KMXVII - Collision Of Two Worlds

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

KMXVII’s Collision of Two Worlds transports me on a musical journey through intense sonic imagery with an interwoven mixture of orchestral sounds and synth textures. This is music that allows me to close my eyes and take a sweeping adventure through time and space as it unfolds.

Cinematic soundscapes and strong synth-driven melodies combine to weave a deeply pleasing musical tapestry on Collision of Two Worlds. The way in which the monumental percussion and soaring orchestral sounds combine with the emotive, nostalgic synth melodies creates expression and engagement for me as I listen.

Painting strong auditory images is something that Collision of Two Worlds does well. The way in which the stirring filmic elements within the music combine with evocative synth sounds allows my imagination to roam freely as the album reveals itself track by track. All of the lush, interconnected musical elements serve to illustrate the album’s story.

I also appreciate the deep and rich musical palette on the album. There’s a luscious abundance of tones, timbres and sonic colours within each track. All of this variety gives KMXVII the scope and flexibility to pick and choose the auditory elements required to create intense emotion and energy.

My Favourite Albums Reviewed

“Prologue” commences with massive, rapidly oscillating synth forming a steady pulse as huge bass swells. Tense, sharp-edged synth drifts in an aching melodic line above the thundering drumbeat and flowing bass.

Shimmering, raised synth twirls in starry motion above colliding drums while an ethereal, open-voiced instrument floats and caressing synth sparkles fade. I enjoy the power and musical layers in this track.

Razor-edged, powerful synth moves in gigantic walls to open “Falling Down.” Medium-high, nasal synth flows with forlorn emotion which I find touching. Colossal bass throbs while lonely sounds float and high choral synths call out.

Solid, strong drums move as vocal sounds doubles the raised, nasal-sounding synth carrying an elegiac melody, exuding pained emotion above drums that pound with great weight. Choral synth adds a worshipful, noble element while broad synth carries a flowing melodic pattern.

The lead synth winds out in a tragically majestic melody and metallic percussion rings along with propulsive drums and vast bass. The drums fade but bass rumbles on as vocal synths end in silent space.

“Way Too Far” starts off with the sound of metal clanking and portentous, gargantuan bass. Sharply cutting synth drives along with a rapidly bursting snare drum, creating an effective contrast with crushing bass weight. The hopeful, yearning main melody is carried on a synth radiating distorted light.

Hammering, metallic percussion rings out along with shadowy, undulating bass. Wind sweeps and bending, nasal-sounding synth sings a cosmic melody. Uplift and hurt mingle in the main melody as angular, elevated synth chimes out in dynamic motion. The main melody moves above rushing snare drums, effectively embodying mingled triumph and tragedy.

Towering, deeply glowing synth calls out along with choral sounds to open "The Decision.” Tightly wound, medium-high synth trembles with a touching melody and reverberating drums pulse weightily along with dense bass to create more strength.

A snare drum guides anvil-hammering sounds and crushing drums as the melody dreams and hurts beautifully. Synth voices call out above gritty bass and a steadily shaping snare drum. The bass shifts in muscled lines as medium-high, rounded synth carries the wistful, pained and tragic melody.

The track moves into a segment full of reverential choral notes that add expression. Tranquil, slowly shifting synth adds a more ethereal element and grandiose drums collide as a snare drum adds shape. A hammer strikes an anvil over and over while huge bass fills the low end to conclude the track.

"Until We Rise Again” comes to life as threatening synth blares out and battering percussion strikes hard. Bass oscillates quickly as trumpeting synth carries a melody that I find inspiring and uplifting above growling bass as arpeggios leap.

Ringing percussion calls out as a snare drum adds shape to the twirling arpeggios and bass smoothly flows. Choral voices add more majestic emotion to the main melody as it fills the music with exultation while drums add motion.

Arpeggios ripple energetically as full bass swells while snare drum throbs. The main melody comes in again, lifting my emotions upward, while choral synth contributes to the encouraging feeling and carries the track to an end.

Crystalline chimes shine with soothing light as they drift along with warming lower synth to open “Someday We Will Meet Again.” Worshipful choral voices move along with bass resonance. The chimes echo out and muscled percussion pulses.

Round-toned synth carries a melody that beautifully mingles loss, dreaming and yearning. Solid bass oscillates, accented by trembling, string like synth as chimes flicker gently. Choral voices support the main melody, full of ache and tenuous hope, while powerful drums throb and silence falls.

“The Tempest” starts as tripping synth flits with a light touch. Airy, ethereal sounds glide and heavily propulsive drums charge over swirling bass. Whirling arpeggios are carried on a string-like synth while angular sounds cut in.

Drums and bass leap forward as arpeggios effectively add urgency and energy. Brassy notes accent the music before medium-high, actively moving synth cascade with intense energy and drums push the track on.

Glistening synth arpeggiates, adding dynamism and brassy synth shines. Ancient-sounding drums throb with power as wildly spinning lead synth skips through the music and the track ends.

Undulating, glittering synth creates steadily flowing motion as truly enormous drums pulsate to kick off “The Last Chapter.” Massive bass swells below delicate notes before tremulous, nasal-sounding synth sings a melody dense with melancholy and tender emotion.

Bass clouds float and colossal percussion is shaped by a lighter snare drum. The main melody is pained but still exudes positive emotion in a way that I enjoy.

Metallic, percussive sounds ring and glockenspiel carries a caressing melody. The main melody soars out again above quickly tapping snare drum before heavy bass fades into silence

“Epilogue” begins as cosmically gliding synth and choral voices intertwine to skilfully create a meditative feeling while bass glides below. Cymbals sweep as the thunderous drums throb and brightly shining chimes carry a melody full of need and reverence before the track fades away on choral voices.

Conclusion

Collision Of Two Worlds is a moving, powerfully expressive album combining the grand sweep of filmic storytelling with a plethora of synthesizers to create auditory images that I find transporting and emotive.

Hyper Rein - Enigmatic

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hyper Rein’s Enigmatic is a musical exploration of humanity, full of deep emotion, given substance by emotive lyrics and a rich synth palette. Hyper Rein’s musical guests also contribute to the album’s depth and expressive strength.

Intense and varied emotion pours from Enigmatic as it unfolds. I enjoy the way in which Hyper Rein explores the full range of human feelings through his music. Sometimes the tenor of the music shifts within a single track, roaming from tragedy to hope. The whole album is permeated with expressive musical moments that capture feeling.

Enigmatic. is full of well-crafted, moving lyrical content to The songs are full of strong imagery, heart-touching expression and engaging feeling. Each song’s musical backing is well-considered to bolster the emotional quality of its words and add to the meaning.

Each of the musical guests on the album comes to the table with a unique take on the overall feeling. They are all deeply talented in their own rights and their collaboration with Hyper Rein lends even more quality to the end result.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“2077’ starts off as slowly turning arpeggios move along with sharp, distant notes doubled with round-toned synth. Piano chords form a slowly shifting, tumbling note pattern along with sonorous synth.

After drums briefly drop in, actively trembling synth and piano notes carry a vigorous melody that reaches out above thudding drums. Arpeggios keep twirling and brassy synth calls out in a melody effectively fusing melancholy with a sense of progress.

Vibrating, echoing piano and bright synth intertwine as trumpet-like synth carries the dynamic melody forward. The track ends on the spinning arpeggios and shining synth notes call out above them.

Smoothly oscillating, subtle synth trembles below Tyler Gutman’s rhyme and full-toned, medium-high synth weaves steadily flowing energy to open “Dunes.” Elevated synth twists and howls before the lead melody mingles longing with energetic motion above oscillating bass.

Chimes add a metallic glow and raised, distorted sound vibrates as digital sounds echo into open space. Massive drums thump and wildly wheeling guitar leaps in an intertwining solo full of jazzy energy. In the distance, full-toned synth touchingly carries the aching, moving melody before ending on wind sweeping past.

The storyteller urges people to look around as “the stars are all that we can see.” He asks is if it’s him or us. He talks about the “planetary alignment deep within my spine” and how he aligns with enlightenment and comes to “leaning snakes, serpentine.”

The narrator knows that the time has come to get more of the “energy flowing, deep from within my soul.” He feels the lines for the “planetary segments upon the heavenly round.” He concludes that people are coming “here, right now” to hear and see the “sunlight burning bright, deep between the thing between our eyes.”

Softly hissing sound is broken by wide-sounding, urgently pulsating synth to begin “Sanctity.” There’s a feeling of increasing action in the lead synth that’s joined by steady kick drum and gigantic bass far below.

A taut, repeating synth line with a flat quality effectively contrasts with broad, rushing synth. Nasal-toned synth oscillates before thunder rumbles and gliding synth swirls.

Tender, warm notes are cut by sparkling synth carrying a delicate note pattern as rounded, chiming synth flickers.

Thunder rumbles as drums scatter and flourish while soft-edged synth shines. Gruff, medium-high synth sings out with hazy light and the storm rages. Drums leap out and silence falls.

“Eclipse” commences as heavily bursting drums pound and a blaring synth moves in uneven pulses. The track is touched fragile, shimmering synth along with actively moving bass. Triumphant synth carries a melody skilfully combining aspiration, nobility and energy above smoothly guiding drums and energetic bass.

Golden Goose’s rhyming has a chanting quality that echoes out as rich, brassy synth sings. Drums splash and shape the music before the main melody unfurls, full of encouraging emotion above pulsating bass. The song ends with undulating bass, digital sounds and silence.

Our narrator points out that each person is made of matter and capable of good and evil “some of us more than others.” He says that we create characters for ourselves with some of us “making eyes for the ladder” and others following patterns.

Now the storyteller says that “reality comes together for the taking.” He refers to humans as “flesh machines” who are “perfectly aligned to the stars” and all it takes to see that is a shift in perspective.

“Storm” opens as flaring, medium-high synth moves with smoothly flowing, spinning arpeggios carried on a tranquil synth. An angular synth carries an actively moving line as solid bass slides into the music.

Drums throb in a guiding beat as the glistening, medium-high synth carries a melody wonderfully mingling strength, aching and forward motion as arpeggios twirl.

Peaceful vocal sound briefly drifts and medium-high synth calls out the tumbling melody, full of arcing energy. Arpeggios whirl before the drums and bass drop out and the track ends.

Unctuous, reverberating synth carries a desolately drifting melodic pattern to start “Phaser.” Pulsating, rich bass adds support as a kick drum unevenly throbs. A snare drum adds propulsion as glowing synth sings a pained, majestic melody that cascades through the music.

Lower synth adds flickering accents as raised lead synth calls out with expressively tragic nobility. Drums and bass form a shaping pulse as chanting moves in the distance. The main melody combines aching and pride above solidly shifting bass and propulsive drums. Accenting synth adds taut light as it guides the song to an end.

“Interstellar” begins as cosmically revolving arpeggios create calm and an echoing voice over moves in. Piano chords flare into life as the gigantic drums and bass revolve. The piano carries a well-crafted, galvanizing melody above densely throbbing bass and easy-going drums.

Medium-high synth carries a mournful melody as voices reverberate and a steady drumbeat shapes the music. The melody fades as heavy bass rumbles and arpeggios keep twirling. The voiceover speaks of a space craft malfunction and the melody yearns over trembling piano chords, rebounding bass and slowly turning arpeggios before ending.

Wide-sounding, brassy arpeggios move in gentle waves through open space as “Space Invaders” opens. Unevenly bursting drums and gritty bass move as arpeggios slip out in steady motion.

Elevated chimes carry a pleasing melody brimming with tenderness and delicate light as the drums form a guiding pulse. Arpeggios continue to dance in circular motion and taut synth wriggles to add dynamism above steadily throbbing drums and solid bass.

Trumpeting notes tremble with densely packed energy and string-like synth sings with mournful feeling. Rapidly rising synth trills upward with a soft glow as drums and bass move the track forward. Arpeggios form a constantly shaping presence as the track ends on dancing synth.

“Human” kicks off as sharply flaring synth bends and grunting bass is joined by a kick drum and a snare drum. Extended, cutting synth chords burst before tightly wound synth notes pop and flare. Hyper Rein's gentle voice adds expression and cut glass notes trickle. The chanting chorus moves in as tinkling synth carries a lively melodic pattern.

Drums and bass form an insistent pulse as rough-edged synth chords swell and starry note clusters flicker. I enjoy the way in which Hyper Rein’s voice aches with emotion above bluff bass. The vocal melody exudes touching emotion as the chanted chorus moves before cutting synth notes end the song.

The narrator asks if the song’s subject will call him when they’ve had enough of war and asks if the other person will hold him and “ let the ocean feed our flaws” because they are both human after all. He goes on to say that the human body is “comprised of a brain, a heart and a soul” and urges the other person to “put two minds together” because we’re human after all.

Slowly throbbing bass oscillates as a medium-high, twisting synth plays a roaming melody to open “Wormhole.” Thudding kick drum and gliding snare move below Fan Octo’s guitar as it slices in growling notes above the synth pulse and dense bass.

The guitar snarls in a driving line as bending synth writhes.Fan Octo’s guitar carries a soaring solo as intricately interlinked notes tear with exciting effect from his nimble fingers to add detailed lushness. Wriggling synth shifts as the track ends on pulsating bass and soft-edged synth flitting into quiet.

“Blessed” starts as smoothly undulating piano creates a gently sliding pattern underneath elevated, bright synth that carries a melody full of hopeful, enfolding emotion. String-like, deep synth adds another layer of soothing sound as Hyper Rein's rhymes flow with articulate ease.

Shaping snare and kick drum form a lightly sliding beat and Hyper Rein’s rhyme is equally smooth. Rippling strings arpeggiate and shimmering synth dances with a softly touching light.

The revelatory voice over moves above rebounding drums. Hyper Rein’s rhyming comes in, echoing into openness as scudding drums add form. The drums fade as the vocals chant over the breathing strings and silence falls.

“I take my mind to a hella lot of places” is how the narrator begins as he talks about taking life “through the paces” adding that making waves is “just another waste of time.” He says that it takes “a million faces” to make one person shine and you have to try to make it if possible. He also realizes that “it ain't about me and it ain't about you.”

Our storyteller points out that if you take what was learned in the first twenty years of life "you spend the next ten years trying to think what the fuck was it worth.” He goes on to say that nothing turned out how it was meant to “but I'd never undo what has become” because it isn’t his place. He continues by saying that he’s only a puzzle piece “on a rock under the Sun.”

Now the teller of this tale says that “all it takes is a shockwave to the chest” and after that it’s possible to decompress and breathe. He goes on to say that it’s time to “get some well deserved rest” because it isn’t a race at this point. He speaks about how there’s nothing to chase now and “I feel so blessed.”

In the voice over, the speaker talks about how he awakened and came to understand that “thought was just an illusory thing” and he felt like he was examining his thoughts from another viewpoint. As he did so, he was “thrown into this expansive, amazing feeling of freedom” and he realized he was bigger than “everything and everyone.” He understood that rather than being a “fragment of the Universe” he was the whole universe.

Jagged bass oscillates as a kick drum unevenly throbs to bring “Ethereal” into being. Gleaming, medium-high synth notes trip delicately as natural sounds bring more peace into the music. Ringing, medium-low synth adds accents to the twirling, touching melody that slides above drifting drums and bass.

Radiant chimes sing the calming, wonderfully relaxing melody as elevated synth skips above the low end undulation. Glistening synth floats like airborne seeds, carried along above the solid bass pulse. Drums move in again, adding balance as luscious synth flits along, exuding airiness and ease before ending on bass oscillation.

Conclusion

Enigmatic is a unique synth-based album that combines heartfelt emotional expression, a richly woven musical tapestry and high quality guest performers who help to deepen the music’s thoughtful nature.

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.