Synth Single Review: “Hour Zero” by Skylane Drive

by Karl Magi

Skylane Drive’s “Hour Zero” creates a gently haunting atmosphere. The track comes to life as haunted notes drift aimlessly above a darkly pulsating rhythm and thunderous drum beat. The elevated notes wander with disconnected darkness, trickling past like something hovering on the edge of vision. The melody, in contrast, is full of sweetly shining synth as it drifts with tenderness and peace. A hint of the earlier darkness returns, and the trembling foundation adds uncertainty.

A string-like synth reverberates with melancholy lightness as the entire track trembles with unreality. The rhythm is solid as the big drums hit hard, and raised notes gleam with contrasting brightness against the misty sensations emerging from the background. As the drums drop, metallic ticking comes from the cymbal and broken sounds drift past.

I enjoy the way balance is achieved as the track slides in thoughtful motion and radiant notes glisten. The underpinnings pulse with guiding shape as the string-like synth calls out in a mournful meditation. Nocturnal floating permeates the music while the beat shifts and the strings shine with luminescent delicacy. The track fades on a trembling underlayer moving with softly shifting tones.