Turbo Hamster - Obluda

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Turbo Hamster’s Obluda explores complex, shadowy musical terrain and creates emotionally deep and powerful imagery as it unfolds. The way in which it mingles diverse synth sounds with expressive melodies and an ever-present sense of lurking danger takes listeners on a unique musical journey.

Raging, jagged synth contrasts with gently caressing sounds while huge bass rumbles and energetic drums propel the music on Obluda. All of the different synth tones, timbres and textures intermingle into a ear-catching electronic symphony that is full of drama and engaging audio storytelling.

Complex melodies fill Obluda. The melodies seamlessly move between tragedy and tenderness, touching on threatening darkness and deep emotional pain. Turbo Hamster creates shifting musical terrain that encompasses a broad span of the human experience within each melodic moment.

All of the musical elements of this album come together to tell stories of deadly threat, gentle pain and great voids of shadow. There is strong imagery woven in my mind as I listen. I readily absorb all of the moods and mental states that Turbo Hamster creates through his luscious music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Moonshadow” begins with darkly throbbing bass and pounding kick drum move in a steadily pulsing beat. Even heavier, lower bass sweeps below as the echoing snare drums guide the music. Cosmically twirling synth gently floats above the thick bass well and hard-hitting drums.

The distant, delicate synth carries a tenuous note pattern above the shadows below it. Now an elevated, gently glowing synth sings a wistfully wandering melody over the bursting drums and lush bass.There’s an interesting contrast between looming dark and tender sound.

Desolate synth sweeps past and distant, fragile sounds skim through the music. Widely flowing synth glides as a melancholy melodic pattern aches. The lead synth flashes with sunny light as the track returns to the main melody supported by pulsing drums and bass.

Halting pulses of colossal synth throb with deadly intent into vast space as “The Grim Star” opens. Jagged synth grinds in oscillating lines and heavy drums batter above a surging bass tide to push the track forward. Broadly gleaming, ominous synth carries a melody with portentous weight as glittering arpeggios revolve in a galactic drift.

Drums hit hard and angular synth oscillates. Shiny synth trumpets as it carries an active melody, effectively dripping danger above a bass void. Medium-high, glowing synth arpeggiates and chimes sparkle in a worried pattern above gliding notes. Shadowy, shifting bass looms and the drumbeat keeps guiding the music to an end.

“Lost Illusions” starts as trembling, gentle synth echoes into open space. Lightly touching, shimmering synth drifts and dense bass is joined by steadily shaping drums. Raised synth flickers in a mournful melodic pattern above gigantic bass, driving on as the drums create a heartbeat.

The bass has real weight as glittering synth repeats a melodic pattern that skilfully adds a tense element to the music. In the distance, lurking danger is captured by swelling, nervous sound and crushing bass throbs. Taut, high notes shiver and heavy drums burst. Terrified-sounding arpeggiating notes drift and silence falls.

Slowly twisting sounds drift out as an uneven, jagged synth surges to commence “Bloodlust.” Massive drums form a horrifying wave along with Stygian bass as ominous sounds sweep in the distance.

Medium-low synth with a gruff edge writhes through the music as bass towers and leaps. Medium-high, nervous synth exudes fright while terror pours from the looming bass. I enjoy the way the bass threatens to swallow the entire track in shadow.

The bass drops out as the lead synth mingles pain with more dangerous emotion. The lead synth becomes an uneven, writhing tide as colossal bass surges and drums thump. The sense of impending doom evoked by the torturously twisting synth and heavy drums and bass fills the whole track before silence reigns.

“The Nameless Being” opens as seething bass pulses with dark strength and synth slices in angular lines before drums thunder. Gargantuan, shadowy bass is broken by piano notes jangling above it.

Smoothly gliding synth trickles as a piano carries distantly wandering notes while fragile light touches the wistful melody. After silence briefly falls, glistening synth twinkles above a far off piano melody, full of tragic emotion as it flows into open space.

Trailing piano and flitting higher synth are struck by a vast bass pulsation as drums slam forward. The balance between hammering power and fragility is well-crafted in this track. As the track closes, aggressive drums and bass slam into the music below the tenuous brightness. The music ends on trickling, delicate notes.

A dark sonic miasma swirls as a rumbling bass heartbeat distantly throbs, growing in power to start “The Vengeful Devourer.” The bass charges forward in a trampling throb as sharp sounds grow into it.

Darkly trumpeting synth leaps in an angular pattern over the shadowy power, reaching out dark tentacles as drums hit hard. Medium-high synth cascades, tinged with a diffused glow. Heaving bass relentlessly pulsates and razor-edged, broad-sounding synth vibrates in agitated motion. I enjoy the deadly sense of energy pouring from the music.

A raised, rapidly flaring synth pattern is touched by elevated, tender synth repeating a majestic melodic pattern in contrast to the unrelenting umbra below it. Brighter synth moves into open space before the unrelenting bass tide washes in. Placid synth carries the hopeful melody, even as the hungry shadows rise below and the track drives on to a conclusion.

“Obluda” starts as the bass conveys lurking danger as strange, evil sounds tremble. Rough-edged bass is joined by heavy, descending piano to create the feeling of falling down into an endless chasm. Muscled, intensely dense bass moves below lonely piano as gigantic drums push into the music.

Glittering synth repeats a steady pulse to add urgency as gruffly shining synth adds tension. A round-toned, radiant synth sings a noble melody as harsh bass washes over continually beating drums. LoLa Lana’s guitar slices in, carrying portentous notes. Full, medium high synth rings out above the guttural tide in a melody that is surprisingly hopeful and warming.

The low end is massive and crushing, but higher synth still shines through. Jagged synth drops down and a distant, hollow sound echoes. The drums hit hard and glittering arpeggios whirl as bass keeps growling. LoLa Lana plays a guitar solo that arcs on with flashing light and rising energy, soaring above the weight below it. The track ends on ringing synth and piano above the bass plane far underneath it. Guitar calls out and silence falls.

Conclusion

Obluda is darksynth with more nuance and emotional depth than some of the music in that genre. There’s layered, complex sonic interactions and melodies that travel through varied feelings and moods here. I find the end result engaging and pleasing in equal measure.

Timecrawler 82 - Yellow Sunglasses

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Timecrawler 82’s Yellow Sunglasses is intricately layered, deeply emotive synth-based music that carries the listener on an intensely imaginative audio journey. Timecrawler 82 has woven a complex, nuanced web of ear-catching sound on this album.

A multitude of fascinating sonic interactions fill Yellow Sunglasses as it unfolds. All of the many synth sounds intermingle to give the music weight, shape and texture. I enjoy how the synth layers contrast with one another at times, while complementing and enhancing each other at others. Taken as a whole, the synth sounds form an intoxicating tapestry.

Creating auditory imagery is another skill that Timecrawler 82 demonstrates on Yellow Sunglasses. The way in which he combines his synth tapestry with expressive melodic writing and music that is full of feeling and complexity creates powerful images in my mind. I enjoy the transporting quality of this album.

I also enjoy the way in which he weaves together Silvia’s vocal performance with well-written lyrics on “The Greenhouse.” It is the one true “song” on the album and it makes me crave an entire album with Silvia’s vocals and Timecrawler 82’s lyrics.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Amaretto Sour” begins as massively rebounding drums smack into the music along with a cloud of flaring digital sound. Wide-sounding synth radiates flashing notes oscillating above smoothly guiding drums and rich synth chords. Hollow, digital-sounding synth plays an addictive melodic pattern with a slight hitch in it that creates more interest.

Brassily shimmering synth sings a pleasing, triumphant melody that is tinged with sadness. A tight sonic thread cuts in a bright line above thudding drums before rising bass lifts the music. Creaking synth tumbles as brightly glowing, elevated synth flies out hopefully above guiding drums and luscious bass.

Rough-edged, warm chords lift the glistening higher synth out above their tranquil edges. The wistful lead synth melody calls out, shot through with hope as it climbs above the drums and bass. The track ends on the melodic pattern with which it started.

Blaring, twisting synth echoes into open space to open “Tropical Fever.” After a huge drum flourish, the smoothly pulsating bass and hard-hitting drums are joined by an ethereal, haunted synth repeating a floating melodic pattern.

Misty, rounded synth creates energetic forward motion along with grooving bass. Chiming synth carries a dreamy melody, touchingly full of longing, above pulsing synth motion. Angular synth notes leap into twirling arpeggios above the main melodic pattern.

Flickering, elevated synth carries a drifting melody out above the ethereal space around it. Bright synth bounces out above the shaping drums and solid bass. Chiming lead synth carries the heart-tugging main melody accented by sunny synth. The underlying melodic patten repeats before silence falls.

“The Greenhouse” commences as rough-edged, swelling synth underpins Silvia’s richly expressive vocals as gigantic bass oscillates while the drums softly tap. The vocal melody is full of deep emotion and mingles pain with encouragement as delicate chimes flicker to accent it. The bass has a lush quality as airier, gentler sounds swirl and Silvia’s emotive vocals unfold.

Glittering high notes add sunny accents to the song. There’s a wonderfully soothing quality to the musical backing as Silvia’s voice resonates. Steadily undulating bass keeps flowing on and the drums shape the music. The song ends with fluttering chimes, rebounding drums and a washing bass tide.

The storyteller wonders when she slid away, how she fell so low and lost herself. She isn’t sure who she is now. She’s “broken in many shards” and caught in the shadows, but she knows that after the night passes there “comes the sun, comes a spark.”

Our narrator points out that in spite of all of the jagged shards, the sun has still managed to shine through. The lyrics create an intense and evocative image as they speak of how “a hundred glares are dancing on the edge of my scars to let the sun come in.”

Although the storyteller knows one can’t avoid the cracks and it is a struggle not to look back, she also knows that “in the greenhouse where I stand” her “mangled soul” will heal and she’ll return to life and “fill the air with my new scent.” As the night eventually turns back into day, she will “let my inner strength bloom in a new shape.”

Round-toned, nasal synth drifts in slowly undulating lines over solidly throbbing kick drum and metallic percussion to start “VHS & Popcorn.” Drums launch into a steady beat, locked in with an undulating synth pattern to create motion. Glistening, elevated synth sings out a dreamy, yearning melody that radiates tender emotion.

I am drawn in by the sense of melancholy remembrance in this track. Steadily pulsing drums are joined by a trembling, slowly shifting synth line. Bending, full-sounding synth carries an dynamic, uplifting melodic segment, tinged with a more pained feeling. Round-sounding, flowing synth repeats before bright notes echo out in shining lines.

The secondary, inspiring synth melody calls out before keyboard notes descend in a twinkling cascade. The lustrous lead synth melody floats out, full of heartwarming feeling as a trumpeting instrument adds more positive energy. Starry notes fall and silence ends the track.

"Landscape: Dunes of Aglaonice” comes to life as a sere wind sweeps and bass rumbles. Rushing bells quickly spin out entangled notes and sharply metallic sounds ring out. Mysterious notes roam on a woodwind synth as throbbing bass and ticking drums shape the music.

Bells trickle through to add a deeply ethereal quality while medium-high, broad-sounding synth carries a melancholy melody over sparkling, repeating notes. Twisting synth carries an airy melody, effectively tinged with a comforting feeling as bursting drums add guidance.

Unevenly pulsating bass is cut by cascading bells. Warmer, more tranquil synth carries a melodic pattern that caresses as shining, twirling notes move underneath. The lead synth mingles an emotive ache with the more encouraging melody. The track comes to an end on rushing wind and glittering synth.

Tautly shining, high synth slowly arpeggiates along with another raised, diffused synth to begin “Landscape: Gravitational Waves.” Full-toned, cool sounding synth repeats an arpeggiating pattern as sweeping notes swell and flow along. String-like, medium-high synth carries an elegiac melody, full of tenuous feeling.

I am touched by the emotional qualities in the main melody. Bass oscillates with lush weight and sharp, cutting sounds shift in extended lines. Interlocking, elevated synth entangles as a softly sunny synth sings the deeply pained, drifting melody out over thick bass and shaping drums.

Bass drops away and piano notes rise and fall in a lost-sounding pattern before sharp-edged synth sweeps along with the returned bass. The lambent lead synth melody is full of hurt leavened by hope. Piano notes roam and a raised, glimmering arpeggio flows in circular motion to complete the track.

Conclusion

Yellow Sunglasses takes retrowave components and crafts them into beautifully layered, emotionally engaging music that carries listeners on a journey through variegated soundscapes and complex feelings.

Andrew LeSynt - The Lost City

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Andrew LeSynt’s The Lost City is a multi-layered, sonically immersive journey through fascinating soundscapes. Andrew LeSynt weaves the rich imagery that unfolds on the album through intertwining layers of synth, guitar and percussion. The end result is synth-based music that lives and breathes in my ears.

The Lost City’ is full of complex musical layers and intriguing auditory interactions. Each synth part fits in with the others to lend shading, highlights and tonal range to the overall composition. I enjoy how Andrew LeSynth crafts his music to generate strong mental images through sonic layering. This music strongly engages me and pulls me into its world.

I also enjoy the melodic content of The Lost City. Andrew LeSynt’s melodies are expressive and ear-catching as he unfurls them into the music. I enjoy the clarity of his melodic ideas and the way he captures strong emotions and transmits them through his compositions. Each melody deepens the overall expression of the album.

High production quality is another part of this album that I enjoy. The music shines with clarity and precision thanks to the high level of the production here. Each element is clean and sharp, allowing the richness of the tracks to find full expression.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Starfield” opens as a throbbing kick drum pulses below rapidly rippling, medium-low arpeggios while crystal chimes jump in. Rich-toned, medium-low synth chords add motion to the track. Andrew LeSynt’s guitar soars out, carrying an inspirational melody above the powerful drumbeat and thudding bass.

Dynamic synth effectively imbues the track with life as glistening light pours from the chimes. After a sudden drop to gritty depths, the guitar cries out in a flying melodic line, uplifting and hopeful.

Shining synth glides into a segment in which rustling sounds move through a misty background. A glittering synth takes up the heartening melody before drums thunder and bass propels the music. The track ends on deeply undulating arpeggios, windy sweep and chiming notes.

The sounds of a crowded room and mingled conversation are joined by massively throbbing drums and gruff bass to open “Where No One Knows Your Name.” Expansive chimes ring out to add a charmingly soothing glow as medium high, bright synth dances in leaping notes.

The guiding drum and bass pulse supports coruscating, raised synth carrying a melody full of joyful energy and boundless hope. Now heavy, sharp-edged bass adds a gritty sonic layer below medium-high, wide sounding synth flying in motivating notes. Sparkling chimes echo out into an easily gliding background that exhales peacefully.

After a drum flourish, the radiant lead synth carries a sunny, exuberant melody above gigantic bass and charging drums. The track ends on tenderly unfolding synth with light chimes touching the music.

“Metallic Butterfly” begins as crackling static shifts with shadowy synth as powerful drums and heavy bass create insistent motion. The undulating, dark notes support an elevated, effulgent synth that repeats a propulsive melodic pattern as snare drum and vast bass drives forward. There’s a muscled power in the track that pulls me into it.

After a drum fill, lustrous synth flows in a soothing, tumbling line above ticking drums. Wind sweeps as full-toned synth resonates in a moving line and delicate notes slip past. There’s another massive drum fill and gleaming synth repeats a rippling note pattern above climbing synth chords. The track ends on the low end’s tremendous power of the low end and static noise.

Vibrant bass oscillates as gleaming synth trembles above it to start “Nicole.” Wind sweeps before giant retro drums drive on. Very high, shining chimes flutter with delicate light above hard charging drums and bass. The main melody's uplifting energy is skilfully enhanced by the lead synth’s solar glow. Ther underlying drums and bass are accented by a tambourine.

There’s a drum fill and surging, medium-high synth trembles with the pounding drums and rapidly oscillating bass. Wind blows again and after a chugging slow down, the track leaps forward again. Chimes flicker through and the lead synth’s enfolding tone carries a hopeful, tender melody out over the throbbing low end. The tambourine adds a metallic ticking and chimes flit through the music to add more encouragement and glitter before silence falls.

“Escapology” opens as gruff, bouncing bass dances unevenly before forming an urgent, tumbling rhythmic pattern. Battering, heavy drums join a leaping synth pattern, full of drama and tension. Angular, medium-high synth falls down through the music as swelling synth chords add a gentler, smoother feeling.

Shadowed lead synth effectively creates a sense of danger. The track slides into a segment in which floating synth glides with broad-sounding delicacy. Heaving drums and solid bass move the track while warmer synth chords brim with emotion. The track returns to the leaping, sharp-edged synth and fades out.

Hollow, creaking synth vibrates out into space and gargantuan drums pound to kick off “Binary Machine.” Computerized arpeggios tremble and rough-edged synth gallops along with the drums. Electric guitar skirls in a smoothly unfurling line as elevated synth flashes past.

The retro drums burst below a dynamically glistening synth singing an uplifting melody. The medium-low, gruff synth undulates again and the drums and bass create a propulsive motion beneath the arcing electric guitar and synth flickering with a lambent life as the drumbeat bursts below. The electric guitar has a voice brimming over with positive energy and the track ends on digital-sounding synth pulses as drums fade.

“Lap Of Honor” begins with a cymbal roll and warmly glistening synth descending in tender motion. Thundering drums and rumbling bass create a powerful pulse while flaring synth accents the music. The guitar spins out an umbral line above the muscled low end of the track.

Jangling, string-like synth dances in an intertwining pattern that exudes brightness in a way I find engaging. Medium-high, sparkling synth carries a melody rich with rising joy as dense bass and guiding drums shape the music.

There’s a flurry of tom hits and the bass and drums ripple together while brassy synth flows. String-like, entangling synth tumbles through the music. A rising rush of sound launches the guitar and synth melody that both rise with a hopeful glow, creating a sense of victory. After another series of tom hits, the track ends on twirling electric guitar and a rough -edged sound.

Darkly trembling, ominous synth groans along with soft sounds to start “Parade Of Heroes.” Rapidly vibrating, sharp-edged bass moves below smoothly guiding drums. A flashing, gleaming synth carries a quickly cascading note pattern into the music. The guitar spins out, full of rising strength that fills me with energy.

Hard, heavy drums and bass support trumpeting notes. The dynamic guitar calls out as a flanging synth floats. Now the track drifts into an easily sliding segment in which synths intertwine and caress. Jazzy, raised synth adds a funky feeling as colliding drums and towering bass move on. Elevated, string-like synth trickles in quick lines and silence falls.

“Tubbs Theme” opens as slicing sound rises to a sharp peak and razor-edged synth rapidly rushes below as drums burst. Hollow, vast drums break into a throbbing beat as cutting bass keeps rushing.

Sparkling synth carries a wonderfully invigorating melody over charging bass while lambent chimes flash. Electric guitar comes in, carrying a shaded melody and battering drums charge. The inspiring main melody glows on diamantine synth above the steady drumbeat and ethereal chiming notes flutter.

After a drum fill, the main melody dances on sunlit synth as deep bass pulsates and laser sounds zap. Now the guitar carries distant, shadowed notes before glistening synth soars out and and heavy bass tumbles. Drums also fall through the music and the track fades on crystal chimes and delicate float.

Fluttering, creaking sound flurries as swelling, enfolding synth chords rise reverently to begin “Depeche Node 7.” Massive, undulating bass and hard-hitting drums form a deep underpinning that charges forward as dangerous-sounding guitar cuts through.

Bright, metallic synth pops in an actively moving line as undulating bass and muscled drums propel the music. Dark, threatening sounds and a portentous vocal synth move as tumbling, bright notes arpeggiate. I enjoy the impression of danger that this track exudes.

After a drum fill, flat metallic notes rise and fall as  heavy bass and thudding drums push on. Rippling, medium-high synth arpeggios spin above the heaving weight below them. The track ends on jumping, metallic synth and distorted sonic pulses.

“The Second End” starts as a clock ticks and wide, richly shining chimes ring out with fragile warmth.  Gruff notes tremble through the music and dark bass sweeps before steady drums add sharpness to the breathy, tranquil chimes as they float past. The drums keep throbbing out into space. This track ends the album with pleasing calm and ease.

Conclusion

The Lost City is one of those albums that takes me on a journey through my imagination guided by Andrew LeSynt’s intricately layered music. I enjoy the way in which he paints vivid mental images through sound, allowing it to flow out and wind through my mind and travel to new places.

Crime City Keytarist - Reborn

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Crime City Keytarist’s Reborn is a feast of well-produced retro synth music with a unique flair, strong character and engaging sound. There’s well-crafted melodies surfing on a wave of layered, interlocking synths and shaping drums and bass. The retro sensibility mingles with the modern production to keep it sharp and clean.

Melody is something to which I am drawn and Crime City Keytarist has a gift for writing great melodies. There’s an emotional quality to his melodies that I find engaging as they unfold. He also has a knack for mingling different feelings in his melodies, bringing together ache and hope or energy and melancholy. The end result is songs that I want to hear over again.

I also enjoy the lush, layered synth sounds on Reborn. There’s a great variety of different tones, timbres and textures in the synths that Crime City Keytarist uses, but he always keeps them in balance. I am drawn to the unique, ear-grabbing sonic combinations that he weaves in his music. There’s a real appeal to the way in which all the synth elements come together on the album.

The songs on Reborn are well-written and well performed by Crime City Keytarist. His lyrics are engaging and his voice is strong and expressive as he sings. There are only two tracks that showcase his vocal talent and songwriting ability, but those two tracks are enough to make me want to hear more from him.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Reborn” commences as smooth, dense bass flows below the typing sounds and office ‘phones ringing while massively flaring notes descend.  Round-toned synth with a shadowy weight is leavened by warm tinges. Gigantic, hard-hitting drums and a metallic, robotic sound echo through the music. Glittering chimes carry a melody skilfully mingling pained emotion and brightness.

Fuller, more caressing notes flow underneath as creaking bass and powerful drums add shape. Reverent, almost choral sounds flow below the melancholy chiming melody. Smoother, wider-sounding synth trumpets out with a sense of rising strength. As the song ends, the chiming melody flickers and broad, trumpeting synth flares out into space.

Sharply flashing synth flows out above quickly wandering bass to start “Dance All Night.” Drums hit with smooth motion as the snare establishes a steady pulse. Gentleness permeates the lead synth melody as the pumping, driving bass grooves.

Nasal-sounding, shimmering lead synth carries a bursting, yearning melody that I find hard to resist. Crime City Keytarist’s voice is deep and expressive, carrying a melody with an element of mystery and a hurting, hoping feeling. Diamond light glints from the lead synth and the chorus lifts above propulsive bass and shaping drums.

Piano-like synth dances with dynamic, positive energy and Crime City Keytarist’s vocals are leavened with pleading need. The glistening synth winds out and the throbbing low end carries the smooth vocals before silence falls.

Our storyteller has heard a rumour that the song’s subject is back in town. He can’t believe it since it "feels like half an eternity since I saw you leavin’. ” Even in the disco’s darkness, he is in no doubt once he sees the other person “lighting up the room.”

Now the narrator is on the dance floor “groovin’…movin’ ” and dancing all night. It is a fleeting moment but while they’re dancing “you and I are one.” The night has to end and he’s heard that the song’s subject isn’t staying around. He wishes it could be different and concludes by saying, “The sun is rising - night's becoming day. Can’t it be another way?”

“Dream Chaser” opens as drums smack hard and digital-sounding synth ripples rapidly while solid bass oscillates. A ringing, bell-like quality characterizes the lead synth as it carries a dreamy melody.

Glockenspiel frolics through the music, carrying a pleasingly joyful melody above gigantic, rebounding drums and bass. A metallic synth with a string-like quality cuts in with a flaring gleam. Now medium-high, shining synth calls out an encouraging, lively melody above drum and bass motion.

Drums tick as fat, medium-low synth surges and the celebratory lead synth melody sings out, swirling on glistening synth. Angular, unevenly pulsing synth with a dark tinge moves before glockenspiel twirls in happy motion. String-like, intensely shining synth leaps above deeply throbbing drums and the track ends.

Digital-sounding, undulating synth creates a wide sonic vista above strong drums and angular bass to start “Midnight Sun.” Trumpeting, bright lead synth carries a melody mingling shadow and progress above rounded synth.

Tenderly singing synth carries a melody that aches and hopes above a grittier synth layer and shaded, pulsating bass. String-like synth flares with more glow and panpipe synth beautifully carries an ethereal, fragile melody as drums cascade. Expansive, open-voiced synth undulates and brassy synth flies.

Now a segment with energized, twirling synth flickers again.  Huge, rough-edged bass pulsates before intense, heart-warming synth shines down on the low end’s active motion. Silence briefly falls before the initial synth pattern moves again. The track finishes off with medium-high, gritty synth singing out into quiet.

“Transcend” kicks off as a colossal kick drum pounds and swirling, sweeping notes glide above it and cutting synth forms a steady pulsation. Chimes twinkle delicately while full, medium-high synth breaks in between and  active bass throbs.

Crime City Keytarist’s voice is smooth and lightly touching above a shaping snare drum and angular bass pulse. The vocal melody manages to be hopeful and lost in a way I find pleasing. It floats above the echoing snare drum and moving bass line.

Crime City Keytarist’s voice swirls through the music and the drums flourish. A feeling of progress permeates the music as reverent synth echoes out, adding soothing emotion.There’s a message of evolution as the fragile, distorted vocals and the sharper robotic voice create interesting contrasts.

The narrator offers the bleak assessment that humanity tried and failed and now “the planet is dying because of their greed” Earth is scorched and has nothing left to stay for. Our narrator calls out for people to “come with me if you want to live.” He says that if we “transcend” things don’t have to end.

He calls for people to explore their potential in a “limitless fantasy” and transcend with him. He speaks about reaching a transcendent state beyond reality. If we leave the broken world behind, we can all come together and “become one with cyberspace.”

Stygian bass rumbles underneath ominously shining synth to open “The Terrans Are Coming.” Round-sounding notes arpeggiate and medium-high, gliding synth calls out in a sadness-tinged melody. The main melody is full of a tremulous grace that I find touching. Drums launch the music forward and brassy, full-toned lead synth leaps out carrying a motivating, energetic melody.

The music slips through a flowing segment with softly curling synth tendrils winding around guiding drums. Dynamic life pours from the lead synth as massive drums and gruff bass drive. Razor-edged synth intertwines in jumping motion above the unrelenting drums before soft-edged, rounded synth ripples through and silence falls.

“Where Are You Now?” comes to life as brightly glistening synth slowly flows through a pattern of sparkling notes. Hard-hitting drums and dense bass propel the music below the noble, tragic lead synth melody as it sings out. Medium-low, slightly gruff synth takes up the yearning melody.

I am emotionally engaged by the mixture of loss and hope that radiates from this track’s melody. The lead synth carries over the beat, nobility and hurt mingling as the track moves forward. A more uplifting emotion fills the synth as it rises again.

The music shifts back to the melancholy, hopeful melody as drums and bass push onward. The track ends with the elegiac melody calling out as the beat leaps out into silence.

Conclusion

Reborn has a great mix of retro synth energy, dynamic beats, beautiful melodies and enjoyable songwriting. Crime City Keytarist creates music that’s fun to listen to and full of auditory interest. I thoroughly enjoy listening to this album.