Cat Temper - Meow At The Moon

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Cat Temper’s Meow At The Moon is full of entertaining moments of tingling horror as its terrifying were-cat tale unfolds. Cat Temper’s melodic writing, novel synth combinations and musical theatricality come to the fore on this album. This is spooky season listening at its most enjoyable.

Melody is something with which I have somewhat of an obsession. I’m a sucker for a good melody and Meow At The Moon has plenty of well-written ones. I enjoy the way in which Cat Temper evokes dangers hidden in the shadows, creates deliciously creepy moments and imbues his melodies with mystical mystery. The melodies are engaging and hard to forget in a pleasing way.

Another strength of Meow At The Moon is all of the ways in which Cat Temper combines synth sounds. He weaves together synths that snarl gutturally, spectrally drift and cry out with bloodcurdling effect. I enjoy the way in which the cinematic horror in the music is reinforced by the unique synth textures and tones that he uses on the album.

The sheer theatricality and drama of the album is also quite enjoyable in my view. Cat Temper uses music to heighten dramatic moments and delineate auditory imagery. The atmosphere crackles with nervousness and creates fun, spine-tingling moments that sometimes spill over into seething shadows. The spirit of ‘80s horror movies is alive and entertaining on Meow At The Moon.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Campfire Tails” commences as thunder rolls and static crackles. A wandering bass line moves behind an extremely entertaining voice over trembling, worried synth notes. The way in which they ring out increases the track’s theatrical creepiness. Rippling, tense notes shift as an organ thrums threatening notes as the slow bass walks underneath and a cat howls.

Bright, hard-edged synths create a danger-filled, oscillating motion that ramps up the feeling of an imminent attack as “Clawstrophobia’ begins. Guttural bass growls and huge drums roll before blending into an actively moving line. Choral voices add drama as an elevated synth pattern flashes.

Now nasal-sounding, low synth twists in a minor key melody with a pleasing mysterious quality as the energizing drums and bass drive on. Gruff, low synth deepens the enigmatic feeling of the main melody. Cymbals clash and the drums slow as tense, raised synth writhes.

Ancient, unknown terror fills the main melody as the drum and bass pulse keeps moving. Electric guitar adds more power as darkness swirl and rises from it. Urgency fills the low end of the track while terrified-sounding high synth trembles. The track ends on glowing chords and dark piano.

“Milk in the Moonlight” starts as resonant, bell-like synth creates a tumbling pattern that wanders and sparkles. A portentous bass pulse moves roughly below it and the solid drumbeat throbs continually. Interwoven higher notes effectively create heightened unease and unsettled emotion. After a drum fill, jangling bells keep spinning out nervously as bass swells and fades.

Now gleaming, minor-key synth carries a powerful melody full of melancholy and rising shadows while the drums batter brokenly. Slicing bass moves in gigantic blocks and fades as full-sounding synths also rise and fade, tinged by wriggling sound. The minor key melody seethes with lurking evil and the drum pulse moves the music.

Deep chimes ring out over a misty background to kick off “Curse of the Were-Cat.” Chittering, vibrating sounds shift and drums form a smooth guiding motion. I get a thrilling sense of hidden danger lurking in the mist in this track.

Chimes flash and slow bass growls as a trumpeting synth carries a climbing, victorious melody. Bass now slams with malevolent force creating a hard-hitting pulse as higher, rough-edged notes inject nervousness. Now organ-like synth shivers into the music over towering bass blocks.

Round-sounding, fear-inducing synth carries a wandering pattern like questing tendrils of mist and the drums pound. Funky guitar creates a propulsive groove as hi hat adds a metallic element. After a drum fill, the high synth writhes and surges with heavy weight below and shining notes add a brittle brightness.

“Twisted Whiskers” opens with dynamically throbbing bass and interleaved, tightly cascading synth. Drums also burst, a diffused sounding snare creating an active pulse. Medium-low, nasal-sounding synth descends in energetically repeating patterns.

Motivational emotion pours from the main synth melody, accented by lambent flashes. The angular drums and bass imbue the music with liveliness. Slicing synths sharpen the track and snare drum pulses are broken by ominous, rising synth. I enjoy the balance that Cat Temper creates in this track.

Computerized sounding synth ripples and further increases the track’s dynamism as drums rebound and tom hits accent the beat. The main melody wriggles through while glittering bells ring out, adding a lightness to the music. Speeding drums further push the track on before bells descend in angular lines.

Blaring, swelling and fading synths with a gritty edge bring “Transfurmation” to life. Slowly throbbing, jagged bass comes in, followed by slowly bouncing drums and swirling, medium low synth flashes. The bass begins to oscillate and the drums are heavy.

The way in which the chiming synth delicately combines menace and melancholy is enjoyable for me. Trembling synth wobbles through, adding uncomfortable feelings. Heavily rebounding drums and thick bass pound together before pausing.

Pipe organ shivers while strange, unsettling sounds roil in the background and the gigantic drums throb. Reverberant, medium-low, hollow synth carries a melody with a blues-y tinge over the surging underpinnings. Feverishly shining chimes flash as the track ends.

“Scratch and Sniff” starts as victorious, brassy synth leaps out in rapid bursts through empty space, forming an angular melody. Dense, rough-edged bass and slamming kick drum create a reverberating, leaping pulse. Now vibrating, wriggling synths cascade in a bizarre sounding jumble over the throbbing beat.

Medium-high, nasal-sounding synth carries a haunted melody. A Theremin increases the track’s mysterious qualities to good effect as it comes in. A tinge of warmth is added before the dynamic main melody propelled by gargantuan drums and heaving bass.

Digital-sounding notes shimmy in a wandering line as the Theremin cries out, tracing spectral fingers through the track and again the main melody has a twisted frolic through the track before the music ends.

Wide-sounding, medium-low synth cuts a swathe through open space to commence “Fur of the Dark.” A lush background of bells with a perilous feeling vibrates in along with warmer chords for contrast. Rising synth flows over top of muscled bass as the hollow Theremin adds  a ghostly feeling.

Drums and bass kick while sharply flaring synth slashes through the music. Hard-edged bass keeps pulsing as rising synths and ringing bells shine. I enjoy the hidden claws in this track’s melody. Rounded, resonant synth climbs and twists while Stygian bass grunts. A hypnotic, razor-sharp pulse cuts in again and gruff synth lacerates the music. As gigantic drums throb, the bells cry out with lurking danger and the track ends on Theremin and massive sonic sweeps.

“The Cat is Back” starts off as clean, impactful synth arpeggiates in a scalpel-sharp motion. Clashing drums and shadowed bass swell and fade, each bass swell accented by the drums. Pipe organ cries out with a powerful voice as the clear, pin-sharp synths undulate and twisting sounds writhe.

The pipe organ picks up the synth's arpeggiating pattern, imbuing it with dynamism along with pleasantly thrilling feelings of nervousness and imminent danger. Rapidly moving bass blurts out as trumpeting sounds raise the energy levels.

Evil strength pours out from the organ melody, along with the promise of more darkness to come. Colossal drums smack into the music while the trumpeting synth has triumph in its voice before the track fades.

Conclusion

Meow At The Moon is a clear illustration of the way in which Cat Temper creates music that, while playful and fun, is still written with skill and a great deal of respect for the craft. I am always happy to hear what Cat Temper will come out with next!

Europaweite Aussichten - Night Sequences 3

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Europaweite Aussichten’s Night Sequences 3 roams through a widely varied series of synthscapes characterized by richly interwoven sounds, strong melodic writing and deeply atmospheric sensations. There’s a good deal of depth and breadth on this album, created through skilfully combined musical elements.

Intricate sonic layering creates engaging, interesting sonic experiences on Night Sequences 3. Europaweite Aussichten builds up complex auditory experiences in his music, relying on his ability to weave and layer synth sounds. There’s detail, nuance and aural interest in each sound and he carefully mixes them to produce an enjoyable listening experience. I am drawn to the way in which tonal colour, timbral variance and musical atmosphere are carefully built up throughout each track.

I enjoy the melodies that Europaweite Aussichten unfolds across the musical canvas of Night Sequences 3. The melodic writing is engaging and moves through different, mingled emotional states. Europaweite Aussichten has a knack for combining wide-ranging emotions in one melodic line. This skill allows him to further add to the atmospheric nature of the music within this album.

Atmosphere oozes from every part of Night Sequences 3. Each individual track has a unique feeling to it, generating strong imagery through sound. I enjoy how every piece tells a different story and explores a different emotional state, while managing to come together in a cohesive way. I like the journey each track guides me through as it unfurls.

This album’s musical guests also deserve a mention. Full Eclipse and The Astral Stereo Project contribute their unique musical sensibilities to “Our Church Is The City And The Prayers Burn Bright” and “Meet Me At The Station Past The Steel Rails” respectively. Their personal styles shine through while still respecting Europaweite Aussichten’s sound. The end result is added variety and depth that mixes well with the album’s overall feeling.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Rats Are Out Tonight” opens as swirling, worshipful synths flow out into empty space. Metallic percussion, fluttering higher sounds with an organic quality and upwelling bass combine before the rebounding percussion gains strength. Now the drums volley and quick, minor key synth chords flare and fade to create energy and motion.

Vocal sounds echo in choppy motion, adding to the track’s propulsive feeling. There’s a pleasing lost, wandering quality in the string-like synth that comes in. String sounds create an orchestral quality, deepening the expressive nature of the music.

Gigantic, battering drums bounce and vocal sounds shiver and trip as bass rumbles. Brighter, higher sounds cascade before the drums hit add motion and twisting, raised notes drift. Choppy vocal sounds end the track along with  fragile strings and static hiss.

Trembling, medium low synths echo out into open space as “When The Mirror Image Has Stopped Yelling At You” begins. Rising, rough-edged synth pulses climb and fade above colossal, hard-hitting drums. Rounded, medium-high synths slip in a lightly touching pattern over undulating drums and oscillating bass.

Raised, string-like synths flash over shadowy bass and fragile piano ripples. As resounding drums and solid bass throb, gleaming synth creates a diffuse cloud while sharp-edged sounds cut in and the music grows in power.

Deep bass growls and synths flare out and fade while an indistinct higher sound intertwines. Choral synths chant with glowing intensity over the massive, heaving weight far below. There’s a good balance between tension and reverence in this track. The music ends with thick bass and round sounding notes.

“Coming To Terms With Who You Are (And Then Forget About It In Five Seconds)” starts as dense, darkly swelling notes grow and heavy-hitting drums rebound. A piano carries a hopeful, uplifting melody as the solid drum and bass pulse smoothly propels the music.

The piano has a slightly distorted quality, but it brims beautifully with feelings of contentment and open skies. The piano flits through a light, easy-going melodic segment that puts one at ease, feeling as if some weight has lifted.

Jangling, slightly twangy guitar notes sing out, flashing through as the piano caresses and rounded, medium-high synth glows. The smoothly gliding, strong drumbeat flows on while the piano melody rises like a sonic thermal to inspire and fill the listener with a sense of yearning for better days.

Pipe organ rings out as powerful bass rises to commence “Our Church Is The City And The Prayers Burn Bright.” Intertwining, slowly trembling synth shivers through over weighty bass and active drums. Glimmering sounds wash through as an elevated, twinkling synth spins out undulating melodic patterns.

Thick synth chords shift below the other musical elements. An electric guitar cuts in, skilfully weaving a triumphant melody, full of victorious emotion. Bass rumbles and gleaming synth chords cut in, lightening the sound.

Shining synth flickers with delicate, quickly spinning notes as the drumbeat throbs solidly forward again. Tremulous clouds move in the distance and warm notes rise as string-like metallic synth shines out and silence falls.

“What’s On The Air This Christmas Tonight” starts as glimmering synths flash out over steadily undulating bass.  High, twinkling notes shine as the drumbeat kicks into gear, adding active energy to the track. as the synth sparks flutter into a similarly active pattern as the bass oscillates.

I find the fragility and caring sentiment of the bell-like, tinkling synth melody charming. The drums drop out as the bass keeps on oscillating and piano comes in as a darker background sound briefly rises. The melody is imbued with feelings of gentle joy and good-natured comfort, while drums and bass add encouraging energy. A thick bass oscillation and wistful sounds end the track.

Tripping, sharp edged synth quickly flares and echoes to kick off “Do You Remember The Synthwave Days.” Mistily intertwining synths slowly rise into the wide open auditory space around them. A classic, rebounding retro drumbeat and hard-hitting bass create pulsating motion.

Razor-sharp notes tremble through the music, positively enhancing the track’s speeding sensation. The track breaks into breathy, floating panpipes as skipping synths pop in. Gigantic drums and heavy bass accelerate while shadowy, elevated sounds curl through the music.

Everything is dominated by the classic, oscillating synthwave drums and bass before sparkling chimes flash. Chimes add bright light and jangling tension as the cosmic panpipes and throbbing notes tumble. A sax cries out, carrying a devious melody over the continual driving throb below and the track ends on cutting sound.

“Meet Me At The Station Past The Steel Rails” comes into existence as vast, rising chords climb on pipe organ-like synth as Stygian bass throbs. Starry brightness pours from very high, shimmering synths that sparkle with delicacy over the majestic weight moving below them.

Broad-sounding, glowing lead synth carries a slowly unfolding melody, wonderfully full of noble grace. Surging low end strength enhances the melody’s regal qualities. Sharply bright synths flare as a steady buzzing fills the background. Hollow drums pulse distantly while twinkling lights sparkle.

As the bass fades, elevated synths with a string-like sound call out before solidly hitting drums are joined by muscled bass  Wide open, galactic vistas are evoked here as the track ends on glowing, fragile synth carrying the gentle melodic pattern into silence.

Percussion forms an unevenly throbbing motion as string-like synths interweave to open “Time Spent In The Kitchen.” A piano carries a dynamic, positive sounding melody as the strings weave resonant warmth around it. The drums keep up a shaping pulsation as raised, bubbling synths shiver and gently drift.

Strings add a pleasing lushness as distant vocal sounds echo out. Ragged-edged drums join in as the string section rises, adding a richness and depth to the music.  The piano moves again, brimming with encouragement and a sense of possibility, while the deep bass and strong drums add form to the music. The track fades on Theremin-like sounds.

Conclusion

Europaweite Aussichten has painted a luscious series of musical vignettes on Night Sequences 3. There’s emotional depth, melodic strength and intricate musical detail in abundance throughout the album. I’ve long enjoyed Europaweite Aussichten’s approach to synth music and this recording is no exception.

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.