Synth Single Review: “Ephemeral Storm" by eLxAr & Roberto Montoya

by Karl Magi

eLxAr & Roberto Montoya’s “Ephemeral Storm" is about overcoming fear and moving forward. The song begins as solidly rhythmic bass undulates beneath a scintillating synth carrying a majestically wistful melody while Roberto Montoya’s affecting voice unfolds with lyrical expression.

The beat throbs as the synth gleams like a light beam breaking on seawater and Roberto Montoya's voice is full of intense melancholy, mirrored by Alexandra Chirilă's silky sound. The adventure within the words is reflected in the engaging vocal performance while the synth sparkles like a ray breaking through dark clouds. As thunder rumbles, the two singers bring together their beautifully heartfelt voices and touch me deeply as they do so.

Roberto Montoya’s guitar slips past with a dreamy glide while his deep vocal expression is mirrored by Alexandra Chirilă's own feeling. Rain falls as the main melody is transported on a lambent synth while the guitar intermingles with tentative gentleness. The vocals are gripping as they echo out over the underpinnings and the strings softly illuminate the music, wrapping around me as ocean sounds fade into silence.

“The weather seems to hold fast when a gale wind starts to bend the masts and sails in the storm,” even as the storyteller sees the shore ahead. He had a chance to “prove my resolve,” yet he couldn’t bring his strength to bear. Waves crash over the bow, clouds pour out and “the stars are on the move beyond the great horizon.” With the storm approaching, he longs to rise above his fears.

“It turned into a time for courage at heart, the chance was there to prove my resolve,” and this time he understands he can’t let it slip away again. So, gathering what strength he has left, he rows straight into the storm.