Daniel Hugh - Now Or Never

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Daniel Hugh’s Now Or Never combines heartfelt emotion, superb vocal performances and ear-pleasing synthpop vibes to take listeners on an enjoyable journey through hope, love and dreams.

One of the most appealing aspects of Now Or Never is the earnest, heartfelt emotions that are expressed within the songs. Daniel Hugh isn't afraid to lay feelings bare and allow them to show. There’s something so touching and honest about the songwriting which adds depth and intensity to the album. I also enjoy the songwriting contributions made by Hideotronic and Emily Zuzik.

Daniel Hugh’s voice is another factor in the strength of Now Or Never as an album. He has range, expression and the ability to convey different emotional states with clarity. His voice gives the listener a sense that he takes each feeling to heart and expresses it with real conviction. I enjoy how he inhabits the songs as he sings them. Emily Zuzik’s guest vocals on also add their own unique energy.

I also enjoy the synth energy suffusing the album. The music walks the fine line between pastiche and originality quite well. There’s a palpable nostalgia to many of the synth sounds, but they are combined in fresh ways to keep them interesting. The end result manages to capture an ‘80s synthpop sound, while avoiding cliché. Chris Ward’s sax playing also adds an enjoyable flair on “Now Or Never.”

My Favourite Tracks Reviewed

“Heartbeat" comes into being as gruff synth chords move below gently slipping, warming notes. Daniel Hugh’s richly evocative voice carries a tenderly touching vocal melody as throbbing drums and stout bass heartbeat move in. Drums propel the music as pastel synth whorls flow and Daniel Hugh’s emotional voice soars up with the encouraging chorus.

The way in which sharper synth edges contrast with the vocals’ soothing emotion is pleasing for me. After a drum fill, the percussion’s pulse supports flashing, steadily moving synth notes that add light over Daniel Hugh’s voice. The vocals exude feeling with each syllable as the energizing drums and bass move the music on. The shining elevated synth pulsates hypnotically until the end.

Our narrator begins by asking the song’s subject if they’re carrying a heavy burden and if that person can find a way to get through the day. He asks, “do you wonder when the music disappeared? Did the beat inside your heart just fade away?”

The teller of this tale adds that the other person once shone and sparkled, moving as if “the rhythm flowed directly through you.” He says that he will connect that person to “a heartbeat” and dance with them.

Our storyteller wants to know if the other person can hear the song inside their head. He reminds them to “listen to the soundtrack of your life.” As the song concludes, the storyteller adds that if the other person gives it a chance “the world outside will start to fade away.”

Rebounding drums and dense, oscillating bass are touched by arcing arpeggios carried on chiming synth as “The Truth” opens. Life is added to the song by the driving, bouncing drumbeat as the full-sounding, glittering synth rises in bright clouds.

Now the drums and bass pulsate alone before lively vocals leap out, carrying a vaulting melody. Quickly flickering, dancing arpeggios sparkle behind the melancholy-tinged chorus before the jumping vocal melody is beautifully carried by Daniel Hugh’s expressive voice.

Massive drums and weighty bass that keep the track moving. A half tempo section arises in which huge percussion bursts before the drumbeat becomes steadily propulsive and shiny arpeggios add shape and texture. The song ends on delicately sunny notes.

The song opens as the narrator talks about “dynamite, burning castles left and right” as he says that he wants to stay with the song’s subject until the dawn, after they’ve driven away together. He goes on to talk about breathing the other person in when they’re close and “making our bodies disappear.”

As our storyteller goes on, he says that he’s getting to know the other person’s soul and letting go “of all my fear that the truth just sounds a little bit different when you say it out loud.” He adds that the one can somehow hear that the the truth sounds different.

Now the narrator goes on to talk about how we live in an era in which we “televise” as we’re “caught in a knot of endless lies” and trapped in a world without surprise as each moment is “posed for the camera eyes.” Again the message that the truth is different when stated aloud is repeated.

Our storyteller says that as they let the radio play music that ebbs and flows as “our emotions overgrow” they won’t look back now that he knows about the way the truth sounds spoken out loud.

The narrator talks about how an emotion can change in state as he says “call it love in the evening, call it lust in the morning.” He elaborates that during the night "it's a feeling” but in the day it’s “a warning.”

He says that he’d missed “a million dreams” before kissing the song’s subject. Now dawn approaches but our narrator wants to live forever “in this wonderland” since he’s come to understand that “the truth just sounds a little bit different when you say it out loud.”

“Now Or Never” starts off as a broadly driving drumbeat adds fresh energy and lush synths dance. I find the way in which Chris Ward’s earnest sax enhances the song deeply pleasing. The sax carries a melody that dreams and yearns below Daniel Hugh’s softly caressing vocals.

The vocal melody mingles longing with more positive sensations. Medium-high synth accents the song as a bubbling sound adds relaxing contrast. Leaping percussion adds drive underneath the well-performed, heartfelt vocals.

Aching emotion combines with energetic vibes as Daniel Hugh’s voice soars out, catching the meaning in the lyrics. Now shimmering synth slowly revolves above the drums and bass. Chris Ward's sax solo wanders, full of reedy and satisfying warmth as the bursting, flying drumbeat propels the track forward.

This tale begins with the song’s main character wondering how he ended up where he is in life. He asks himself if he’s lived a life “base on someone else’s dreams” or pushed aside the feeling that he’s meant to do more. The storyteller poses a question about whether or not “when you’re halfway done and there’s less to come” the courage to run will be there.

Our main character didn’t think he’d wind up feeling as he does, he woke up and realized that “he'd become the very thing he'd always hated” but felt paralyzed by the notion of change. The narrator points out that “it’s never the right time” but questions “if not now, then when?” He adds that one should just go forward as there’s “always a reason to say no.”

The song’s subject had questioned himself about his readiness for change, but only now has he questioned “the assumption that he ever made a choice to live this way.” Again the storyteller asks the question about daring to run, reminding everyone that the moment must be seized. Questions about “too much to lose” and  “is it too late to make a break” are answered at the end with “just let go.”

After a quick flashing echo, bell-like, resonant synths flow to kick off "Any Excuse.” Daniel Hugh’s rich, resonant voice carries a tender melody as bass blocks shift with dense power. The vocals tremble and cascade together as bell-like notes flicker.

The drums add forward motion with their loping pattern and Daniel Hugh’s voice captures affection in its smooth tones. Gleaming, bell-like notes sparkle as digital-sounding synth carries a hopeful melody. The song drifts into silken, enfolding synth chords as metallic, glowing synth flares and bass adds a surging, elastic feel to the song.

Our narrator addresses another person and tells them that they’re making him feel like he’s losing control and that they make him question his beliefs. There’s a sense of new beginnings as he says he’s looking for excuses to “be alone with you, just to talk to you once.”

The storyteller says that when he isn’t wth the other person, he hopes “beyond hope” that they are thinking about him because he’s thinking of them and “how I'll get you to fall for me too.”He admits that he might be seeing what he hopes is there when their eyes meet. He muses, “Does a stolen glance mean I have a chance? Or are you just toying with me?”

“Powerless” opens as gigantic, retro-sounding drums form an energetic beat. Intensely shiny, tapping notes move with climbing organ-like notes. Daniel Hugh’s all-encompassing vocal performance has a gentling quality that touches me. The vocal melody creates wistful yearning as it unfolds.

Undulating bass and leaping drums support the positive-feeling chorus as rippling, elevated synth arpeggios dances. Clean light pours from the arpeggios as Daniel Hugh’s voice emotes with conviction.

Bursting drums guide the sparkling arpeggios before Daniel Hugh’s voice moves with steadily glistening notes. The vocals vault upward and after a fading segment, the chorus ends the song with a joyous sense of freedom.

In this song, the narrator says he tried to argue “but I had no voice” and adds that he gave up on the idea of having a choice. He goes on to say that he had to let the other person know that “I couldn't get you out of my head” or leave to never see them again.

In the chorus, our storyteller asks the song’s subject to take his hand and “lead me to your promised land.” He points out that he’s a fool for the other person and that “there’s nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for you.” He adds that if the other person says they need him, he’ll run to them. He adds that he’s got to prove himself worthy of their love because “I know it now, I'll never give up.”

Our narrator concludes by saying that at one point in time, he’d made a “choice to leave it all behind” and if the other person doesn’t take him, “it might break me” so he asks them if they’ll “end this misery.”

Rapidly flickering arpeggios join growling bass and Daniel Hugh’s voice is full of deeply felt emotion as Into The Darkness” begins. Broadly bright synth pulses as the music ramps up in, growing in strength. Daniel Hugh’s vocals arc upward and drums rush forward along with quickly throbbing bass. I am drawn to the forceful bass power in this song.

Daniel Hugh’s vocals are aching and expectant, the melody they carry tinged with pain and potential. Arpeggios shimmer above heavy bass and the Daniel Hugh’s voice captures possibility and a hint of worry. This music surges along with lambent shine as slowly oscillating bass keeps up an undeniable heartbeat.

The singer queries the song’s subject, “If I ask you, will you take a chance?” He asks that person if they will take a “leap of faith” and follow him “into the darkness.” He exhorts the other person to start again and leave the world they know behind, to help build “the world we want around us.” He inquires if the other person will go on an adventure with him, asking if they can “bear to say goodbye and vanish over the horizon.”

Our narrator asks the other person if they’re scared because he admits that he is. He says that because nothing is decided, “there’s nothing we can’t do.” In spite of their fears, he asks the other person to take his hand because “it starts today and we're ripping up the plan.” Once more, he asks if the other person is afraid and points out that he’s also afraid but “the thing that really scares me is the thought of losing you.”

“Outro” starts as a piano rings out, beautifully mingling soothing and hurting emotion. Quickly pulsing bass rushes and medium-high, gleaming synth chords flare as the bass becomes more powerful.

Wide-sounding percussion adds more weight to the track as the bright notes flash. The piano carries a melody that is encouraging and a little heartbroken as the glimmering synth arpeggios tremble and the drums and piano fade into silence.

Conclusion

Now Or Never radiates a sene of honest, deeply felt emotion along with moments of melancholy to leaven it. The interwoven synths, Daniel Hugh’s vocals and the overall sonic atmosphere come together to form a pleasing whole.

Electron Odyssey - Liquid Crystal Daydreams

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Electron Odyssey’s Liquid Crystal Daydreams is a musical quilt, woven from many different and interesting pieces that come together in a satisfying and interesting whole. The album maintains cohesion while roaming across an ear-pleasing musical landscape that incorporates many genres and emotional states.

One of the reasons I enjoy Liquid Crystal Daydreams is the high quality of Electron Odyssey's performances on the album. The guitar is intricate and expressively played, all of the synth parts are detailed and their sounds are well-chosen and the drums are full of life and dynamism. The high level of musical skill enhances the overall atmosphere on the album.

Performance quality is also a hallmark of the guest artists on Liquid Crystal Daydreams. King Protea and Megan McDuffee bring their superb vocal abilities to bear on the songs, deepening the sound and enhancing their emotions. Sean Michalec’s guitar solos are impressively intertwining and full of skilful playing. All in all, each guest adds a positive contribution to the tracks.

I also find the way in which the album can knit together a rich variety of different musical influences into a cohesive whole quite compelling. Sometimes putting together such a sonic collage creates chaos but Electron Odyssey has managed to avoid that problem. Instead each varied element adds more interest and entertainment. For me, it’s the atmosphere that the music creates which allows all of the disparate influences to work together so well.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Empty Heart” opens as wildly pulsating, rounded synth rushes in oscillating motion and rough-edged, massive bass pulses slice in. Shimmering chimes fall slowly while huge drums batter and robotic vocals move to add a technological quality to the music. A snare drum strikes hard and angular, medium-low synths create a driving pulse.

Glittering chimes sparkle and rapidly fade as the robot voice moves. Now electric guitar flies while bending synth wobbles in between. Heartfelt energy and howling passion fill the excellent guitar performance here. A segment characterized by finger snaps and rapidly dancing, chiming notes floats past. Nasal-sounding synth ripples through along with massive, flourishing drums.

Tense, raised synth wriggles and the “fill my empty heart” vocal repeats. The music drops into a wide open void as synth bubbles and pops as high sounds skitter. A deep bass heartbeat throbs before rounded synth quickly cascades into the music. Metallic chimes ring out and hard-edged guitar pulses in.

Ethereal, full sounds come in before the electric guitar cries out. Flashing chimes drop through and the robotic voice goes on over the throbbing drum and bass underpinning. The guitar wheels and intricately dances before coming to an end on wandering synth.

Arcade sounds and distantly throbbing bass open “Roller Rink Request.” An announcer calls on skaters to hit the rink and a quickly jumping bass line and flickering arpeggios move together. Classic, dance floor filling bass and skipping drums launch the music and King Protea’s vocals are full and expressive.

The joyous vocal melody moves and the uplifting beat propels the music. Youthful life and hopeful feelings fill the chorus pleasingly as the bright synth melody jumps. Both singers intertwine their voices to add to the positive emotions as chimes flash and glow.

A chest-thumping, energizing drum and bass pulse goes on and the twisting synths add more dynamism as lambent synths ripple through the music and the track ends on surging bass and sparkling synth.

The narrator talks about how she sees the song’s subject “standing in the corner, too cool for school.” They look at each other and she encourages the other person not to be shy and “step into the light, leave yourself behind now.” She adds that they should have some fun on that night.

Our storyteller asks the other person to hold her hand and dance with her. She asks them to say they’ll stay until the next day so they can “drive in my car to the stars.” As the song ends, she tells the song’s subject that together they’ll "chase away sorrow.”

Strangely buzzing, broken noises move in along with typing sounds, a dial-up modem and distorted, drifting arpeggios to bring “Fundamental” to life. Nasal-sounding, rubbery bass and gigantic drums slam into the track while climbing, shadowy chords move underneath. Brassy synths cry out with a powerful voice as elevated guitar wriggles over gigantic drums and thick bass.

Now a breathy voice comes through saying “my love for you is fundamental” as energetic, gleaming guitar doubles the vocal melody. There’s a break into writhing arpeggios as tightly wound string notes ring out over the drums and bass. I enjoy the intense light flashing from the high strings here. Lower strings drop though, adding resonant lushness to the music.

After a flourishing drum fill, the drums are cut by sparkling, leaping synth lines as the vocals repeat. Now muffled, distant synth notes with a nasal twist ripple as finger snaps move and the male voice repeats “fundamental.” Wobbling, raised notes shiver over dynamically bursting drums and bass while shining, string-like synth cries out. The music fades out as thunder rolls and wind and rain rushes.

“Trip” kicks off as majestically flaring synths are accompanied by tight, elevated sparkles as the guitar cries out and unctuous, steadily flowing bass pulses. The guitar is full of energetic life and Electron Odyssey's vocals leap in, clear and full of humour.

I enjoy the exuberant chorus its promise of fun out on the road. Drums throb, rippling higher synths float out and the guitar is full of a sense of adventure to complement the lyrics. Twinkling light bursts from the synths and the guitar flies through the music above the propulsive drums.

Now hard-hitting drums solo with diversity and free-wheeling strength. The other musical elements ramp up, synths shimmering and carrying a jaunty melody. A happy, positive chorus flickers through above the guiding drums before the song ends.

Our narrator is not a happy camper as he talks about how his “boss is a slob, I wanna quit my job” and feels that his current town must be cursed. On top of that, he has a neighbour who’s a jerk with a “creepy smirk.” The narrator is planning on getting out of there!

In the chorus, he decides it’s time to go on a trip with a friend and “give ‘em the slip.” They’ll get into his “rusty old ship” and escape. Our storyteller says that “with any luck” he’ll start his truck and see how far “ten bucks for gas” will take him and a friend. As the song ends he says, “I'm packing up my bag. Bye Mom and Dad. Grey skies to blue, just me and you.”

Richly glowing synths wash into the music, full of an enfolding feeling as “The Endless Shore” opens. Reverent, breathy sounds sweep past and crystalline chimes glimmer above Megan McDuffee’s luscious voice. Her performance is assured and expressive, carrying a mysterious vocal melody over dynamic drums and sunlit chimes.

The vocal melody is enigmatic and wandering. After a drum fill, Megan McDuffee’s emotive voice carries the worshipful, ethereal vocal melody again. Elevated lead synth twirls, full of pained emotion as metallic chimes flash and extended synth chords flow below them.

Now Sean Michalec’s expressive guitar solo adds needy, gritty energy as it unfolds into the song. Densely packed notes intertwine before high chimes flash. Medium-high synth doubles the vocal melody and Megan McDuffee’s voice fades.

Our storyteller talks about how she’s looking out to sea “suspended in this moment.” She asks the other person to meet her in a daydream “beyond the endless shore.” As the day draws to a close and sunset falls, she says “my flame burns on, can you see it?”

Again the narrator asks the other person to meet her in that daydream. A beautiful image of “green eyes in grey skies” is woven as she asks the other person where they’ve gone. She is forced to concede that she hasn’t got an answer for the question.

Our narrator implores the other person to find a way back to her and talks about how memories are like “grains of sand” as they slip through her fingers. As she next talks about being met in a daydream, the storyteller says “stepping out, we fall together through clouds of mist and starlight.”

As the song ends, the narrator talks about reaching through shadows and as her “green eyes open” she sees the other person. She can hear the other’s voice inside her and confidently states that “I will find you!”

“Turbocharged” comes alive as a snarling motor revs and tumbling, digital-sounding notes flicker along with a robotic voice. Steadily pulsing snare drum moves with an active, solid bass line and squelching synths quickly intertwine.

Rounded, medium-low synths rebound as pulsating drums and undulating bass move below cascading, tightly interlocking notes. As the robotic voice sings and tensely wound arpeggios whirl, guitar rings out with clean, slicing notes. Metallic, repeating arpeggios flicker before the guitar and pounding drums create the sensation of power and speed.

The robotic voice repeats “won’t you come along with me.” The guitar howls and fills the music with enjoyable, intense life. The computerized voice is shattered by scalpel-sharp arpeggios.  The guitar ends the track with aggressive energy and the sound of a roaring engine.

Rough-edged, warm synth chords move in before a delicate female voice chants and “Forever” begins. Glittering chimes wash through the music as bass throbs richly below them.  The caressing, breathy voice calls out as crystal arpeggios spin. Uplifting guitar rises on glistening wings over the shiny, medium-high synth.

There’s a pleasing, invigorating quality to the pattern woven by the medium-high synth here. An enfolding, peaceful sensation emanates from the female voice as soaring guitar lifts into the clear blue sky. Now sax adds a reedy and light melody that skips through the music, adding to its sense of ease. Laidback drums guide the track on. Passion rises from the sax before gruff synth chords form a dynamic line.

The guitar wheels out, shimmering through an enlivening melody as the medium-high, glowing synths frolic. After a drum fill, dense chords shift and the female voice glides along with sunny synth flashes. The saxophone adds a positive, heartfelt emotional quality to the music. The track cruises toward an ending now with bursting energy.

‘To The Far Side” starts as massive drums and unique percussion shudder and throb as high, strange animal sounds cry out. Metallic synth rings out before the guitar roams into the music, carrying a dark melody that exudes danger and intense feelings.

A gigantic, pulsating drumbeat adds urgent strength to the track. A feral feeling pours from the guitar as it cries out. I find the guitar’s wildness compelling as it fills the track.  Metallic chimes shine and the drums strike hard to shape the music.

The guitar cries madly and carries an intricately howling melody out over the shattering, stuttering drums. The minor key melody is muscled, carried on spine-tingling guitar and the drums and bass thunder below. The track ends on gargantuan percussion.

Waves wash on a distant shore and a trumpeting note rings out to bring “Drifting” into being. Sharply gleaming synths cut in and the drums have a clear edge as guitar adds more lush tones to the higher synth’s crystalline shine. The guitar carries a delicately flowing melody as bass moves below.

Now as the drums shape the music, smooth guitar carries a melody evoking mournful emotion as the complex drum part shifts. Glimmering high synth adds starry sensations to the track. I am drawn to the yearning, loss and need expressed by the guitar melody here. Through it all, the drums throb as the guitar floats past and sparkling light flickers from elevated synth as the waves wash.

Conclusion

Liquid Crystal Daydreams is a lush, layered and diverse auditory journey that combines many different musical influences and sensations. Electron Odyssey’s talents combine with those of his guests to create an enjoyable listening experience on the album.

Karl Vincent - VHS Retrospective

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Karl Vincent’s VHS Retrospective is a retro guitar ride that showcases his playing ability and boundless energy. Bursting energy, rich intricacy and a synth palette that explores a panoply of different tones, timbres and musical textures add more depth and interest to the music.

Of course, Karl Vincent’s skill as a guitarist takes centre stage on VHS Retrospective. He extracts expression and energy from the instrument, weaving intricate solos along the way. His choice of guitar tones also adds to the listening enjoyment, contributing to the overall atmosphere in each track.

However he doesn’t neglect the synth aspect of the album either. His synth selection is broad and carefully interwoven to imbue the music with variety and interest. Every synth adds texture, feeling and tonal colour to the music, making it more pleasing to the ear. I always find some new sound to hear.

I also want to mention the melodies on the album. Karl Vincent has written catchy, engaging melodic content that makes VHS Retrospective a fun listening experience. I feel quite invigorated after listening to the album, making me feel energized and ready for what’s coming next.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Echo (Prelude)” comes into being as heavy bass glides and guitar swirls and cries out. Karl Vincent’s guitar gyrates with abandon over the drum pulse along with chiming notes. The guitar tumbles and cries out in a passionate voice as drums charge and the huge bass presence makes itself abundantly apparent. I enjoy Karl Vincent’s decision to kick things off with a small slice of what’s to come on the album.

Broad, medium-low synth descends as sirens scream, the synth falling in arpeggiating lines to start “Double Jeopardy.” A quickly pulsing kick drum flourishes and a shining synth pattern radiates active energy over the driving drumbeat.

Karl Vincent’s guitar leaps out, carrying a motivating, propulsive melody. I enjoy the way in which the guitar melody intricately unfurls as its climbing notes add a triumphant feeling. Sharp-edged, gleaming synth trumpets out flying notes over the rocketing drumbeat and solid bass underpinnings.

After a drum fill, an angular synth pattern drives on, adding more speed and life to the music. Flashing, razor-edged synths slice. Chiming synths twinkle as the guitar arcs upward, carrying the energetic melody and sirens fill the track as the cascading notes fade.

“Through the Night” opens with a drum flourish along with funky electric bass. Jagged-edged guitar blooms into the track, bursting and fading rapidly. Slap bass shifts and high chimes glimmer while guitar pulses cut in.

Karl Vincent’s blues-inflected guitar carries a passionate melody an intensely emotive, expressive feeling to which I am drawn. A steady drumbeat and groovy bass imbue the track with a unique energy.

All of the sonic elements move smoothly as the guitar pulses have a slicing edge to them. Karl Vincent’s guitar work is intricate as it unfolds in detailed lines.  The main melody is full of yearning desire while the disco-like groove is addictive.

Trumpeting synth blasts out along with throbbing drums and an oscillating bassline to start “Streets of Grime.” Clean-sounding guitar slices in, carrying a melancholy-tinged melody through the music.

Karl Vincent’s guitar has an emotive and engaging tone to which I am drawn.  Brassy synths with a victorious, propulsive quality fly along while the drums and bass throb. The guitar solo cascades in whirling patterns as dynamic drums and bass move the music forward.

As flashing synths sing out victoriously, the melody is full of mingled optimism and more pained emotions. The track’s low end flows onward as the flaring elevated synth calls out and the guitar injects more excitement through speeding solo’s interwoven wildness.

“Mach Riders” begins as dense synth, quickly twinkling higher sounds and a steady deep bass flow jump into rushing forward motion as the drums smack into the track. The guitar whirls into speeding, twirling motion and bends out as a thicker, denser string sound strums underneath.

Karl Vincent's nimble, skilled fingers extract uplift and acceleration from his instrument. A new segment moves in as serpentine guitar cries out with feeling. The music surges forward again with the strong drumbeat hitting hard as thicker string sound accents the freewheeling guitar melody.

A sense of open roads and boundless vistas unfolds over solidly throbbing drums and bass. As the track ends, another inventive solo whips through the other musical elements and the track ends.

Wide-sounding guitar flows with a unique melody that has an ancient quality as "High Grounds” comes to life. Bursting, glowing synth leaps out and the guitar rapidly corkscrews. A slightly broken, divided melody rings out while the drums scud through the track.

After a drum fill. Karl Vincent solos with intensity, detail and finger-breaking ability. The music bounces into a segment in which sharp-edged, shadowed notes burst out over deep bass. There’s a dynamic change as the track grows quieter briefly before reaching a crescendo.

The guitar wheels with controlled chaos and the drums and bass cruise on smoothly underneath it. Complexity and a reaching feeling fills the track. As the music ends, the stuttering division of the melody lends fascination to the music.

“Fighter X” starts with luscious natural sounds, airy panpipes and deeply metallic chimes.  Xylophone trickles through and the panpipes breathe before the solid drum and bass throb moves the music forward. Ethereal panpipes dance with a faerie feeling that is pleasing to me.

The guitar melody bends and adds positive emotion as densely gleaming chimes flicker and panpipes skip along. A distorting, expressive guitar solo cries out. Karl Vincent creates a contrast between deep notes and screaming highs to enhance the track in the solo. There's a return to jungle sounds and twinkling, trickling instruments to add depth.

Guitar snarls low and shrieks high to open “Smoke In The Mirror.” Coiled energy and muscled motion characterize the guitar melody that launches itself into the track. The guitar breaks into a volleying, twisted pattern before exuding need and yearning.

Karl Vincent’s guitar chops are on full display as he imbues the music with emotion. The main melody has an ominous, victorious feeling as bouncing, churning guitar reverberates. Soaring, swooping guitar shimmers and bends, deep bass throbbing and the drums charging on. For one final time, the guitar soars, exuding a sense of escape before silence falls.

Conclusion

Sometimes music is all about having fun and VHS Retrospective is huge fun to listen to. The album bursts with energy and is full of madly entertaining guitar solos and irrepressible enthusiasm. I find myself relaxing and getting into its positive vibes each time I listen to it.

Peter Gagliardi - Artwave

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Peter Gagliardi’s Artwave is like a soundtrack to a monumental space opera. It combines vast scope, intricately intertwining synth layers and deeply emotional moments into an intensely expressive whole. I feel as though I’m being transported across the starry reaches of outer space as I listen to the album as it unfolds.

One of the main factors in my enjoyment of Artwave is the way in which Peter Gagliardi conjures up sensations of space travel. The colossal bass sound creates a feeling of massive openness, the gleaming synths form starlit pinpoints and the grand scale of the overall sound lifts me up and carries me away across galactic soundscapes.

Another major reason for Artwave’s success with me is Peter Gagliardi’s melodic skill. His melodies are engaging, emotive and full of deep expression. I enjoy their clarity and the way in which they can induced mixed emotions in the space of a single track. The ability to combine well-chosen synths with lyrical expression draws me in again and again.

The way in which Peter Gagliardi holds my interest through his detailed, layered synth tapestries is another reason for my satisfaction with this album. He carefully selects synths for their tonal colours, textural contrasts and overall emotional qualities and weaves them together in an engaging and thoughtful fashion. The end result is entrancing and compelling for me.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Orbit” begins as steadily pulsing bass and elevated, dazzling synth drift in. Wind moves back and forth as deeply throbbing bass is joined by rising synth warmth and evenly pulsing drums. High synth dances in crystalline arpeggios as piano-like, wide-sounding notes create a melodic pattern that exudes gentle and encouraging emotion. The emotional content of the melody is compelling for me.

Tiny sparkling lights add a starry feeling and nasal-sounding, round synth carries a hopefully climbing melody. Arpeggios twinkle and spin while bass depth adds lushness. Trickling, elevated notes evoke a star-filled sky as the extending, caressing synths with a gruff edge slip out. Drums and bass provide a guiding influence in the music. The medium-low, full, chiming synth melody sings out, imbued with optimism as it floats out into space and the solid bass lifts the other sonic elements.

Extremely deep bass creates a sensation of vast space as glittering synth ripples in  a light-filled pattern to open “Distant Colony.” The lead synth has a woodwind-like quality as it carries an enigmatic, ancient-sounding melody into the track’s wide open spaces. Radiant high synth notes accent the music as it grows in power, bass and drums moving the track forward.  Metallic chimes flare and glow above the surging energy below them.

Now a cello calls out with trembling gentleness carrying a poignant and emotive melody that I enjoy. The resonant cello has a caressing feeling as the drumbeat and bass keep the track moving. A mournful tinge comes from the string section as active bass roams. Nasal-sounding synth aches as power mounts below it adds richness to the sound. Yearning fills the melody as gleaming light flickers in and the track ends.

“Wide View” starts as whirling arpeggios cascade tightly and an angular drum and bass pulse propels the music. Broadly glowing synths slide through the music with a lightly caress that adds a peaceful contrast to the drum and bass energy. Tender lead synth glitters with delicate light as it carries a melody rich with a feeling of possibility.

A solid drum and bass throb guides the track onwards. Rough-edged, medium low synth take up the melody, doubling the brighter chimes. I am drawn to the noble, graceful melody as it soars out, imbuing the music with a sense of progress and growth. Drums pulsate and the bass oscillates below them. A vista opens in this music, carrying with it aspirations for better things to come while the dynamic low end of the track keeps moving.

Echoing space and hard-hitting kick drum are touched by a rising, steady sound that exudes foreboding as “Dystopia 01” starts out. Hard-edged synths bend and oscillate as a raised, slowly intertwining synth pulse moves in. Lucid, surprisingly gentle synth carries a melody that soothes, in contrast to the threatening feelings looming behind it. I am enamoured of the soothing melody. Massive drums and heaving bass surge together into open space as wave-like sounds sweep.

Now elevated, lost-sounding synths dance while powerfully rising, rounded notes call out. Buzzing sounds move as raised, spinning synths dance. The melody enfolds rough-edged, heavily throbbing synths that are sliced by flaring, gruff pulses. Haunted synth tones emphasize the melody and the entire track swells with power and interlocking sonic layers. The music ends with muscled energy and a hidden sense of danger as the melody fades one last time.

"Dystopia 02” commences as softly falling rain and steady, low bass is cut by darkly majestic, sweeping synth chords. Deeply rumbling bass slowly roams as pained, shadowy synth chords shift and a continuous bass oscillation begins. Chimes gleam as the full-bodied lead synth calls out, carrying a melody that ripples through with bereft emotion.

The bass is a physical force that effectively permeates the track, lending a well-considered power to the music. Gentle sounding lead synth slips through the track. High synth forms astral pinpoints that contrast with the bass’ sheer force. Medium-high synths feel hurt as skittering sounds move past and the track fades to silence with the rain.

Deeply throbbing drums and a soothing synth glow are joined by the hard-hitting drum pulse and thick bass to open “Neon Utopia.” Gigantic drums pulse and elevated, luminous synth carries a dancing arpeggiation. Soaring lead synth carries a melody brimming with expanding vistas and exciting possibilities.

Visceral, forceful drums shape the music as cloudy light filters through in the background. Glimmering synth climbs upwards, coruscating above the slamming drums. The main melody cries out again, high synth flickering and expressing uplifting emotion. There’s a strong contrast between the elevated synths and the aggressive drums and bass that drive the track on to a conclusion.

“Colonizing Enceladus” comes to life as overlapping synths glisten and rise and a hollow bass pulse moves through the track while metallic sounds exhale. Now reverberating drums and gliding bass support the elevated lead synth. The track’s fragile, tender melody is shot through with a dreamy feeling to which I am drawn.

Echoing drum throb enhances the gliding sensation as the lead synth carries the main melody with a feathery touch. An undulating arpeggio ripples below the melancholy, delicate melody. Steadily vibrating drums and pulsating bass support the other musical elements. String sounds create resonant layers before the raised lead synth sparkles and the arpeggios slow and drift off into silence, punctuated by flaring illumination.

A slowly unfurling, effulgent synth slips above a steadily moving drone, distant and diffuse as “Veil City” begins. Separated notes gleam above a constant lower synth flow and evenly repeating, elevated synth accents the track. A slightly rough-edged, nasal-sounding synth carries the trembling melody.

I am drawn to the tentative quality in the music as the starry, raised synth twinkles and bass rumbles in an oscillating pattern. The lead synth suffuses the track with a glow as the moving bass underpins it. Power grows as the music reaches a crescendo, filling the track brimful with a sense of strength. Medium-high, bell-like synth adds another sonic layer. The bell-like synth has an exquisite touch above oceanic bass energy as flickering, high notes move past and the track fades to quiet.

Conclusion

Artwave creates a complex, cinematic musical journey that carries me away. I can sink into the lush soundscapes and allow them to lift me out of the mundane and send me flying across the cosmos. This is music to get lost in and enjoy the process of doing so.