Symbion Project - Saturnine

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Symbion Project’s Saturnine is melancholy, aching with deep emotion and full of fragility and a tenuous thread of hope in the face of loss and hurt. The combination of Kasson Crooker’s (Symbion Project) sonic tapestries with Mars Nord’s affecting lyrics and powerful voice results in elegiac, expressive music that touches my heart.

Mars Nord’s songwriting ability and emotive, wide-ranging voice combine to produce an intense emotional effect on me. There’s a depth of pained loss and tragic yearning in his words and his vocal performances that I find it impossible not to be moved by it. The way he can move between sonorous depths and fragile heights with his voice mingles with his evocative lyrics to touch me on a primal level.

Kasson Crooker effectively captures the emotional tenor of the lyrics and vocals with his musical backing. He paints melancholy soundscapes with tender, sometimes shadowed piano melodies that are anchored by powerful drums and rumbling bass. To these elements, he deftly adds unique synth textures and accents that combine in expressive sonic layers which only intensify the emotion in each song.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Afterlife” comes into existence with crackling radio static and broken, delicate synth notes underpinned by a full bass pulse. The bass becomes gigantic, higher synths dancing in a fragile flicker as bursting, broad percussion strikes and a breathy vocal exhalation moves in. Drums snap and strike as a twisting distortion flows and tense notes wander over the shadows below.

Mars Nord’s voice is shadowed, deep and aching as it carries a mysterious melody, effectively filling the entire song with more colossal weight. Metallic high notes twinkle and intertwine in a rapidly turning melodic line as whispering sounds rush past. Stygian bass rumbles and Mars Nord’s powerful, hurting vocals carry an elegiac melody supported by slabs of heavy synth and the song ends on his voice alone.

Our storyteller speaks about how he stays true to his cause even if “my means seem crude.” He adds that it’s “ill-advised” to improvise when one is “worlds apart, a child at heart.” He says that “as no surprise, I love goodbyes.” The narrator talks about running out of will with “no spirit left.” He says that he’ll see the other person “on the other side” as they call to him and that he has the “undying dream of moving on to the afterlife.”

Far off, raised notes ring out as Mars Nord’s filmy and deeply melancholic vocals carry over warm, pained piano chords to open “Nodus Tollens.” The vocal melody mingles yearning and wistful emotion. Mars Nord’s voice is trembling, deeply expressive and resonant as the piano chords  shift along with a softly tapping snare drum. The piano drifts in a touching melody, daring to hope as drums lightly guide the music.

Mars Nord imbues the words with intense meaning, his voice deep with heartfelt emotion as the ticking drums guide the music on. Delicate piano carries the melody’s combined hurt and aspiration for something more as the vocals capture the emotion in the lyrics. Tiny, sparkling motes of light flicker in the background as the drums kick in again and Mars Nord’s vocals lift and fill with aching need as the drums skitter and pop.  High chimes glisten and the song fades.

The narrator talks about how there was a “kiss gone stale, eyes hazed and pale” as he knew it was the other person’s time to go, explore and live their dreams. He remained behind in a “town that wants me gone.” He says that all of the days passed him “without notice” as they hoped and dreamed about the two of them “against the world.” Now our narrator wonders if that dream to which he held fast is still “out there for me.”

Our storyteller goes on to say that his dreams of falling in love, having children and growing old "into the night” have passed him by “without consent” as they seem to “laugh and abandon me.” He asks for help as he’s lost his faith and is alone “in the dark.”

He wants something to believe in now.  The storyteller speaks of “picking up the unanswered calls of destiny” and says the he can’t remember if this is the first time he has or not. He asks, “Is it time, am I there? Is it time, are you there?”

Now the narrator speaks of being “marred by defeat” and talks about how his “providence” is moving away from him and “staring back” as it does. He concludes the song by saying “All I need is a destiny that I want to believe, it belongs to me.”

“Complimentary Colors” starts as broad, echoing notes and a dry, hollow, string-like sound are touched by light notes.  Twitching, tapping sounds add texture as heavy bass flows and round-sounding, string-like notes intertwine. I enjoy the tenuous, tentative melody that grows in strength to become bright. The melody climbs upwards, feeling more positive as it grows. Soft percussion brushes and strings swell while solid bass glides. The string sounds lift the piano melody, ending on slightly choppy notes.

Smooth, distantly shifting piano chords are tinged with sadness as gruff, dark sounds move in the distance to begin “Unsung.” Mars Nord’s rich, deep voice growls with a shadowy, ominous touch as the piano’s gentle notes mirror it. The melody they carry is deeply mournful and tragic in a way that I find intensely moving.

The song's massive low end adds depth and Mars Nord’s vocals have a hint of anger in them, along with trembling feeling as bass grumbles. The piano is full of sadness and resignation as the vocals intertwine with it. Drums with a shaping power throb as noises skitter and twist in the background. The song ends on Mars Nord’s emotive voice.

Our storyteller talks about how he commits blasphemy to “put a dent in history” and ensure that “this blasted timeline” is killed off. He says that to an unknown them this is alchemy “at the edge of fantasy.” He goes on to say that we all "occupy their beloved odds” because we’re merely "lost profligates” to them, at least until we “descend to change the world.”

The narrator says he wants to say goodbye and leave “this mortal shell” to make a cut and let the thing trapped inside bleed out. He points out that he hates reality for “its boundless apathy” and wonders what “untold madness” compels one to see it all through.

The coda to “Unsung” commences as an airy rush is broken into by smoothly flowing piano that ripples out over softly hissing static sounds. The piano’s melody is shaded and tinged with caressing feelings as the insectile, static sound moves. I enjoy the way in which the piano cascades between more conflicted emotions and warmth while subtle strings accent it. The strings swell into richly resonating notes as the piano is full of dramatic darkness before silence falls.

Soft, natural sounds are touched by repeating, medium-high notes to bring “Darkling” to life. Mars Nord’s fragile voice is supported by lush piano notes echoing into open space. The melody is a tentative, shadow-bound thing with a rounded quality and Mars Nord’s vocals are thready and full of loss. Dark, thick bass fills the background as the piano flits out.

Extended chords lift underneath Mars Nord’s expressive vocals, doubled by the piano as clapping percussion and powerful bass sweeps below. A deeply melancholy feeling that radiates from the lyrics and is taken up by the vocals in a way to which I am drawn.

Rumbling, massive bass fills the track’s open spaces as the needy vocals add emotion. Distorted sounds and clattering noises shift as the low end weight vibrates along with slowly growing synth notes that glide over clattering percussion and piano. Majesty, pain and power commingle with shadows as the song comes to an end.

Our narrator begins by saying that he angrily asks the other person what they want from him, adding that he feels abandoned. He is desperate as he adds, “Don't tell me the light of youth is leaving me!” He believed that he’d just go on and on. The narrator talks about how he leans into the other person “yet you’re departing me.”

Now the storyteller says he’s “faithless” and at a loss of what is being asked of him. He concludes that “by all accounts this shouldn’t be happening” because he took good care of the other person but “in turn you gave nothing.”

“Mono No Aware” starts as deep, round sounding notes are joined by strumming strings and piano with to add substance to the sound. Glockenspiel sparkles and the piano carries a melodic pattern with a heartwarming quality that I find pleasing.

Finger snaps and percussion create a steadily shaping pulse while the piano cascades in evolving lines with an inherent feeling of peace, Violin spins out yearning energy underneath the glittering high notes. The piano tumbles down over a steady, elevated sound before all elements fade into silence.

Conclusion

Saturnine combines the considerable talents of Mars Nord and Kasson Crooker to create one of the most touching, emotionally powerful albums I have reviewed lately. This is music that aches and still dares to dream of something better, in spite of all of the loss and pain within it.

eLxAr - Beyond The Emotions

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

eLxAr’s Beyond The Emotions explores all of the depths and complexities of human affection and love. The album does so through strong melodies, intricately interwoven synth sounds and talented guest performances. It is full of tenderness and caring along with more melancholy and challenging emotions.

eLaXr show off their melodic abilities to great effect on Beyond The Emotions. They craft beautiful, engaging tunes that capture all of the various emotional states that unfold within the music. I enjoy the flowing and touching nature of the melodic writing that unfurls across all of the album’s tracks.

The synth work on Beyond The Emotions is full of layers and interesting sonic interactions. The synths all come together in a harmonious whole, but still stand up individually in terms of tone, timbre and overall feeling expressed. When they weave together, the end result is lush and intricately interlocking.

All of the guest artists on the album add to the overall quality that permeates each piece. Their performances give more emotional punch to the music and each of them contributes a unique touch to the tracks. Their contributions play a large part in how well I feel the album turned out and make it an excellent listen.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Watching Her From Afar” comes into being as rapidly oscillating bass and light, tentative chimes flicker out in a gentle pattern. The bass is huge and tremulous as Kosmic Kiss’ emotionally rich vocals carry a melody intensely full of aching emotion and affection. A gigantic bass oscillation keeps washing underneath the music to give it form. Wind sweeps, a massive retro drum fill hits and Kosmic Kiss’s deeply expressive voice lifts in a soaring melody.

Hard-hitting drums pulse and the bass growls in vibrating waves. The vocal melody is enfolding and touching while the powerful bass surges and sparkling chimes dance in the distance. The chorus leaps out with a sense of need, tinged with the pain of unrequited love. The bell-like synth is tremulous and fragile as smooth strings interwine around the jumping drums and bass.  Chimes flicker and Kosmic Kiss’s tender vocals soar out over the throbbing pulse below them and end on quickly flitting synth.

The narrator talks about being in busy halls on Sunday afternoon. He talks about how “life wants to attune” for lonely people. He is looking at the object of his affection “smiling at the world” and bringing light to his “longing nights.” He goes on to say that she’s like a dream for him.

Our storyteller says that he watches her from a distance every day but realizes that “we never stare into each other’s eyes. He talks about getting lonely and weak as he finds himself unable to speak and so he’s “fading like a distant star” and continuing to watch from far away.

It would be a dream for the narrator to spend a lifetime with her but her "soul has never reached out to me.” He says that his feelings “chain me down hard to the ground” and adds that when he reaches out his “hand just touches air.” So every day he finds himself “watching her from afar.”

Massive synth throbs and robotic voice moves in as a relaxing, full sounding arpeggio spins slowly to start “Would You Go Out With Me.” The drums steadily reverberate along with a diffuse snare sound. Distant, elevated synth shimmers with soft light and the robotic voice repeats.

An arpeggio keeps circling as caressing medium-high synth carries a hoping, hurting melody that evolves to become more positive in a way that I enjoy. Underneath the drums continue to pulse smoothly and the bass throbs with weight as the arpeggio keeps revolving gently.

Distant synths glide with emotion as the drums and bass shape the music. The uplifting melody sings out expectant, nervous emotion and the robotic voice flows onwards with ease before gliding away on the fading arpeggio.

“Mirror Talk” opens as colossal, bouncing bass is joined by a throbbing kick drum as airy sounds flow. Bright, sharp edged synth sings an encouraging melody as the narrator gives himself a pep talk in the mirror, trying to make sure he doesn’t screw up the date he’s about to go on. Delicate chimes flicker and the huge drums and bass throb.

Now a medium-high, glittering and round-toned synth sings a melody full of dreaming feeling and anticipation while the unstoppable low end pulse continues. The track flows into a segment in which the melody swirls mistily and the narrator talks himself into confidence, trying to ensure that his meeting with this dream girl works out. I get a real kick out of the wry humour of the narration in this track.

The melody dances out again, so warm and full of a sense of possibility as it climbs and sails along, carried on the full synth that has a sunlit glow permeating it. A ride cymbal is added for more metallic sound and far off, xylophone like notes echo out as the enormous bass throbs and fades.

Gossamer synth clouds glide around evenly throbbing bass pulses and steady, shimmering notes to commence “When Two Souls Connect.” Gently twirling, distant synth grows in strength to flit and sparkle over the undulating bass. Chiming, bright synth twinkles out in clean lines as the bass throbs continuously. There’s a solid drum fill and a driving, trance beat pulses in to energize the track as it wanders.

Gleaming synth carries a melody full to the brim with joy and fulfilment which draws me in. Drums flourish once again and the throbbing beat pushes the music forward as quick, shining arpeggios twirl. Slightly distorted, medium-high synth carries the main melody as it radiates contentment and aspiration for a positive future.

The drum and bass pulse shapes the track while the lead synth shimmers. An ethereally flowing, peaceful segment unfolds as synths drift in a feather-light pattern over the bass oscillation. Piano-like synth carries the tender melody as brushing drums guide the music on and the bass line adds form. The track ends on the melody as it dreams and reaches for the stars over the low end’s guidance.

“My Weakness” kicks off as actively moving bass forms a textured, dynamic heartbeat as medium-high synths echo out in quick bursts and shaker percussion adds a brushing feeling. Justin Dye’s voice is thick with emotion as it carries a mysterious melody over the endlessly shifting bass line.

Shadowy synth and growling bass are cut by sharp sounds that float through. The drums have a loose-limbed feeling as the vocals carry out over the bass void as a tambourine adds a metallic tapping as solid kick drum pulsates. Justin Dye effectively fills his voice with desolation and that feeling is mirrored by the low bass rumble and extended sonic sweep. Slowly shifting drums add an ominous undertone before the song ends on drifting sounds and a steady, raised note pulse.

Our storyteller begins as he talks about taking the song’s subject home for the first time and pointing out the fact that “if looks could kill, you’d be my end.” However he adds that he’s still “dying to make you mine” in spite of that fact.

The narrator goes on to say that the other person is “pulling at my weakness and tearing at my heart” but he still begs that person to stop him from falling apart. He goes on to say that they are “in too deep” and have no more secrets to hold on to because “it’s cold beneath these sheets.”

When the other person isn’t around, the storyteller says that he grabs his keys and drives because “I've never felt more alive.” He points out that they continue to drive down the same road because there’s no other place to go. He tells the song's subject “just hold my hand we'll be ok” but adds he’s never been as scared. His fear doesn’t stop him from say he won’t ever let go.

Our narrator talks about how the other person is “tearing up my feelings” and watching them go up in flames. He asks if the other person feels the same and repeats “I’m never gonna let you go, just keep me from falling apart."

A smoothly twisting arpeggio moves through the track along with a matching bass undulation to start “Two Lonely Years.” Kaarin Zoe Lee’s spoken word part is clear and full of feeling as elevated, wide synth with a rich glow delicately carries warming notes that accent the resonant narration. Kaarin Zoe Lee dives into the sentiments expressed in the monologue, her voice capturing emotion.

Relentless bass oscillates and a high synth part shines with fluttering energy. The bass increases in power and now drums add substance and form. Chiming synth sings out a melody that exudes affection, caring and a sense of peace.The drums and oscillating bass add enough forward motion as the main melody emotes.

Kaarin Zoe Lee has a way of embodying the emotion in the words and clearly speaking them to deliver the song’s message. The shimmering synths lift the melody up above the bass waves as it expresses all of the love pouring from the narration.

The narrator talks about seeing off someone for whom they care deeply at the airport after a week spent together. She reminisces about their time together and talks about a “spark” that had started then fuelled by the other person’s “kindness, compassion, generosity.”

Our narrator points out that at the moment, she’s comfortable calling her feeling for the other person “gratitude” even though she knows the truth is something different. She has said goodbye so it’s too late to confess the truth, but she adds “with you, goodbye will always mean next time.” When they meet again, she’ll tell the other person she’s falling for them.

Two years have passed since they last  met in person because of the COVID pandemic but the storyteller is going to meet the other person at the airport. During that time, she admitted how she really felt “even if it was from behind a screen” although the other person had admitted the same feelings and wanted to see her “right away.”

The pandemic meant that even though they had it arranged, they had to wait “but the distance didn’t weaken us” but might have strengthened their connection. Now our narrator says that she sees the other person’s eyes like “jewels in the sky” and can’t wait for their gazes to meet. She concludes,” I can’t wait another moment after these two long years for our first kiss.”

“With You” opens with shivering, flickering synth sound, a rapidly pulsing bass oscillation and falling rain. Rich, deep guitar moves in as Neaon’s vocals breathily express lyrical emotion and the bass throbs steadily onward.

The vocal melody is filmy and fragile, but yearns for better things to come as the drums and bass create a steady pulse. Trembling, medium-high synth adds greater emotional depth to the song as arpeggiating synth ripples circle around it. Neaon’s voice is full of emotive gentleness that effectively deepens the feeling in the words.

Even synth pulses, mirrored by the bass help shape the music while rain falls and the subtly soothing vocal melody moves again. A segment with flowing synths comes in and adds a laid-back, gliding feeling in the music. Synth ripples slip out over the soft rain and the swirling musical background into quiet.

The storyteller says that she and the song’s subject are “like one” as they move alongside each other. She says that they “make a heaven” and that in their hearts they “move like water” as they dance together forever.

The narrator says that she didn’t realize that things could be “so right” when they’re together. She points out that it’s like “magic raining down.” Our narrator adds that “no matter what” the world might do “when the rain falls down” she still wants to be with the song's subject.

Our storyteller admits that she didn’t believe that she'd find another person. She says that she “closed her heart and took shelter.” However with the song’s subject she concludes that “I see tomorrow and in our hearts we don't have to hide.”

Pulsing synth and sparkling, fragile chimes begin “Above.” Wind sweeps through before Kojette’s voice gently comes in with its uniquely engaging sound. The vocal melody soars skyward before the chorus dances in over massive drums and shiny chimes. Kojette’s voice soars upwards, full of hopeful, positive emotion.

The skipping ease of the vocal melody and the vocals themselves express a sense of looking forward. Huge, retro drums propel the music and cut glass chimes gleam. Nasal, round-sounding synth calls out in a heartwarming solo, expressing the feeling that everything will be alright.

The narrator talks about how every day she gets closer to the song’s subject and “a little bit further from me.” She says that because they’re “uncommon” in what they do, it makes her the one for the song’s subject. Our narrator admits that it’s hard to be apart from the other person because “all I fear is a broken heart.” She points out that “when I’m back in your soul again” she needs to know that the other person doesn’t have to pretend.

In the chorus, our storyteller says that they are above “all the lies that we create… all the mistakes that we make.” She goes on to say that they can reach their goal on their own because “just you and me we believe” that they are “above in our love.”

The narrator points out that they are “the realest two” since they “grow together me and you.” She says that no matter what happens, they’ll get through it because “every day we wake up is new.” Our narrator says that even when they struggle through life, their hearts are “always intertwined.” She concludes by saying, “So let us travel through eternity until we find our own unity.”

“Endless Emotions” opens as trembling motes of synth with tentatively brush through the track over a steady shine that emanates below and after wind flows, Dimi Kaye’s guitar is full of intense emotions of gentleness and blossoming hope as the bass guides the music. A quickly flickering synth pattern accents the music as Dimi Kaye pours his soul into the melody, capturing the album’s themes of love, need and hope.

His guitar whirls and dances in his hands as he skilfully draws out the melody. Intricate patterns are woven as gigantic percussion batters below. Orchestral strings add more depth as the passion and need are palpable in the guitar’s notes as the strings interlock and reverent, feathery sound flickers again as misty synths soothe and the track grows quiet.

Conclusion

Beyond The Emotions is an auditory journey through the joys, pains and challenges of loving another person. eLxAr and their guests have put together an enjoyably rich, emotive and deep album that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring.

Dopesketch - Sound Awake

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dopesketch’s Sound Awake is a multi-layered musical collage that is full of complex sonic interactions, fascinating soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms. The album is an engaging and unique audio exploration with a wide ranging scope to it.

Variety and depth define the sound palette on Sound Awake. Dopesketch roams through a deeply diverse series of sounds that run the gamut from elevated, nasal-sounding distortions to deep, gruff bass notes and warm, rounded sounds that stroke the ears. He combines them in intriguing ways to paint auditory pictures that erupt with colour and light.

All of the beats that Dopesketch crafts on Sound Awake grab the listener and drag them into the tracks. The rhythms are interesting, the drum sounds are fresh and they provide a strong underpinning on which the other sonic components can build into cohesive and entertaining tracks. I enjoy the playful nature of Dopesketch’s beat creation as it unfolds here.

I also take pleasure in hearing the emotional shifts in the music. Dopesketch takes us all on a journey that touches on joy, unsettled feelings, warmth and even anger as the tracks unfurl across the album. I find it hard to stop listening as I keep catching new emotive nuances in the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Self Help” starts off as ringing chimes jangle into the music before the solidly thrumming drumbeat and meaty bass move underneath. Chiming synths form a dense, dynamic pattern as twisting, nasal-sounding notes writhe in a bending line over the solidly throbbing drums. Organ-like notes add a resonant shine to the music that I find ear-caching. Drums thunder and gigantic bass pulsates while the chimes keep flashing in energetic lines.

There’s a moment in which bells ring out alone in an angular pattern before the wall of drums and bass charges in again. Raised, twirling synth unfolds in sinuous lines and the forceful bass rumbles. Handclaps and solidly hitting drums add shape to the track. Bells shimmer in a metallic flare as the wriggling, elevated synth fades out.

Rattling, thumping drums and a minor key, atonal synth that sounds like a distorted piano open “No pues si.” The piano-like notes are broken by pulsing, melting notes that form a steady pattern as the drums stutter and skip.

I enjoy the dissolving, minor key feeling in the organ sound as higher, piano-like notes cascade through. Loose-limbed drums skitter while the twisting, gelid synth flows through and piano notes move in a dragging pattern. Shadowed, pulsating organ pulls the music through a slow pulse and into silence.

"King Dopesketch” begins as resonant, slightly choppy synth carries a gentle melody and the drums and fractured, gritty bass create a solid underpinning.  Round, rough-edged notes create a repeating, enticing melodic pattern as digital-sounding, gruff notes swirl around it.

Evenly throbbing drums and colossal, heaving bass guide the track forward effectively.  The full, organ-like melodic pattern drives on, wrapping around my ears and creating a rhythmic tide that flows in my mind. The music is dominated by the huge drums that surge under the lead synth pattern's warmth and almost tender feeling.

Tight, jingling guitar moves over vibrant, trembling organ in quick flashes to open “Hey.” Tapping snare drum forms a shaping beat along with clapping percussion and shimmering synth. Drums and solid bass push the track along as a piano rolls in, adding textural weight that I find engaging.

Strings jump out in full-sounding bursts while the organ carries a smoothly gliding series of chords below the higher guitar flash. The piano has a depth and form to it, rich and dense as the drums continue to add strong propulsion. The organ swells and vibrates to add lushness to the rolling, interwoven piano as the track slowly glides out to an ending.

“Honorable Square” kicks off as quickly leaping, rough-edged notes are cut by a high, wandering synth that smears through the music above them.  Leaping, intensely flaring synth notes and stuttering drums pulsate, skimming along over thunderous bass depths.

Floating, nasal-sounding high synth oozes through over the harder edges of the flowering, leaping synth underneath it to create a pleasing contrast. Drums and bass add form to the tremulous synth chords’ vibration. Winding, high synth makes its snaky route over the continual drum battering and synth that splashes in harsh droplets.

High, digital-sounding chimes are broken into by pulsing computerized notes that gleam and flicker over an insistent, heavy drum and bass throbbing to open “Madness.” Medium-low synth sounds surge in a textural rush as rapidly oscillating, low notes with a metallic sound are broken by the glittering chimes.

I am enamoured of the sonic richness that results from the synth sounds descending in digitized lines as active, unevenly spaced bass pulses are cut by strange, high distortions with a rubbery feeling.

The drums have a trance-inducing quality along with the relentlessly roaming bassline that underpins the track. Rapidly pulsating notes wash in a tide that adds more shape to the music. The track fades on descending bass and bouncing drums.

“Fondle Me” starts out with brassy synth bursts that are joined by taut, open-sounding drums. The synth bursts flare out in bright, shifting notes and the drums flourish in a broken pattern. Glowing sounds surge as the drums keep circling and wandering. Grit-edged higher synth begins to drag slowly, notes sticking and being pulled out in long strings over the constantly throbbing, unevenly hollow drums. I enjoy the tension between tugging synthesized notes and slowly spiralling drums.

Warm, sunny synths bounce in a tangling melodic pattern over dense drums and rounded bass that moves in undulating notes to begin “Typical.” String-like, shimmering synths cascade and dance, giving off encouraging feelings while the bass and drums create a forward leaning motion.

There’s a pleasing sense of positive life permeating the music as the twinkling, intertwining strings tumble over one another. The beat’s constantly washing energy flows out underneath the other elements. Glowing light shines from the dancing strings over the rhythmic pulse below them as the track spins out to a conclusion.

“Gratitude” comes to life as a laser-like sound zaps in along with steadily oscillating, shining synth that rocks back and forth over the strong beat's solidity and the rough-edged bass. Bells flash out as medium-high, organ-like synth plays a wildly varied and wandering line. Massive drums and smooth bass waves wash as agitated, angular organ vibrates and distant voices move.

I am drawn to the complexity of the sonic interactions here. Now full, nasal-sounding synth plays almost classical sounding lines before the repeating, indistinct voice moves again. Climbing organ notes whirl as angular synths move alone briefly. Swinging, flowing drums and bass shift as the organ-like notes shiver and the voice mumbles to close out the track.

Conclusion

Dopesketch is a musical wizard who casts sonic spells as he combines a pinch of this sound and a snippet of that beat to form richly layered and engaging music on Sound Awake. Each of his releases seems to get deeper and wilder which is something I certainly enjoy.

Liquid Modern - Circle & Light

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Liquid Modern’s Circle & Light  is a thoughtful, synth-heavy examination of our current world and all of its emotional complexities and struggles. It features Kojette’s inimitable vocals along with  Lord Kojak’s musically varied synth backing and intelligent lyrics. As a whole, this album is synthpop with heart and soul.

Kojette’s vocals are a good part of my reason for enjoying Circle & Light. Her voice is distinctive and combines emotional power with gentleness and a tremulous expression. The mingled qualities in her voice, qualities that caress and emote help to imbue the well-crafted lyrics with strength and life.

I am also drawn to the lyrical quality on Circle & Light. The songwriting is rich with emotions, full of challenging thoughts and able to delve deeply into the world in which we find ourselves. The way in which the songs unfold carries me on journeys through feeling and thought while keeping me engaged.

The musical richness on this album was also compelling. There are a wide variety of different influences from jazz to New Wave music to synthwave that all combine to create a deeply enjoyable whole. Lord Kojak weaves an ear-pleasing musical tapestry to support the strong vocal performances by Kojette.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Habits” comes to ilife as smoothly touching retro drums and a resonant accordion-like sound moves in the background. A steadily throbbing drumbeat and leaping, gruff electric guitar carries a driven melody as Kojette’s voice is fully of poppy expression. Guitar doubles the aching vocal melody as the throbbing drums and bass propel the music.

Kojette’s voice suits the style of the music with its warmth and expression as guitar surges in a gruff, energetic melodic line. Kojette’s voice carries soft emotion as the music’s pulse shapes it while synth sparks fall through the track.

Now swelling, jazz organ chords add depth while unique, hollow percussion forms a distinctive rhythm. The distorted vocals, high and twisting, move above the percussion. Fully pulsating drums and solid bas support the chorus as it floats out above the wriggling guitar line and the hurting vocal melody.

Our narrator opens by talking about meeting someone when she needed a place to stay. The other person lets her in and reassures her, but soon that person says that “things are great, so you think you might love me now.” She points out that the other person is taking advantage when her defences are lowered.

The storyteller says she’s “chasing old habits and I’m falling down their holes” and as she chases those habits down, she’s “running out of soles.” Even as she chases those habits down, our storyteller says she’s slaying them and running from the habits that pin her down.

Now the narrator says that she trusted the other person but that person “built a cage around my will” and she is stuck now with no avenue of escape “except to spill.” She goes on to say that the other person had the ability to stop but that person “made my life a living hell.” As the song ends, she is defiant as she says, “Just one last thing, I’ll find this freedom from where I fell.”

Easily gliding sounds slip into the music and grow while trumpeting, glowing synth rises in rich bursts to start “Lack of Access.” Throbbing drums and bass launch the song and the vocals are rich and warm, climbing up in a poppy line over the driving bass and drums. The vocal melody flickers and shifts between warmth and shadow, arcing upwards expressively while bursting, shiny synth swirls interlock.

The hollow, massive drums throb as the vocals are full with feeling and the melody climbs up above the pulsating drums and bass. The singer reaches out to express deep emotion as she delivers a message of making active change and escaping past limits.

The narrator starts by pointing out how everything is “so twisted” and adds that the powers that be are “playing us like we missed it.” She points out that people don’t have “the power for changing” so the powerful forces “just keep rearranging.” The end result is the system only working for the people on top and “everyone is so damn through” as the narrator says.

She adds that “we can’t fix it, so why even try” as it has all gone “so far awry.” Our narrator talks about the powerful “take licks on our morality” while leading people to question what’s real.

She goes on to say that she doesn’t believe it any more and “a generation never heard is no more.” In a call to action, she calls to other people out there to tell them that history is being made and adds “be part of this story!”

The storyteller points out that even as the powers that be are questioning the activism, “we keep changing” and all they’re doing is “estranging.”Ultimately our narrator goes on to say that the powerful will be “stuck in history” while those who resist “make our final plea.”

Now the storyteller calls for people to take up action as she says “I can’t do anything for you, this is something you must do.” She adds that people must “save us or save yourself” because it’s something that is hidden inside “as well.”

The narrator says that the people at the top “make life full of banality” and lie to “cover up your vanity” while they “believe in what you don’t any more.” She talks about how they’ve ignored the current generation but concludes that “we’re taking history, be part of the story.”

“With You” commences as an evenly pulsing snare drum with a hollow feeling is broken by trickling chimes that sparkle through the song. Kojette’s voice is rich and soulful as she emotes above the gliding drum pulse, deeply washing bass and shimmering synth motes that flutter past.

The vocal melody is gentle and caressing as full, circular synth notes drift. I am impressed by the way in which Kojette fills her easily sailing voice with full of pained feeling. Steadily tapping snare drum and rebounding kick drum shape the music as the creamy bass lifts the vocals.

The song brims with regret and a sense of loss, tinged by wistfulness. The background swirls as the chimes cascade down in falling, glimmering lines s as bass descends in tumbling motion.Kojette’s delicate vocals twine through over the tapping drums and full-feeling bass as the synth lights flicker and fade.

Our narrator has “an epiphany” as she was “feeling all fidgety” as she wonders if she has lost “the key” and if the song’s subject has closed their heart “as I made my last plea.” She goes on to say that “with you, with me, there’s never any we” and adds that it is all based on lies and she’s been made to cry once too often.

The storyteller tells the other person that it “was an attack on me” when that person took her heart from her and decided to leave. She adds, “Shame on you. Shame on me.” She goes on ask why the song’s subject lied to her and wonders if that person found the key. She concludes, “Did I fight for nothing as you dropped to your knees.”

Kojette’s voice echoes out as a steady snare drum shifts below rapid, smoothly undulating arpeggios to open “Let’s Go (Run).”  Additional drum elements come in with throbbing bass as a guitar unfurls in a shadowy, mysterious melody. Kojette’s voice slips through the song as the scudding drumbeat shapes the track.  Reverent, cosmic sounds swirl as the caressing vocals effectively convey dreaming and hoping in equal measure.

Medium-high, luscious synth is broken by clean strings and after a drum fill, a guitar solo flies out in intricately whirling lines over the steady beat’s guidance. The guitar is a flickering, soaring companion to the energetic drive of the drums and bass. K’s voice unfurls as emotion pours forth, carrying the melody’s mingled uplift and float, the drums and bass ending the song.

The storyteller says that her fear is taken away by bright lights as she hides “where no one else can leer.” She’s awaiting a moment of clarity while she’s dancing “so no one can come near.” She addresses the other person in the song and asks them to play and run away adding that “we can find another place.” Our narrator points out that its 3 a.m. but they can keep going.

In contrast to the first line, the storyteller now speaks of bright lights bringing in the fear as the darkness “is hiding all the tears.” She talks about their leaving “with nowhere else to go” and how they are watching as she knows that “we’re never going home.”

“Boppin’ Along” begins as rapidly bursting, elevated synth interlocks with rebounding drums and glittering synths. Kojette’s distinctive voice carries a drifting melody that’s wistful and a little enigmatic. The drums firmly propel the track as enfolding, climbing synths with a sunny glow swirl around Kojette’s strong voice.

The higher synth’s unique pulsation mingles with drums and bass to form a dynamic pattern.  The chorus leaps up, soothing and positive, as quick synth sparks flutter through. Kojette’s lush voice carries the delicate, uplifting melody with conviction as the song's low end oscillates fades out on floating sounds.

Our song’s narrator wonders if the other person can hear her “from wherever you are” and sees that the other person is “staring sightless” as she continues. She asks “how does this make you feel?” In the chorus, our narrator points out that “sometimes fiction turns out to be fact” and it’s just what occurs. She hopes that maybe the other person will hear her and “something will click” but she adds “who really knows?"

The storyteller says that she “can’t tell you all the secrets to life” as it might end in conflict. She experiences self doubt as she states that she can’t help the other person as “I’m just a fraud” and wishes she didn’t have so many flaws. Now our storyteller says she’s reaching out to the other person “through the universe.” She tells the other person that they need to “hear this first” and take her warning that “things are not as seen in the morning.” After the chorus repeats, the narrator’s final question is “Who really cares?”

Jazz organ chords with a rich resonance are joined by Kojette’s gentle voice and a hazily flowing background to kick off “Color & Light.”  Solid percussion shapes the song and the vocal melody trembles as it drifts through the diffuse background glow.

Percussion kicks in with a smooth heartbeat and some unique drum sounds while Kojette’s softly emotive voice skilfully captures the feeling in the lyrics. Steady, medium-high synth repeatedly pulses before the elevated, tenuous vocal melody floats over the delicate background. Soothingly shifting drums tap along to add light forward motion as sparkling chimes brush through and Kojette’s voice fades out.

Disillusionment fills the lyrics as the narrator talks about how one doesn’t decide when one grows up because “it’s all a construct of chance, happenstance and such.” She advises the audience to “adapt or you will find only loneliness” and points out that strength seems only to move into weakness. There’s pain as she says that it might take one years to “discover what I found out in just minutes.”

In the chorus, our storyteller says that holding on to her beliefs or “bowing to all the opinions” she ultimately found out that “you don’t really matter.” She adds that she wished she had learned many lessons so she “wouldn’t have to decipher.”

Now the narrator talks about returning to the “start of the verse” because “nothing is devoid of meaning” although it can be mixed up. She says that if one changes, one will only get a label and denying it only makes it hurt more. Now she adds that one shouldn’t “take as long” because “you’re expected” and one needs to be calm and collected.”

As the song ends, the storyteller says that "realization makes this uncomfortable” and going through the process is “so personal.” Ultimately she understands that "everyone is taken away and given away. The lies become clear.”

“Voices Carry” is a cover of a Til Tuesday song. Sonic whorls grow up and around one another as lightly guiding percussion taps into the music and Kojette’s voice carries aching emotion as the bursting drums pushes the song onwards. Synths dance as they carry the contrasting uplifting sound of the melody along with nervous vocals.

Raised, round-feeling synths add a fullness and a caressing feeling. I enjoy how Kojette’s gentle vocals and the darkness of the lyrics mix together as wide-sounding, flaring synths support the music and the drums and bass add propulsion.

The chorus leaps up, feeling hopeful in a way that adds a heartbreaking feeling when the words are considered, while the drumbeat keeps pulsing along and the vocal melody is tinged by mournful emotion.

A medium-high, bell-like synth wash is guided by snapping, hollow percussion to open “Take A Bow.”  Xylophone trickles through as Kojette fills her fragile, trembling vocals with deep feeling. I am drawn to the vocal melody’s sadness and hint of minor key shadow.

A xylophone vibrates with smooth resonance as Kojette’s vocals float with the ticking percussion, adding more aching emotion. The bass has a deep flow and the enfolding vocals are more encouraging. Unique, varied percussion keeps up a shaping beat. Tendrils of softly floating sound accompany Kojette’s voice, breathy and emotive, as it drifts over echoing notes and into silence.

Nervousness fills the lyrics as our storyteller says that “in the shadows is where I lied” as she points out that “we” were taught to hide and never be alone because “you can’t defend solo.” There is a warning that someone out there will take “what he wants from you” so stay alert, “wake up and pretend you’re tough.” In this world, the chorus suggests that one must have “eyes on everyone” with a finger on the trigger. It exhorts the audience to “keep it close, don’t let it go, take a bow.”

The narrator talks about being so “delicate, breakable, easily takeable” and contrasts the idea of looking sweet while taking “drinks from creeps.” She cautions her audience with society’s advice to find a strong person “that’s bound to make you feel safe and sound.”

If one wants to keep secrets in this digital world, the narrator advises using paper to communicate. She goes on to give a final piece of advice to “lock up, no delay. Do things the right way in the after hours.”

Conclusion

Circle & Light is a synthpop album that explores nuanced emotions, musical richness and thoughtful songwriting while being a great deal of fun in the bargain. I hope to hear more from Liquid Modern again very soon!