Hill Valley Hero - Arcades

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hill Valley Hero’s Arcades captures the spirit of youth, a wistful ache for good times gone by and a sense of hope. Taking the classic synthwave sound, Hill Valley Hero digs deep to find emotion and expression in it. His melodies are memorable and emotive, his sonic layering is lush and his music touches me in a surprisingly powerful way.

In spite of Arcades’ high musical qualities, perhaps the most affecting part of the album for me is the strength of the emotions it evokes. Along with moments that explode with irrepressible energy, there are tracks with a melancholy quality which tugs at my heartstrings. Hill Valley Hero explores yearning, child-like joy and an ineffable sense of loss in a way that draws me in deep.

A large part of the emotional power of Arcades comes from the album’s melodies. Hill Valley Hero has a knack for writing melodies that are beautiful and engaging. There’s a way in which each melody manages to exude mingled feelings that I find compelling. For me, the most pleasing music is the music that touches my heart and this album does.

I also take pleasure in the luscious and intricately interwoven soundscape that Hill Valley Hero creates. His mixture of synth sounds that mingle light, shadow, sharp edges and smooth flow with reedy sax passion and electric guitar textures creates ear-catching sonic combinations. Strong auditory imagery is well-woven into one pleasing whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Welcome” commences as arcade sounds zing, zap and plink and a retrotastic voice over announces the joy of the arcade. Gliding synth unfurls underneath and lush bass throbs while a dancing synth trickles in.

Trumpeting synth carries an encouraging and joyful melody with ear-catching energy above the bass. Chimes sparkle as they carry deeply hopeful melody’s full of happiness. Xylophone-like synth rushes in a rapid pulse and we fade out on arcade noises.

An exuberant melody sings out on broadly sweeping synth accented by glassy chimes radiating light to begin “Slow Down.” Strongly kicking drums are accented by digital-sounding synth bursts. The deep main synth has an alluring richness, balanced by the twinkling chimes that frolic above dense bass and punching drums.

Glowing light suffuses the music while the main melody exudes dynamism and uplift. A crowd cheers as engines roar and digital-sounding synth flits through. The strong lead synth pours out barely restrained energy. Shimmering synth flickers with lively motion above the heavy drumbeat and thick bass. A trilling synth dances through and the music fades on blaring synth pulses that add sunlight to the track.

“Eighty Eight” opens as resonant synth carries a swirling note pattern that twirls with dynamic life. Choral synth adds a worshipful feeling and laser-like sounds zap. Glittering synth sings a melody exploding with positive emotion as slap bass adds a funky quality while chimes shimmer and shakuhachi drifts.

Synth sparks flare, carrying flitting notes while unique percussion with a hollow sound taps. After a drum flourish, the main melody soars out pleasingly, full of yearning power. The track slips into a segment in which bending, fragile notes drift and 8 bit sounds move. Groovy drums and slap bass sit in the pocket while coruscating light suffuses each note of the melody. The main melody and ear-grabbing percussion keep shaping the music before silence falls.

The sound of a busy arcade comes in to open “Stealth Mode.” A voice over warns of the dangers of “youngsters communicating in a video fantasy land.” Drums keep throbbing as minor key arpeggios ripple, adding dark shadings along with the dense bass below them.

Broadly shining lead synth carries a charming melody mingling wistful emotion and encouragement. Guitar swirls through and the drums and bass keep shaping the music. The glowing lead synth sings the melody that combines yearning and a tinge of loss.

Bass oscillates as organ-like notes tremble and medium-high, glimmering synth floats out. Guitar climbs with triumph above crystalline arpeggios. Now the guitar cascades, whirling and dancing in an intricately woven solo above hard-hitting drums. Arpeggios twirl and the track comes to an end.

“Cheat Code” opens as sparkling synth trickles through a gently shining background before heavily driving drums and bass press forward. The shining lead synth rapidly leaps and cuts out, making short flaring bursts.

Bending, nasal-sounding synth flies through a swirling melody, exploding with infectious energy above a steadily guiding drum and bass heartbeat. Brassy synth spins through an arcing solo that soars above the low end propulsion as vocal sounds echo. Staccato bursts of notes cut in and the solidly shaping drums and bass push on.

Radiant synth climbs to the sky and a sax cries out with a reedy warmth before a guitar twists with a gritty strength and shredding energy. Whirling, dancing lead synth flickers through and the guitar is impassioned and expressive. A unique percussion pulse moves and the main melody flies above the punching low end before the track ends.

Delicately rippling arpeggios with a diamond shine open “Interceptor” as a muscled drum and bass pulse slams in with crushing weight. Wandering, chiming synth trickles above a dense, sharp-edged lower synth carrying caressing sounds. Sparkling high notes ripple out and solid drums and bass shove forward.

A sax calls out in warmly dancing patterns and the rough-edged, dense lower synth and more caressing, higher synth share the same melodic line effectively mingling dreamy emotion and strength. Big drums rebound and flickering higher synth shines out.

Elevated synth radiates rich light before the energetic sax twirls out and percussion adds form. Fragile, trembling high synth moves through before ragged synth sings and the sax repeats its lively line. Twinkling notes flow and the drumbeat continues to hit hard. The sax tumbles down in an infectious pattern as the intertwining sonic elements all imbue the music with intense life before it fades.

"Pinball Summer” begins as thunder rolls and rumbles and a laser zaps. Metallic notes tap with clean light and fluting synth carries a soothing melody above oscillating bass and gliding drums. Round-toned, medium-high synth sings an easily breathing melody brimming with youthful enthusiasm.

Bursting drums shape the music and metallic, dancing synth accents it. Scudding bass oscillates as the heartwarming main melody slips along and tells a tale of a summer that feels like it’ll never end. I am drawn to the guitar melody that aches with memories of all the past summers that will never return.

Groovy slap bass and interlocking percussion intertwine as the guitar carries the melody that manages to be full of loss yet still hopeful. The sax takes up the melody, pouring out intense emotion in its unique voice. A note of encouragement fills the melody as it evolves while the drumbeat throbs on and the bass skips along as silence falls.

Razor sharp, ultra bright synth rings out in chords tinged with shadow to kick off “Momentum.” Massive retro drums drive in and a jerkily twirling synth moves while the jangling notes call out in an angular line.

A higher synth pattern twists and the drumbeat is unstoppable. The track flows into a smoothly drifting segment as a guitar strums in an energizing pattern. Metallic keys ring out in choppy motion as an elevated arpeggio spins and the colossal drums shape the music in rebounding motion.

The lead synth melody pours out joyfully, climbing into the blue with a wild abandon that I enjoy. The sax calls out, reinforcing the music’s inspiring emotional quality. Voices in the distance chant before the track slides into silence.

Conclusion

Arcades is an album that takes me on a journey through joy, hope, melancholy and yearning as it evolves. Hill Valley Hero has taken synthwave as his bass and used it to produce music with real heart and soul. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience.

Dudikoff - Bright Lights, Big City

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dudikoff’s Bright Lights, Big City is a dynamic, layered slice of retrowave pleasure. The album combines addictive melodies, powerful drums and bass and lusciously interwoven synth lines to create emotive and entertaining music that paints neon imagery across my brain.

Perhaps the most alluring aspect to Bright Lights, Big City is the melodic writing on the album. Dudikoff writes melodies that are clear, engaging and emotionally rich. There’s a sense of deep feeling that emanates from his melodies, grabbing hold of my heart and holding on as they unfold. I feel like I could listen to some of these melodies for hours on end.

I also appreciate the colossal power of the drums and bass on Bright Lights, Big City. They provide propulsion, energy and form to the other musical elements. They exert tremendous force on the album and help give it the punchy energy that drives it. I also enjoy the way they add to the expressive nature of the tracks.

There’s an engaging depth to the way in which synths and the other instruments interact on the album. Each sonic layer enfolds and moves with the others to weave a tapestry of lush auditory elements. As a result, Dudikoff paints imagery of rain-wet streets, glowing neon signs and powerfully affecting emotion with each layer he creates.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Neon Black” comes to life as darkly shadowed, sharply cutting bass is joined by gently drifting, chiming synth as a crushing kick drum throbs in with a steady motion and accelerates. Snarling guitar-like synth lacerates with razor-edged energy as hard, punching drums shape the music and bass growls far below.

Synth with a charming gossamer glow delicately floats and is accented by a fierce guitar cutting in. Synth curls around the guitar sound, carrying a mournful melodic pattern that glides above the guitar’s snarl.

Snare drum and kick drum slam on and a tripping synth shifts above the percussion. Huge drums press on as reverent, glistening synth clouds slip through the music and a shimmering synth spins. The track returns to angular, slashing guitar and powerful drums before closing out.

Rapidly rushing synth is joined by gigantic, muscled drums and smoothly flowing bass as “…And She Turned Around And Smiled At Me” starts. Fragile, elevated sounds slip past while hard-edged guitar pulses evenly.

The lead synth radiates effulgent rays, carrying an engaging melody brimming with affection and dreamy hope. Choppy synth scuds above strong drums and gritty guitar sounds. Speeding, intertwining notes glisten with warm light and a tambourine adds a different percussive quality. The guitar cries out with jagged edges below skipping synth.

Michael Skog plays a passionate, heart-touching guitar-like solo that soars with exalting energy above steadily shaping drums. Flaring synth sings again, imbuing the track with tenderness and encouragement while sharper guitar adds a hard edge. The song (and the dream it carries) ends as an alarm rings.

“The Streets Of Shinjuku” opens as towering bass surges, a rumbling engine idles and heavy kick drum throbs. Tires squeal and an engine-like howl emanates from an elevated synth as hi hat and snare drum play a scattershot burst and colossal bass undulates.

Jumping, string-like synth trembles in oscillating lines that create a vibrating, trembling sensation above flourishing drums. Distant, raised sounds skip through and sirens flurry as engines howl and drums explode. Dudikoff’s aggressive guitar synth sound reaches out and cuts through giant drums and thick bass with a triumphant motion.

The guitaresque lines create dynamism as an echoing voice floats and the tremulous synth line effectively ramps up the track’s energy. Muscled drums add shape to the music and bass walls rise up with tremendous strength. The track finishes on sirens and distant voices.

Vast bass throbs smoothly as a hollow sound climbs to a peak to open “The Last Day Of Summer.” After solidly hitting retro drums come in, glittering synth flickers with gentle light. A drum flourish leads into a medium-high, richly toned synth singing a wistfully aching melody before strands of glistening synth intertwine.

Full-sounding, enfolding synth carries a pleasing melody that dreams of hazy, languid days. Choral synth adds heartwarming emotion and sax carries a powerfully touching, expressive solo that sings of blue water and palm trees. Gritty guitar-like sounds add depth and weight below the main melody’s touching qualities as the hard-hitting drums shape the track before it gently fades out.

"High Score Hero” kicks off as coins go into an arcade game and caressing, soothing synth flows above a pulsing drumbeat and steady bass flow. The drums are massive as they guide the calming synth chords.

After a drum fill, broadly shining synth with a rough edge sings a wonderfully elegiac melody as guitar adds weight and a sharper edge. The bursting drumbeat shapes the track while tranquil synth chords drift. A floating synth carries a yearning melody while open, hollow percussion taps in.

The guitar-like sound powers below with muscled chords above gigantic drums that push on, Fragile backing chords add a calming feeling as the guitar rises now a solo brimming with hopeful life. as the full, rounded synth chords glide and the drums keep shaping the music before sliding off into silence as the song ends.

A muscled fist of bass rumbles below ethereal sounds that drift above it to start “Hostile Supercomputer.” Sharply cutting synth trembles and an intimidating kick drum drives on while open air rushes around distantly wandering synth as heavy bass pulsates.

Full-sounding, medium-high synth chords add warmth as lacerating notes slice ferociously while glowing chimes flow with fragile light. Far below, drums and bass hammer onward and shifting synth chords shimmer. Hollow synth pops, adding increased tension and nervousness below glimmering chimes and above the battering low end tide.

The track slips into a segment in which rich synth chords swell and delicately touching chimes flicker while a continual percussive flow drives on. Cosmically drifting synth creates an interesting contrast with the worried, hollow synth that hammers in beneath it. The track ends as light-filled arpeggios twirl above relentless low end motion.

“Graduation Day” commences as flaring synth creates a melodic pattern that exudes encouragement. Softly gleaming lead synth sings a tender melody, beautifully pouring out soothing emotion as choral synth adds an airy sensation.

Steady notes flicker out and a slowly throbbing drumbeat shapes the music. Sharp synth regularly calls out and string-like synth carries a melody fit to burst with heartwarming emotion. There’s youthful hope and dreams bound up in the calming melody as the drums and bass guide it.

Sax floats out, full of affection and caring, calling out with passionate life as giant drums throb. The sax has a reedy lushness in contrast to the glittering string-like synth that falls softly through the track. The main melody slips in again, rising with sunny light above rebounding drums. String-like synth flits in trembling lines and the sax takes the track to an end.

Propulsive drums rush as dense bass pumps and nasal, resonant synth sings a tender, tranquil melody to kick off “Just Like Heaven.” Smoothly unfolding, effulgent lead synth keeps singing a charming, touching melody above rushing drums.

Metallic, string-like synth takes up the melody and adds more flickering glow. Chimes dance with uplifting energy, full of hope and wistful joy as the underpinning motion keeps pushing on. There’s happiness and celebration in the melody, but it is leavened by more aching, nostalgic emotion while the percussion and bass take the music to a conclusion.

Conclusion

Bright Lights, Big City transports me on a journey across a vast metropolis, engaging me in a mixture of nostalgia, wonder and images of the different experiences that can be had. There’s a sense of youthful wonder that fills the music on this album as it unfolds.

Toxxic Project - The Secrets of Planet Helios

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Toxxic Project’s The Secrets of Planet Helios carries me across the haunted beauty of a distant planet, painting powerful imagery through intensely entangling soundscapes and engaging melodies. Toxxic Project has brought in musical guests who each contribute their talents to deepening and enriching his music. This is an album for listening to while one’s mind floats out over a strange and eerily enchanting world.

Auditory storytelling is an important aspect of The Secrets of Planet Helios’ success with me. All of the ear-grabbing layering of many well-considered synth sounds results in strong, clear images moving in my mind’s eye. All of the textures, tones and timbres weave images of fantastical landscapes unfolding as I move through them. Vast plains, craggy mountains and timeless cities all pass by in my imagination as the album plays on.

The Secrets of Planet Helios is also a superb showcase for Toxxic Project’s melodic writing. I enjoy the expressive and emotive nature of the melodies he composes. They have the ability to draw me in with their clarity and strength, filling me with deep feelings as they unfurl through the music. There’s something affecting in them that keeps my heart engaged in the album.

All of the musical collaborators on the album also bring their skills and abilities to bear on the music in a way that makes it richer and more pleasing. Whether they are co-producers like Aeronexus and Dug Masters or remixers like Max Project, Fraver, UFO 1982, Timedriver or The Morales, they each contribute to deepening and increasing the auditory impact of the music on this album. I also must mention Sinuhe Navarrete’s mixing and mastering on the album.

My Favourite Tracks Anaylzed

“Formalhaut” begins as darkly swelling bass is cut by widely gleaming arpeggios that ripple with tension as they grow in power. Flaring synth drifts threateningly as tautly glowing synth is touched by airy exhalations. A kick drum thuds as giant bass oscillates to effectively create powerful low end motion.

Drums and bass pound as brassy, medium-high synth sings a rising melody with a touch of uncertainty, along with its triumphant qualities. Heaving drums drive on as delicate sounds sail above them and the bass also slams hard. The trumpeting lead synth melody is tragedy tinged and tentative. Throbbing drums guide the track and the hi hat also bursts while a hollow, airy sound glides.

A shadowy, open-voiced arpeggio twirls as the unstoppable low end pulses and the drums press on still. Gossamer synth drifts through carrying a fragile, spaced out melody while slicing synth shifts. Air flows as huge bass growls to an end.

Pulsating, medium-high synth with a reverberating quality is joined by thudding kick drum and twisting, sparkling sounds to start “Crystal Sands” Regal synth chords add a wonderful glimmer and the kick drum drives on. Glistening, elevated synth carries a dynamic pulse above steadily oscillating bass.

Warming chords rise and the snare drum propels the track. Lightly touching, flickering synth chords add energy as oscillating bass rushes onward. Shining, trembling synth sails out smoothly before another glistening synth flickers with washing light.

The drums press on above rushing bass and the glassy lead synth sings out full chords that tremble through the music. Energy fills the music, flashing with clear light while soft-edged chords slowly move and bass swirls far below. The drums continue to move forward and silence falls.

“Dark Connection” commences as laughter rings out along with a thudding kick drum and softly hissing sounds. Steadily undulating synth tumbles and a driving bass pulse is joined by reverent sound sailing above it.

Bass rapidly oscillates, a snare drum bursts and slow, shining synth waves lap pleasingly. The kick drum thumps and snare drum leaps out as medium-high, gently glittering synth carries a plaintive melody.

There’s hurt in the main melody as the solidly throbbing bass and snare drum keep shaping the music. A hazy glow permeates the lead synth as it flows and the energetic low end of the track keeps driving onward. The wistful melodic pattern moves with the lightly touching notes and ends.

Ominous bass towers as gritty sounds swirl and powerful drums pound to open “Battle For Helios.” Huge, majestic chords swell and medium-high, radiant lead synth carries triumphant notes. Glimmering synth carries a drifting, reaching melody that pours out light as angular bass oscillates dynamically. Noble, glowing synth chords climb and flaring lead synth rises up in ear-pleasing sunlit bursts.

Drums pound on along with tremendously powerful bass that breaks into vibrating lines. Strings unfurl and the drums batter on as muscled synth chords rise. Sparkling notes slip through the music as flashing synth leaps and arpeggiates. The drums slow to half time with a cymbal clashing and the victorious chords crying out as bass oscillates. The track throbs into quiet with a deep growl.

“Tears Of Algol” starts as looming bass pulses with a dread feeling as angular, sweeping synth flashes out. Pounding, weighty drums form a steady beat as gleaming light flows from delicate, caressing synth.

I enjoy the contrast of intimidating power and galactic light n this track Shaping drums pound with dense reverberations as angular sounds sweep and gigantic bass oscillates. Glassy synth doubles the bass and silence falls.

Massive drums heave and sharp synth slices above hard-hitting bass to start “Secrets Of The Planet Helios.” The bass ramps up as whirling, raised synth and wobbling sounds flit through. A fluting sound twirls and colossal drums smoothly guide the music as a tambourine adds a metallic rattle.

Radiant synth echoes with a feather light sensation, trembling as vibrating, sounds expand. Gigantic drums push on as delicate synth echoes out, ethereally wandering, creating a sonic sensation that I enjoy. Rushing, sparkling synth moves underneath softly sailing synth with a fragile feeling.

Descending, drifting high synth tumbles and drums burst weightily as they propel the music onward with insistent energy and the distant sounds cascade and shiver like windblown sand. The track ends on the throbbing drumbeat and cosmic synth cascading.

“Crystal Sands (Max Project Remix)” opens as monumental drums burst with energy and crystalline arpeggios arc rapidly, driven by a powerful drumbeat. Max Project’s remix imbues the track with a more propulsive and energetic feeling that I find pleasing.

Winds sweep, chimes glitter and sharp synth vibrates with slicing strength as tapping percussion moves. Drums with planetary weight and throbbing bass drive below whirling arpeggios.

The main melody sweeps through, majestic above the grandeur of the drums, as wind flows past. The remix has the effect of increasing the music’s dense power and enhancing its leaping, uplifting sensations.

Mad laughter bubbles on, increasing the threat level as ominous bass flows and kick drum thuds to kick off Fraver’s remix of “Dark Connection.” I enjoy the way in which this remix creates a heavier, more dangerous feeling as it thunders and crashes. Oscillating bass imbues the remix with great power as it glides into a worshipfully flowing segment.

Rapidly shivering synth is now touched by an orchestral string-like synth melody, full of beauty and pained emotion above insistent bass and guiding drums. Nobility and elegance fill the string-like synth melody as it unfolds. A distant voice echoes above slowly pulsing drums. A heaving bass oscillation cuts through the string section as it fades in and out before silence falls along with soft synth.

“Sentinels (Timedriver remix) begins with richly rippling synth, a steady kick drum and flickering arpeggios, feeling gentler and more subdued in the remix. Arpeggios create sparkling texture as low, round sounds slip through the music. Mammoth drums throb with greater weight and twisting lead synth carries a melody skilfully evoking ancient mystery and cosmic magic above lush bass.

There’s an open air feeling as the big drums throb in slower motion and descending synth sounds fall through the music. Gargantuan bass glides and drums keep shaping the music. There’s an ethereal glide in this remix as it evokes feelings of enigmatic structures in a vast landscape as the muscled bass and drums fall silent.

Conclusion

The Secrets of Planet Helios carries me out over the surface of an exotic, enigmatic planet on a sonic journey. I feel transported from the mundane world to a place far across vast gulfs of space by the music that Toxxic Project and his guests create on the album. This is music that fills me with a sense of exploration and a feeling of adventure.

Six Leaves Left - The Longest Journey

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Six Leaves Left’s The Longest Journey is full of gentle emotion and lusciously interwoven musical landscapes as it does indeed carry the listener away on a sonic journey. There are also captivating melodies and intriguing auditory contrasts on this album.

The tranquil, tender emotional states that fill The Longest Journey are deeply touching for me. There’s something peaceful and soothing in the music that draws me in and leaves me feeling recharged and relaxed. I also enjoy the way that Six Leaves Left punctuates the softness with darker, sharper moments for contrast.

Melody permeates The Longest Journey and each of the melodies is engaging and ear-pleasing. Six Leaves Left weaves a spell of warmth and enfolding emotion in his melodic writing that fills the heart wth affectionate, perhaps slightly melancholy feelings. I enjoy the depth of each of them.

A luscious synth palette contributes to the atmospheric nature of this album. A whole range of slipping, gliding synth sounds mingles with glowing and caressing textures as punchy drums and dense bass shape the music. Taken as a whole, the result is blissful listening.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Sailing Away” comes into being as gentle sound swells to a glistening flow. Silky, washing synth sings a wonderfully delicate, touching melody as the slipping drumbeat guides the music.

Medium-high, flaring synth carries an upbeat, encouraging melodic pattern into sonorous synth drifting through the track. Undulating bass slides and lustrous chimes flicker before the wide-sounding, bright synth carries a positive melody.

Massive bass oscillates and wind sweeps as trembling synth caresses my ears. Fragile chimes glimmer as a glockenspiel’s sharper shine cuts in. The drums now break into an uneven beat while sunny synth glows and the track drifts into silence with a mellow sigh.

Effulgent, feather-light synth brushes into the music in a slowly undulating pattern to open “The Longest Journey.” Resonant chimes carry a charming, wistful melody out over huge bass as slowly revolving arpeggios shine.

Bass swirls in towering but tender whorls as lost voices echo and tranquil choral sounds move in. Raised notes sparkle with clear light to accent the track. Medium-high, trumpeting synth carries a victorious melody tinged by aching emotion.

Elevated, gleaming notes add a fragile and tender quality as rounded arpeggios spin. A twangy guitar carries a pained, yearning melody while rain falls softly and a steady drone fades into silence.

“Lost Frequencies” starts as gigantic bass and throbbing drums form a driving heartbeat. Distantly glittering sounds flow and brassy, muted synth carries an encouraging melody. Synth chords add shadings of more uncertain emotion in a way which I find pleasing.

Radiant synth carries a dynamic melody with a hint of troubled emotion in it as colossal drums and bass press on. The drums add punchy weight as lambent synth echoes out. Sharp-edged, wide-sounding synth climbs while dark notes with a hint of threat touch the music.

Flaring synth adds more warmth and uplift before the energetic, but slightly melancholy lead synth floats out. There’s a sense of forward motion as heaving drums and pulsing bass are tinged with sparkling chimes. The track ends on crushing bass weight.

Clear, glassy chimes slide out into open space, carrying slowly undulating arpeggios to commence “Summer’s End.” Creamy synth enfolds my ears and elevated chimes glimmer, carrying a tentatively touching, calming melody that I find deeply pleasing.

Nasal-sounding, full synth takes up the nostalgically yearning melody. Flickering chimes carry their own fragile melody as soft-edged, lush synth sings with dreaming light. Strong drums and dense bass rebound below the elevated sounds.

Nasally-drifting, tranquil synth carries the lead melody while guitar cries out with intensely passionate feeling. Powerfully throbbing drums and strong bass are touched by a broadly whirling arpeggio. An angelic synth chorus floats out above huge drums and fades away.

“A Dog’s Dream” begins as a steady, pulsating synth is cut by a bending synth that doubles it. Wind sweeps past before frolicking, gleaming synth carries an uplifting, irrepressible melody above steadily oscillating bass and insistent drums.

I enjoy the charming quality of the main melody as it skips along with easy going joy. Trumpeting synth takes up the exuberant melody before guitar sounds arc up and hollow, bouncing notes flit.

There’s a hopeful eagerness pouring from the main melody and sunnily glittering synth sings an even more upbeat melodic part. Gigantic bass is cut by a warming, twirling synth that fades out. The track ends on large, lambent synth blocks and underpinning bass.

Broadly glowing synth carries a melody rich with positive emotion to kick off “This Is The Place.” A pulsating, propulsive drum and bass flow moves below slightly twisting, shimmering synth.

The track breaks into an angular, hard-hitting drum and bass pulse that slices through. Effulgent lead synth suffuses the main melody as it reaches for the sky. Wide-sounding, gleaming synth effectively contrasts with digitally flaring notes.

A disembodied voice over floats as a soaring, aspiring melody climbs over driving drums and bass. Airy voices float in a chorus above the heaving weight below them. Flowering synth blossoms before the track ends on sharp sounds.

Conclusion

The Longest Journey drenches me with calm, encouraging emotion while filling my ears with richly layered sonic tapestries. Six Leaves Left has made music that touches me and relaxes me while keeping my mind engaged.