Synth A/B Single Review: “Deathball” by Jessy Mach & lxst child

by Karl Magi

Jessy Mach & lxst child’s “Deathball” tells a terrifying tale of life and death combat in the shell of a post-apocalyptic world. Contestants fight to the death with whatever weapons are at hand and the brutal stakes are all too real.

“Arena of Fate” begins with a cheering crowd and darkly sweeping bass as the announcer gives a dramatic opening to the lethal game of Deathball. The voiceover, done by Jules Neon Fawkes, is entertaining and sets the stage for what’s to come. Slowly swelling notes in the distance glow, contrasting with the deep drama.

Smoothly rippling notes with a nervous sound glide as rain falls to commence “Deathball.” The underlying synth is soothing, while slowly exhaling sounds move with a growing sense of danger, sharper notes becoming more prominent. Now Jessy Mach’s guitar slashes with a mixture of nobility and violence, shining with victorious radiance as the pounding drums rebound.

The main melody combines majesty with dominant power as Jessy Mach fills it with strength and skillful playing. The underlayer heaves as the churning guitar slices cleanly and synthesized arpeggios swirl in the distance. The rhythm fades away as the guitar drifts with piercing brightness and the background takes on a misty delicacy.

The rhythm returns along with the snarling guitar, creating a melody full of tension and suspense. As the gleaming guitar rises, it feels triumphant and tinged with melancholy, while a punching foundation pushes forward. As the melody unfolds, it gathers strength before the solo is unleashed with intense intricacy, cascading with unstoppable energy.

Darkness in the background adds a pleasing contrast as a trumpeting synth is lacerated by flying guitar and the underpinnings explode. Images of intense combat and moments of great danger combine before the song comes to an end with soft exhalations and thunderous guitar.