Synth Single Review: “Don’t Call Me” by Lyst & Neon Shards

by Karl Magi

Lyst & Neon Shards’ “Don’t Call Me” moves between remembrance and loss. The track begins as flaring notes rise over a hissing background and sweeping waves. The rhythm is towering and propulsive while flashing tones join a synth that exhales with peace, before woodwind-like notes add warm fullness.

Neon Shards’ guitar dances with plaintive emotion and yearning memory, crying out above the throbbing underpinnings. My emotions are stirred by the guitar’s touching, lonely quality as the track dissolves into a moment of floating calm. The guitar returns with pained, thoughtful sensations, like memories rising to haunt me.

As breathy notes shiver, Lyst’s rounded synth fills the music with a sweet, soothing melody and an expansive, polished synth carries a solo deep with affection and loss. The guitar emotes once more, skillfully played, carrying a melody full of care and quiet bereavement before the track ends.