OneWorldRio - Marcia’s Baby Boy

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

OtherWorldRio’s Marcia’s Baby Boy is an album for late night relaxing, but one that’s full of intriguing sounds, caressing melodies and ear-catching percussion. It is chilled out music that avoids being bland, instead creating deep relaxation and permeating me with pleasing emotion.

I enjoy the atmosphere that Marcia’s Baby Boy creates as it unfolds. There’s a delicate, soothing feeling that pours from the music and suffuses me as I listen. It has a hazy, summery light to it that emanates and wraps me in calm and ease. OtherWorldRio has a knack for projecting laid-back vibes and flowing peace in his music.

The melodies on Marcia's Baby Boy are another reason for my enjoyment of the album. There’s a gentleness, a wistfulness and a warmth to them that puts me in mind of warm and comforting days spent without worry. I enjoy the way in which OtherWorldRio conveys emotion through melodic writing and directly to my heart.

Percussion can make or break an album and it definitely makes this one. The drums are strong, guiding and shaping the music as they move underneath it. There’s a diversity of different tones and timbres in the drums that keeps them interesting and they form a heartbeat to the music that enlivens all of the other elements.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Way” commences as elevated, trembling notes and a static crackling drift into open space, diffuse and drifting. Throbbing drums and metallic percussion are backed by  minor key whorls of organ like notes. Reverberating bass flows out in dense pulses below the ticking drums to guide the track along.

Vocal sounds with a cosmic swirl drift as open, round-sounding synths create a pleasingly luscious glow. Elevated, airy synth delicately falls down through the music carrying a wistful melodic pattern. Organ-like chords grow and drift out over rumbling, extended bass while vocal breaths also echo. The metallic percussion fades into high, distant notes as an uneven, hollow tapping sound ends the track.

Fat, rich bass and medium-high, glittering notes flicker in slowly wandering lines that radiate gleaming light to start “Take Flight.” Smoothly slipping bass is given energy by pulsing drums while while broad, flaring synth chords create energetic motion.

Springy, medium-high synth carries a jumping pattern that effectively explodes with dynamic strength as hard-hitting bass throbs. Metallic synth soars upwards to sparkle far above the guiding beat. Now active bass shifts below intertwined synth chords that glide above the propulsion underneath them and in a misty drift end the track.

“A Burst of Nostalgia” opens with unevenly shifting, distorted piano tumbling over deep, unctuous synth chords with a jazz organ sound. The drums form an easy-going rhythm in concert with solid bass as trickling, full-sounding synth moves in short bursts. Jazz organ chords rise to lift the music as broken sounds move past over the drum heartbeat.

Quick, fluttering sounds move over the interlocking chords. I enjoy the caressing emotion in this track as it is contrasted with distorted, roaming piano-like notes that add a tinge of discomfort. Low synth bursts in with a warmer feeling to contrast with the wandering, jazzy notes above it. The track ends on soft, distant piano and fades out.

Gossamer synth flows in trembling lines with an organ-like vibe along with choral sounds that drift by to begin “Pastel Twilight.” Softly guiding drums touch the music along with slowly circling, diffuse synths that do indeed feel pastel in their mellow tones. I am drawn to the dreaming, lost melody out over the steadily tapping drums and gruff bass that shifts far below.

Upwelling synth gives an impression of warm evening air blowing past my face as the drumbeat keeps the track’s pulse going. The main melody floats by like dandelion seeds on balmy air as they break briefly to drums before bass density. This track is settling and calm, full of the warmth of a slowly sinking summer sun as airy sounds sweep past and the underpinning drums shape the track as it ends.

“Unnamed Anthem” starts as creamy synth slips over equally luscious bass before wide, digital sounding synth carries a melody that is full of life.  Massive bass throbs far underneath as shimmering, medium-high synth descends in divided lines over a resonant drum sound.

Digital-sounding synth reverberates over the powerful drums and gargantuan bass. Fat, medium-high synth carries a melody with majesty and a tinge of shadow. Popping drums keep up their bouncing pattern and huge bass falls down below while a twisting, slipping sound flows through and the track ends.

Flanging, bending synth twists over a subtly swirling background as drums pulse evenly to kick off “Water Colors.” String-like, metallic synth cascades and flashes in a lively pattern out over bursting, stuttering drums and heavy bass that growls far below.

Misty synths intertwine and trail tendrils as tight, high synth flickers to create a soothing impression I enjoy. The hollow, breathy background moves in a laid back flow over rumbling bass and guiding drums. A distant glow fills the music and  string-like synth tumbles through the music in aching, flashing motion over incredibly low bass sounds.

“Handball Courts & Bicycle Shorts” starts off with sharp-edged sounds moving in a slowly unfurling line. Bright, glimmering synth carries a glowing melodic pattern with a descending motion. A softly touching, guiding drumbeat and bursts of hard-edged bass cut in and tremble.

Medium-high, flaring synth pulses in uneven patterns that echo out above quick bass pulses that coalesce into a more steady motion. Lambent synths sweep through the music, easily undulating to create a summery impression. Full-sounding, warm synth is tinged by twinkling chimes that sparkle out over the shaping drumbeat.

Slightly aching, nasal sounding synth moves in a repeating melodic pattern that has melancholy quality to bring “Snake Charmer” into existence. Stutter-stepping drums create a hypnotic beat as elevated, flaring chimes form a textural glimmer. Extended synth chords vibrate out with a taut feeling as cosmically swirling synth unfolds with a glittering light.

I am enamoured of the raised, sparkling chimes that move over woodwind-like synth with a woodsy sound carrying a darkly pained melodic pattern. Underneath it all, the beat keeps throbbing and stuttering as the chiming synth carries an expressive musical pattern, deep bass adding support far below before silence falls.

“Liminal Pool Party” comes to life as fragile, diffuse synth chords with a minor key quality move into open space. Ticking drums guide the music onward while hazy synths drift along in whorls around it. Reverberating synth with misty feeling trembles along in a lightly touching melodic pattern while hollow drums shape the music.

Wide, delicate arpeggios circle over the pulsing beat and the high synth carries slowly undulating notes over the drum motion. I enjoy the airy quality of the full synths moving in expanding notes that sweep along with ease.The drums become widely spaced, echoing out in a steadily ticking motion before the track ends.

Bell-like jazz organ moves in quick snippets as the broad, slowly uneven drumbeat shifts  in a vaguely jerky motion to begin “Lucky 13.” A steady metallic tapping forms a pulse and the jazz organ chords are rounded and rich.

Gleaming chimes carry a raised pattern that radiates light as xylophone-like sounds with a deep timbre move in. I enjoy the way in which the guitar-like synth carries a roaming and distorted metallic pattern before the music stops.

Conclusion

Marcia’s Baby Boy is a perfect soundtrack to a quiet evening in. OtherWorldRio creates vibe-y, cool and atmosphere-drenched synth music that both entertains and relaxes. I thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of this album!

Damokles - bits & pieces 4

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Damokles’ bits & pieces 4 might be a collection of tracks that don’t quite fit in with his other albums, but they still represent a creative, unique take on synth-based music full of Damokles’ skillful synth solos, compelling percussion and first-rate melodies. There’s a playful quality to his music that I also greatly appreciate and its on full display here.

Melodic writing is most certainly Damokles’ strong suit and bits & pieces 4 showcases it to great effect. Damocles has an ear for creating catchy, engaging melodies that are full of expressive feeling. I enjoy the way he mingles emotional states in his melodic writing, adding more depth to the proceedings.

Another strong suit for Damokles is his synth soloing. Many of the tracks on bits & pieces 4 contain his free-wheeling, madly inventive solos that erupt with exuberant energy and blaze wildly. His playful nature is given free rein on the album and that further builds the musical quality of the tracks.

The way in which percussion is deployed in Damokles’ music draws me into it deeply. He has an innate feel for percussion sounds and patterns that are ear-pleasing. I enjoy the integration of propulsive and interesting rhythms and fascinating drum sounds with all of the other musical elements, crafting a rich album that has a dynamic quality to it.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Time To Move On” begins as sharp-edged synth blasts into the music in bouncing, angular lines before a throbbing kick drum and big retro tom hits kick in. The drumbeat accelerates the music as nasal sounds writhe in twisting lines and unctuous, warm synth dances into the music carrying a funky melody.

Bursting drums and pounding bass add a shaping motion to the track. The lead synth whirls and leaps, intricately unfolding in Damokles’ inimitable style. The tom hits rebound as the kick drum relentlessly pulsates below the medium-high, wildly cascading synth as it spins out an energetic melody. The track breaks into slowly throbbing drums as the raised, glowing synth howls out in a madly intertwined solo.

Damokles unleashing his keyboard skills in inventive riffs as the main melody explodes into the music again, imbued with speed and manic energy. The lead riff is deeply catchy as the nasal-sounding synth shifts to carry a secondary melodic line as the bass and drums relentlessly drive on. Hollow drums pound before the music fades.

Smooth, misty and warming synth flows as drums pulsate, full of retro energy as "Take One Moment” commences. The drums provide a laidback guide for actively moving bass and medium-high synth flashes. The raised lead synth is shimmering and full of jazzy vibes as it unfurls in an ultra-cool melody that I quite enjoy.

The melody has jazz fusion influences and broad-sounding synth carries the uplifting and propulsive melody over the throbbing drum and bass. The high synth part wriggles and slides along with slippery motion over the drum and bass pulse.

Fat, dense synth bops through the music carrying a melody with an irresistible groove as it locks in with the percussion. The rebounding drums match nicely with the bass, as an ethnic drum adds a unique flavour and the body shaking lead synth melody fades.

“People of Earth” starts as dynamic drums leap into the music along with a sharp-edged, medium low synth and descending bass pulses that volley in between the higher synth. The whole drum kit adds more progressive energy as rounded synth blocks carry a dramatically moving, minor key melodic pattern.

Elevated, glittering synth sings out a hopeful melody over the massive, charging drums that support it. The melody whirls out in a sunburst as the track jumps into an angular, addictively pulsating drum and bass segment. Minor key, ringing synth blocks tumble again as the main melody dances in a flickering line.

Now colossal, driving drums lift up the strong melody and laser-like accents blast through. Wide-band, medium-low synth charges on, tinged with a feeling distant danger. Damokles features an intriguing, ear-grabbing percussion part that illustrates his compositional skills and feel for finding first-rate drum sounds.

Richly varied percussion forms a solid groove to move "Trapped In A Day Dream" onward as the bell-like lead synth melody moves with glowing life. The drums have a solidity and power to them that only grows as luscious bass lifts the music. Pipe-like synth with a breathy voice carries over the interlocking drum and bass groove. The main melody has a dreamy mood as it floats through, creating a pleasing contrast with the powerful percussion that drives the track on.

The melody’s frolics over the bass weight and relentless drums. Medium-high, glowing synth takes up the lead melody and adds strength to its light-hearted feeling. The track moves into a segment in which shadows swirl to add a clouded quality and extending, sharp-edged synths cut in.  The main melody skips in again, scudding along while slightly rough-edged, warm synths bloom before silence falls.

“Ride Into The Sunset” opens with gleaming, flaring synth clouds joined by a  slow, powerful drumbeat and rumbling bass. A keyboard plays flickering, uplifting notes with higher synth flares above it. Now a distorted, elevated synth sings a melody full of a sensation of majestic life that soars out over the colossal drums. The lead synth’s bending flight climbs to great heights as the throbbing drums and bass guide the track onward.

After a drum fill, the brightly shimmering melody arcs upward, carrying a message of perseverance. Another superb solo from Damokles leaps with wild energy, carried on shining synth over the massively rumbling bass and hard hitting drums. Huge bass blocks shift and quick synth bursts in as the main melody calls out, reaching for the stars in an elegiac line. The percussion drives the track toward an end point, full of inspiration and dreaming energy.

Broad, muscled bass oscillates as drums add a shaping beat to kick off “If I Could Just See Him Again.” Volleying, medium-high sound bounces before a circular synth adds glittering accents and the bass oscillation pulsates onwards.The lead synth is expansive as it carries a melody full of wistful longing over the guiding drums and bass.

The main melody skillfully combines feelings of nostalgia and a sense of affection as the track’s dynamic low end propels it. Flashing synths add glitter as the lead synth’s yearning voice cries out, imbued with happy memory and melancholy. Falling synth stars trickle through the music and the big drums rebound while the bass keeps oscillating. The track fades on flowering synth light.

“Let Me See The Light” comes to life as a devious sounding bass pattern moves and a jumping drumbeat bounces in. Trumpeting, bright notes flare and an elevated, metallic synth sings a delicate and echoing melody, tinged with pleasant emotion over the steadily pulsing drums and solid bass support.

I enjoy the fact that the melody is joyful and full of levity as trumpeting synths glow around it. Now full synth carries the enfolding melody before the raised, glimmering lead calls out the content-feeling melody.

Round-sounding, lush synth takes up the melody, adding a hint of wistful feeling as the drums and bass throb on, shaping the music. The rich tones of the lower, slightly more melancholy synth call out and the track goes out on the brassier synth and drum throb.

Wide, deep synth flows in shifting lines as raised chimes shimmer to start “Out On My Own.” A leaping drumbeat’s angular motion drives the music forward. The lead synth is medium-low and a little nasal as it carries a nostalgic, dreaming melody that sails out over the steadily guiding drumbeat. The melody has a sense of adventure to it, leavened by more complicated emotions.

I enjoy the emotional complexity in the melody here. A dense, full-sounding synth expresses a craving for a new life tinged with uncertainty. Bass fades as the throbbing snare and kick pulse shapes the music and the angular, metallic synth pops through the track while the active bass and throbbing drums propel the track on to a conclusion.

"The Escape” begins as massive bass and a snare drum form a snaky pulse throbbing into wide-open space. The bass shifts in slowly moving, roaming lines as a tight synth pulses in a tumbling flow while hollow sounds float. The lead synth has resonance as it carries a mysterious and timeless melody while choral voices flow ethereally in the distance. There’s a measure of sadness in the main melody, along with a majestic sweep to which I am drawn.

The lead synth climbs in a secondary melody that yearns upwards as slowly touching drums lend a tentative quality. The main melody drifts by, tragic and noble, while the drums and bass shape the music below it. Deep emotion pours from the music here, expressing something a little lost but still moving forward. The beat keeps up a steady pulsation as the drums take the track to a conclusion into echoing space along with a hollow, popping sound.

Conclusion

bits & pieces 4 is not a throwaway album, despite being comprised of tracks that have been set aside from other albums. The music is energizing, fascinating and complex while still retaining a youthful passion for the inherent creative possibilities of synth-based music.

Fabrizio Brugnera & Man From Mars - The Conquest of Happiness

Review By Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Fabrizio Brugnera and Man From Mars’ The Conquest of Happiness mixes beautiful melodies, well-chosen instrumentation with a textured, subtle synth tapestry to create deep and detailed musical vignettes. I am drawn to the layered detail and expressive strength in the music on the album.

Melodic composition is clearly a strong point for Fabrizio Brugnera and his collaborator and that’s showcased on 
The Conquest of Happiness. Each melody is clear, memorable and full of rich expression as it unfolds. The way in which the melodies mingle varying emotions gives them strength and creates engagement in me as a listener.

The instruments have been carefully considered on The Conquest of Happiness and that adds to the overall musical impact. The simple cleanliness of the piano, textured richness from the strings and ear-grabbing synths all interlock to explore timbres, textures and emotional states as they unfold. I find myself touched, moved and drawn into the music.

For me, the musical pieces on the album function like individual poems in a collection. Each track is like individual poetic moments, capturing a different emotional state. When all of those small vignettes come together, the result is nuanced and powerful.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Guilt & Shame” begins with worn vinyl record crackles and a warm, distant series of piano chords. The piano flows into a string section, trembling with pained emotion, as it carries a solemn, delicate melody that touches me. The melody is accented by sparkling light as a synth pulse trickles in on a tense high instrument.

Metallic bells tinkle and an underlying bass oscillation shivers through. A light hi-hat touches the track as sweeping wind moves. Drums reverberate below mournful, aching strings that carry the wistful melody out over rippling low end synth. Expressive piano takes up the melody, supported by rich string textures as a violin sings out, dripping with emotion.

Motes of light flicker again and thin synth runs like a silken thread through the music. A dense bass wave washes through as the piano conveys a sorrowful sensation. Higher, undulating synth trickles through in a glittering pattern to accent the piano as it fades.

Fragile, but full synth notes slowly descend in tentative steps, now rebounding out to open “Meaninglessness.” A smooth, broad arpeggio slowly floats underneath elevated, gleaming synth that is full of vulnerable emotion. Vocal ounds call out breathily as the bass rises.  A smoothly flowing arpeggio shifts below as high synth shimmers.

The piano is pleasingly full of longing as emotive strings deepen the melancholy over the shaping drums and swelling bass. The vocal sounds add a living quality as piano and strings soar upward in a surprisingly uplifting melody. Arpeggiating synth waves add more texture as elevated light shines and the track fades into quiet.

“Envy” starts off as far away piano is broken by raised, flashing synth that drifts through, reminiscent of a heart monitor. An airy sonic flow swirls around tremulously drifting piano notes a surging bass oscillation. The piano carries a gently touching melody, deep with a mixture of tenderness and glow. Vibrating, elevated synth moves through while the string section adds shadings of pain.

A huge, arcing arpeggio adds lush weight to the music as bass glides smoothly and the piano’s melody is full of intensely expressed loss. Whorls of synth intertwine through the regretful strings. Elevated piano notes glitter high above the strings which add resonance along with horns that have a brassy ache. The voice over repeats that we are all as one. Arpeggios on string-like synth rise and fall as the piano’s fragile notes drift into silence.

Deep, tidal bass flows as full, open sounds move below trembling piano to open “Boredom.” The piano carries a slowly moving melody full of tenuous, painful feeling. Steady string sounds move while airy noise flutters and bass depths grow into a massive current. The piano repeats an evolving pattern, forming a compelling hypnotic line.

Bright, high synth glimmers in the distance and the low end of the track is full of strength and weight. Swirling, dense sound fills the background as full notes buoy up the delicate piano and the music fades into quiet.

“Fear of Public Opinion” starts as flashing, cascading synth full of intense brightness carries quickly varying arpeggios. A throbbing drumbeat comes in to drive the track forward with accelerative energy. Now the piano melody dances in, full of infectious motion and flickering light, while breezy sound floats below the interwoven piano notes. The steady drumbeat propels the gleaming piano melody.

Trickling chimes glisten above the flying piano as it spins out through the music. The main melody conveys a sense of dynamic forward motion as arpeggios whirl, hard-hitting drums pulse and sparkling synth accents flutter. Background sounds form a cloudy support for the piano. Twinkling chimes and warm chords add a pleasantly reverent, ethereal feeling as the track ends on the smoothly gliding melody.

Organ-like notes add reverberant feeling to “Fatigue” and soft, hissing sounds brush over the top of the organ. The bass depths are touched by worshipful choral synth as round-sounding, distant notes echo out into open space with a bending distortion.

The choral  synths are accented by medium-high synth that creates a glowing line. An oscillating sonic pulse adds texture and lush synths climb as the bass begins to throb underneath. The medium-high, gentle lead synth carries a melody that reaches yearning tendrils upwards as massive bass slips out below like a river.

Now resonant, deep sounds lift the music as extended chords tremble. There’s a hopeful quality to the rounded synth sounds that climb along with choral synths before the organ sound drifts along with a slowly sweeping wind into silence.

Conclusion

The Conquest of Happiness is an album that spills over with emotion, expression and a layered musical exploration of humanity. Fabrizio Brugnera and Man From Mars strike me as a thoughtful, skilled composers with a unique sensibility.

Manhatten - Specific State

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Manhatten’s Specific State is a lusciously layered, airy and intricate musical journey. Rich bass, strong percussion and varied synth sounds mingle with beautiful melodic moments and a gliding feeling to create relaxing, engaging music.

Layer upon layer of sound wash and flow together through Specific State. Manhatten draws from a deep, broad selection of synth sounds and lays them down like a painter building up an image from many different paints. The tones, timbres and textures all interact in fascinating ways that keep my ears well engaged.

Despite the gauzy, summery sensations that permeate Specific State, percussion and bass still plas a crucial role in the overall musical picture. The drums have depth and weight to them and a series of other percussive elements create additional layers and sonic interactions. Undulating bass waves buoy up the other sounds on the album and carry them in an easy flow.

I also want to mention Manhatten’s melodic writing on the album. He has crafted gem-like, delicate melodies that soothe and sometimes hurt a little. As the melodies run throughout the tracks, they weave gossamer threads to enrapture the ears and touch the heart.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“First Steps” opens as far away, open-sounding synth carries a dynamically shifting melody over a steadily gliding beat. The string-like, medium high synth accents hollow, pipe-like sounds carrying a gently uplifting melody over the steadily moving drums and deep bass.

There’s an ethereal, summery ease that draws me in as pipe-like synth flows through and softly shaping drums move underneath it. The track moves into a breezy segment with short drum bursts and elevated, nasal synth drifting through.

The light beat is accented by intertwined string sounds and panpipe synth singing out a fragile line as distant sounds tumble through the music. Airy synth frolics gently as full sounds climb around it before the track easily flickers into silence.

Twisting, scraping sounds start off “I Know” followed by a swirling, distorted, balmy synth cloud flows in pillowy notes. A distant voice moves before solid drums pulsate below pipe-like notes that slide out into the music. The drums have an uneven motion and the misty, delicate background is broken by trembling pipes.

Bending, flute-like synth carries a hazy and caressing line out over the stuttering drums and vibrating bass throb. Fluting synth glides along through the intertwining sonic whorls to create a calm soundscape. The panpipe’s hollow voice gently drifts along with bright flute-like notes shivering out into the unctuous background as a distorted voice calls out. The music has  a settling and fragile feel as the track ends.

“The 808 State We’re In” begins as dense bass and heavily pulsing drums are joined by xylophone notes tapping out. Weighty bass shifts as elevated notes wriggle and clapping percussion trembles.

Bendy sonic blocks move along with the woodsy xylophone’s clacking and extended notes echo out as creamy bass moves far below them. Natural sounds cry out and the distant, indistinct vocals also shift while the drums stutter and the thick bass undulates. A high, fluting sound flows through in a vaguely melancholy line that I find touching.

Xylophone shimmers with a brittle sound and mingled, interlinked notes wash through. The drums shake and flutter while the echoing vocal sounds also wander past. Solid bass underpins a tumbling sonic cascade as night sounds end the track.

Vibrant, round-sounding panpipe synth opens “In The Name of Love.” The lead synth carries a pleasantly heart-warming melody full of aching feeling as the massive drums burst and pulsate. The repeating melodic pattern is cut by elevated, string-line notes before a medium-high, resonant synth takes up the caressing melody.

A tambourine adds more percussion as disembodied voices flow past. The melodic pattern washes out and comes in again on breathy panpipes as the hard-hitting drums have a wide feeling as they burst into the music.

A hissing rush moves and broad, medium-high synth carries an enfolding melodic pattern. High chimes double the lead synth while the vocal flow bends. The track ends, washing away into silence after a gigantic drum burst.

"You Showed Me” comes to life as medium-high, gleaming synth and ringing chimes slip through in a gentle line as the bass oscillates. Full-sounding, glittering synth carries a smoothly touching melody that shines out over the easy-going drums and upwelling bass. I find the melody engaging in this track.

Tender light glows from the lead synth, elevated and shimmering, while the drums grow in strength to match the bass pulsation. Raised synth carries a bright, warming melodic pattern that trickles through the music over the bass depths far below. A robotic, distorted vocal sound that moves with the full main melody and out into silence.

A single, resonant bell rings out before wide-sounding, bursting drums and a hazy bass throb move to kick off “Try So Hard.” Elevated, flashing synth flickers and distorted voices briefly move into the track. Breezy panpipes carry quickly leaping, feather-light notes over rich bass. Entangling, circular synth winds distantly through as the bell rings, digital sounding bass rumbles and piercing synth glitters.

Wide drums burst and misty bass intertwines as bells ring out to accent the glowing synth.  The panpipes flow out with a summery ease that I enjoy over the glowing synth light around them. Bass density washes in waves and medium-high synth calls out with a gentle touch before one final bell rings and silence falls.

“Building  A New World” begins with a hissing, distorted bell tolling as undulating bass waves ripple. A jumping bass line and metallic percussion form a shaping pattern as whorls of medium-high, lush sound drift and deep bass cascades.

The drums propel the music in a slightly broken pattern as angular bass drives on. Metallic percussion adds a brittle element as a distorted voice briefly twists as the warm pastel of the background wraps around itself.

Dense bass wanders far underneath as reverent, tremulous synth glides in an enjoyable line. Broad, more powerful, medium-high synth sweeps as gruff sounds shiver and rise. The drums keep moving as the creamy mid-range synth adds an open-voiced feeling before the music fades.

Conclusion

Specific State is an album that calms and glides, while still possessing a strong percussive heartbeat, powerful bass rhythms and some beautiful melodies. Manhatten has spun off in a new and interesting direction with this release.