Caspro - Coastal Edge
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
Caspro’s Coastal Edge evokes all of the moods and beauty of the ocean through rich synth sounds. There are moments of aquamarine calm, shadings of tidal power and sunlit shallows in which to bask. Caspro and his guests weave a layered, intricate sonic tapestry that invites listeners to lay on the beach or float in the ocean as Coastal Edge unfolds.
Caspro’s masterful ability to create auditory imagery shines through on Coastal Edge. His synth choices, compositions and skillful ability to interweave different sonic layers enables him to paint strong imagery in the listener's mind. Each track transports me through varied seascapes from sun-drenched beaches to deep blue water while releasing all of my tension and allowing my mind to roam.
I enjoy Caspro and his guests’ well chosen synth combinations as they allow the music to gain depth and complexity as each track evolves. They managed to generate interactions that create microtonal moments, lush textures and ear catching sonic combinations. There's intense creativity to the way in which the synth layers work together on this album to add interest and dynamism.
Beautiful melodies abound on Coastal Edge. Caspro writes melodies that are gorgeous, emotional and transporting. I enjoy the nuance of his writing and the way in which he can capture the listener and carry them away. I am drawn to the variety and engaging qualities within each melody as they add to the atmosphere of the album.
Another aspect that attracts me to Coastal Edge are the guest performers working with Caspro. Each of them brings their own unique musical vision while still fitting into the album’s overall audio canvas. They add more depth and interest to the music with their contributions.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
“Beach Gaze” comes to life as gently touching chords swell through a slight haze and the music creates the impression of waves brushing against sand. The chords are warm and slowly flashing synth pulses in the distance. Bass undulates in deep waves as the chords shift.
Elevated, softly radiant synth flickers out in synchronized motion while bass rumbles. Trumpeting synth carries the main melody, mingling soothing feelings with a slight uncertainty. Raised, brassy notes echo in a choppy pattern as vibrating synth trembles while luminosity fills the background.
The volume swells as a broad series of bright notes flare out. Drums and bass add form to the music while gleaming notes ring out. Brassy synth leaps in shaking lines as the low end drives on. I enjoy the tremulous quality combined with the sense of tranquility. The main melody wanders a little above the massive low end as the song comes to an end.
Echoing, glistening notes ring out and form a steady heartbeat as base drops in and gentle sound floats past to open “Drift.” Massive bass surges while being doubled by a steadily shifting, illuminating throb.
Elevated, enfolding notes form a peaceful and pained melody that drifts above the huge low end. The drums burst while the melody wraps around me with serene melancholy. Chimes float through with a crystalline ring as the low end’s tidal surge goes on.
The chimes add light and an echoing, breathy sound forms its own pulsation. The main melody draws me in with its combination of aching emotion and tenderness. Elevated, glimmering synth flows past easily and silence falls.
“Coastal Edge” opens as rippling, tumbling synth spins out above huge bass and smoothly pulsing drums that create an evenly flowing feeling. There's an oceanic power in the music which evokes surging, gigantic currents in a way that pulls me in.
Revolving, sharp-edged synth creates motion as vibrating notes move with intense light. Metallic, medium-high synth carries a melody with a hint of nobility. Full-sounding, slightly nasal sounding notes tumble down again while the bass throbs.
The track returns to the twirling, repeating synth’s tidal flow as luminosity flows from the blaring synth while softer tremulousness moves and glowing notes echo with a sense of strength filling them before the track ends.
Calming, rounded synth delicately descends and climbs with gentle lustre to start “Sea Within.” Deep peace permeates the softly shining synth as it undulates like a kelp forest moving in a sun dappled ocean. A tinge of darkness touches the music before brightness flashes out as bass well drifts past.
Tension leaves me as the music washes over me like cool, oceanic water and carries me past all of the cares of the day. Images of aquamarine water come to me and the tender melody flutes out with soothing sensations filling it. This music gives space for contemplation and relaxation as the track draws to an end.
“Plume” commences as solid bass pulses while gentle, swirling sounds drift in the background and the drums come in to guide the music. An airy, woodwind-like instrument carries a mysterious melody out over the rebounding low end. Laid back, soothing sensations fill the music and now the deep bass throbs along with the drums. Descending, intertwining synth spins out with a flaring motion.
Full-sounding, soft-edged notes dance together while the drums pulse and the bass undulates. A trembling synth carries a melody that wanders and drifts, like a dandelion seed on the water as it flows smoothly. Twirling notes intertwine to form a steadily revolving pattern while the drums touch lightly. Flashing notes move in the distance and the drums and bass grow in strength.
Now open-voiced, slightly twisting synth carries the pained and haunting melody, touching so gently. Drums and bass rebound together while the arpeggios move through to add texture. A worshipful sound swells in the background and electric bass contributes another sonic dimension. The main melody beautifully mingles loss, tenderness and an indefinable sadness as the song ends.
Bright notes vibrate in steady motion and bass descends slowly to open “Turning Tides.” The bass oscillates with deep power as drums add shape to the music. in the distance, delicate sounds flow and a luminous, tremulous synth carries a tentative melodic pattern.
The filigreed melody shifts above lightly touching drums. Vibrating notes ring out with fragile glow as the base oscillates far below. The percussion’s guiding heartbeat moves and shimmering synth echoes out into space. The drums and bass keep moving on while the flaring melody calls out.
I get the sense of great motion beneath the surface as the melody wanders out. Mystery and uncertain emotion is carried by a glistening synth before the track comes to an end.
“Viewing Place” begins as a richly expanding synth moves over slowly pulsing, breathy notes. Colossal drums punch in along with muscled bass as synth waves wash through. Sharp light cuts in while the low end pulsates strongly.
The medium-high, lambent lead synth carries an uneven melody above the powerful low end. The melody compels me with its dynamic illumination, touched by more aching sensations. Now an expansively bubbling synth grows and strengthens as the bass rises underneath.
The crisp drums guide the music while softly radiant synth carries a shadowed melody. Glimmering synths tumble together to become a steadily surging pulsation. The main melody sails in with its slightly broken motion and trumpeting qualities to end the track.
Gigantic bass hits hard while brilliant synth forms a steady motion and drums add shape to open “Horizon Infinite.” A sense of forward progress fills the music as light glitters through. I enjoy the trance inducing quality of the insistently pulsating synth as it fills the track.
Washing sounds flow through and shivering, glaring synth drifts out and a diaphanous melody slides above it. Lightly touching drums keep the pulse going as cascading synth wanders in rapid motion.
Metallic sounding, smooth synth carries a melodic pattern, increasing the music’s hypnotic motion. The gossamer melody slips past with a feeling of loss permeating it. Steady, flashing synth repeats before the track draws to a close.
Conclusion
Coastal Edge evokes the complexity of human emotion as it relates to the ocean. It captures beauty, uncertainty and liminality as it unfolds. Caspro and his musical collaborators have created an album full of layers, textures and atmosphere. I enjoy being transported by the music here.
