Synth EP Review: “Defenders” by Neon Shards (feat. Montse Torres)
by Karl Magi
Neon Shards & Montse Torre’s “Defenders” EP draws us into a cinematic musical vision. An experiment has run out of control, transforming a space research facility into a deadly threat which must be destroyed.
“Defenders” erupts with drama, chords undulating over threatening weight. Propelling with explosive energy, drums launch as oscillating notes tumble darkly. Shattering the weight below, elevated tones transmit melody with a feeling of battling defiance. Ominous imagery full of struggle and intensity joins a roar from the guitar as urgency rises once more.
Winding up with spinning nervousness, the track gains momentum. I see winds blowing as intertwining ferocity and force tear out from Neon Shards’ fingers, capturing me in a net of intensity. Montse Torres’ synth paints pictures of our two characters standing back to back, fighting the tide of enemies flash through my mind, animating the story. Full of aching strength, a synth calls out while the oscillating tones snarl into silence.
Feelings of epic planetary adventure blaze from a radiant synth to open “ASTRID's Demise.” Rippling with muscle, Neon Shards’ guitar rips into the music with towering strength as intimidating force grows beneath. Threat billows from the guitar as a synth fanfare trumpets with dynamism above a massively rumbling bass floor.
In the chimes that come in, tension and delicacy can mingle as the kick drum collides with the bass. An air of peaceful tenderness touches the bright chimes as they descend, Montse Torres’ synths create an alluring contrast between gentleness and tremendous power.
Inspiring melodic energy leaps from Neon Shards’ guitar as it climbs and surges like blazing destruction as delicate notes twirl above it. The low end presses on as the coruscating synth glows and the track ends.
Lurking horror oozes as cascading synths join an evenly vibrating bass pulse to bring “Unforeseen Revelations” to life. Evil fills the melody, as black as the abyss, while the looming low end surges. A horrifying mystery is revealed in elevated tones sobbing with fear while drums surge.
A heavy spirit fills the underpinning architecture, compelling me as a snarling guitar rends and the heaving bass rumbles angrily. Gnarled sounds bend from Neon Shards’ guitar with deformed darkness while percussive force hammers hard.
Worry and ever-increasing tension spill from Montse Torres’ flaring notes as the low end batters, filling me with nervousness. A high synth cries out with terror and rebounding bass carries the music to its close.
As “Countdown to Self-Destruct” begins, menacing muscle radiates from a brassy synth that leaps forward with a majestic melody, full of adventure, while foundational weight seethes. Eerie emotion and smashing power flow from a melodic line that echoes with blinding radiance as the clean drums smack hard.
Images of a desperate struggle to destroy the supreme evil lurking inside the space station fill the melody. Cinematic imagery exudes feral force and a sense of impending doom, conveyed by Neon Shards’ guitar solo, which intricately interweaves with gargantuan bass.
Eldritch, cosmic energy holds my interest while the surging beat drives. As a wordless voice cries out with a painfully haunted melody, the rhythm pushes forward and the track roars to a conclusion.
