by Karl Magi
Skylane Drive’s “Code: Kuro” commences with juddering, broken chimes interspersed with heavy beats falling in a dense line before open-voiced arpeggios twirl over top of a huge rhythmic heartbeat. The main theme is transported on a nasally swirling synth and fills my mind with images of a technologically advanced city full of strange and wonderful visions.
Revolving, broadly glowing tones are tinged by a sunrise synth, exuding soft pink and orange light, while the rhythm establishes an even pulsation. Shifting notes ring out in twisted motion, echoing above the gigantic percussion line, as a wriggling synth adds futuristic dynamism.
A gargantuan undulation continues as washing strings produce calming emotion in contrast to the continually moving higher notes. The drum beat punches and a shower of coruscating tones bursts out and calls to mind a thousand tiny lights in a vast city before the music stops.
