Leifendeth -Monument: Fifteen Years of Life and Death

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Leifendeth’s Monument: Fifteen Years of Life and Death is a showcase of his darkly terrifying, ferociously powerful music. It explores his music in all of its horrific, crushing depth and gives other artists a chance to interpret the music in their own unique manner.

Monument’s most undeniable feature is the sheer, monstrous shadow that emanates from every element of the music. The bass is staggeringly huge, the drums are relentless and the synths all snarl, scream and crackle. Taken as a whole, all of these sonic elements combine to form music that tears one’s throat out as it explores bleak emotional terrain.

Another aspect to Monument which I enjoy is the way in which the guest remixers on the album reinterpret Leifendeth’s music. They each take the music in different directions which suit their individual style while retaining the elements in the original music that make it effective and powerful. It is encouraging to see collaborative musical creation that is so respectful of the source material.

I also have a great deal of respect for Leifendeth’s uncompromising musical vision. He has continued to refine his dark, aggressive and massive sound while exploring different aspects of that sound to grow and reach out in new directions. He’s stayed true to his instincts and allowed them to guide him.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Human Error (acid rain remix)” starts off as a high, tremulous static crackle echoes out and razor-edged synth cuts. Powerful bass trembles in massive blocks as crackling sounds move. Kick drum creates an insistent beat and metallic sounds form a tapping, percussive pattern as the bass growls far below.

The rhythm rushes forward as gigantic sonic blocks climb and descend with muscled strength. Hollow synth leaps in slowly rippling lines and gritty bass rises and falls. Pipe-like, digital synth carries a dynamic, shadowy melody as creaking notes slash. Bursting drums accent slow sound as medium-low synth oscillates and hard-hitting kick drum throbs.

A wandering, swirling synth pattern asserts itself, accented by a single, delicate high note. Forceful weight and propulsive power drive on as synth slabs climb and descend. I am drawn to the way in which this music that hammers on with unstoppable force. Darkness flows and a pipe instrument drives on in an angular melodic pattern.

Now agitated bass wriggles and kick drum punches. Slow, heavy drums form a different rhythm as ethereal sounds trail above them. Giant synth blocks undulate before higher, airy synth intertwines and the kick drum batters. Bass grits and rumbles as a vocal sample speaks of greater outside intelligences watching us.

Rough-edged, distorted sound rises to a peak and a quickly tapping drumbeat pushes “Dreamlike (winds of fate mix)” forward as it begins. The percussion forms an addictive pulse below the airy notes that effectively contrast with the track’s heavy elements.

Trembling, shivering synth shakes in as a whispered, dark chant drifts through the music. Medium-high, sinister synth winds in a minor key pattern as Leifendeth’s whispered lyrics add threat while drums and bass drive. A misty, intertwining segment flickers along with ticking drums. Energetic motion defines the drums as pulsing, flanging synth spins.

The soundstage sweeps across stereo channels and thin synth undulates rapidly before Leifendeth’s dark vocals hiss. Underneath the other musical elements, the drumbeat is unending and speeds faster as a sharp, vibrating synth rises and falls in a thin line. The chanting continues while danger radiates from the jagged background’s edges.

“Lost Future (voltage mix)” opens as a cymbal clashes once and menacing, massive bass oscillates slowly. Crunchy, gruff synth pulses as clean drums press the music on along with a tight, distorted synth line. A hi hat comes adds shape to the music while evil, Stygian sounds heave and taut, medium-high synth adds a nervous element. Terrified sounding, higher synth moves in as drums collide and keep the track’s motion going.

Very high, gleaming synth notes revolve to increase nervousness, Now drums take on a slower, stuttering motion as rounded, twisting sounds flit through the track while angular bass claws at the ears. The drums drop off until just the hi hat remains. A sense of lurking terror effectively fills the bass sounds in this track.

Writhing higher synth drops through, doubling down on the music’s dangerous feeling. Raised synth repeats, cascading through the track with an agitated feeling. Digital stars twinkle and a vocal sample adds even more shadow as tremulous, sinuous synth winds and drums collide before silence falls.

Bubbling bass moves in roiling pulses before rapidly thumping kick drum pounds in to open “Blast Furnace.” Lacerating synth comes in above a flying, tumbling drumbeat and a twitching, broad sound that spins in sinuous patterns.

I enjoy the way in which this track charges forward in a blur of motion as drums flash and speed on with wild energy through the music. Crushing bass walls seethe and mournful strings wind as rounded, gleaming synth flares in a slowly shifting pattern.

Drums rocket the music onward while a melancholy synth pattern repeats lugubriously in contrast with ferociously rushing percussion. A bass wall assaults the ears with portentous energy and glittering, sharp-edged synth shimmers. Harshly pulsating bass agitates below ethereal higher sounds before the track ends.

“Beta Four” commences as solidly bass impacts the music while gritty, snarling synth slices ferociously and drums strike. Shifting, lacerating synth swirls through above the smashing drumbeat as oscillating, raised synth calls out with intensity.

Continual, insistent synth motion becomes hypnotic in way that draws me in. The track fades into a more distant drumbeat as intimidating bass flows. Speeding, looming synth dominates the track as rushes in a raging, sweeping tide.

The drum storm rushes unabated as high synth bounces. The grit fades down and rippling, cascading synth tangles. Crunchy synth is forced on by huge drums while twisting notes whirl hypnotically. The track ends on pumping synth and guttural sound.

An extremely high synth flares up with thrumming tension as it moves into vast open space to kick off “Narrow Escapism.” Tumbling, racing bass is slashed by higher notes, wonderfully expressing barely suppressed horror as the drumbeat blurs.

Raised synth quickly moves with tight fear as it joins chimes that flutter above the unstoppable drum and bass rage. Broad, angular synth undulates in time to the hurricane force drums and punching bass. Wide synth chords rise and fall before medium-low, dangerous sounding synth repeats a trance-inducing melodic pattern.

This track is characterized by speed and a sense of ever approaching doom as it ceaselessly advances. Raised synth sounds have a distinctly worried quality as towering, dark chords add dramatic tension to the track before it ends.

“The Human Error (Baying Ridges remix)” starts as distant static crackle grows in strength and gigantic, dully glowing synth blocks shift. Terrifying bass depths rumble underneath steadily crackling static. Haunted, high sounds float through the seething sonic wall that feels increasingly menacing.

Raised sounds flow, overwhelmed by the crushing bass as it reaches out with twisted tentacles. Taut sounds shiver above the darkness gliding out below them, sweeping through the music. Hollow, writhing notes make their way through the unfurling shadows around them. I enjoy the sense of impending danger that fills this track to the brim.

There is something deeply unsettling, but strangely soothing here. I sense something evil lurking in the gentleness to lure the unsuspecting. Open sounds vibrate before wind flows and fades into silence.

Flaring, open-voiced synth shakes as a vocal sample adds a darkly commanding tone to begin “Violent Awakening (instrumental version).” Rattling darbuka percussion forms a tapping beat as a lacerating synth becomes a driving pulse, tearing through the music. Kick drum and pulsating bass throw the track forward with deadly force.

Synth slabs roar in heavy chords to increase the angry power in the music. Broad, medium-high synth follows along with the pounding drumbeat.  Rumbling, hollow bass makes a muffled grunt that swells to full volume as the gigantic synth blocks shift and the drumbeat smashes on.

There’s something darkly pleasurable about the unceasing motion in this track. Chest punching synth bounces in time to the drumbeat before massive sonic blocks drop heavily again. Wide synth joins the drumbeat’s oppressive force and dangerous energy. The track continues to throb onward with great power to throb on before flowing into silence.

“Aftershock (2007 demo)” opens as wildly writhing, high synth is split by quickly pulsating, lower sounds.  Rapidly oscillating bass is joined by speeding drums to create terrifying forward motion. Very high, tense sound howls above an accelerating drum and bass onslaught. Snarling higher sounds move above the drum and bass pulse’s bruising speed.

Chanting vocals do a great job of adding a sense of doomed rage to the track. Nasal, distorted synth squelches above tripping drums and bass that race through the music. Leifendeth’s voice chants messages of despair and dissolution.

Sonic blades cut in broad swathes as the track gallops forward with unabated anger. A quick synth shivers as drums burst and bass slams. Colossal sounds surround Leifendeth’s bleak voice that promises utter destruction. The whole track undulates and rockets forward to an end.

Elevated, nervous sounds cry out and guttural bass slowly throbs to start “Spiral of Silence (2009 demo).” Shaking sounds tremble and Buddhist chanting adds a ritualistic aspect to the track.

Bass drops into cavernous depths as it moves across the stereo field in an uneven pulsation while metallic sounds hiss. I am enamoured of the way in which the track’s sounds move around between channels, creating a sense of encirclement. Jagged sonic fragments create a dizzying sensation while tense synth trembles.

Ominous notes move in a slowly slicing motion while thick bass jumps below them. The stereo field encircles me like a dark halo as the sounds wrap around. Gritty bass is joined by slowly heaving synth and a wriggling, uneasy sound.  Drums and bass spiral before the track ends on quickly pulsing sound.

Conclusion

Monument is a strong exploration of Leifendeth’s dystopian, seething musical approach. It captures all of his raging energy, lacerating power and bleak emotion while adding new and fresh spins on the music.

Sonic Gap (and Guests) - Colossus

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sonic Gap’s Colossus carries listeners on an auditory journey through a world of exploration, adventure and mystery. Sonic Gap and his guests combine a complex mixture of different synth sounds with strong melodies and an exciting atmosphere to produce a rich album.

Well-crafted melodies are at the heart of Colossus. Sonic Gap and his artistic collaborators forge melodic moments that clearly convey emotion. I enjoy the mingled feelings and images that the melodies create as they unfold, pulling me into their world. I am enamoured of the music’s ability to transport me.

Sonic Gap and his collaborators have thoughtfully fused synth sounds into layered, intricate auditory tapestries. The creators effectively use the synthesizer’s broad aural range and plethora of sonic possibilities to paint imagery through tonal colours, musical textures and different emotional states they can create.

The way in which the musical complexity and melodic power combine on this album help take me on a journey through its world. I find myself closing my eyes and journeying along as Sonic Gap and his fellow artists unfold the auditory pathway in front of me.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Colossus” comes to life as dense, intertwining bass pulses unevenly and raised, sparkling chimes flash out in the far distance. Kaarin Zoe Lee’s clear, resonant voice tells the tale of the album and the discovery of “the colossus.” Elevated synth twirls as heavy kick drum throbs below it.

A majestic, victorious melody sings out on a bright, string-like synth to imbue the music with pleasing energy. Very taut synth oscillates above the dynamically bursting drumbeat as dramatic choral voices shift. The main melody soars out with triumph above slightly shaded choral voices as the angular, propulsive drumbeat drives on. Jagged, crunchy synth trembles in a repeating line over thudding kick drum.

Tightly wound, high synth trickles in a pattern that rises and falls over choral voices and the guiding drumbeat. Slightly aching synth washes out in a gentler melody that still has some brassy flash. Digital-sounding synth flickers as wide, energizing synth chords leap. The track ends on the uplifting main melody.

Distantly revolving, gentle arpeggios ripple outward, carried on a soothing synth that gains strength as “The Pyramid” begins. Arpeggios spin and radiant synth flashes as solid drums push the track forward. Delicate, ethereal arpeggios whirl out and flaring synth accents the music as the drumbeat and active bass press on.

Medium-high, glistening synth carries a hopeful melody that effectively conveys a sense of progress. Undulating arpeggios are carried on a tight, medium high synth. Active bass oscillates and drums throb on.

After a rising, trumpeting synth calls out, the main melody mingles an adventurous feeling and yearning energy as it reaches out. Drums move the music forward over sharp-edged, oscillating bass as raised, shining synth cries out the melody. Fragile, warming arpeggios spin out underneath and silence falls.

“The Statue” starts off as razor sharp synth oscillates with brittle clarity into open space as a kick drum throbs. There’s an insistently undulating pulse carried by crystalline synth as gruff sonic pulses add radiance.

Nasal-sounding, medium-high synth carries an enjoyable melody with an aching emotional core and inherent nobility. Drums punch and vocal-sounding synth chants in a tumbling pattern. Synth chords rise with powerful brilliance and the main melody is carried by wide synth.

A quickly twisting, round synth wriggles through above jumping drums and guiding bass. The main melody exudes a sense of melancholy tinged progress as the propulsive drumbeat goes on. Digital-sounding, spinning synth flows while punchy drums press on. Cut glass synth rapidly roams and the drum pulse pushes until the track ends.

Cosmic synth drifts in calming waves as birds call out and airy synth spins in slow arpeggios to open "The Hanging Gardens.” Wordless vocals flow as arpeggios flicker and quickly pulsing, slightly rough-edged synth forms a line beneath rippling chimes.

Hollow, full-sounding synth carries a yearning, heart-touching melody over drum and bass energy. Drums flourish as the melody sails out in caressing motion, flitting synth add shining accents.

Vibrant life pours from the music as it glides into a segment in which synth waves flow easily and wordless vocals breathe. Kick drum and powerful percussion shift and the melody fills me with wistful joy and a sense of peace. The music fades out on broad, distant arpeggios and twinkling chimes take the track to an end.

“The Lighthouse” starts off with piano chords that combine dynamism with softer emotion as ticking drums add shape. Widely cascading synth mingles with raised, glittering notes to carry the uplifting melody.

The distorted, slightly wavering synth carries a melody enjoyably full of positive motion and the feeling of journeying. The drumbeat pulsates on and radiant synth calls out, mirrored by lower and more wavering sound.

Chimes flutter and jazz inflected piano leaps and wanders. The main melody cries out again, nobility as it wheels freely before waves softly wash and enfolding piano chords wind down into quiet.

Hypnotic synth descends and repeats as solid kick drum pulses to commence “The Temple.” High, ringing sounds and hollow floating notes fill the background as active bass pulses. Blaring, sharp synth carries a melody that effectively combines mystery and rousing feeling as drums and bass create motion.

Bell-like, crisp synth rings and glittering, intertwining arpeggios tremble over angular motion. Arpeggios interlock and whirl as very high notes flow and massive drums thunder. Flitting, digital sounds tremble and ominous, heaving bass snarls as broadly driving, low synth presses on.

Creaking, cutting synth adds dominating weight and shadow swells from the gigantic, rumbling low end. Now lambent synth notes glow and ethereally climbing synth calls out through the sonic layers swirling around it into silence.

Conclusion

Colossus takes me on a ride across a luscious, detailed and expressive synthscape as it unfurls. The way in which Kaarin Zoe Lee, OSC, MicroMatscenes, Compilerbau and Canape Lee all collaborate only deepens the album’s musical experience.

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Damokles - Shining Armor

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Damokles’ Shining Armor combines his inimitable voice, entertaining song lyrics and a well composed and produced synthpop sound. The retro vibes are well and truly alive here but the production is bang up to date. Most crucially, this album is pure fun to listen to!

The way in which Damokles’ voice fuses with his songwriting fits Shining Armor’s overall feeling well. One could never mistake him for any other vocalist with his unique tone and deep voice. His vocal style suits the ironic, humorous and sometimes sharp-edged lyrics of his songs and adds an extra dimension of expression.

Experience and taste define the synth sound and overall production on Shining Armor. Damokles has been making synth-based music for decades and he knows how to combine varied tones, timbres and musical colours to explore the moods he wants to create in his tracks. He’s a master at layering which results in lush soundscapes enhanced by his pin-sharp production.

I also enjoy the energy that pours from this album. Damokles has an irrepressible sense of fun and seems to focus on creating an engaging and entertaining listening experience. He takes music making seriously but his music itself is a blast to hear!

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Shining Armor” begins as massive drums and raised, flashing synth rings out in a powerful pattern. Rough-edged, scintillating synth and popping drums are cut into by Damokles’ rap talking about the state of the world.

His distinctive voice moves with jumping drums and angular synths slicing through the song. The vocal melody becomes more positive as the chorus sails out and the glowing synth light washes through and colossal drums batter. Damokles’ voice is totally unmistakable for anyone else's.

One of his superb, signature keytar solos swirls and roams with wild energy into the song. Damokles’ old school rap comes in again. Sharp synth angles and a dreaming, uplifting chorus climb along with glittering synths and pulsing drums. The track soars out on the chorus before silence falls.

Our storyteller laments the fact that there are “stupid people” in charge of the world who are leaving “a whole lot of ends that will never be furled.” He goes on to say that this time has been coming for a while when “opinion is outdoing facts” and lies cause no reaction. He feels that it’s “clouding up my dreams of a future of wonders.” The world is riven by inflation, bigotry, conflict and desolation now.

As the narrator elaborates, he muses that he grew up thinking that “leaders did what they should” and people were in good hands. As he got older, he realized that “it was greedy up at the top” and politicians were ignorant. He wonders if “we are all fools to put them in power” and adds that “all across the globe” it repeats as “we just consume and devour.”

In spite of all the factors he lists, our storyteller won’t give up and believes that humanity can make it but he adds, “we need help, someone to give us a hand.” He wonders about who it might be and muses about whether it’s time to “look up in the sky…hoping that ET will land.” He envisions “a night with shining, armoured ships” before a total eclipse.

The narrator goes on to say that it’s terrible when the disasters pile up but "no one cares but to fill their pockets.” He adds that humans look away, “refuse to hear the call” and wind up with “nowhere to go without rockets.” He admits that there’s a long tradition of bribery and greed, but adds that “it's time for us to make a big transition.”

He points out that caring for one another is a start but that planning ahead is “the way to winning. “ He wants to look forward to better times instead of “just patching up the wounds with a sloppy suture.” He wonders if those times will come.

Brassy, flaring synth blasts out with intense life as gigantic retro drums and dense bass leap to start “Take A Look.” Damokles’ voice carries a melody full of power as the chorus bounces out with a trumpeting synth effectively punching it up. Drums clash and hit hard along with

Damokles’ resonant voice as flickering, elevated synth skips along in a jumping melody. A slowly moving segment is accented by glowing synths that add more gleam to the music. The chorus skips along and the big drums smack into the track along with hissing cymbals before ending.

Our narrator is fed up with being bombarded by advertising for “some stuff that I never would want.” He is finished with it because he " just took a look, but I didn't like it so I looked away!” He adds that they “know the look I took” yet they were unable to “strike a nerve to make me stay.”

The teller of this tale asks for a day without “somebody wanting me…to pay for some stuff I don't need.” He adds that he is still buying things but he wants to “see what you're supplying in good time then choose on my own.”

“Home Alone” kicks off with a door knock that becomes part of a percussive pattern alongside clanking, sweeping metallic sounds. Bursting drums and sharp edged, high-pitched synth flares up as a fat, funky bass shifts underneath.

Taut synth carries an energizing melody out over massively bursting drums. Trumpeting synth unfurls as the beat drives on with a triumphant feeing before tight, clean synth pops in. Smooth, rich synth pleasingly spins out the dynamic melody and tom hits fall through.

Medium-low synth doubles the flying, elevated synth line as solidly punching drums and thick bass guide the music. The deeply groovy bass boogies along and tom hits jump. Brassy, high synth dances and drums press on before ending on the razor-edged, funkfied melody.

Rain patters down as deep, metallic bells ring out along with snapping drums and sampled voices as “It Will Come” opens. Rapidly undulating bass rapidly along with the hollow, but strong drums and the bells create a flashing light and now Damokles’ deep, unique voice carries the propulsive melody above the rushing drumbeat.

Gleaming light accents the music and the rich bells glitter solidly. Damokles’ voice has a strength and expression to it as it echoes out, the open-voiced percussion throbbing on as the whole song surges with radiant energy as the drums push and the rounded, luscious bell tones hop with unrestrained life before the sound of a train rattles through.

The storyteller is waiting for a train in the cold rain. He’s got an important appointment but “there’s still no light to see” to indicate that it’s approaching. He explains, “Nothing could be worse than if I missed it. Oh what drama it would be!”

Our narrator’s anticipation is clear as standing alone on the platform, “freezing here on my own and hopin’ the train is gonna come.” He has his phone out but there’s no information about the train and “my fingers are going so numb.” He realizes that he should’ve taken an earlier train so that “I would not be waiting here in vain.”

In an attempt to be environmentally conscious, the storyteller has got rid of his car. He adds that “there’s just a little requirement” that the train will be on time. At the moment he’s out on the platform and “I surely hope that it's really gonna come!”

“Sometimes I See Your Face” starts as oscillating bass waves rise and wash through the track along with gleaming synth flashes and sharp, clean drums. An elevated, nasal-sounding synth cries out in an impassioned melody as the crisp drums throb and the bass undulates.

The main melody has a charmingly wistful, dreaming quality as drums and bass create form and direction. The melody evolves, becomIng even more emotional and touching. It has a feeling of loss in it, but it’s a loss tempered by tender memories. Underneath it all, the guiding drums and oscillating bass keep the track flowing.

Raised, shining synth sings out with expression. I find that the melody evokes nostalgia as it soars, flying above rich depths. As the song comes to an end, the chord progression below it adds support and the melody trembles with feeling as the big drums fade out.

Glimmering synth slowly slips through “A World With 3D Printers” with crystal clarity and delicate light. A rapidly tumbling, razor-edged bass pulse and cutting drums move in along with tensely swirling synth synth. Damokles' voice has a growling power above the wildly twirling synth and colossal drums.

The vocal melody is intriguingly riven with mystery, even as it becomes majestic. Twisting, technological sound writhes before the drums punch hard and the bass drives forward. Hammering drums and huge bass slam and the cascading synths fall through the music.

There’s a mechanical quality to the musical backing along with strength and weight. Slowly moving drums tick before piercing synth unfurls and huge brushing sounds move along with Damokles’ voice and leaping background synth.

The narrator talks about 3D printing’s invention as he says that “a man in Japan - Kodama - opened a new dimension” and created an “insurgence without the drama” in doing so. He evokes the image of the world changing “layer by layer” as everything was rearranged by the idea.

Our storyteller wonders what this new world of 3D printing will be like adding that “long gone are wooden splinters” as shapes are created. He adds that now anything the mind can dream up can be created by pressing a button. He concludes, “Let´s go beyond and way above, that is the norm.”

In evolving from resins to powders and from lasers to heated nozzles “gone were the old dividers…solving the hardest of puzzles.” He points out that now everything from plastic to concrete to living cells can now be printed.

The narrator reminds his audience to “remember the craft that made everything possible when you go beyond what was once uncrossable.”

“I Know You Thought You Knew Me” comes to life as blunt, brutal bass vibrates and open-voiced drums form a steadily guiding pattern. Bass rolls and glittering synth flashes steadily. D’s unique, resonant voice comes in as medium-high synth shimmers in a melodic pattern that accents Damokles’ energetic vocals.

Underneath it all, the drums and bass drive on while high synth pulses out as the drums keep swinging. Stuttering, radiant synth joins a verse that wouldn’t be out of place in a Broadway musical. Damokles’ voice bounces and echoes above active, swaying bass. The chorus bops along as radiant synth adds beautiful, lambent energy. Dynamic, sharp-edged bass keeps rushing through before the song ends.

The teller of this tale muses that, as we travel through life, we’ll meet a wide range of people but “they’ll know only what you show them.” He goes on to say that people are layered like onions and “it goes deep, so so you don't have a clue who they are” from “cortex down to brain stem.”

Our narrator says that he knows “you thought you knew me” but points out that impression is incorrect since “Inside it's very roomy, space for the unknowable.” He adds that doing “things to make you like me” is a game he plays well. He asks, “What makes me shine so brightly? Truth?” but warns that you can never really tell.

The storyteller says that he’s got ‘the magic touch” to be able to “see what you don’t know yourself” and adjust to become another person. He concludes, "I could be a secret agent, I could be a millionaire, I could speak with a phony accent. Whatever you need, I'll be there.”

Yearning piano chords with a tinge of shadow repeat as a drumbeat very gently touches the music to open “Setting In The East.” The piano has a pained quality as clean drums form a shaping beat.

Swirling, elevated synth drifts with a touchingly elegiac and mournful quality above thick bass and clear drums. There is still hope in the melody along with more aching emotional qualities as the piano slowly moves on. Bass shifts as a drum pulse splashes widely through the track.

The high synth wanders, shot through with loss as massive drums strike the track and an undulating bass pulse moves below. A deep melancholy underpins the music, gliding along. After a drum fill, the melody climbs on the intertwining, glimmering synth as it arcs out above the powerful low end. The piano ends the track with delicate, caressing notes.

Conclusion

Shining Armor is a further showcase of Damokles’ highly engaging approach to retro-tinged synthpop. It illustrates how his individual approach to creating synth-based music remains intact and results in music that is ear-pleasing and makes for compulsive listening.

Zak Vortex - Black Star

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Zak Vortex’s Black Star wraps intertwining layers of tightly woven synth sound around beautiful melodies and expressive, emotional segments. I enjoy the multi-layered interactions between the different sonic components that create complex and ear-catching audioscapes.

Melody is something of great appeal to me as an integral component of great music and Black Star has some wonderful melodic moments. Zak Vortex is able to evoke strong emotion with his clear and expressive melodies. I particularly find his ability to convey multiple emotional states within his melodies compelling. I’m drawn in by the strength of his feeling in the music.

Synths allow for a highly varied, detailed and intricate level of musical interaction and Black Star shows that quality off to great effect. Zak Vortex combines shadow and light with gruffness, gliding and sharpness as he lays out his skeins of sound. He takes those tonal, timbral and textural threads and skillfully spins them into intricate musical layers that form a cohesive whole.

Atmosphere is another aspect that I enjoy in music and Zak Vortex creates atmospheric moments throughout the album. It might be the soothing feeling emanating from “So Into You” or the intense energy of “Leave Them Behind” but each track generates a difference ambience and mood.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Black Star” comes into being as gigantic, rough-edged bass blocks rumble and broadly glinting, medium-high synth carries gently gliding notes. A vocal sample echoes out above the other sonic elements. I enjoy the way in which the track’s power and intensity grows as solid drums form a steadily throbbing pulse.

Elevated, sparkling sounds shimmer as a thin-sounding arpeggio whirls out. Raised, caressing notes glitter and the vocal sample echoes out while strong drums create stability. Chimes gleam above the heavy, shifting bass blocks and wide arpeggios ripple out above the background flow.

Dense, gritty bass throbs as far away synth stars glitter to open “Triangulum.” Rounded, slightly nasal synth spins out delicate arpeggios as drums create a stable underpinning.

Another high synth carries a wandering, contemplative melody as the drums and bass guide the music along. The track echoes and glides in a deeply pleasing and delicate way.

Flashing, metallic arpeggios flicker in the background and elevated synth is broken by impassioned guitar. The electric guitar drifts out in an aching, mysterious melody while synth stars twinkle and drums and bass drive. Now the guitar whirls with a gruff edge as xylophone-like arpeggios keep twisting. The track ends as echoing, slowly reverberating notes fade away.

“So Into You” comes to life as delicate piano spins a tender web and synth notes swell. Smoothly pulsing drums are accented by glittering synths before metallic chimes ring out. Bunny X’s softly touching, airy singing is supported by deep bass. Now xylophone-like synth dances in a rippling pattern while the vocal melody yearns and encourages.

Chimes shimmer through the music as guitar adds a soothing acoustic element. Solid drums throb as Bunny X’s vocals carry affectionate emotion. After a drum fill, xylophone adds texture and a glistening synth sings in a feathery melodic pattern. Chimes add flashing light while Bunny X’s vocals echo over throbbing kick drum. Guitar shines now and smooth arpeggios slide while chiming notes sparkle.

Hope pours from Abigail Gordon’s lyrics as the song’s narrator talks about how they’ll put the convertible’s top down and drive knowing that “we’re gonna be alright, the future is ours.” She goes on to say that she knows they’ll go a long way and asks if the other person feels it too.

Our storyteller is unconcerned about gossip because “I’m so into you” and adds that she can’t “wish this away, as hard as I try.” She asks the other person to tell her how they are feeling because “this is all brand new.” She points out that she thinks it’s real but “I can’t read your mind.”

The narrator says that when she first met the other person, they took her hand and she adds that she was surprised but “it just felt so right.” She concludes by saying that “I know it’s alright when I’m with you.”

Shimmering high synth flares out with a light touch and xylophone notes quickly repeat a bright pattern to start “Cepheus.” Electric guitar sweeps through and smoothly guiding drums accompany a hard-edged bass pulse.

Chimes ring out and warm, slightly fuzzy guitar carries a hopeful melody that sings above the guiding drum and bass flow. Raised, trumpeting synth drifts in a melancholic line before sharply shiny xylophone beautifully mingles with the yearning, dreamy guitar melody.

“London Nights” opens as reverberant, enfolding synth chords with a hint of sharpness echo out and drift along. Fragile notes with a chiming, airy quality spin out arpeggios as broadly calling synth carries an upbeat melody. Rapid bass oscillates and leaping, radiant synths effectively build a feeling of growing anticipation.

Crystalline light pours from a high synth before drums add more shape to the music. Swirling, metallic sounds whisper as lush, breathy arpeggios dance and bass undulates. Steadily supporting drums come in and glowing, medium-high synth carries an uplifting melodic pattern.

Feathery arpeggios keep whirling and bass scuds along to lift the other musical elements.Rippling background synth underpins chimes that ring out with a gentle touch. There’s tenderness in the chiming notes while drums create support and motion. Brightness and peacefulness fill the track.

Heaving drums pulse with a heavy beat and steady metallic percussion adds shape to kick off “Leave Them Behind.” Medium-high, gleaming synth chords rise with positive feelings and string-like synth sings a pleasing melody full of light, ease and life above throbbing weight. A tightly bundled synth carries a melodic pattern that accents the main melody.

Sharply glittering synth arpeggiates to match the dense bass motion. Full synth chords lift the music with lambent glow while weighty bass and guiding drums smoothly pulse. Broadly shining synth carries the relaxing melody while string-like synth flickers in. Drums and bass press onward, accented by the strings and the track fades on the shining melody.

“Black Star Part II” starts off as soothing arpeggios twirl, carried on high, tightly shimmering synth. Deep bass oscillates and drumbeat imbues the track with weight and energy. Medium-high, hazy synth cascades in a shimmering line.

The glimmering synth becomes a melody that beautifully evokes yearning sensations. Arpeggios spin out in diamantine notes that move along with distant, delicate synth and undulating bass flow. The main melody returns to suffuse the track with calm and hints of more painful emotion. The track ends on ticking drums and thick bass.

Conclusion

Black Star is a confluence of strong melodies, lushly layered and interesting synth sounds and a good dose of expression and atmosphere. It represents the evolution and progress of Zak Vortex as a synth-based musician.