HeartBeatHero - Neon Dreams
Review by Karl Magi
HeartBeatHero’s “Neon Dreams” explores all of the sonic nostalgia and timeless excitement of synthwave. HeartBeatHero delves into many of the themes which permeate the genre with his first-rate sense of melody and well-chosen synth sounds. The way in which I'm transported through the landscape of my imagination is ear-pleasing and full of fun here.
Another enjoyable aspect of “Neon Dreams” are the song introductions. Each one captures the spirit of the following track with a voice clip or other element that brings together wistful memory and well-expressed emotion, adding more depth to the tracks.
“Circuit Drifter” comes alive as broken pulses swirl with boldly trumpeting notes and an undeniable sense of tension and ramping speed enters the music. The main melody has a ghostly quality as it wanders while even underpinnings create a guiding influence. Gruff bass moves with rapidly arpeggiating, technological-sounding tones to create a futuristic feeling.
Slowly throbbing drums add to the growing drama below intricately intertwining sounds that wrap around a warmer synth. A trumpeting synth carries the main melody, calling out with great force. Angular sounds cut in to add a darker quality, pushing the music forward. A slashing synth evokes danger while the drum beat continues to tap hard.
A haunting refrain echoes into open space while razor-edged notes slice in around it and the drum beat adds a loose-limbed but propulsive quality. As the track ends, brassy notes rise with nobility and majesty before silence falls.
The panpipes sing with unstoppable positivity while trickling notes dance to kick off “Beverly Hills Magic.” The underlayer rushes forward with exuberance and uplifting propulsion while the jazz organ-like synth carries a melody mingling enigmatic feelings with undoubted joy while the active percussion drives on.
Chimes carry a caressing melody that calls out with encouragement while the digital-sounding lead synth has a bopping energy that cannot be denied. The springy underpinnings move as the celebratory melody shines with unbridled happiness before the percussion drops away.
A ticking rhythmic element returns as the main melody leaps out again while the panpipe notes shimmy in the distance. Bell-like synth flickers through the music with a feeling of free-flowing liveliness, enchanting me with its emotional warmth. Vibrating tones carry the main melody as it mixes something a little wistful with a more upbeat sensation before the music ends.
“Brother’s Keeper” begins with expanding chords that tremble with a tentative sheen while the bass growls. Slowly shifting notes create a sense of emptiness as drifting tones move above chords that spill out scintillating illumination.
Widely washing notes wander above the ominous low end, contrasted with the fiercely gleaming synth. The drums batter with supreme force while dramatic tones shine with dark majesty as the bass flows. The echoing tones that carry the wistful melody are imbued with shadow and mournful feeling.
Now a heavily rebounding drum and bass pulse supports the string-like synth as it rings out with tremulous emotion, capturing caring and a sense of growing nervousness. Entangling notes levitate with spectral grace while the rhythmic pulse adds form.
The way in which balance is achieved in this track pleases my ears. HeartBeatHero combines hurting with contemplation. Radiant chords tumble while the drum beat presses on. Above it all, the classic melody carries on with aching emotion before slowly falling silent.
Reverberant, peaceful chords expand with romantic sensations to commence “First Kiss.” Polished notes echo with affectionate gentleness before a melody begins to form above the growing foundation. Widely washing notes gleam with dawn light as the huge drums lock into a heartbeat.
The main melody exudes deep caring and love, sailing out over the strong underlayer to reinforce the tranquil nature of the music. Sparkling notes diffuse their light while the even pulse below guides the music. A deeper synth fills the track with kindness and abiding peace while the arpeggiating notes climb, growing in brilliance.
The beat continues to pulse while raised notes spill out enchantment and youthful wonder, touching my heart as they do so. Luminous sounds expand while the rhythm continues to throb. The drums drop away as the flitting notes exude solicitude and warm emotion while the bass rumbles. A cinematic moment of emotional tenderness concludes the track.
