Beckett - Caller On The Line

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Beckett’s Caller On The Line is sexy, groovy and about as cool as it gets. Beckett’s silky voice, powerful doses of funky groove and guest performances by Luca Ricardo and Rachel Jones all contribute to making this album an addictive, entertaining slice of retro-synth goodness.

The way in which Beckett’s vocals and lyrics interact on Caller On The Line is a major factor in my enjoyment of the album. He’s got a voice that enfolds in creamy waves, expressive and sensual but he can also inject a little grit when needed. His deeply entertaining lyrics only add to the fun and sexy feeling in the music.

Jazzy, funky and groovy elements also add to my listening pleasure on Caller On The Line. There are grooves that are deep in the pocket as the percussion interlocks with the bass. A good dose of funk pours from the melodies and jazzy synths and guitar complement the album’s aching cool.

Luca Ricardo and Rachel Jones’ presence on the album also adds to its strength. Luca Ricardo’s guitar playing is fluid, skillful and expressive while Rachel Jones’ soulful, sultry voice adds depth and feeling to the songs on which she performs. Both artists take the album to the next level.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Just Hold On (Erika)” comes to life as a spot-on‘80s retro drumbeat underpins energetically leaping, glowing synths and dynamically slicing guitar. Beckett’s enjoyably strong, emotive vocals carry a melody that is full of yearning and a desire to move forward.

Driving drums and intertwining guitar dance over a smoothly gliding background. Now Beckett’s voice fills with hope and need as the chorus soars out, along with strumming guitar and glimmering synth. The drums and bass throb on, shaping the music. Luca Ricardo’s guitar intricately weaves richly howling notes, full of impassioned emotion.

Beckett’s voice has a little grit that gives it character along with its smoothness. Brassy synth hits alternate with slashing guitar before the vocals carry the song to an end along with shimmering guitar and flaring synth sounds.

Our narrator is trying to dispel rumours that he’s been cheating on the song’s subject. He tells Erika that he couldn’t have made it that far without her. He says that another woman “made it up and broke your heart, the rumours and the lies” but Erika believed her.

Now the storyteller is going to “take the whole world on” and he asks Erika to “hold on tight this time” and swears that he won’t let her go. He asks her to “hear past the noise” and disregarded the lies she hears.

In the chorus, he begs Erika not to leave him because “I never met her, never knew her name” and tells her he won’t leave her like that. The narrator begs for Erika to believe him and to “hear your heart, hear me” because he didn’t cheat and “she made a fantasy.” He ends by saying “don’t leave me this way. I wont make it."

Groovy, fat bass and tapping drums are touched by glittering chimes interspersed with shiny brass licks as “Step On It” opens. The brass section is full of pleasing sunlight and an eager energy. Beckett’s silky voice flows with sensual promise as the funky guitar line weaves over the popping drums and active bass.

Horns add more positive, confident energy to the vocal melody. Beckett’s voice is both rich and expressive, now matched by Rachel Jones’ sultry vocals, broken by gleaming chimes and metallic percussion. Nasal-sounding, medium- low synth carries a wandering melody sliced by the crisp horns and supported by pulsing percussion.

Luca Ricardo's guitar swirls in, jazzy and gliding, while the horns keep flaring out. Again the chorus is carried by Beckett’s seductive voice as the horn section’s delicious licks dance over the drumbeat and moving bass line. The song ends on guitar with a funky flow and percussion.

Temptation and desire fill the song as the storyteller talks about the danger of him and the object of his affection getting along so well. He adds that he can “feel your flirty moves.”

He points out that “since your guy’s a mess” they’ve been getting along well together. The narrator invites her to jump in his car and head to the mall. He says that he wants to take her out, to be “seen places you wanna be, for your peace of mind.” He asks the song’s subject to forget about the other guy and focus on him.

Now the storyteller invites her to spend some time together alone, adding that she keeps him “spinning round and round.” He tells her that he knows a place they can be alone that “only you and I need know.” All he wants is a yes or no.

He goes on to encourage her to forget about other guys and give him a chance to try. Our narrator points out that “I can make it fun girl, if you wanna.” He continues to say that he might “blow your mind” and reminds her to “check out what you’re missing.”

Her response is to say that she’s spent another night alone, waiting. She only wants “one call: all I need to hear, one text: all I need to read.” She concludes that all she wants is one love from him and for him to “feel the same way as me.”

“Fright Night Fever” begins as steadily throbbing bass and a horror movie voice over comes in along with creeping, distant sound. Rough-edged bass growls while an ominous organ rises and haunted notes interweave.

Beckett’s voice slips in, flowing and full of feeling while the organ adds a thrilling sense of threat and percussion throbs with retro life. The vocal melody is shadow, but full of promise and guitar adds a razor edge to the song.

Slap bass contributes cool energy and organ chords swell with evil intent. Drums burst and minor key, distorted synth spirals down through the song. The guitar slips through as the organ’s weight flows into darkness and delicious horror.

A little spooky season action fills the lyrics of this song. The narrator talks about how on Halloween “the party is kicking.” There’s a knock on the door and he asks “got the ghouls and witches a trick or treat?” He talks about the song’s subject being “hot in jumpsuit and boots” adding “a trifecta for me, tasty.”

Our storyteller bets he’d “make you scream, chase you down, movie serious.” He talks about how the song’s subject is a fantasy whose “blood red lips make me delirious.” He wants them to take a stroll at the midnight hour. The storyteller asks if she’s feeling chilly and adds “your skin so soft and cold, I’ll keep you warm if you dare?”


in the talk box segment, the narrator talks about having “fright night fever” when they are alone in the shadows, in the moonlight. They’re undead creatures “on the loose, coming for you.” He says that they are “nightmare screams” and “stars of the double features.”

The evil identity of the storyteller becomes clear as he says “they say I’m something to behold, I’m 400 years old.” He talks about moving in to kiss the song subject’s neck as the skin goosebumps. Now the final strike is made as his “my hands a gentle touch, you shudder with delight and as the clouds roll in I take, my bite.”

Oceanic sounds and seagull cries are touched by repeating, flashing synth as “Harbour City” kicks off. The synth has a cutting shine as airy panpipes tremble in a glimmering pattern and a guitar cries out, gaining energy as it climbs.

Breathily flowing panpipes add texture and a snare drum rapidly taps as guitar jumps in with a shiny flare. Now rippling, interweaving digital sounding synth carries a warm, positive sounding melody. The drums keep on charging and now the pipes add an inspiring touch to the unfolding synth line’s enlivened emotional outpouring.

Underneath it all, the drums rush along and Luca Ricardo’s guitar drifts out in full-sounding chords as the elevated synth pulse glitters rapidly. The guitar cascades in sunny sparkles as the snare drum keeps bursting and the bass undulates. A sense of bustling life fills the track, evoking a busy street in a retro future city. The track ends on deep guitar notes, feathery panpipes and floating bass.

“Night Liaison” starts as unctuous bass and reverberant percussion launch into an undeniably groovy pattern. Beckett’s sensual, enticing vocals fill the song, carrying a caressing melody. Lambent light bursts from the rounded synth. I enjoy the way in which yearning and latent hope fill this song.

Steadily pulsing, gliding synth is touched by the shimmering bell and slap bass keeping the funk going. Luca Ricardo’s blues-inflected guitar leaps in, carrying a solo that cascades with passionate need. Strong retro percussion shapes the music before the arcing lead synth melody’s brightness illuminates the lyrics. Beckett’s voice is as velvety and expressive as ever while the luscious guitar tone swirls around it.

Sometimes love’s a tough thing to work out as our narrator is discovering. He feels that he’s taking a step forward and two back while “in a bona fide rat trap.” He tells the object of his affection “don’t be like that” and she responds that he talks too much. The narrator says “I fear these games we play” adding that they are getting old.

He wonders about “another lover contingency” pointing out that “trust is gold.” He points out that now he has a paying gig so he’ll step up, asking if they can work on the relationship but is still unsure. Our storyteller feels that “we never used to be like this” as the time seems to have come for them to “question it all.” He says they used to be madly in love but now asks “do we shut it down or answer the call?”

In the chorus, the narrator asks if they should “drift apart, hold back our cards, let down our guard, hide our hearts?” and likens it to a “night liaison.” Now he talks about “two hearts, running out of step” and he feels he has to “talk under my breath.” He points out that she said they’d “always be like this” but now he finds himself saying that he doesn’t know.

Popping electric bass, steadily bursting percussion and a medium-high, wriggling synth bring “Caller On The Line” to life. Taut synth curls tendrils through the music as a call to a radio show starts. Incredibly thick and groovy bass moves as quick synth sparkles flicker.

Rachel Jones’ vocals are enjoyably emotive and full of need and hope. Trumpet-like synth flares behind the melody mingling aspiration and progress as the drums and bass throb in a shaping pattern.

Deep feeling fills Rachel Jones’ voice as the DJ’s reply comes in with resonant tones as the drums burst. There’s a soulful feeling in the main melody that suits the vocals well. Brassy synth doubles the vocal melody, lifting it and adding more heartfelt emotion as it all keeps grooving.

Our storyteller has called a radio show to lay her heart bare to the person who hurt her. As she starts talking, she says that she won’t wait or debate, adding “you’ll hear this call!” She asserts herself and says that she won’t be hurt this time and “you’ll start learning, I’m needing more now.” She says that people say love’s found every minute, but warns the song’s subject “your time’s almost out.” However she adds, “I made this call to say you’re forgiven.”

The narrator says that the next time, she’ll get it right and not “waste breath on pointless fights.” She says there won’t be any “rundown or broken men” since she’s looking for a “lasting heart” and easy love. Everything should be “clear and plain” and she won’t have a man who’s not true. She adds “Babe that’s why I know we’re through.” Our narrator concludes that "love it needs to burn with desire, shouldn’t need to ask.”

“Talk Low, Talk Slow” commences as soft wind drifts and slap bass gets right into the pocket as jazzy, round toned synth shivers through the music over Beckett’s voice. The rap hits, flowing with old school feel before Beckett’s silky singing slips over the rock-solid low end and the melody extends outward.

Now the rap continues, easily moving through the track as the slap bass pops and wriggles. I am drawn to this song’s hip-shaking feeling as Luca Ricardo’s ultra-chill guitar solo slides through, full of tasty licks.

Hi hat creates a steady metallic pulse as the twisting, nasal synth trips in the background. The vocals are as cool as the guitar as they unfold over steady drumbeat and bass flow. Luca Ricardo lets loose with his guitar once again, delicious tones dancing out over the low end groove.

The rhyming that starts us off winds through playing off lines like “it’s the new swing, it’s a NewJack thing” and “I’m da - kid Beck-ett, I got the sound legit.” Our narrator tells the song’s subject to “feel the bass groove, nod your head, approve” his low and slow talking.

Now the storyteller invites the object of his affection to drink some Chardonnay after a long week. He says he’s glad she made it out “even though now we work from home.” He adds that they need the chemistry, “the simple office crush” but through a screen, he can’t offer much.

He wants the song’s subject to “stay the night, call it love” as she moves in close and “one kiss ain’t enough.” The narrator wants to fall into her eyes as she talks “low and slow” and feels his pulse racing. He adds “I know you need to have that softer touch.”

Our storyteller says “so you wanna keep our feelings quiet” but wonders about “those extra meetings” and whether or not they “keep sneaking around the office briefings.” He questions if it’ll be online or at home, wondering “do we even need to be remote?”

Now he says that he wants to be “the guy that’s in your chat room window” who has “soft breath and tight threads.” He wants the song’s subject to “book a special meeting, evening” to have dinner with “the real me.” As the song ends, he concludes that he needs “a woman who can love and lust and play, right?” He talks about how they’ll be "talking sexy, talking slow.”

Conclusion

Caller On The Line is one of the most fun albums I’ve reviewed lately. Chilled out, funky and full of satisfying grooves, it always feels laidback. I get the feeling that Beckett had a blast making this album because I sure had a blast listening to it.

Kushna - Dream

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Kushna’s Dream takes listens through a richly varied series of synth vignettes, each telling a small tale. There’s a balance between intricately interlinked synth sounds, strong melodic writing and effective auditory imagery in the music. The end result is a sonic journey through different dream states.

Layered, luscious synth sounds combine to create engaging sonic textures, tones and timbres on Dream. Kushna skilfully wraps different synth threads together to create ear-grabbing musical moments that balance the rough, the smooth, the bright and the dark. He layers sound on sound to produce intricate, engaging music.

Dream is also a showcase for Kushna’s ability to write great melodies. The melodic content is expressive, memorable and explores multiple emotions within one track. I enjoy the way in which feelings that run the gamut from tragedy to hope sometimes unfurl out of a single melodic line as it evolves. The melodies further add to the impression of being taken on an audio journey.

Another strong aspect of the album is the way in which Kushna generates mental imagery through music. The inventive sonic combinations paint vivid pictures that are given extra depth by the melodies. Each track draws me down a different mental pathway and leaves a unique impression on me as it reveals itself.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Dream” begins with steadily guiding drums and quickly swelling and fading synth chords with a gritty edge. Thick, slowly oscillating bass notes intertwine and create a smooth, strong undulation as ticking drums shape the music.

Medium-high, flashing synth carries an enjoyable melody that mingles hope, victory and power as it sings out over muscled drum and bass. Rapidly leaping, high synths cascade to add sparkling light above the underlying depths.

Oscillating bass adds propulsion as the main melody calls out again, yearning and full of a sense of progress along with just a hint of more pained emotion. Again the fluttering, tumbling high synth adds light above the power below.

Sharp-edged synth pulses join speeding drums and gruff, accelerative bass as “Stylewave” starts. Bell-like synth carries the main melody as it flies out with a dynamic shine. Now medium-high, full-sounding synth takes up the main melody. I am drawn to the way in which the melody crackles with energy and rocketing motion.

Ringing, gleaming synth carries the melody, pushed forward by the speeding drums and bass. Now tight, glittering synth takes up the melody, exploding with motivation. Angular synth bursts out, contrasting with the energizing melody. Rushing drums and a bass pulse adds momentum touched by flaring light.

“Memories” commences as slowly shifting, metallic chimes express melancholy feeling. A steadily glowing background sound flows and chimes echo out. Gruff-edged, pulsing synth accents them as solid bass throbs and the snare drum bursts.

Now glittering, trumpeting synth carries a melody that looks to the future and dreams of the past in an ear-pleasing way. The drums and bass form a  shaping heartbeat of drums and bass, as chimes ring.

After a drum fill, the melody sings with aching emotion and brightness while the chimes flicker and the percussion and bass guide the music on. One more drum fill and the music fades out.

Angular, darkly oscillating bass is joined by tapping drums that launch “One Dance” forward. Now elevated, leaping synth dances in a volleying motion. Lower, continually driving synth with a sharp edge carries an urgent melodic pattern above the strongly, evenly pulsating drums and bass.

I am enamoured of the way in which the music is full of rushing power and infectious energy. The lead synth has a string-like quality with a  shadowy tinge as higher notes add shining accents. The melody cascades through, full of lively feeling but touched with a hint of hurt as the angular bass and thudding drums keep charging on.

“Lush Story” begins as wobbling, full-sounding synth bubbles into the track with a dense, resonant sound swelling up below it. A rounded, gruff synth arpeggio quickly twirls as hard-hitting drums rebound and form a slowly shaping beat.

A bass void opens up below as richly circling arpeggios move through the music. Medium-low synth wth a subtly intertwining sound carries a mournful, drifting melody out over oscillating bass and bursting snare drums. The melody is wistful and emotional, full of feelings of drifting loss that I find touching.

Rough-edged, broad-sounding synth arpeggios shift above the diffuse snare drum and flowing bass. The main melody returns, bending as it conveys pained emotion, shaped by the throbbing bass and strong drumbeat. The music sweeps and swells with deep feeling before the track ends.

Razor-edged synth scampers in and fades quickly as an unevenly throbbing kick drum smacks in to kick off “Kool.” A snare drum adds to the rushing, propulsive bass and a jagged synth pulse adds even more acceleration.

Now a smooth, elevated synth shimmers in a dancing pattern that effectively adds lambent life to the track. Nasal-sounding, rounded synth sings a melody rich with an adventurous feeling. There are medieval sounding shades to the melody as the flaring synth carries it out over the speeding rush of the drums and bass.

“Mute” opens as a groovy bass line and steadily tapping, open percussion create a funky pattern.Tightly wound synth trickles and big, bold and full-sounding synth adds richness. I enjoy how the synth becomes a surging, enfolding melody that contains inspiration within it.

Drums pulse steadily and the strong bass groove goes on. Elevated, shimmering synth sings out the melody that is both positive and a touch sad as the driving drums and bass drop back into the funky groove.

Dramatically muscled, throbbing bass and a kick drum are joined by gigantic, heaving snare drum to start “Ready To Fight.” Tight, nervous sounds rapidly undulate and medium-low, reverberant synth carries a melody that combines a feeling of intent with a sense of readiness as it unfolds.

Huge, ominous drums batter and bass surges in the background. A segment with ragged-edged, trembling synth cuts through the heavy low end while higher synth tumbles. Now the wonderfully majestic, threatening and battle-ready melody calls out again, given a sense of impending eruption. Solid drums and rippling bass guide the music to an end.

“School Life” comes into being as delicately drifting, soothing synth waves lap through the track in a gently shaking motion. Thudding bass and shaping drums thunder into the track, adding more power. Elevated, gossamer synth dances in flickering motion, carrying a tripping melody.

I enjoy the way in which the melody’s fragile feeling contrasts with the great weight below it. Gigantic drums imbue the track with deep energy. Diffuse, gliding synth sails over the drums and strong bass oscillates underneath. Filaments of tender, high synth trail through the music before the towering drums fall silent and the track ends.

Heaving, ferocious bass and solid drums drive on as “Cyborg Love Story” opens. Trickling, glittering synth with sharp edges spins out through the music as drums with tidal strength throb. After a drum fill, medium-high, gritty synth sings a tragic, triumphant melody.

Pounding drums add irresistible forward motion along with weighty bass. A slowly undulating, glowing synth pattern is cut by flashing higher sounds. There’s a deeply emotive feeling in the  melody to which I am drawn, full of aching nobility and power. A flaring synth pulse adds accents of light while the crushing drum and bass motion fades into silence.

“Send off” starts as seething darkness and a sense of impending doom fill the shadowy bass and metallic, broad-sounding drums. Now medium-low, full-sounding synth carries a melody that beautifully exudes heartbroken emotion.

The melody is briefly taken up by raised, shimmering synth briefly. Trumpeting, metallic synth carries a secondary melody with a more hopeful quality while danger pours from the dark bass and drum pulse. Now a segment with slowly spinning, hollow-sounding synth arpeggios comes in.

There’s a return to the hurt-filled, lightly touching main melody and sparkling higher synth heightens the pained emotions. Brassy synth sings out an uplifting melody over the slamming power below it. The track ends with twirling arpeggios.

Jagged, massive bass oscillates as drums rebound through “New Beginning.” Nasal-sounding, medium-low synth carries a gently dreaming melody out over undulating bass and bouncing drums. Enfolding warmth fills the main melody as it unfolds, evolving from melancholy to hope.

Softly glowing lead synth adds to the melody’s emotional impact, effectively deepening its yearning, dreamy feeling. In contrast, the bass has undeniable weight and the drums add form to the music.

Elevated, glimmering synth carries a wistful, slightly pained secondary melody and descends to velvety lower sounds. The low synth mixes a sense of loss with a feeling of change before the track ends.

Conclusion

Kushna’s ability to draw me through a series of dream states with his musical skill is what most impressed me about Dream. Every track is crafted in a way that engages me as its small story unfolds. As a whole, this album is an intertwining, image rich voyage through the imagination of its creator.

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.