hold of the difficult feelings he’s been facing and transforms them into a musical painting, one that clearly illustrates the mixture of despair, loss, darkness and slow healing through which he’s traveled. The way he uses music to capture and convey these complicated emotions results in an album that is both moving and powerfully gripping.

Another element I want to comment on is the way in which Peter Gagliardi uses vocal samples. He’s taken great care in choosing the clips, finding pieces that complement Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow’s message. He draws from news reports and old radio shows that explore everything from world events to science fiction stories, all of which strongly reflect the album’s central ideas.

All of the different synth sounds used by Peter Gagliardi contribute to the depth and power of Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow. He has carefully chosen a unique palette of tones that move between shadow and light, between weight and delicacy. Sometimes the synths loom in horror and other times they drift with melancholy longing. Each sound combines to weave a richly expressive tapestry as the album unfolds.

Peter Gagliardi’s melodies are beautifully composed and drive home the feelings and sensations he imbues in every track. The melodies shift between lurking danger, gentle contemplation and aching emotion, carried on synths that perfectly match their qualities and give them deeper meaning. The harmonic language of the album is rich and beautiful as it unfolds, drawing me further into the artist’s sonic world.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Guilty Scenario” begins with wistfully drifting notes and a clip of Richard Nixon speaking as a steady throb of drums matches a quickly intermingling tonal pulse. As the weight of the rhythm pounds, a sample speaks of emotional crisis and the erosion of trust while floating chimes drift as Ronald Reagan speaks of doubt and painful struggle. This track skillfully captures tension, conflict and a deep sense of guilt.

Raised notes sparkle with soft light as the xylophone-like pattern spins hypnotically. The bass is heavy as sharply glistening notes carry out while the beat bursts. The lead synth is fragile as underlying tones flicker with unevenly glittering light rounded sounds skip past. A clip of Bill Clinton drifts in, mingling with Justin Trudeau and Richard Nixon, all speaking about guilt and systemic failure. Twinkling notes twirl as high sounds glitter and the tense bass rumbles before the track slides to a close.

As a heavily thumping bassline moves in, gliding tones carry a lighter melody to start “Rudiments of the System.” The forceful bass has a slightly threatening presence as the drums punch hard and fragile chimes repeat a trance-inducing pattern. Strings swell with aching tenderness as the surging low end adds shadowy strength. The lead synth shines with pearlescent radiance and carries an aching melody.

Another vocal clip captures a miner’s union leader speaking about standing up to oppression. Bubbling sounds wash through the background as the speech creates rousing emotion. Flickering strings dance beneath the minor-key melodic pattern, filling me with a sense of nervousness and approaching danger.

A tone trumpets with nobility, flowing through the music with loss and unbound feeling. The higher notes drift with ghostly emotion, piercingly sharp, as ringing chimes flash. Choppy vocal sounds move as the arpeggios spin. The union leader speaks of seeking fair wages and compensation for the danger they face. Hollowly glimmering notes wander, open percussion trembles and the main melody glides as the track ends on the fighting words of the speaker.

“Hypnotic Drift” opens with easily pulsing drums as a steady tone shivers with slightly nervous sensations. The drums reverberate and echo as a far-off sound slowly shifts, creating a sense of uncertainty. The bass is thick as the swelling notes above it move into a melody with a hint of shadow and a sense of calm. The lower notes flow outward with a rich tone while the minor key, ringing synth trembles and fills me with a haunted feeling.

A massive beat underlays as the raised notes trail ghostly sensations while a vocal sample speaks about self-hypnosis and airy sounds flow outward. As a grounding pulse fills the track with a trance-inducing sensation, a piano and a string-like synth wash with tranquil sensibilities, carrying me into that hypnotic state of which the vocal sample speaks.

Lush tones are cut by sharper notes while the oboe-like synth adds a melancholy tenderness as the foundation continues to pulsate. The piano shines with fragility and rounded tones sing before silence falls.

Delicately descending sound floats as a 1950s science fiction sample moves to commence “Final Phase.” Majestically expansive synth spreads outward with spinning arpeggios that create dramatic tension. The main melody is full of remembrance and a sense of inevitable forward motion, while the vocal samples create a feeling of increased threat and looming challenge.

Flickering, cascading notes fall above the heavily punching force below. The vocal sample is full of worry and fear as the metallically shining synth carries a nervous and painful melody. I enjoy the way the whole track surges with tension. Everything fades to a steady beat as scrambled sounds wriggle and the vocal sample speaks of reaching a crux.

Slashing notes lacerate above a heavily reverberant synth as a more uplifting, positive sound slides into the music. The main melody glimmers with hurting nobility before a thunderous bass sound descends. Arpeggios continue to spin while the vocal sample talks about challenge and failure before the music closes.

“Everything Severed” begins with an oscillating rhythm and a xylophone carrying a disconnected melody that glitters with fragility and soft light. The drums add another level of weight below the ethereal chimes that flash with vulnerable luminosity. The middle range is carried by a plaintive synth that calls out in dreamy lines while the bass contributes depth.

The drums drop as dark sounds surge and a tracery of piano notes slips past. Exhalations fill the music with breathiness, contrasting the shadows. I enjoy the mingled emotions that come together to touch me in this track. As distant percussion trembles, lightly touching notes levitate above the forceful underlying power.

Once again, the darting chimes contribute soft radiance while the low end surges with threatening power. The drums thunder now with intimidating mass while the sharp sounds slice and phantasmic notes ascend. The main melody moves above the charging heaviness with aching longing while the drums pound.

A bending sound wanders with unsettling feelings while widely rippling notes sparkle. Below the other musical elements, heaving weight threatens while the beat thuds and above it open-sounding notes bubble and pop with iridescent light. The quickly tapping rhythm drops again and static crackles uncomfortably while distant sounds hover and the track ends.

Galactic sounds tremble as a radio transmission repeats to start “Eclipse in the Abyss.” Cosmic wind sweeps past as rattling sounds shift, creating an almost insectile clicking. The muffled voice moves like transmissions through outer space while alien sounds vibrate and chirr.

Bass swells up as the audio sample creates more spacey sensations while a guitar-like synth carries a melody that glides with cosmic delicacy, like a finely intertwined web of stars. Xylophone adds a ringing quality while the guitar-like notes shiver and nebular brightness flashes from a twisting tonal pattern.

Warm notes rise with a sense of starry brightness, glimmering on the edge of planet rise. I am transported into open space and wafted along as the solar winds float. The piano is tentative and tragic as tapping sounds echo and the track breathes to an end.

“Nowhere Optimist” opens as massive bass surges while a vocal sample speaks of another planet that mirrors our own. The drums thunder in steady action as the sample describes how this identical world works. Softly surging tones are joined by piano drifting in spectral lines, detached and full of lost sensations. As the sample fills the music with its message of a mirror world, twinkling notes repeat above the thudding beat.

I find myself drifting in thoughtful motion, touched by eerie feelings as resonating notes intertwine. An elevated, fluting sound shifts as a jingling synth adds tentative illumination and the melody carries with a shadowy, melancholy edge. The vocal sample deepens the haunting sensation as the minor-key synth emphasizes the growing sense of dread beneath the surface.

The battering rhythm grows in power, then fades as the ringing tones drift and the bass seethes with gathering gloom. Disembodied chimes levitate while the hard-hitting low-end pattern continues to drive, until rising fear and anger dissolve into silence.

Tremulous, darkly rising synth moves in an uncomfortable line to commence “Hope Falling Dark.” A lugubrious piano flows with mournful emotion as distant sounds hover and an ominously elevated note pattern is joined by descending bass. Clanking percussion begins to vibrate as a void-deep feeling grumbles. Elevated strings shiver with worry and creeping discomfort as a descending tonal pattern is joined by fiercely entangling bass.

The beat and rattling metal percussion create unsettling strength while a woodwind-like instrument drifts with aching emptiness. Bells rain while throbbing, clashing drums and thick bass intermingle. I am surrounded by feelings of loss and pain that pierce me as the music evolves. The woodwind synth cries with tragic sensations while bright strings flash with intense radiance. The foundation of the track is weighty as iridescent notes tremble above it. The main melody has a spectral, misty feeling as the beat pulsates. Metallic sounds twine together as the underlying synth swells and the music ends.

“Departure” comes to life as slowly wandering notes shift above a densely swirling bass cloud. The main melody feels far off and broken, reflecting a bereft sensation full of mourning. An evenly vibrating, xylophone-like synth repeats a hypnotizing pattern as incredibly colossal bass thrums. In the distance, a fragile synth brushes through the music with airy exhalations, carrying tenderness.

The xylophone has a caressing feeling while the sharper notes around it sweep with constrained threat. The sharper melody carries a minor-key shading while the xylophone shines with something more encouraging. The interlocking layers fill me with complex, confusing emotion, but even in the sharper-edged melody, there are hints of light. The bass surges while the drifting xylophone shimmers. Underneath it all, the bass architecture rumbles before the track breathes softly into silence.

Conclusion

Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow affects me deeply with its exploration of the struggles that Peter Gagliardi (and frankly many of us) have faced in life. The way he combines synths, vocal samples and well-composed melodies creates a journey through what it means to be human and live in this complicated, confusing world.

PantherWolfe - Vegas Vice

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

PantherWolfe’s Vegas Vice takes listeners on a wild ride through a classic buddy cop movie from the '80s. The artist interweaves first-rate melodies with interesting synth choices to invoke neon-lit car chases, stealthy surveillance and ever-present danger. As the album unfolds, the artist draws us further and further into the storyline, using his music to create cinematic vignettes that capture the best elements of classic ’80s police action movies.

Atmosphere plays a major role in the success of Vegas Vice. PantherWolfe imbues the music with excitement, tension and a frisson of danger. I can picture the roar of a powerful V8, our two characters moving cautiously with every sense on alert toward their target and their celebration when the case is solved. The artist's ability to transport listeners into his world is something I quite enjoy.

Melody is another strong aspect of Vegas Vice. PantherWolfe creates melodic moments that stir remembrance of every ’80s cop movie I’ve enjoyed in a unique way. He doesn’t go for cliché but wraps his sounds and melodies in constructions that are both well-crafted and fun to hear. I enjoy the full spectrum of emotions he creates from pulse-pounding fear to triumphant success. The overall emotional strength of the melodies enhances the cinematic effect.

As for his synth choices, PantherWolfe has picked a range of sounds that add to the overall feeling of the music. Each track has a well-thought-out palette that deepens the sense of connection for the listener and conveys the mood sought by the artist. The end result is an album that keeps one’s ears pricked for new and different sounds while always keeping engagement high.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Vegas Vice” comes into being as a widely reverberating synth creates a dramatic entrance for flaring notes that arc in with electrifying energy. The main melody snarls as the pounding rhythm accelerates past highway speed. Neon-bright luminosity flickers through the music as the melody invokes high-speed chases down midnight highways, creating cinematic imagery in my mind.

The beat is unrelenting as the clashing drums erupt while the main melody leaps with intense luminosity and the track exudes rousing dynamism. As the propulsive underpinnings hammer, the melody explodes, creating an impression of dogged pursuit and indomitable force, reflecting the characters in the story. Iridescent notes trip as the background swirls and the rhythm lashes out ferociously.

The drums drop away as the tensely twirling tones leap and an accelerating sound cries out. Once again, the main melody speeds through the music with pulse-quickening pace before the track ends.

Heavily heaving bass rumbles with fierce force to commence “Cool Whip.” The active drums cascade as dark piano notes move and the guitar slices with raging strength. A shiny synth flows with energizing incandescence as the drums and bass create massive rhythmic flow.

Raised notes with a computerized sound cry out while the guitar seethes. The base architecture is dense while technological notes wriggle with razor-edged muscle. I feel myself compelled by the edgy reverberations within the music.

The robotic sounds add sharp angles to the more smoothly flowing high notes, exuding flashing light while the crunching synth and piano mingle as the drums cascade and silence falls.

“

Night Glitch” begins as bouncing, threatening bass moves with surging, dangerous notes. A taut sound raises the tension as the drums batter with tempestuous force, accelerating to a blurring speed. The rhythm is fierce and the melody radiates a bone-chilling threat, permeating the music with dire energy.

The drums smash while the sawtoothed synth cuts hard and elevated, writhing notes shiver through the music. The low end shatters against the raging notes that fill me with a sense of impending doom. Once again, the drums crash with ferocity and the elevated notes cry out in fear before the track ends.

Electronic sounds flash to start “Slinky Cool” as the reverberant beat throbs. The main melody is carried on a synth that crackles with galvanic verve, full of a sharp jazziness. Mysterious notes burn with dark intensity before the skipping beat drives forward beneath the melody, which burns with fluorescent brightness. The way the track flies while creating tension is enjoyable to me.

The rhythm is clean and clear, pushing forward as the melody takes on an air of warmth despite its enigmatic nature. A xylophone flickers in a delicate filigree while the stomping low end moves. The main melody adds an energizing pulsation to the kicking drums, which intertwine sharply. As the track progresses, the low end speeds again while a synth solo cascades, imbuing the music with robotic dynamism before the track fades out.

The frolicking melody jumps with angular energy as the broken beat slowly pulses to open “Case Cracker.” The bass rebounds with sharp motion as the drums collide and the main melody reflects the anticipation of breaking a big case. Chord changes add shading while the main melody jumps with growing confidence, filling me with the thrill of the chase.

The drums accelerate as the glowing melody imbues the music with a heightened sense of progress. As the dynamic chords change, the bass floor throbs and the lead synth generates increased anticipation.

The notes become smoother and more gentle before the beat is broken by trickling, cascading sounds that trip past. Digital tones flash before the tom hits move in. Trembling notes vibrate and the lead synth’s bright tones convey a pursuit and its resolution. As the song ends, the melody continues to fill the music with keen confidence before the music stops.

“Dead of Night” starts with a driving underpinning as the percussion collides and a dark tone swells while technological noises add a futuristic element. The elevated synth is silky smooth and peaceful while the beat presses on. As fluttering percussion shifts, tiny sounds echo with robotic precision.

The lead synth has a gently haunting quality as it carries the drifting main melody, wrapping around me with calm precision. The saxophone adds contrasting, reedy sound as gleaming notes levitate and the seething low end contributes a lurking sense of danger. Choppy saxophone and contrastingly fervid notes move above the powerfully surging rhythm.

As the drums flourish, the lead synth drifts with gently sliding sensations. I can imagine our characters creeping through a darkened warehouse, alert to every sound as their hearts race. The track ends with the saxophone crying out and the beat pulsing.

Softly flowing, mysterious tones move to kick off “Glory Guts.” The rhythm is a throbbing heartbeat as a piano moves with gentle elegance while the pounding bass forms an underpinning. The active percussion dances as worshipful sounds in the distance glide and a trumpeting synth trades off with a guitar, creating an exciting sound.

The beat moves with cascading drums as the lead synth gives off a steady glow. A sense of growing resolution moves through the music, drawing me onward. I can picture our two characters coming to a realization of how they can bring the crime spree to an end.

The main melody launches with urgency, the synth keenly slicing while rippling notes tremble. Once again, the drums reverberate and the steady note pulsation forms an interwoven pattern. The revelation of nearly having the case closed flows like a powerful tide through the music. As the scudding rhythm moves along, flaring notes are cut by the fiercely shining guitar and ringing synth before the music ends.

“Winner’s Horizon” starts as a piercingly bright synth carries a victorious fanfare above luminous chords while huge drums rebound. The tightly wound lead synth is joined by massively powerful bass, creating an impression of ultimate triumph. The music is filled with celebratory strength as the detectives reach their goal.

I enjoy the feeling of final success that permeates the music while the main melody exudes exciting brightness. A shining synth fanfare leaps with encouragement and release as staccato notes slice with a sense of achievement, while nasally glittering tones form a cutting pulsation and elevated sounds drift.

The piano adds richness while diamond notes shimmer and the fanfare gleams with ecstatic freedom as the leaping drums charge forward and the track concludes.

Conclusion

Vegas Vice creates its own world as it unfolds and I find myself inexorably drawn into that world. As a fan of the movies to which it pays homage, I deeply enjoy the way it harks back while still sounding fresh and pin-sharp. This is definitely music I can keep listening to and always enjoy.