Jacob Calta - Alan Firedale, Desert Delinquent Soundtrack Vol. 1

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jacob Calta’s Alan Firedale, Desert Delinquent Soundtrack Vol. 1 is atmospheric, full of intriguing sounds, ear-catching melodies and layered sonic storytelling. It draws from a wide range of musical styles and influences to paint imagery to support the storytelling in Alan Firedale.

A plethora of fascinating and engaging synth instruments that combine to create different moods and emotional states are at the heart of the soundtrack. Jacob Calta uses each instrument as a painter uses brushstrokes and colour to evoke emotion, atmosphere and energy. As a whole, the wide-ranging synth sounds form an alluring backdrop on which a tale can be told.

Melody is skillfully used on the soundtrack. Jacob Calta writes melodies that are pure, ear-catching and attractive. I enjoy the way in which the melodic writing keeps a clear idea in each tune, conveying emotion in a very direct way. Like any good film or radio score, the melodies help advance a particular mood or feeling that adds to the underlying story in a positive way.

All of the tonal, timbral and textural elements in the synths used help to advance the auditory storytelling inherent in Jacob Calta’s score. All of the multiple sonic interactions create deep music that tells its own story, without intruding on the story being told by the audio drama itself.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Theme From Alan Firedale” begins as huge timpani thunder and a jazz organ carries a pleasingly snaky and devious melody. Sweeping sounds flow airily and guitar-like synth twangs in with a covert feeling as percussion entangles and shapes the music. The guitar sound strums in. The whole track creates a film noir atmosphere as groovy bass and drums interlock and fade.

Muffled snare drum forms a steady, funky pulse as “Goldie’s Groove” opens. Bass pulses in angular lines as fragile sparkling synth effectively adds trembling light. Electric bass sits down in the pocket, adding an interlocking feeling with the drums and a guitar sound also fills a funky role in the groove, contributing a catchy element. as Chiming jazz organ chords shift and shimmer while the undeniable groove keeps moving, locked in and irresistible.

“The Evil That Wolves Do” opens as slowly aching strings create a mournful atmosphere. Minor key chords do a good job of contributing deep-seated threat in the music as a delicate, nervous sounding high synth slowly undulates. Tension radiates from minor key chords and jazz organ floats in, tentative and uncertain, as dark bass touches the track and fades.

Enfolding jazz organ plays tranquil chords to commence “The Kid Comes Back (Always)” as the organ flows along with easy going synth slipping in the distance. The jazz organ has a wonderfully caressing, calming feeling as twinkling notes flit through with delicacy, sliding around. The lead synth melody echoes and fills the listener with peace as chiming notes ring. Elevated synth sparkles and richer chords flow out to end the track.

“Lana’s Theme” starts as deeply resonant, woodwind synth carries an ancient sounding, reverent melody as harpsichord tangles and dense bass pulsates. as the A fluting synth carries the ear-pleasing, meditative melody. Twinkling harpsichord forms a glittering pattern and airy, flute-like synth flows. High notes shimmer and powerful bass adds a deep grounding. The harpsichord intertwines as the bass continues to pulse and sail far below as the flute fades away.

A rush of darkly ominous, tension-filled sound fills “The Steel Biker” as it comes to life. Hollow drums move over massive timpani and low brass blares with intimidating power. I enjoy the shadowy atmosphere that is created on this track. A gong sounds and colossal brass chords thunder before an intensely creaking, ultra-low brass instrument growls out and everything fades to silence.

“The Desert’s Mysteries” begins with steadily flowing bass that adds an umbra. Brass calls out in extended notes as hushed strings tremble. The brassy synth effectively adds a sense of anticipation while woodwind-like synths rise in a glimmering cloud and lightly swelling strings brush through. There’s an expectant, feather-light quality as brighter chimes glow. A flute drifts out, cut by threatening low brass, contrasting with the flute’s delicacy as it tenuously echoes into space. The track ends on a hollow sonic rush.

A folk whistle carries a melody echoing from an ancient past as “Goldie’s Soothing Tune” begins. I am drawn to the way in which the tune speaks of magic and a wooded grove dappled in sunlight. The melody is full of space and tranquility, flowing out with serene ease into the openness that it moves within. There is something profoundly timeless and utterly relaxing as lower synth notes support it and silence falls.

“Silver Caves” begins as lush low synth arpeggiates in shifting lines, creating depth and openness. String-like synth breathes delicately underneath in waves as vibrating, low synth keeps undulating. The brass and strings form a flow that has open and gliding qualities to it. Strings sound, adding an enjoyable, swirling ease. Luscious, broad-sounding synth waves are accented by a steady sonic pulse as brass and strings surround me.

Flute-like synth calls out and carries a folksong melody with a haunting feeling as “Thoughts Of The Homeland” opens. I enjoy the track’s air of contemplative peace as warming chords move. The fluting synth has a hallowed sensation, speaking of the deep past and a sacred place. The low end power supports the other elements as a steady drum adds a heartbeat that echoes out along with the weight around it.

Conclusion

Alan Firedale: Original Soundtrack Vol. 1 manages to stand alone as enjoyable music while still effectively serving as a score. It has strong melodies, beautiful synth sounds and an engaging ability to tell stories through sound while adding support to the audio drama itself.

The Pyramid - Behind The Lights

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Pyramid's Behind The Lights inspires me and fills me with upbeat emotion. I am drawn to the melodic beauty, powerful musical imagery and a strongly interwoven series of layered synths that breathe beauty into the tracks on this album. I find myself touched by The Pyramid’s work here.

Behind The Lights contains one of the most gorgeous, affecting and uplifting collections of melodies of any synth-based album I’ve reviewed in a while. The Pyramid’s melodies manage to convey nostalgia, exuberance, joy and melancholy all at once sometimes. I find my heart being touched, my spirits raised and my energy levels rising each time I hear the melodic writing on this album.

Another potent aspect of Behind The Lights is the way in which The Pyramid’s compositions paint vivid mental imagery for me. The way in which harmony, melody and the synth palette come together to delineate sensations, emotions and mental landscapes results in intense and pleasing visualizations for me. I find these images hard to resist.

I am also attracted to the way in which The Pyramid deploys his synth sounds on the album. He keeps my aural interest piqued throughout by creating intriguing and ear-pleasing mixtures of sound. Each element manages to retain its unique auditory qualities while still become a cohesive whole as the different musical parts are layered and intertwined.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Chasing Dreams” comes into being as airy sounds rush through the music. Reverberant, brightly shining synth calls out and massively growling bass swells as towering drums slowly thud. Shimmering lead synth carries a superb melody fit to burst with elated encouragement as solidly throbbing drums and bass propel the music

The main melody exudes incredibly tender emotion as brassy synth sings with a majestic, triumphant sensation. The gentle lead synth radiates nurturing emotion through the music while shaping drums and bass guide the music. The main melody expresses a sense of everything good in the world, resonant and glistening. It is full of triumph with just a tinge of something aching in it before silence falls.

Gigantic kick drum pulsates while medium-high, open-voiced synth echoes with tranquility to open “Driving To Nowhere.” Darker, sharper-edged synth echoes with melancholy warmth as percussion forms a clapping, guiding beat and the big kick drum throbs.

The lead synth has a wonderfully wistful flow as it carries a mournfully shaded melody. Higher, rounded synth sails out with an ethereal melody as solidly throbbing bass and drums slip into an easy going beat.

Elevated synth adds a plaintive quality and open sounding synth with a vocal quality carries a ghostly, tenderly dreaming melody above the low end’s steadying influence. Glistening lead synth carries the mingled hope and loss of the main melody out into quiet as the track ends.

“City Lights” starts as hollow bass tumbles and luminous synth flashes out a melody brimming over with energy and yearning as the bass cascades. Now the lead synth flares with intense light, carrying an optimistic melody. Drums pulse smoothy underneath and a tinge of dreaminess comes in.

I enjoy the way in which positivity fills the music, adding a feeling of progress. A choir adds more human life to the music and the drums and bass interlock into a driving beat. The lead synth sings with sunny hope and the choir adds another layer of light to the melody.

Hollow drums add accents and the lead synth shines with only a hint of something more hurting touching it. The main melody sings, full of unbounded aspiration as nasal sounding synth adds a measure of cosmic flow as it trembles out. The drums and bass keep pushing forward before the track ends.

Full sounding synth calls out in echoing notes that ripple into a rapidly shifting pattern as “Arcade Afternoons” commences. Slightly gruff but warm sounding synth grows into the music as heavy, muffled drums pulsate. Medium-high, mellow synth flows with nostalgic, touching melody while accenting synths flare as drums throb.

The lead synth is filled with an unctuous feeling as the melody draws me in, sketching images of lazy childhood afternoons. Shining, string-like synth trickles through and youthful energy fills the main melody as solid drums drive on.Taut, string-like sounds trickle and leaping synth radiates sunlight as it takes up the melody. The track sweeps with celebratory life before ending on rising chords and trumpeting synth.

“The Shade” commences as slowly unfolding, open-voiced synth echoes out into space. Rough-edged bass descends and blaring, sharp-edged synth carries a cosmically wandering melody above throbbing kick drum and gritty bass. Bass undulates while glistening synth sings a well-crafted vulnerable, tender melody. Synth notes flicker in the distance and bass waves flow. The lead synth cries out the melody, turning through open space with longing and loss while higher notes flutter.

Muted, soft-edged synth carries the aching melody above expansive drums while feather light notes float. Broad, effulgent lead synth carries the roaming, hurting melody above the steady weight below it. The main melody is full of tragic gentleness and the track ends in soothing emotion that pierces me to my heart as silence falls.

Twisting, gargling synth adds darker shadings as bass trembles and kick drum thumps in to open “Dawn.” Raised notes flit through in patterns as the drums propel the music and full-voiced, enfolding chords float. Coruscating synth flickers out a melody that is deep with reassuring emotion as it pours out shimmering light.

Drums pulse powerfully and lush bass add depth while fleeting notes shift add further lambency. The main melody rings out with crystal clarity, imbued with a purity of emotion that fills my heart. Punchy drums fade as the tumbling bass pulse supports the inspiring melody. undoubted happiness while the drums shape the music. The track slowly fades as the drums thud and an elevated, extending sound flows to quiet.

“Reflections In The Mirror” begins as an exuberant snare drum echoes along with an insistent bass pulsation. Gossamer sounds delicately uncurl and medium-low, flashing synth sings a calming, affectionate melody over shaping drums and bass.

There’s a pleasingly airy quality to the main melody as sailing sounds slip through. The glittering lead synth conveys caring and ease while bass grounds it as tinkling sounds lightly flicker past. Drums provide direction while swirling synths intertwine. Fond feelings fill the melody as it slips through and hollow percussion taps in short bursts.

The underlying rhythm keeps ticking over and galactic notes float. Nasal-sounding, incredibly uplifting synth cries out with unbridled positivity as the dense low end of the track supports it and silence falls on lapping notes.

Sharp-edged, shining synth drops in slowly cascading lines to start off “When The Night Falls.” Caressing synth slips out, carrying in a melody effectively combining gentleness and melancholy. Thundering drums throb on and climbing, distant synth moves with the colossal bass.

A snare drum rattles rapidly as the lead synth trumpets out, full of energy and something poignant. Drums and bass scud on with a laid back feeling as a melody explodes with joyful freedom. The main melody rings out again, full of joy unbounded before ending.

“The Long End” comes to life with ominous, rushing drums touched by a round-toned, nasal-sounding synth carrying tranquil, but buoyant melody accented by open-voiced notes. The main melody forms a touching emotional state as huge bass rumbles. Brightly shiny synth carries a melody that lifts my spirits while gigantic drums bounce.

Glassy smooth synth adds more sunlight and the main melody calls to me, carrying me past the world’s harshness into pastel clouds, reminding me that living can be joyful. The lead synth washes worldly dust away before falling silent.

Conclusion

Behind The Lights is music that deeply touches me and fills me with an intoxicating mixture of hope, happiness and uplifting energy as it unfolds. This album fulfills my passion for melody and my love of music that can make me feel! It is one of my favourites so far this year.

Cat Temper - Furio

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Cat Temper’s Furio is a lusciously woven sonic tapestry that brims over with complexity and a stunning plethora of ear-grabbing synth sounds. There’s a muscled power to the drums and bass while melodies are interwoven with a wide range of fascinating synths. This is an album that will bear repeated listening to notice new facets of the music.

Layers within layers is the way in which I would describe the music on Furio. Cat Temper has interlinked synths that have every possible tone and texture one can imagine. They are silky and elegant, abrasive and angry. Synths saw, sing, howl and twist to weave an auditory fabric that is endlessly interesting to me.

I enjoy the emotional ambiguity and fluidity of Cat Temper’s melodies on Furio. The feelings that the melodies create are mixed and sometimes conflicted, but that only makes them more appealing to me. There is something pleasing about having one’s brain engaged by music in an ear-pleasing way.

The intense strength of the drums and bass on this album also deserve comment. I find the unique variety of percussion sounds and the imposing bass power draw me in and get me shimmying along to the addictive beats that unfold.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Growls On Film” comes to life as quickly rippling, taut synth flits and monumental drums collide in uneven pulses. Oscillating synth joins the propulsive beat as dense bass rises in clouds. Raised, glowing synth carries a melody pleasingly brimming over with sunny ease and encouragement above rebounding drums and strong bass.

Tumbling bass rushes before a pan-pipe synth moves with an uncertain feeling, cut by gravelly synth descending while active bass shifts. Vocal-sounding synth echoes into the music as a mysterious arpeggio spins out, adding a devious quality. Huge, dark synth pulses as nervous, bright synth twirls out arpeggios.

Hollow synth flits through and intriguing percussion taps as breathy pipe-like synth is cut by heavier, hard-edged sounds. Slap bass twangs as a nasal-sounding, minor key synth snakes enigmatically through the music. The drums jump and the track ends on growling bass and worried-sounding arpeggios.

Quickly undulating, muscle-bound bass and thudding kick drum erupt into a propulsive beat to open “Feline Fatale.” Jagged synth grinds into the track in a dynamically shifting pulse as big snare drums explode.

Gritty synth leaps in energizing lines as smoother, rounded synth curls out in a catchy motion. Twisting, expansive lower synth is touched by sparkling chimes. Now mellow chords rise below starry synth, rushing notes dance and flaring chords add sunlight.

Immense drums and bass drive as widely whirling synth skips along. A leaping, hopeful melody slides out before frolicking notes sail in. The track ends on an energetically bursting synth pattern.

“Sin of the Kitty” begins as trumpeting synth falls through space as quickly oscillating bass drives along with overwhelming drums. Cosmically drifting, open-voiced synth drifts in an ethereally touching melody above solidly punching drums and bass.

Medium-low synth cuts in to add more weight. There’s an enjoyable, diaphanous delicacy in the melody here. Chiming, lush synth spins out dancing arpeggios touched by shadow. Breathy synth slides along as the hard-hitting drums push forward. A snarling guitar slashes in, adding feral energy while sneaky synth swirls with a minor key twist.

Victorious synth sings while clean, glistening arpeggios spin and the guitar thunders. The track moves into a cascading segment as medium-low synth adds active motion. The music fades on quickly pulsating notes.

Rapidly trickling synth flickers and grows in intensity to start “The Chauffeur.” Flashing, resonant synth leaps out and bouncing, sharp-edged bass kicks as a snare drum adds motion. Raised, brilliant synth carries a distant and gentle melody, wonderfully full of ease and peace.

The drums rebound as buoyant synth moves in a circular motion, sweeping through the track. Arpeggios move in contrary motion while soft-edged, expanding synth is briefly touched by unique drums.

Bass pops along with massive drums as slowly drifting synth adds an enigmatic quality. Bending synth dances before luscious, medium-low synth hints at more complicated feelings above the varied percussion.

“The Seventh Stray” opens as clear, ultra-sharp synth carries a swiftly shifting pattern as wide bass doubles it. Heavily throbbing drums add intense propulsion as they slam in. Raised, lucent synth flashes out in angular patterns as gruff bass keeps throbbing. A synth with a tinkling resonance carries shaded energy in it.

Hard-hitting synth moves in angular motion as another wildly roaming synth blurs through above the massive drums battering in. Widely blaring lead synth floods the track with brightness and drums smack in with real muscle. Airy, flowing synth with a tense edge moves in as popping notes flicker past. Flaring synth moving over slowly shifting, twisting notes behind it. Leaping synth blurs as the track ends.

Thudding kick drum and rolling bass waves propel the track with surging power to commence “Electric Pawpurella.” Gyrating, heavy synth slices in and a snare drum adds explosive motion above strong bass.

Trumpeting, medium-high synth flies out, carrying a darkly energetic melody that I enjoy. Charging bass and heavy duty drums keep the track moving. Glistening lead synth repeats the lively melody as towering bass and solidly hitting drums shove track forward.

Medium-low, digital-sounding synth with a hollow voice slides in slipping patterns. A zapping sound beams in above hopping drums as widely volleying synth climbs and descends into quiet.

“Please Please Tell Meow” begins as flickering synth trickles through in an effortlessly moving pattern before razor-edged bass pulsates. Gigantic retro drums hammer in and sharp-edged, distorted synth grits. Gleaming arpeggios ripple above a lower synth’s harsh growl as tapping percussion accents the music.

Softly shining notes intertwine as drums tick and vibrating synth forms a trembling pattern. Glittering arpeggios vault while brassy synth flies upward, adding enjoyably elevating emotion.

Digital-sounding, pipe-like synth carries a melancholy melody with a lost feeling to add emotional depth. Broad arpeggios shift and pulsating synth slides in a steady pattern before silence falls.

Absolutely colossal bass moves in slowly pulsating lines along with a thumping kick drum to open “Last Cats On The Stairway.” A hi hat ticks along with echoing claps before radiant synth forms a melodic pattern effectively tugging the listener forward.

It feels as if a great force is acting on the low end as the thundering drums punch home and the shimmering synth glows. An uplifting, medium-high synth pattern comes in along with sharply metallic synth. Varied, unique percussion shapes the music and a distorted synth shimmies past.

The music drifts into calming synth gliding into open space. Bubbling percussion adds shape before flying synth frolics in a minor key above rushing drums. The track ends on gigantic bass and flashing synth accents.

Conclusion

Furio is synth music with real richness, depth and undeniable energy. My ears are exceedingly happy as I listen, stimulated by the variety of the sounds and excited by the relentless life pouring from the music.

RND87 - Back In Time

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

RND87’s Back In Time is evocative and atmospheric synth-based music that roams across varied emotional landscapes. RND87 creates auditory imagery that captures the complexities of human feelings on the album, using a plethora of intriguing synth sounds to explore a broad range of mental states.

In my view, it’s a special skill for an artist to use synthetic instruments and still evoke a visceral response from their listeners. RND87 manages it on Back In Time. His use of the right sound at the right time mixes with his compositional abilities as he explores loss, pain, tenderness and triumph. The end result took a hold of my emotions and drew them out of me.

A skillfully composed melody is something I find impossible to resist and RND87 has filled Back In Time with some superb examples. The element that really pulls me into the melodies on this album is their complexity. A variety of different mental states and moods seem to exist simultaneously in the melodies as they reveal themselves. I enjoy the melodic journey on which I’m taken by the music.

Atmosphere drips from this album’s every pore. It drenches each track in a veil of evocative sound, painting powerful imagery in my mind through musical interactions. There’s a transporting quality in the tracks that lifts me out of the mundane and carries me to new realms and emotional terrains.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“City Lights” comes to life as worshipful synth grows along with a bursting, softly hissing snare drum. Muscled bass oscillates and snare drum and kick drum push on. Resonating sound adds depth to a raised synth radiating clean light.

The lead synth carries a pleasing melody that is contemplative and hopeful. Drums and bass interlock in an active rhythm to support other musical elements. Raised synth glides out in a sparkling exhalation before broadly glowing synth carries a melody yearning for bright city lights.

Tremulous, rounded notes shiver below elevated synth as its lambent illumination sparkles out. The low end’s strength guides the track while distant, twisting notes drift before ending on vibrating, metallic notes.

Resonant, digital-sounding bells undulate, cut with a harsh hiss as they ring out to start “Opportunities.” Flaring, wriggling synth glides as dense bass adds weight and drums push the music onward. A shining synth carries a melody tinged with loss, but still reaching out hopefully. Slowly volleying, gleaming synth shifts in bright walls through the music.

Mistily shimmering synth carries the main melody, full of need massive bass throbs and sonic stars shine. Nasal-sounding, broadly flashing synth bounces in slowly unfolding lines and soft-edged, bell-like synth calls out. I enjoy the way in which the main melody embodies aspiration and touching feeling. Glistening synth rises and falls before fading on reverential notes.

“The Cube” starts as impacting drums smack in and bass undulates as a steadily throbbing synth moves. In the distance, effulgent synth suffuses the music while a lower, flaring synth carries an upbeat melody.

Smooth, rich synth sings an enfolding melodic pattern that effectively creates calm as flickering sound sweeps. The drums disappear as crystalline synth cascades above intense bass, elevating the mood. Rippling, deep-toned synth flows in arpeggios and now dynamic, triumphant synth supports the elevated shine above it.

Hard-hitting drums press on and bass adds another below as the coruscating synth glows. Massive bass pulses on as high notes flit through, leavening the depths below it. The drums drive on while the active sings the victorious melody while diamantine notes flower into the music. The track ends on glittering notes and twanging synth.

Terrifyingly huge bass pounds and undulates along with a throbbing kick drum to open “Excursion.” Radiant, guitar-like synth chords leap and brassy synth sings an inspirational, deeply confident melody that I find touching.

Guitar-like notes add power and drums drive on. Trumpeting synth moves with gritty guitar chords as the drumbeat and oscillating bass push forward. Arpeggiating, smoothly flowing synth adds lush texture while the glowing lead synth moves joyfully.

Sharply leaping synth accents add sunlit sensations while a rippling arpeggio tumbles down. The main melody flies out, soaring onward with positivity above the driving drums. The track ends on flashing notes flying out into silence.

“The Synthesist” begins as quickly vibrating, rushing synth flits into the track. A solid kick drum pulses and lustrous synth shimmies in a positive melodic line as glistening synth grows in the distance.

A snare drum guides the music as climbing, victorious chords sing out with a tinge of more pained emotion in them. The balance and contrast of feeling achieved in this track deepens its impact for me. Guiding bass pulses while the drums fade and full-sounding, repeating notes create a steady throb.

Synth chords carry the music upward on broad wings. A wistful element in the chord progressions balances out the uplifting feelings. The track fades on poignant strings before the song ends on a breath of wind.

Raised, string-like synth descends along with flashing, metallic notes to kick off “Postcards.” Darkly throbbing bass and strong drums pulse as fully surrounding lower synth supports the glittering higher synth carrying a gently nostalgic melody. Starry notes twinkle and metallic, medium-high synth carries a dreaming melody.

Actively moving bass adds weight as string-like synth uncurls. The summery melody is beautifully tinged with the sadness of remembrance. Shimmering notes add more light and washing synth resonates. After a drum fill, the main melody drifts with tranquility feeling and higher notes gleam as the track flows to a conclusion.

“Don’t Hesitate” comes to life as galactic sound fades rapidly and widely echoing synth glides along with powerful bass. Tautly bouncing synth pulses while rapidly flickering synth dances out.

Medium-high, gritty synth sings an energizing melody broadly whirling arpeggios add texture, bass oscillates and a snare drum jumps in. The main melody calls out, carried on wide swathes of synth.

Arpeggios twirl out on rounded, popping synth as actively shifting bass shapes the music. The main melody pleasingly pours out, brimming with a sense progress and life. Texturally undulating synth adds a carpet of cosmic light before the track finishes.

Slowly spinning synth with a slight shimmer flickers as steady bass pulsates to start “Take Care.” Warmly deep synth carries an affectionate melody, effectively evoking a caring embrace while briefly flaring synth accents glisten.

Bass drops out, the snare drum keeps pulsing and bass waves slip through. Medium-low, softly rounded synth sings the melody, exuding kindness and drums shape the music. Quickly arcing arpeggios lend brightness and the airy synths contribute gentle impressions.

The main melody is soothing and easy going. The track fades on deep bass and shining notes along with a vocal sample speaking about wishing to travel back in time and change things.

Conclusion

Back In Time is one of those albums that invites repeated listening. Each time one listens, a new aspect appears in the music. I find that there are deeply intertwined soundscapes that reveal more layers each time one hears them. In the end, they fill me with rich emotion and a sense of wanting more.