Dopesketch - Electronic Dope

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dopesketch’s Electronic Dope is full of truly colossal bass, fascinating percussion and a unique series of sonically interacting, synthesized “earscapes.” Dopesketch continues to refine his creative, individual approach to electronic music and synthesis with this album. The end result has a mesmeric quality to it that interests me.

All of the synth sounds that fill Electronic Dope have constantly intriguing textures and sonic signatures that keep my ears tingling. I enjoy the way in which Dopesketch combines contrasting timbral and tonal elements to weave intricate, unmistakable soundscapes that ensnare my ears.

Percussive sounds come in a luscious plethora on Electronic Dope. Their variety and interesting auditory signatures provide more opportunities for Dopesketch to create rhythm and motion in his music. The end result are beats that interlock to move the music in fascinating ways.

An underlying current of powerful bass forms a strong underpinning for the tracks on the album. There’s a tidal energy permeating the music on the album to add shape to it. The way in which the other auditory elements are supported by the bass allows them to work better as a whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Monday Night” starts off as thudding bass is broken by stuttering, computerized sounds and a hollow, twisting noise. Warmly swirling chords move above flashing cymbals as crystalline synth chimes descend in a gently sparkling melodic pattern.

The melody contrasts well with the underlying sonic weight. Hollow synth shifts above heavy drums and bass as caressing, full chords massage the ears. Gigantic drums and dense bass throb while the scudding, digital sounding synth trips through the music.

Enfolding synth chords flow up and now broad, bouncing synth notes are split by glittering chimes. Skittering digital sounds interact with the chimes as swelling chords tremble along with rippling, rich synth notes.

Piano-like notes jangle into the music’s open spaces with a roaming feeling to open “Seamstress.” Densely throbbing bass and an entangling, intense sonic pulse keep moving as drums jump and pop. High notes flicker as bouncing drums pound and piano notes flit along while a chugging sound moves below them.

There’s an intriguing layered, tightly packed feeling to this track’s sound. Extended notes sweep with gruff edges, contrasting with the wildly voyaging piano as gleaming synth flickers. An engine-like chugging rumbles along with the drums as they skip along with expanding digital sounds.

“Jersey Girl” begins as wobbling, metallic synth trembles along with tight, angular notes moving in a mournful pattern. Drums form a guiding and varied rhythm below broad, gruff synth shifting along with metallic chimes. Fat, lower synth is effectively interspersed in between shivering, metallic synths creating a hypnotic motion as they play off the lower sound.

The drums return after fading to trip along smoothly. Raised, twisting synth has an unsettling feeling compared to the anchoring sounds that drop down through the music. Tremulous synth moves along with a computerized sound in the trance-inducing pattern with an energetic quality.

Meandering synth with a digitized sound plays off against softer synth whorls to open “Pirates.” The drumbeat rattles and the bass creaks below it. The denser, wider-spectrum synth has an enfolding feeling and the higher synth creates an effective contrast with its round and rich sound.

There’s a dreaming quality in the melodic pattern as drums skip and pop above underlying bass weight. A wistful feeling permeates the melody as it trades off between synths. Drums thump and trip to guide the track while gruff bass grunts and throbs as synths intertwine. The melody glides on before fading.

“Dance Reels” starts as a misty, distorted keyboard carries diffuse, lost-feeling notes over hard-hitting bass, clapping percussion and metallic tapping. Metallic notes ring out as the vibrating, shivering keyboard sounds are touched by computerized notes.

Clashing, jumping percussion contrasts with distant keyboard to set up a complex, interesting sonic pattern. Digital-sounding notes shake through, feeling uncertain while the keyboard rambles before silence falls.

Rebounding, rapidly moving percussion shifts below threatening, full-sounding synth to commence “Excited Subjects.” 8 bit noises zip and wriggle into the music as a hollow, tense synth pops while bass oscillates.

Cosmic, echoing synth moves with sparkling, twittering sounds while hard-edged, dark bass climbs. A steady synth pulsation is joined by an undulating, tinkling sound. I enjoy the segment in which clapping flows into gently caressing sounds and elevated notes interlock as popping, pulsing percussion shifts and silence falls.

“Belly Bizz” starts with broadly trembling, radiant synth echoes out in glowing lines as heavy bass throbs and colossal drums rebound. A full, medium-high synth flashes and flutters above the brighter synth jumping into the track.

I enjoy the warm, drifting melody as it cries out. Gigantic drums pulse and thick bass fills the track’s low end. Sunlit, flaring synth weaves a twisting pattern as the medium-high synth melody floats out in a distorted line. Drums bounce heavily and fade as the synth flares above it gleam with energetic light.

Gruff, medium-low synth is guided by hollow, unique percussion and heavier battering drums along with rich bass opens “Firefly.” Gritty synth vibrates in slowly shifting lines as resonant percussion fades briefly.

Computerized sounds drift as rough-edged synth repeats and hollow, pounding drums echo in an ear pleasing, percussive tide. Tapping percussion moves as massive drums thunder and a repeating, medium-low synth pulse hypnotizes. Quick synth lines stutter and fade away interspersed with broken sounds.

“44oz” kicks off as a steady bass drone and bursting drums move with slowly interlocking, medium-high synth pulses. Actively moving bass throbs regularly as scraping, twisting sounds shift above it and big drums thud.

Above them, a shivering synth trembles and gleaming, distorted notes carry a shaky melodic pulse. Richly resonant synth moves in gruff lines that form an interesting contrast with the tremulous sounds. The drumbeat keeps thumping and high sounds cut in and out as the undulating bass pulse moves in active lines until the track ends.

Diffuse, smoothly flowing background synth is guided by massive drums to open “Knock Twice.” Shimmering synth climbs and roams in rapid motion with a sharp brightness above the echoing, misty background.

Starry sparkling flickers out in a way that draws me to it as the lead melody dances along with rising light. The drumbeat strikes weightily and steady, deep bass moves below it. Raised synth with a cutting shine flits along with softly intermingled background synth.

“Mocaljete” begins as dense, rich bass throbs. Soft-edged, metallic synth flows in an all encompassing, tender melody over the hard-hitting, guiding drums. High synth motes float like dust in the sun.

Lower, warming synth notes flow out in a charming, glistening line as heavy bass pulses and the drums jump and trip. Rounded synth notes drift in a glowing melodic line and the track fades on diverse, unique percussion and thick bass.

Digital sounding synth sparkles, interspersed with repeating high sound to create a trance-inducing motion to start “December 7th.” Muscled bass heaves along with powerful drums in a strong rhythmic motion that I find engaging. Alternating organ-like synth and a steady, elevated sound throb regularly over the top of thunderous drums as distorted, digital notes flash and silence falls.

Conclusion

Electronic Dope represents a further growth in Dopesketch’s signature sound. His ability to make music with intricate, nuanced and heavily textural qualities has continued to grow and I enjoy hearing the results of that growth.

My Favourite Albums of 2022

Article by Karl Magi

Introduction

In my work as a synth music reviewer, I listen to a huge amount of music in a year and trying to pick my favourite albums out of all it is a tall order. The synth community produces a great deal of excellent music and trying to decide on “the best” sends me back to the writing desk time and again. In the end, these albums represent the music I find myself coming back to over and over again. I hope you’ll enjoy reading through and getting a flavour of the music that I felt most engaged by in 2022.

The Future Kids - ‘80s Dreams

80s Dreams found its way onto my list because it oozes neon from every musical pore. The album is unashamedly retro and brimming over with nostalgia. I love it because it celebrates the idealized experience of an ‘80s childhood about which we all dream, even if it never existed.

The melodic strength of this album is another reason why it would up on my list of favourite albums for the year. The Future Kids write melodies that soothe and ache, but also burst with energy and life. I find the pastel-tinted sense of possibility enormously appealing in these dark times.

High production quality is another reason for 80s Dreams winding up on my list of favourite albums. The production manifests itself in the mixture of richness and pin sharp clarity that permeates the album. As a result of the sonic detail, the emotional content of the music is even more impactful.

I couldn’t resist the mixture of neon-drenched sounds, emotive melodic content and high production values that pours from 80s Dreams and that is why I’ve included it on my list of favourite albums for 2022.

L’Avenue - Riviera

The sheer tranquility and peaceful glide of L’Avenue’s Riviera makes it one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022. I love the way in which it carries me off to cerulean water lapping against intensely white sand as a brilliant sun glows above the scene.

All of the soothing feelings emanating from the album’s gliding, enfolding synth palette are deeply enjoyable to me. There’s a pastel-hued sensibility that permeates all of the synths and puts me into a deeply peaceful mental state.

Eliza Devane and George Holliday’s vocal talents are another compelling reason why this album was a favourite. They lend a great deal of expression to L’Avenue’s lyrics that conjure vivd imagery in my mind. I also find the passionate, resonant sax add heartfelt feeling to the music.

Riviera’s evocative, caressing nature makes it one of my 2022 favourites. The journey on which the music takes me is a chance to catch my breath and let go of the world’s worries. These days I feel like that’s a precious gift.

Russell Nash - Do Or Die

The way in which Russell Nash’s Do Or Die explodes with retro synth sounds and powerful melodies makes in one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022. It revels in nostalgic synth sounds while having razor-sharp production values. I am compelled by the album’s emotional energy.

Russell Nash’s ability to craft strong melodies pulls me into the album. Each melody has clarity and a catchy core while exploring rich emotional terrain. Like all of the best melodists, he is able to mingle shifting feelings into a single melody. The strength of these melodies is a major factor in making it a favourite of mine for the year.

The combination of classic synth sounds with novel approaches to their use is another important factor in making this a favourite album of mine this year. The way in which the synths are used to craft intricate and detailed soundscapes carry me along on an auditory adventure.

There’s a real dynamism in the music on this album that pulls me into it. All of the sonic elements from the massive drums and oscillating bass to the energetic synths flow together to create music that rushes and flies. The energy levels on this album are infectious.

I am a sucker for artists who can make music that is full of joy and Do Or Die feels deeply joyful to me. Russell Nash revels in the retro-nostalgic music he creates and that sheer pleasure is what made this one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022.

Peacecraft - Songs For When The World Ends

Vulnerability, fragility and aching emotion flow from Peacecraft’s Songs For When The World Ends. I am deeply touched by the album and that emotional core made it a favourite of mine for 2022. Moments of tenuous hope run through it which only makes it more affecting.

Feeling and sensitivity characterize the piano performances and compositions on the album in a way I find undeniably appealing. Peacecraft’s compositional skills and piano playing lay bare his soul in a profoundly touching way.

Uncertainty, loss and melancholy fill the album in an engaging way as tremulous, twisting sounds and fragile piano weave together. Resonant strings and accenting synths contribute a pleasing depth to the album’s emotive nature.

The production by Jacket is a contributory factor to my enjoyment of the album as it gives Peacecraft’s composition and performances added depth and breadth. His approach opens up the soundstage and allows the music to breathe.

The sheer emotional power of Songs For When The World Ends is the reason why it goes on my list of 2022 favourite albums to have reviewed. I find it as moving and touching each time I hear it as I did on first listening to the album.

Pashang - Void

I selected Void as one of my favourite albums to have reviewed this year because it weaves together threads of sweeping majesty, fragility and pained emotion into an intensely pleasing synthscape. I find myself drawn into the music in a most compelling way.

A full range of ear-catching synth sounds intertwine in intriguing ways on this album. I find their complexity and depth strongly engaging as they move from magnificently massive bass into shimmering astral light. I also enjoy the textural variations that range from gritty growl to fragile chiming.

I also find the sensation of galactic vistas being revealed as the music unfolds strongly appealing. The mixture of cosmic bass with fascinatingly interlinked synth layers has a way of painting starry images across my mind’s canvas. The album makes me feel ready to explore the universe.

Melodies are something to which my ear is naturally drawn and Pashang capably crafts them on this album. They have an expressive quality that can fill a single track’s melody with a range of emotions from mournful to victorious. The synths chosen to carry each melody also tend to reinforce their emotive strength.

In the end, it is the way that Pashang takes me on a subtle, complex and deeply felt synth voyage across a vast astral canvas that made Void one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022.

Peter Gagliardi - Artwave

I chose Peter Gagliardi’s Artwave as one of my 2022 favourite reviewed albums because of the sweeping operatic feeling that it exudes as it unfolds. It has the spirit of a colossal sci-fi space epic combined with luscious synth layers and emotional power.

The sensation of being in a spacecraft crossing the vast stretches of interplanetary space that Artwave captures is another reason that I put this album on my favourites list for 2022. The way in which all of the various sonic elements are combined results in music capable of drawing vivid images of outer space in my mind.

Expressive melodies that hold mingled emotions as they unfold are also draw me into this album. Each melody is clearly delineated and they carry me through rich emotional terrain as they travel through the music. I deeply enjoy Peter Gagliardi’s strong focus on melodic writing on this album.

The level of detail in synth use also pulled me toward the album. All of the synths used are carefully combined in layers that interact in ear-catching ways. Tonal colour, sonic texture and timbre are varied and complement or contrast with each other to form entrancing auditory moments.

In the world’s current state of upheaval, Artwave takes hold of my mind and carries me across cosmic soundscapes. I find that I can become absorbed in the sonic world that Peter Gagliardi creates in a rather pleasing and edifying way.

Aeronexus - Aeon Intergrade

Aeronexus’ Aeon Intergrade goes on my favourite reviewed albums list because it is full of complex sonic layers that are intricately detailed along with ear-grabbing melodies that evoke a pulse-pounding, intergalactic voyage.

All of the intense, clear melodies carry deep emotion in a way that makes the album stand out for me. As each melodic segment evolves, it expresses a wide variety of emotional content from aching pain to rising energy in a memorable way.

Aeronexus’ musical guests also help to put this album on my 2022 favourites list. Dimi Kaye’s talented guitar chops add intricacy, Draven contributes dark shadows and a classical music sensibility and Tim Capello unleashes his fiery sax with wild abandon.

Unique and well-combined synth sounds also drew me into this album. I especially enjoy the choral synth sounds that contribute majestic energy and synths with quite hard to define but fascinating auditory textures. The way in which Aeronexus integrates all of the synths creates an irresistible sound.

Aeon Intergrade finds its way onto my list of favourites because it represents the pinnacle of the Aeronexus sound which is one I have enjoyed ever since I first became aware of his music. It was an adventure in listening!

Cat Temper - Meow At The Moon

I chose Meow At The Moon for inclusion on my favourites list because it is a truly entertaining listening experience. The album is drenched in a super fun retro horror movie sensibility. I like the fact that Cat Temper takes music making seriously while retaining a light-hearted attitude.

One of the reasons I’ve included the album on my list is the high quality melodies that Cat Temper has written for it. The melodies are grabbing and seem to have been designed to heighten the creepy, dangerous atmosphere that permeates the music. I find myself humming them after listening.

I also dig the interlocking synth parts on the album that explore all of the sonic variety of which synthesizers are capable. The way that the synths can growl demonically, trail ghostly tendrils and howl with terrifying intensity add to the cinematic feeling of terror that fills this album to the brim.

Theatricality is another feature of this album that draws me in. I like the mixture of horror elements that aren’t taken too seriously. Cat Temper has fun with creating auditory imagery that sends shivers down the spine while dark shadows boil up and reach their evil fingers out towards me.

Ultimately I have included Meow At The Moon amongst my favourite 2022 albums because it combines playfulness with musical skill. Cat Temper knows how to create well-crafted tunes but he never forgets to have fun along the way.

Draven - Abyssal Arcana

Terrifying shadows fill Draven’s Abyssal Arcana as the album’s growing terror is unleashed in a ferocious tide of darkness. It is that unrelenting feeling of danger that makes it one of my favourite albums to have reviewed this year.

The overwhelming power and weight of the musical elements is one reason I am so engaged by the album. The drums create an abyssal storm, the bass is crushing and the dramatic orchestral instruments and dangerous synths move in muscled lines. This is music that flat out looms.

I am also compelled by the horrifying sonic imagery that Draven creates. Fear, nervousness and tension all mingle to create a sensation of ominous evil that may strike at any moment and from any direction. I love the chills that this music sends through me as I listen.

A growing tide of keening strings, howling Theremin and pounding drums combine with complexity in the synth layers to bring the sense of terror to a fever pitch. I feel myself being dragged violently into the lurking shadows and held captive within them.

Mingled darkness, raging bloodlust and never ending sensations of danger pour from Abyssal Arcana in a way that pulls me in deep. I had to add this album to the list because I find Draven’s musical approach so engaging.

Terrordyne - The Dead Will Walk the Earth

The way in which Terrordyne’s The Dead Will Walk the Earth is veiled in miasmic fog, churns with rage and slavers hungrily makes it one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022. It is unrelentingly terrifying in the best possible way and I love the horror movie vibe that fills it.

The dread-filled atmosphere makes this album so appealing to me as Terrordyne has filled it with crushing fear and a horrible lurking sensibility. The mixture of a bass onslaught with a shattering drum attack and howling, screaming synth sounds drenches the music in unceasing hunger and soul-sucking darkness.

A solid musical collaboration between Terrordyne, Dan Dave Larson and LordNikøn is another reason for my enjoyment of this album. All of these artists understand how to imbue music with a terror-filled feeling and their creative cross-pollination helps pile on the fear in a most pleasingly chilling way.

The powerful emotional pull that musical contrasts within the album exert on me is another reason for including it on my favourites list. When the unrelenting darkness is pierced by poignant emotion, it serves to make the pain more intense and the shadows even more threatening.

The Dead Will Walk The Earth captures all of the existential dread of a zombie invasion and for that reason I had to include it on the list of favourite reviews for 2022. I’ve never enjoyed feeling intense dread in quite the same way before.

Victor Roy - The Curse of the Daydreamer

I chose Victor Roy’s The Curse of the Daydreamer for my 2022 favourite reviewed albums list because of the way in which it tells tales of grand adventures, forgotten lands and epic journeys. The album skilfully combines a lush synth palette, engaging melodies and the soul of a storyteller.

One of the reasons I have this album on my 2022 favourites list is the way in which the synths used by Victor Roy capture the moods and emotional tenor of his compositions. They are intriguing to my ears and encourage my imagination to roam freely through the album’s soundscapes.

Touching, deeply expressive melodies are another reason I included The Curse Of The Daydreamer on my 2022 favourites list. I enjoy how well composed the melodies are as they explore the complexity of human feelings without overdoing it. They manage to create nuance through emotional juxtaposition.

I am also drawn to the ways in which the synth instruments, melody and harmony combine to sweep me away on a thrilling adventure through fantastical realms. I enjoy the album’s ability to transport me away from workaday concerns.

The Curse Of The Daydreamer found its way onto my 2022 list of favourite reviewed albums because it effectively carries me away and lets me escape for a while into a place in which adventure and storytelling reign.

Blue Nagoon - Here Be Dragons

I included Here Be Dragons on my list of favourite albums I reviewed in 2022 because it is a richly woven musical tapestry that freely roams between genres, emotional states and intriguing soundscapes. Blue Nagoon (Michael Maas) and his guest artists’ mingled talents come together to form an intensely enjoyable album.

All of the wonderfully emotional and powerful vocal performances on the album are a major reason for including it on my list. Each vocalist brought their own unique style and beauty to the songs and skilfully interpreted Michael Maas’ well-crafted lyrics.

The satisfying guitar performances that are delivered with flair by Michael Maas also made it one of my favourites of the year. The guitar skill he demonstrates fill the music with expressive soul as they roam across many genres. I also enjoy Elevate The Sky’s excellent solo on “Withernsea”

Diversity and variety characterize the intricately interwoven synth sounds and help add depth to the album. The sounds are full of character and work together across a broad spectrum of influences to create ear-pleasing auditory imagery as they unfold.

Ultimately Here Be Dragons is on my year end favourites list because it keeps me spellbound with its emotional expression, vocal power and engaging sonic imagery. I enjoy the way that it moves beyond strict genre definitions to showcase superb music.

INDIGO- by Indigo

Indigo’s INDIGO fuses her distinctive voice with Steve Wilcoxson’s intriguing synths and her songwriting that cuts to the heart of the matter. I find this fusion so successful that it compels me to include this album on my list of favourites for 2022. This is adult pop music that explores complicated emotional terrain in an effective way.

The strength of Indigo’s voice is a major factor in making this one of my favourite albums this year. The way in which her voice captures vulnerability underpinned by strength is deeply engaging. Tenderness can become seduction and delicacy can exude power in a way that captivates me.

Clarity and directness characterize Indigo’s songwriting in a way that allows her to drive her point home with expressive depth and makes this album so appealing to me. I made an intensely emotional connection to her songwriting that keeps me coming back for more.

Steve Wilcoxson’s synth work contributes to my interest in this album. He keeps Indigo’s voice upmost in the mix while using his talent to interweave many unique tonal, timbral and textural sonic elements into an evocative supporting structure for the song writing and singing talents of our lead singer.

The way in which emotion, musical richness and Indigo’s songwriting come together here makes for an irresistible package and that is why INDIGO has made it onto my list of favourite albums that I reviewed in 2022.

Symbion Project - Saturnine

Mars Nord and Kasson Crooker (Symbion Project) have created an album in Saturnine that is full of melancholy, aching emotion and fragility in such a poignant way that it became one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022. I find it powerfully affecting each time I hear it.

The way in which Mars Nord imbues his songwriting with intense vulnerability creates an elegiac emotional strength in the album that made it one of my favourites of the year. His emotive voice brims over with intense feeling and deepens the beauty in his lyrics to touch my heart. There is tragic yearning pouring from him in each song.

Kasson Crooker paints mournful soundscapes with trembling, shadowed piano melodies which draw me into the album. The synth elements are anchored by towering drums and dense bass. Each layer of synth sound builds another emotional layer into the music, using unique textures and timbres to add depth.

Saturnine combines Mars Nord and Kasson Crooker’s impressive musical abilities in a way that cuts right to my heart and makes it one of my favourite reviewed albums in 2022. I love the fact that it still speaks of hope, even in the face of loss and pain.

Eva X - I Dream of a Reality

The shadowy, fierce power and sometimes challenging emotional content of Eva X’s I Dream of a Reality made it one of my favourite albums to have reviewed in 2022. The way in which the album combines Eva X’s unique voice with her powerful lyrics and lacerating synth background creates a wonderful intensity.

Eva X’s vocal strength is one of the reasons this album is a favourite for me. Her voice can ooze seduction, crack like a whip or exude defiance. The way in which she can use her voice allows her to fully capture all of the emotion written into her lyrics.

Another way in which the album attracts me to it is the high quality of the lyrics written for it. Eva X combines an ability to dissect social issues, express deep emotion and create inspiration in her writing. Her fearless songwriting cuts right to the heart of things in a way that I enjoy.

Sheer musical ferocity is a factor in my great enjoyment of the album. There are slicing synths, Stygian bass rumble and percussive attacks that ram the music forward aggressively. The introduction of lighter, gentler elements creates intriguing contrasts that I quite like.

An evocative mixture of emotional vulnerability, righteous anger and shadow fills I Dream Of A Reality in a way that I find utterly engaging. I am compelled to add this album to my list of favourites by the sheer expressive power which fills it.

The Lightning Kids - All Those Nights

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Lightning Kids’ All Of Those Nights binds together mingled nostalgia, hope, passion and melancholy in a potent synthpop brew. I find myself touched and moved by the emotional power of the music as it weaves together threads of synth, guitar and vocal melody.

Direct and expressive songwriting make All Of Those Nights stand out for me. Emma Ballantine and Jonny Spalding are the band’s songwriters and they words they craft are clear, emotive and deliver a strong dose of feeling and heart as they move through the music. I was drawn in by the stories told in the songs.

Emma Ballantine’s voice is another strong aspect of All Of Those Nights. She is able to fill her vocal performances with passion, emotion and energy. I like the way in which she can airily glide or let her voice rise with power as required. I also find Darren McHardie’s guitar performances add richness and depth to the album.

A synth tapestry effectively backs up the strong singing, songwriting and guitar performances. The ways in which the synths interact and create varied tones, sonic textures and instrumental timbres skilfully adds more layered, nuanced sound to the overall package.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

"Fast Car” comes to life with crackling static, washing water and a radio scanning between stations. Rounded, delicate synth glides in calming, lightly touching waves as solidly pounding retro drums and oscillating bass guide the music. Emma Ballantine's voice is wonderfully tender and airy, carrying an affectionate and heartwarming melody.

Glowing synth swirls around Emma Ballantine's voice as it combines power and emotion. A gently pulsing beat swells behind Emma Ballantine's spoken word monologue and again to push the track on.  Pastel hued synths entangle and the vocals ache with passion and remembrance. The sounds of gentle rain and the full, gleaming synth rising and fading.

Driving all night to leave their town, our narrator talks about how “the stars are out, the music’s up, the windows down.” The two of them are “fire now” as the narrator says they’re 17 in their minds, “a teenage crush.” She mentions the wind in their hair and the “instant rush.” The storyteller says “gotta take me there, just drive me in your car.” She asks the other person to drive her “oh so fast” and ends the song by saying that they’ll never be apart.

A synth choir rises in shining tendrils as the drumbeat grows into the music, rapidly driving to open “Ride.” Leaping, bright synth forms an energizing melodic pattern as Emma Ballantine's breathy, expressive voice carries a melody brimming with uplifting feelings. A tangling, glittering synth accent doubles the drum and bass pulse.

The shining synth melody has an angular quality as Darren McHardie’s strumming acoustic guitar effectively adds a more organic feeling as Emma Ballantine’s voice exudes emotion.

An undulating, nasal-sounding synth pattern is cut by shimmering metallic chimes followed by an electric guitar singing a melody that hurts and aspires as jangling, rounded synth arpeggiates.

Driving into the darkness is where our narrator finds herself, riding next to the song’s subject as they “drive through the night, like we used to do.” They’re speeding but nobody can see them so “this night is for you and me.”

As they drive in the night, their headlights are on the sea. The narrator speaks of “shadows in the night, where you used to be.” She says she’s a bit lost and “running on memories.” The storyteller only imagines that the other person is with her as she out on the road.

“California” starts off as a phone rings and broadly glittering arpeggios flow.  A rebounding, dynamic beat explodes along with throbbing bass that drives the music. Emma Ballantine's voice is pleasingly warm and full of dreaming as quick synth flashes in with sunny light.

Emma Ballantine’s voice carries a melancholy melody leavened with optimism. Quick synth sparkles ripple while hard-hitting drums and active bass shift. The chorus is full of tender light and massive drums pound  as sparkles flit through the music. Emma Ballantine's voice cascades above the  glimmering synth as it trickles through and silence falls.

Our storyteller asks the song’s subject to shut their eyes and tell her something “just like when we were young.” She adds to say that she hasn’t seen the sun since the other person left California. Instead she’s been “killing time, filling up my mind” as she considers what the song’s subject said.

Now the narrator explains that she’s been “down every road in town, trying to get you outta my head.” The song ends on an answering machine message telling the other person that she misses them and wants them to call her at some point.

Waves splash while crystalline chimes rapidly shine and electric guitar flares to open “Cool.” Emma Ballantine's voice carries a dynamic melody and funky guitar strums in. Lightly tapping drums guide the music along with rich bass. The lead synth is elevated and shiny as it flutters and Emma Ballantine's lush voice carries a passionate, life-filled melody.

The guitar strums in while full, low synth adds deep resonance and the drums and bass drive. Darren McHardie’s intricate, jazz-inflected guitar solo twirls and floats out, played with skill. while Raised synth radiates above energetically bursting drums and bass as Emma Ballantine's strong voice repeats and silence falls.

Every Friday night our narrator goes dancing and spots the song’s subject “in the corner, underneath the lights.” When she gets close to the other person, she says her heart stops beating, it’s like “my 808 repeating 1982.”

She goes on to say “baby, you’re so cool” and adds that when the other person looks at her “darling it’s so cruel.” It is between them and no one else can see. Now our storyteller talks about going driving late at night and being transported in time “when I see you in the window.”

As the song ends, our narrator talks about her heartbeat stopping when they’re close and “my head it is reeling by everything you do. “

“Closer” commences as pastel background sounds are touched by glistening chimes. An echoing vocal sound calls out as trembling notes shift. Now the drumbeat throbs actively and chimes twinkle delicately as the two singers’ voices interlock and flow out.

Now vocals rise in a shining cloud above the driving drumbeat and solid bass as metallic, glowing synth notes ring out. I enjoy the way in which our two singers mingle their strong voices in a hopeful melody as wide-open, floating synth calls out.

The song’s drum and bass heartbeat throbs on to shape the music. Both singers pour feeling into their voices as rapid synth notes flicker and open voiced synth cries out airily. Trembling synth oscillates and the drums pulse on.

The narrators speak in unison asking if they each got a little closer to one another. They both ask if “all of those nights I lay by your side” brought them a bit closer together. The two of them speak about how “I get a little older when you put your head on my shoulder.”

They wonder if all the nights on which each the other’s light it brought them “a little closer.” Both them wonder if after all of their “dancing, walking, crying and laughing” along with all of the chances they used, they ever got to one another.

Slowly bending synth flows and Emma Ballantine's lush, airy voice carries a hurting melody to open “Magnets.” Hollow background synth tumbles through while mournful feelings permeate the song and low bass throbs. Emma Ballantine’s voice is full of deep feeling as it carries the fragile melody.

Bass rebounds and guitar unfurls in warm, resonant lines as loss fills the vocals. I enjoy Emma Ballantine’s touching expression as Darren McHardie’s guitar carries a tender melodic pattern. The gentle background throb pulses onward and the reverent synths climb and glow with light before ending on a flowing synth.

“Close your eyes and count to ten” is what our narrator wants the song’s subject to do, along with taking a breath before talking again. She says that all they do is scream at each other as “this love has turned us inside out.”  The narrator can’t stop herself from doubting and adds that “forces that we can’t see” are in action on them both.

The storyteller speaks of bruises on her heart that make her feel unable to breathe. They are like magnets that repel and attract and “we clash until we’re black and blue.” Her bad habits pull her back to the song’s subject “like gravity.”

Now she wants to return to the time they met as “strangers playing hard to get.” The blood rushing in her veins takes her over once more. She concludes by saying “Here I go again, I can’t stay away. Here we go again, hold me like back then.”

“All Of Those Nights” is a stripped down variation on “Closer” with the lyrics and melody at the forefront to showcase caressing sound and delicacy. Rising synths run together to create a soothing, settling musical environment for the full richness and depth of Emma Ballantine's voice to be captured.

The stripped down nature of the music allows the emotional expression to show through without too much adornment. The open-voiced, slowly flowing synth has a mournful feeling and the whole song is full of melancholy and tremulous feelings.

Medium-low, hazily shining synth waves lap against the smoky warmth of Emma Ballantine's voice to begin “Motel.” The vocal melody has a pained quality to it as the guitar briefly touches the music. Emma Ballantine's voice fills the song with intensity as softly lapping synth waves move along with the floating, fading guitar.

Soft tambourine sounds touch the music and over it all, the vocals effectively capture the expression in the lyrics with honesty. The background sounds are tinged with light.

Drums shape and drive the music, adding life and motion below Emma Ballantine's voice. The guitar ripples and intertwines before the song moves back into the gentler segment and the drumbeat kicks in again. The guitar sings out to capture more emotion before fading on synth whorls.

The storyteller muses that she’s unsure of what drew her to her current place but says it is some sort of crisis. She’s unsure if she could “be anyone (or) do anything” where she is. Our narrator goes on to say that she doesn’t dance but “I heard a beat, had to move my body, move my feet.”  In that moment, she freed herself and was another person.

Now the narrator finds herself in an old motel, near to the city. It is a “tiny room with a single bed.” It’s a room that has no view which is “the perfect place to forget you.” She locks her door and points out that she wants to get back “before the night comes down” as she doesn’t know that town.

Our storyteller says that “they could do anything here” and she trusts no one, However one night she went out and “fell into a stranger’s bed.” As the song ends, she points out that it isn’t like her and “it was therapy and I was free.”

Conclusion

All Those Nights is an ear-pleasing synthpop voyage that manages to create nostalgia without relying on clichéd ‘80s tropes. There’s an emotional power and expressive strength to the album that allows it to explore the fractured terrain of the human heart effectively.

Strike Eagle - Operation Mjölnir

Artwork by Andy Hay

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Strike Eagle’s Operation Mjölnir radiates the spirit of an ‘80s air combat movie with soaring melodies, dramatic emotional depth and unstoppable energy. It showcases Strike Eagle’s talents along with a host of other equally talented musical guests who really get in on the atmosphere that permeates the album.

Majestic, powerful and exciting melodies are a strong component of Operation Mjölnir. The melodies are dramatic, intense and full of energy as they unfold against a backdrop of thunderous percussion and gigantic bass. I also find the gentler love songs compelling and heartfelt on the album.

All of the guest artists on Operation Mjölnir bring more depth and performance quality to the album. Ben Higgins’ guitar work is first rate and contributes a great deal to the energy and retro atmosphere of the album along with Olly Knight-Smith’s playing on “Music Comes Alive.”

Tim Capello’s colossal, gutsy sax performance adds more ‘80s spirit. Mandi Harkett’s soulful vocals and lyrics deepen the emotional content of the album and Syst3m Glitch’s production adds finesse. I also must mention BLOODPANIC’s gritty, jagged synth work on “Extraction.”

In many instances the term “cinematic” is badly misused. In the case of this album, I think it is spot on. The musical elements combine to create intense imagery and moving emotion. There’s a level of entertaining bombast and energy that permeates each track and gives it the feeling of an over the top ‘80s action flick (in a great way.)

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Cold Start” comes to life as sharply slipping sounds are broken by a huge, rapid drum pulse echoing along with gentle tapping. A bell rings out and solid bass oscillates as it is underpinned by militaristic, flourishing drums.

Trumpeting synth sings out a rousing melody that feels noble and melancholy in equal measure. Delicate higher synth floats and powerful drums pulse and rebound. The melody is enjoyably deep with emotion as bells ring and drums throb. Rounded notes float out in a bright line before silence falls.

Punchy drums swirl and rebound above solidly throbbing bass before Ben Higgins' guitar leaps out in a bending, gritty line as “Feel The Burn” opens. Strike Eagle’s vocals jump in with energizing strength carrying a dynamic melody full of propulsion.

The guitar slashes out along with a gleaming synth trickling high above it and the drums and bass rocket on. Ben Higgins’ guitar solo is thrilling as it screams and howls before the hard-edged vocals drive and battering drums pound.

The chorus rises with combative energy as the guitar cuts with ferocious energy while rippling high synth accents it. The guitar takes a heart-pounding journey over the strings, whirling out in wild abandon. A radio communication moves in and the guitar slices powerfully as the vocal melody bursts with strength and life.

Pure combative speed and power fill the lyrics as our narrator tells the pilot that its time to “spool up your turbine get your engines hot” and to push the throttle forward and “show ‘em what you’ve got.” He points out that it is the pilot’s opportunity to do battle and “dominate the sky.” As they are facing off, there’s no time for him to think so he should “fly on instinct, better take your shot."

It is a case of man versus machine and the narrator urges the pilot not to miss his chance. He needs to focus because it is the time to do or die. He encourages the pilot to “get in the fight and fly for your life.” Now he talks about how the pilot must feel the burn because “you’re gonna light up the fire so that they will learn.”

The storyteller says that the pilot will “race it to the top” and his enemies will know it. He speaks of lighting the fire and pushing the plane to afterburn. He adds that his enemies are going to “feel the burn” in their combat.

Now he describes the pilot locking eyes with the enemy so he can start “circle turning” to get his sights on his opponent to make them “rue the day.” The narrator speaks of this as the pilot’s “battle cry” which gives the enemy “no chance to run” as he’s got a taste for the fight now. It is time to “pull the trigger, feel the rockets ignite.” The pilot is told that he’ll be dominant and that the enemy’s life is “in short supply.”

Our storyteller speaks of how the pilot will turn and burn as he stands alone “with screaming wings downturned.” He asks the pilot to take over the plane as it Is “hunt or be hunted.” The pilot will “align, spool up the engine” and feel two worlds combining. He has to clear his mind because “you’re flying for your life.”

“Music Comes Alive” starts as funky drums and bass create a groove below Tim Capello’s fat-sounding, impassioned sax that growls intently. Mandi Harkett’s smoothly flowing vocals carry a caressing vocal melody with ear-pleasing soul.

Drums pulsate as brass leaps to accent Mandi Harkett's gliding, rich voice. Tim Capello’s sax is full of pleasing, reedy grit as the drums keep popping while the sensuous vocals are expressive.

The chorus has a gliding quality and brass shines, supported by funky bass and a guiding drumbeat. Tim Capello lets loose with a leaping sax solo that is full of jazzy energy and bursting power. Mandi Harkett’s vocals move with inspiring as drums keep up their pulse. The whole track ends on deep musical joy.

Our tale’s teller speaks of the night falling as it is “clear we’re meant to be” even in a “crowd of uncertainty.” She says that they won’t deny the rhythm “to take control.” The melody brings them together as the tempo begins to captivate them, feeling “in time, set to our heart rate.”

Now the storyteller says it is time to stop being afraid and crying because "all that’s left is you and I, transformed by this beat that helps us fly.” She calls for the two of them to “revive as the music comes alive.” Any conversation is drowned by the sound that “hits the floor and stuns the walls.”

They have left their insecurities behind them. At the moment they “thought the dark was here to stay” stars came to shine their light on them. As the music rises in the club, she calls out to the song’s subject that they should “take a chance in our dance and make these flames go higher.” They need to build up and grab the “unreachable dreams we desire.”

Now the narrator talks about the perfect harmony made for them as they are “transformed by this beat that helps us fly.” She calls on them to bring things back to life and “drive to the dreams that we share” which are not as distant as they once thought.

Charging drums and cascading guitar that is immediately irrepressible kick off “Hard Target.” The drums splash in as Ben Higgins’ guitar snarls and the rocking chorus climbs. Strike Eagle’s voice is full of deep strength and energy while the drums rush along with controlled power.

Ben Higgins’ guitar has a razor edge and while bursting drums and driving bass keep rocketing onward. Strike Eagle's vocal melody is inspiring and full of intensity as the guitar flies out in a hammering, twisting solo that evokes a screaming jet in a dogfight. Again the vocals soar upward, full of drama as the drumbeat relentlessly pulsates.

The narrator talks about the pilot getting into his aircraft and how he will “commune with the infinite” because it is his reason to take flight. He describes how the pilot will “lacerate” as the plane tears through the air and how he will reach upward “flying high on screaming eagle wings to fight.”

Now the storyteller describes the pilot as a “hard target” moving through the night and how it will be “ingress to hard target.” He is going to “own the skies tonight.” He says that the pilot will go in free of emotion and anticipating. He adds that “there is ice in your veins, thinking fast and acting faster.” He makes no mistakes as he is “breaking the chains.”

Our narrator describes the pilot “going long and flying hard” to feel the speed that night. He will be “flying high on wings of steel” as he moves into the battle space.

"Break The Prison” starts as overwhelmingly powerful drums collide and elevated, distorted sounds sweep into wide open space. A scattered synth trembles and rushing sound moves along with flashing, ominous brass.

Yearning strings add a dark resonance before brass calls out with dramatic intent above the thundering drums. Trumpeting notes climb and add intensity before they subside in a rush. Drama and danger permeate this track to effectively add even more tension to it.

Razor-edged, jagged synth pulses cut into the track and pounding, dense percussion drives them into an angular, jumping motion to open “Extraction.” Above them, rounded notes flow and now intense, minor key orchestral sounds create a darkly victorious sonic rush.

Stuttering, grunting synth pulses slash while smooth arpeggios twirl and a brass section sings an intriguing melody rich with danger and majesty. BLOODPANIC’s clotted, growling synth throbs in a rushing line before moving into a slower segment in which nasal, medium low synth begins accelerates into a tumbling pattern.

Drums accelerate with ferocity before slowing into a gigantic, towering synth pulse. Percussion batters and a howling sonic maelstrom and a dark vocal sample are shattered by heavily pulsating, sharp edged synth.

“Muninn Flight” comes to life as a bell rings out and shadowy bass swirls and oscillates. Creaking, groaning guitar rises as the heavy blackness intertwines below. Ben Higgins’ guitar carries a melody that aches and trembles with feeling as it moves above shaping drums and powerful bass.

The guitar melody becomes elegiac before a warmer tone fills it. I am drawn to the guitar’s bluesy howl. Drums thunder again and the guitar calls out with a more upbeat and noble feeling while brighter notes swell underneath.

Orchestral backing adds to the intense life pouring from the guitar as it unfurls with a lush tone. Drums form a guiding motion as a smoothly rippling arpeggio twirls and guitar dances in intricately interlocking lines. The umbra below the other musical elements adds threat. As the track ends, the tragic and inspiring main melody climbs to the skies on gleaming guitar.

Speeding bass drives onward as massive retro drums throb to begin “Wings Of Your Heart.” Enfolding, glowing synth carries a gently encouraging melody. Strike Eagle’s deeply resonant voice carries a melody intense with dreaming joy as panpipes flutter airily.

Strike Eagle''s vocal is deeply felt while huge drums touch the music. A keyboard flashes with hopeful light as the guitar cries out, equally full of passion and emotion. The uplifting melody is supported by fluttering panpipes as the retro percussion and bass rush on.

The way in which the music exudes positive emotion is satisfying. Drums burst broadly and chimes glow as the keyboard spins out a warming and energizing melody. A sense of dreamy light flows from the music as drums dance. The chorus flies out on Strike Eagle’s emotive and uplifting voice before the song drives to an end.

The story’s teller asks if the song’s subject remembers walking into his life with “the look in your eyes mesmerizing.” He says that he can’t believe his eyes when he looks at the other person’s face and “that smile (that) can make me soar.” He points out that they get him and that he’s been set free as they “floor me (with your laugh) just like you did.”

In the chorus, our narrator talks about the song’s subject “with your red plaid shirt and those two-tone eyes.” As the other person smiles, he talks about it being paradise and adds, “What a way to start! You're a work of art!”

The narrator explains that the spark igniting at “the karaoke bar where we spent the night” never felt as right as it does now. He adds that they were “a world apart” and that the other person kick-started him “on the wings of your heart.”

He describes the other person as “the adorable nerd I love with all of my heart.” He talks about how the other person is enchanting when they dance. He wonders why it is that the song’s subject wants to spend their life with him.

Their “flame burns bright” together and the other person will “soothe my soul” as they hold him and “shine brightly (in our world.)” He talks about how they illuminate him with their spark “just like the night.”

As the song comes to an end, the narrator says “I hold you close tonight, the magic is still alive, you take my breath away.”

Conclusion

Operation Mjölnir bursts at the seams with exuberant energy as it unfolds in a rush of melodic power, grand emotion and filmic imagery. My main criteria for judging an album is the entertainment quotient and this album delivers on that score in a huge way!