Walmind — Night Ride

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Walmind’s Night Ride combines a varied and well-considered synth palette with Ligia’s expressive vocal performances and a smoothly flowing overall feeling to create a richly layered, warmly emotive album. Serenity and peace is balanced with driving energy and positive emotion as each track unfolds and carries the music onward.

As the synths weave together on Night Ride, they reveal a soundscape that roams from pulse-pounding drums to aquatically drifting sounds, making stops along the way to include flashing string-like sounds and rumbling bass. The overall effect is lushly layered in a way that keeps my ears and my imagination engaged.

Ligia’s vocal performances are strong on Night Ride. Her voice has a compelling, emotive quality to it that captures the warm and wanting emotions in the song lyrics. There’s a trembling passion in her vocals that adds extra feeling to the music on the album. She’s an asset to the production for sure.

I also enjoy the melodic writing that Walmind has done for the album. His melodies have a gentle and touching quality to them when it fits and can also generate energy and dynamism when that’s what suits the music. Each melody has been carefully crafted and fits well within its musical context.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“No Words Could Tell” comes to life as full, smoothly flowing synths expand in flaring chords over throbbing retro drums. Gleaming, medium-high synths flash out and from a melodic line that is delicately caressing and softly optimistic. The drums and bass have real weight as the glowing synth carries the encouraging melody.

Now drums lightly tap and tick as the broad swathes of rounded synth flow and grow behind the brighter synth thread wriggling through. Again the melody calls out, deep with yearning and feelings of possibility that I find touching. The track floats as deep bass swells and extended chords flow. The main melody flashes out again, embodying positive progress while the drums and bass shape the other musical elements. As the song ends, flaring notes glitter and then fall silent.

Expanding synth notes flower into the music along with lush, descending bass to open “The Sound Of Your Heart.” String-like, rippling synth flickers out as the vocal melody, brimming with expression, is carried by Ligia’s voice. The melody is passionate and dynamic as the colossal drums throb and quick synth notes add brightness. Ligia’s vocal poise and power draws me in as the open-sounding, elevated synth flashes out in a hopeful melody.

The drums softly tick and Ligia’s voice is intensely emotive as it carries the hopeful vocal melody. Sunny, glittering synth carries the main melody and through it all, the huge drumbeat and solid bass provide a strong foundation. Synth ripples wash over slowly shifting bass, trickling out in a hollow line before the heartening vocal melody moves. The lead synth line bursts with need before the song ends on shining notes.

Our narrator talks about feeling all the love and affection she dreamed of in the other person’s arms. She says that she can see “all the galaxies in the universe shining” in the other person’s eyes and talks about how she hears “the sound of your heart” every day.

“Time Is Over” starts as resonant, full-sounding synth bubbles up as an airy flow glides behind it. Laidback drums tap in to add some shape while swirling, nasal-sounding synth drifts in soothing notes.  Arpeggios slowly spin in textural circles while the drums guide the music onward. I enjoy the purity and relaxation that radiates from the music.

A watery, gliding segment comes in as the drums fade out and aquamarine visuals are created. Percussion accents the low, rich arpeggios while the nasal, medium-low synth conveys a sense of tumbling drift. Now the drums drop out once more and an upwelling sonic current creates slow ripples before the percussion shapes the track again. This is music full of a meditative sense of quiet floating and aquatic peace.

Quickly fluttering synth pulses move over a dense bass background as the gigantic retro drums pulsate to commence “Tell Me Why.” Ligia’s voice is luscious as it carries the melody that mingles need and a sense of aspiration over the solid drumbeat and undulating bass. Medium-high, glistening synth carries the man melody as it reaches out to dance over the continually shaping drumbeat. Ligia’s vocals are intensely emotive over the drum heartbeat and bass float.

The vocal melody effectively pours out a feeling of want and ache. Medium-low, glowing synth unfolds the melody’s wishful dreaming feeling. Ligia’s voice is compelling and the lead synth sails along with a sunny glint. The drums are steady and weighty as the bass wells up below them. A secondary vocal melody unfurls in a gentle line and the lead synth cascades out in a shiny melodic pattern. The chorus rises, tremulous with feeling as the massive drums throb on. The track ends on the needy, hoping melody.

Our storyteller has heard that the object of her affection is leaving and she asks “What can I say if you’re dreaming?” She goes on to say that she was told the other person is alone and she asks what to do if she’s in love with that person. She questions why she has to love that person and wonders “Where have you been all my life?"

“V8” opens with the lumpy idle of a big V8 engine as expanding synth and a steady bass oscillation along with pounding drums move. Slowly spinning arpeggios glide and the engine throbs as a medium-low, resonant, nasal-sounding synth carries a pleasantly aching melody over the bass oscillation.

The arpeggios have a tense, fragmented feeling and the resonant lead synth sings the melancholy melody as the heavy drums and powerful bass add direction. The V8 rumbles again and the nasal, rounded synth carries the hurting melody as the drums and bass throb, adding slowly evolving motion before the music stops.

Void deep bass flows and quick, rough-edged synths burst to begin “Sistema Universo.” A snare drum ticks and taps to create a lightly touching beat as warm synths flare. Trickling, full-sounding synth trembles through the track and higher, round notes also wander through the music. Drums shiver and bass adds deeply drifting weight to the proceedings.

A segment full of quickly flaring synths and extremely deep bass moves in as the drums guide the music. I am enamoured of the track’s gently undulating feeling and the elevated synths that move with dynamic energy. There’s a luscious, watery glide underneath the other musical elements. Nasal synths climb and remind me of slowly rising bubbles in a water column. There’s an easy slipping feeling in this track as expanding sounds wash and move through the track.

“Magic Kiss” comes to life as slightly gruff, undulating bass is touched by sparkling, slowly rising synth arpeggios. Ligia’s richly expressive voice carries the affectionate lyrics and the caressing vocal melody climbs, touched by the sparkling arpeggios. Xylophone twinkles in rising lines over the solid guidance of the drums and active bass, giving the music a metallic glitter.

Synth pulses accent the needy, heartfelt melody carried in the strong vocals. I enjoy the deep feeling flowing through Ligia’s voice as shimmering xylophone rises in glowing lines and is given shape and direction by drums and bass. Now the song sails into a breathily moving segment cut by sharper synth pulses. The throbbing drums returns along with the encouraging xylophone sound and the steady, rough-edged accents. The song ends on medium-high arpeggiating notes and a bass underpinning.

The narrator talks about how she sees the other person on a Monday and asks for them to wait for her so she can cross the street. She says that the other person is a dream come true for her and adds that when that person looks at her it makes her shiver. Now our storyteller says that “your smile is mesmerizing and I wish it to be mine.” Romantic feelings fill her and her heart races as she talks about “the magic in your kiss.”

Warming chords rise upwards in enfolding lines as broadly floating arpeggios slowly turn to open “Reconstruction.” The smoothly pulsing drumbeat and slightly rough-edged bass form a steady motion to shape the track. Chiming, yet string-like synth carries the main melody which exudes calming emotion as it slides over the easily throbbing drumbeat.

I enjoy the way in which the melody washes through the music as the slowly revolving background synths add shape and relaxation drifts through. Gleaming, string-like synth carries the serene melody. The drumbeat adds direction and the bass rises up from underneath to lift the music and guide it to a conclusion on the laidback melody.

Conclusion

The combination of engaging melodies, strong vocal performances and layered synth richness makes Night Ride an enjoyable listening experience. I am excited to hear more from Walmind as he continues to produce music and refine his sound.

Life Patterns - Bedroom Days

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Life Patterns’ Bedroom Days is a nuanced, layered and complex examination of the mixed emotions of nostalgia, wistful memory and hope for the future. Life Patterns has effectively captured the feeling of remembrance in music with his music on this album.

One of the strengths of Bedroom Days is the way in which it creates and maintains a musical mood. Life Patterns weaves together melody, harmony and synth sounds in a way that evokes nostalgic feelings that shade between joy, remembrance and yearning. All of the various sonic elements serve to intensify the longing expressed within the music on the album.

Melody is another gift that Life Patterns exhibits on Bedroom Days. He has a good ear for creating poignant, effective melodies that drive right into the emotional heart of the music. There’s a knack he demonstrates for mingling different feelings in a single melody, creating a balance between dreaming and loss. The end result are melodic moments that I find deeply touching.

I also enjoy the way in which Life Patterns combines the various tonal colours, timbres and sonic textures of the synths he deploys on the album. They all mix together to produce an end result that is full of nuance, richness and expressive emotion. I am drawn in by the fact that all of the synth elements serve the overall integrity of the album as a musical expression.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Saturday Morning Fever” comes to life as randomly scanning radio stations are joined by snapping electric bass. Broad, digital-sounding notes roam in an energetic pattern along with steadily tapping snare drum and solid bass throb. Now nasal, piping notes float in over round-toned synth playing a wriggling melodic pattern. The sheer complexity of sonic interactions is deeply pleasing to me in this track.

Elevated, shining synth dances in a slowly intertwining figure and crystal chiming sounds trickle as the hard-hitting bass provides an underpinning. First elevated and then medium low synths carry a wandering pattern and the drums and bass pulsate. Wildly wheeling, medium-high synth spins out over the driving hi hat and ticking snare drum. The track fade on funky slap bass and bursts of static sound and an 8-bit version of the melody.

A full drum kit leaps in to provide a slightly stuttering beat as the elevated, tight sounding synth and fuzzy guitar move in to kick off “Bedroom Days.” The synth melody has a speeding, energetic feeling to it as it ranges over the guiding drums. Chimes flicker with sunny light while sharp-edged guitar slices in dynamic bursts as the full drum kit sound adds richness.

The lead synth unfurls with charging energy that I find motivating. Madly flickering chimes move and a string-like synth drifts smoothly through the track carrying a laidback melody over the easy-going drumbeat. After another fuzzy guitar line, the medium-high, mellow synth carries the relaxed melody.

A higher energy section comes in with climbing guitar and sparkling chimes driven by bursting drums. Digital-sounding synth floats out in roaming notes while the guitar-like sound flies in a widely roving pattern. Kick drum and hard-edged synths surge while huge, bright blocks of sound slowly drop in. The beat keeps throbbing on as the guitar growls out.

“Welcome to the Fantasy Zone” opens as warm, gruff edged notes rise as a voiceover about video games from the ‘80s comes in. Tense, high notes drift through open space as elevated, gleaming synth trickles in glittering lines over richly moving bass.  After a drum fill,  a guitar carries a dreaming melody cut by flourishing drums.

The way nostalgia permeates this track is enjoyable for me. Broad-sounding, medium-high synth sings a majestic, hopefully melody over the breaking, jumping drums. The voiceover speaks about a digitized society as the drumbeat pops and guides the music.

Washing synth notes glide into the melody as it reaches out and yearns. The drums and bass create a propulsive throb as the twisting, raised guitar whirls in flickering lines. There’s a triumphant energy to the melody over the battering power underneath it and the track ends on delicate, slowly roaming notes and a solid bass flow.

Undulating xylophone notes resonate under a narration speaking about the sound of the ocean and walking toward it as “Imaginary Coastline” gets underway. Smooth notes drift and soft, hollow percussion guides the music under the soothing narration. Elevated, glowing notes gently shift over oceanic washing and the rippling synths’ steady slide.

The narration paints a vivid image of the ocean and the beach as it effectively creates a sense of calming ease. Caressing guitar notes slide through the track as the steadily shaping percussion continues. The voice over guides the listener into total relaxation as the full drum kit hits to add motion and the guitar grows.

The same soft undulation still moves along with bass that drifts lushly. The guitar melody is a shimmering light, skipping along like a dolphin on the waves. The sound is massive and multi-layered as elevated notes climb to a crescendo. The music slips back into the washing waves and gentle tendrils of notes as the hollow percussion keeps slipping through.

“Sakuragaoka” starts off as a floating, faintly distorted piano plays emotive chords out into open space. I am drawn to the way in which the melody is nostalgic and warm. A xylophone rings out in vibrating notes to accent the melancholy piano chords.

Strings weave together, adding depth and a resonating warmth to the music. The piano melody is softly touching, aching with a mixture of memory and loss. Strings tremble and create emotional weight as the fragile piano notes call out, evoking a bittersweet feeling.

Deep, slightly bending chimes flutter through rapid patterns to open “Phantasmagoria.” The melodic patterns have a slight note variation as each line ends, resulting in a descending feeling. Chimes with a melting quality in their tones are given direction by a steadily repeating percussion element.

Now the drums form a more solid beat as the shadowed, twisting synths are broken by a tense, Theremin-like sound. The beat stutters as the vibrating chimes tremble, skilfully creating a haunted feeling. Harpsichord notes with a Baroque feeling provide a counterpoint to the dissolving chimes.

A medium-high guitar with a rough edge carries a spectral, ominous melody while the chimes flicker. A jagged sound cries out, slashed by static hiss that adds more weight. The main melodic line oozes dark energy as sonic elements blend together. The track ends on a melancholy piano cascading in the distance.

“Keen Dreams of A Better Life” commences as soothing synth notes arpeggiate with a gentle flow. The arpeggios are lifted by powerful bass as full synth chords flow through the track. Drums lightly shape the music and clear-toned guitar sings a melody that pours forth caressing, enfolding emotion.

Gigantic bass and guiding drums shape the music as a segment characterized by glowing digital synth begins. Sonic threads trail delicately through the music, carried on digital sounding synth. I enjoy the sheer sunny warmth pouring from the medium-high synth. Drums flourish in the background as the raised, glittering melody radiates hopeful light.

Now a segment with hard-edged bass rumbling below the voiceover speaking about “keen dreams of a better life”comes in. Wide, spinning arpeggios create a swirling motion and the drums pulsate. Gleaming synth notes all intertwine to create an uplifting pattern over the continually moving drums and a line of lambent notes dances the track to an end.

Resonating, deep synth carries a hazy melody with the distant sounds of children playing moving around it to start “Hikikomori.” The melody is tenuous and carried by medium-high, digital-sounding synth that has a trembling reticence in it. I am drawn to the way in which melody conveys the tension between an ache for human connection, tempered by the desire to hold back and continue to exist in one's own world.

“Sunday Night Blues” kicks off with the sounds of an arcade before dense, medium-low synth carries a melody that mingles positive feelings with a distinct stab of wistful emotion. The medium-high, computerized synth sings out a melody full of dreamy warmth.

I am enamoured of the feather light piano melody that skips along through the track. A jazz organ creates a bell-like contrast to the softly touching higher notes and a medium-low, resonant synth takes up the expectant melody and carries it out to a conclusion with the arcade noises behind it.

Conclusion

Bedroom Days is emotionally deep, musically intricate and overflowing with a profound feeling of nostalgia and memory. I was both charmed and affected by the music as it unfolded. Life Patterns has created musical beauty here.

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.