Oceanside85 - Love Warrior

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Oceanside85’s Love Warrior carries listeners on a journey through the complex emotional terrain of love, hope, loss and pain that unfolds over the course of an intense relationship. Along with a plethora of respected producers on the synth scene, Oceanside85 creates music that touches, motivates and engages listeners throughout Love Warrior.

Perhaps the most potent force on Love Warrior is Oceanside85’s powerful voice. She can use it soar to great heights, seduce with throaty expression and fill the listener with aching pain. In combination with the emotional depth in her lyrics, she draws me in and carries me along on the exploration of affection, anger, yearning and passion that fills the album.

Each of the many producers with whom Oceanside85 collaborated on Love Warrior imbues the music with their own unique style. There’s a smooth flow from song to song, but each retains the freshness of the producer who helped craft that track. The end result is an album that feels of a piece while still allowing the various producers to showcase their own talents.

I also find the depth of feeling and humanity in the album to be compelling. Oceanside85 shows no fear in laying bare all of her emotions and sharing them with the listener. I felt a tide of heartfelt expression pouring from the music and keeping me fully interested and touched.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Once Upon A Time” comes to life as monumental bass trembles and quickly flowing synth pulsates. Big drums smack into the track while the energizing vocal melody is pleasingly carried by Oceanside85’s intensely expressive voice. Heavy bass thunders in angular motion as bell-like notes flicker out.

Oceanside85 has deep feeling in her voice while Personality’s production weaves beautifully swirling synth around it as heavy hitting drums and bass press on. Rapidly flickering high notes flash while Oceanside85 sings the impassioned vocal melody.

The track flows through a drifting segment in which bass slowly pulsates and gigantic drums hit hard. Oceanside85 emotes with strength, crying out the dynamic vocal melody as elevated, string-like notes trickle before silence falls.

The storyteller says she “don’t waste no time” as she asks the song’s subject what they’re up to. She points out that “you told me you’d be there all my life!” She goes on to confront the other person about lying to her. Our storyteller says she wanted to feel alive but “you took it too far and you made a bad choice baby.” She says that the other person’s actions don’t “blow her mind” if they don’t give her what she needs.

Our narrator tells the other person not to waste her time and to “shut your mouth with all that fakeness.” She says that she has been devoting all of her time and her life to the song’s subject and they can’t even bother to get her flowers. Clearly the other person doesn’t see her worth because "it shines so bright, you are blinded at the sight of my soul.” It keeps her awake and causes her to break down. She points out that she is “so special” and is being ignored.

Again the storyteller questions why the song’s subject is wasting her time. She says that they told her that “you’d love me all night baby” and asks what the story is. She asks the other person to kiss her, to “do me right, take me tonight babe.” She asks them to help her feel like she’s not drowning. Instead she points out “now I’m faced with this shit” of the other person wasting her time.

Expansively flaring synth rises as medium-high, glistening notes delicately flow to start “Moving In The Shadows.” Towering retro drums jump, solid bass flows and the elevated, shining synth adds an encouraging melody. Oceanside85’s potent voice carries an uplifting vocal melody out over driving drums and rich bass.

Glowing synth dances as Oceanside85 lets her voice soar out and glimmering accents flash through above massive drums. Elevate The Sky’s guitar playing skilfully adds life and power as it leaps out. Oceanside85 voice chorus climbs up with impassioned strength while chiming notes flicker with positive energy.

Elevate The Sky’s guitar carries a wheeling solo, bursting with joyful life as it flies above brightly rippling arpeggios that shine into open space. After a launching sound, the chorus jumps forward, carried by Oceanside85’s heartfelt vocals. The guitar adds speed and power above the gigantic low end and sparkling notes flit through and silence falls.

This song’s narrator points out that “this world tries to stress us” but the two of them can’t be broken. They are safe as long as they move in the shadows. Their “lost hearts always searching” as they are driven by temptation. Our narrator wonders if they can keep things moving “hiding in the night.”

In the chorus, the storyteller says day to to distractions get to her and she talks about how she and the song’s subject will “let the distortion fade away” while they move in the darkness. The curse to break up won’t shake them and the people seeking them won’t find them because “we’re moving in the shadows."

Affection fills the narrator’s expression as she talks about how it is the other person’s heart, touch and love she feels along with “your chest when I lay my head down.” She goes on to talk about the “warmth I feel in my soul” and how she can’t let the other person go. She asks them to sit wth her so she can “heal your broken wings” and show them love’s magic.

“Can’t Sleep” begins as colossal bass flows below drifting, ethereal synth with as airy notes glide. Oceanside85’s voice evokes loss in a touching way as it carries the pained vocal melody and metallic sounds heave. Open-voiced synth trickles through and Oceanside85’s voice captures bereft uncertainty.

The vocal melody is unmoored and deep with hurt as the delicate, rounded synth notes flow through open space. Dominant bass glides and metallic percussion echoes to shape the music. Oceanside85’s voice is full of need as the vocal melody curls through the lush flow around it.

Wind sweeps and trembling synth lines shiver while Oceanside85 imbues her singing with emotion. Rippling synth notes wander as a thudding drum adds shape and swelling bass supports it. The song ends on sparkling chimes ringing out along with Oceanside85’s voice carrying emotional weight.

Our storyteller speaks of laying in bed and “looking for a way out.” She feels alone as the home she built with the other person has been destroyed. She says that the song’s subject couldn’t see that “I was worth my dreams.” She says the other person “started in” on her and now she’s gone and they can’t sleep.

The narrator goes on to say that the other person felt as if they were owned because they needed “a different kind of love” and the two of them grew apart with separate needs. She says she couldn’t be what the other person needed because it hurt her. While she wanted them to be happy, “you were happy without me, that broke me internally.”

She can see the song’s subject clearly and she realizes they weren’t really who they appeared to be and they weren't able to return her love. Even when she was sitting next to them, telling herself jokes “you were far away.” All of her affections were ignored and “you didn't even smile ‘cause you didn't love like that.”

Now the storyteller says she needed just “a little care” along with some attention. She asks the song’s subject where they’ve been. Even though “you were so damn mean” she can’t sleep with them gone. She goes on to say she needed them “more than anything” and now she suffers sleepless nights. The storyteller concludes “Do you feel you betrayed me? I’ll never know now.”

Lusciously flowing synth and bass depth are joined by raised, tender notes to open “These Games.” Medium-low, broad-sounding synth glides while Oceanside85’s voice carries a caressing vocal melody. Starry synths flicker while resonant kick drum heaves.

Turbo Knight and Time Travel create an engaging musical environment in this song. Oscillating bass and bursting snare drum form a heartbeat below the vivid vocals, carrying a fragile melody as high synth notes add cosmic glow. Oceanside85 skilfully imbues her voice with need and yearning as wide-sounding synth echoes out, carrying an equally emotive melody above the drum and bass pulse.

The song flows into a segment in which Oceanside85’s voice roams while synth motes shine with tender light. Glittering synth twirls above the vocal melody's thwarted affection as tremulous, medium-high synth carries a soothing melody as big drums pulse and Oceanside85’s voice distantly flits before silence falls.

The narrator says that the radio is “playing our song” and she and the other person can dance through the night. There’s a note of caution as she talks about the “dangerous game” they’re playing as they fall “through this maze of love, a labyrinth.” Now she says that she is tired of playing games and her love for the other person was eternal. She asks “Why wasn’t I good enough?” She adds that all she wanted was the other person’s love.

Our narrator has been up all night looking at the moon and pondering what they might have done “to make it through.” Now she’s alone and there’s no answer from the other person. She points out that all she wanted was “you and me ‘til the night was through.” The narrator adds that she doesn’t want to be played by the other person who doesn’t realize what they are missing.

“You took it and threw it all away” is how the storyteller continues. She says they play dangerous games when “ love is watered down that way” and when they have deeply entangled feelings. She says that the other person threw years away and she won’t waste her time. She asks why the other person couldn’t understand “I was worth the love I needed.”

“Pretender” kicks off with massively heaving bass, scattershot drums and jacket creates a mixture of broadly flaring synth carrying mournfully drifting notes to intensify the emotion in the music.

Oceanside85’s touching voice carries a flowing melody that glides with ease while drums burst and sharp-edged bass rumbles. Trickling, rounded notes complement the vocals as they soar out with fervent feeling. Twirling guitar notes and full-sounding synth slips past. Powerful synth pulses are joined by flourishing drums.

The vocals are gentle as flickering guitar rings out while giant bass and punchy drums guide the music. A galactic-sounding, sailing segment comes in to support the melancholy melody. Heavy drums jump in along with dense bass while the guitar dances through. Oceanside85’s voice is deep with expression before silence falls.

The storyteller talks about “the pretender” shooting a hole in her heart as they were breaking up. She goes on to say that she didn’t ask for much but even that was too much. The other person took her to heaven and told her she was “the one.” The pretender promised eternal love but lied.

Our narrator says that she gave the other person her heart and “in exchange i thought I’d get back something.” The song’s subject was merely manipulating her, knowing what she wanted and “twistin' the knife.” She adds that it “takes guts” to tell the other person she needs them and that was “more than you can give.” The narrator will “roll on” without the other person but she’ll cherish what they shared.

Now she points out that the song’s subject will regret the things they missed and adds “I know that you’re not gonna understand ’til it's too late.” The storyteller says she won’t have her worth devalued or “be pushed aside in my own life.” She concludes by saying “They'll tell you they'll love you forever but they’re just pretenders.”

Echoing piano notes vibrate into open space slowly and lugubriously as string-like synth trembles to start “Broken Promises.” Oceanside85’s voice is smooth and captures aching emotion as rebounding, soft-edged notes slip through the music.

Drums and bass create a guiding pulse as the pained vocal melody is captured by Oceanside85’s beguiling voice. Dense bass throbs and circular-sounding notes shimmer while sharp-edged, gritty synth flashes out. Below it all, TCR’s production emphasizes the gargantuan bass and solid drums. Oceanside85's voice flies with intense feeling while medium-high, leaping synth illuminates the music.

A segment in which Oceanside85’s soulful voice fills the musical space. Widely flashing synth dances through in strong bursts with a gruff edge as drums and bass throb. There’s deep feeling pouring from Oceanside85’s vocals while the lambent synth also leaps through and the song ends on piano notes.

The teller of this tale begins by confessing that it “took a long, long time to get you off my mind.” She says that she’s unable to understand why they can’t “mend our broken hearts and broken promises.” The other person stole a “piece of me in the night.” She says that she missed their “devil’s eyes” which are “so wise” that she was mesmerized and taken "back in time to when you were mine.”

Our narrator wonders where the team they formed has gone, adding that she’s heartbroken. She can’t understand why the other person left because all she needed was love. Once again she can’t figure out why they can’t heal. The person stole her heart and “your lies have swelled up my eyes.”

“Maybe It’s Better This Way” opens as dominant drums throb and taut, elevated synth vibrates. Smooth, warm synth carries a gently breathing melody as Oceanside85 softly touching, slightly distant voice carries the pleasingly melancholy vocal melody above huge, reverberating drums.

Sparkling synth filters through like diffused sunlight as it intertwines with Oceanside85’s emotive voice. George Ergem’s voice joins hers, enfolding and wonderfully full of deep feeling as heavy drums add shape.

Hollow synth curls through the music while the two singers match their voices to add richness and emotional strength, carrying the tranquil vocal melody while the low end drives on toward the song’s end.”

“Like a flame in my chest your memory it burns me” is how the first storyteller opens the song. She describes how she can’t “swallow your face in my dreams” like a pill stuck in her throat. Our storyteller points out that now the other person has “lots to say” as he plays games and makes excuses when she wants him there. She concludes that it might be better as it is because he is “grounded on the land you sit” while she’s a butterfly and “I have to fly away."

The second narrator talks about how his insecurity grows in him “like the taste of poison” because the first narrator is wild and won’t give up. He doesn’t get any communication from her when she’s away. However all is forgotten when "you take me into your grip” because he is like “ a moth to a flame in the night” and she hypnotizes him.

Both of the song’s subjects say that it might be better if each of them stays away because they can learn about themselves. At the song’s ultimate conclusion, both of the singers say they “would have given you everything but it wasn’t good enough to make you stay.”

Meteor’s production lushly emphasizes Oceanside85's serene and mournful vocals to start “Taking Back My Heart.” Smoothly expanding, rounded synth drifts and electric guitar weeps emotive notes as bursting snare drum and throbbing kick drum add motion.

The vocals lift up, adding defiance as drums pulsate while rebounding bass shapes the music. The vocals do a superb job of capturing the song’s emotional intensity. Angular synth shivers and electric guitar adds passionate feeling. Oceanside85's voice is gentle but full of resilience.

The vocal melody is vulnerable and softly touching while metallic guitar flares and trembling synth adds energy. Oceanside85’s voice cries out into open space and cutting synth chords add a flickering gleam. Chimes flit past and the song ends on strong vocals and driving drums.

This tale’s teller opens by talking about how she and the song’s subject are “falling like the rain” only leaving “water droplets” on her face. She asks the other person to look at what they’ve done to her “‘cause that’s the blame game.” Now she’s completely done with it.

Our narrator goes on to say she’s taking back her life because “I don’t want this toxic love… I don’t want this poisoned heart.” Years passed and the pair of them tried to repair their relationship but “when you told me you took her number down then I knew that we were through.” With pain she says that her “best friend” had traded her for a new relationship.

The storyteller feels like a fool for having waited for the other person’s love. She was under a false impression about them. She tells the song’s subject that she doesn’t play games or place blame. She is tired of feeling pain so “I’m taking back my heart from this shit.”

“Catch Me” commences as brilliant chimes sparkle and Oceanside85’s voice echoes out as a gigantic drum and bass pulsation drives forward. The vocals fly out with reaching energy while drums and bass propel the track onward.

Oceanside85’s voice imbues the motivating vocal melody with even more dynamism. Glimmering synth cascades in lambent lines while endlessly moving drums and bass shape the music. Time Travel weaves a rich sonic tapestry to support the compelling vocal performance.

Now the song slips through a soothing segment in which ethereal synth trails and the vocals add encouragement as huge bass rumbles. Oceanside85’s voice is intense as the driving drumbeat pushes while guitar entwines in swirling lines, adding to the energy before the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the other person to dance at the disco if they are “feelin’ funky.” She says the DJs are just spinning around but “I’m flying high, you can’t touch me.” She feels that she owns the sky and adds “I'm feeling my fantasy, don’t you bother me.” She talks about how people like her are fairies tangled in mundane people’s hair, people who want to sap their magic. However “our magic’s overflowing, it’s a never ending story.”

The narrator challenges people to catch her if they can across dimensions because “I’m not bound by your reality.” She follows her own rhythm. She and the others like her are hard to catch because they are “bright like lightning” and paint with colours invisible to ordinary people. They dance to their own beat.

Now she encourages people to keep on moving forward and to “take a stand and change the world.” She calls on another person to take things over, saying they have saved themselves “down by the ocean.” She points out it was done by them alone. Now “the butterflies have landed, we all are stars.” In the end, she calls on everyone to “shine bright, grind hard, shine a light in to this world.”

Conclusion

Love Warrior combines emotive singing, engaging songwriting, top notch production and human feeling to create an album that transports me. I find myself feeling all of the emotional complexity of the relationship portrayed on the album as Oceanside85 and her guests draw me into the story.

LACRIMORTA - Lacrimorta

REVIEW BY MIKE TEMPLAR

Lacrimorta is the new project of US multi-instrumentalist Nikoletta Winters, who already attracted attention with her previous projects such as Virtual Intelligence. With the eponymous album “Lacrimorta,” Nikoletta wanted to push her artistic expression further, which she undoubtedly succeeded in doing.

Nikoletta shared how the inspiration for her new name came. The word “Lacrimorta” was whispered gently into Nikoletta’s ear whilst wandering around in the dark one cold winter evening in December of 2021. As to who whispered it remains up for debate. Some believe that the Prince of Darkness may have had something to do with this. Others believe that the goddess of night, Nyx, bestowed the gift of this word upon Nikoletta. The word Lacrimorta is a portmanteau of the Latin word Lacri (to ‘cry or weep) and Morta (the Roman goddess of Death, an analogue to the Greek fate Atropos).

”Lacrimorta celebrates and laments what it means to live forever. When the world you love falls away into the void of night, would you do anything to get it back? Or would you accept it and create a new world for yourself, over and over and over again?“ Nikoletta reflects.

One of the most impressive aspects of this album is that most of the longer tracks never get boring, and the song elements don't seem repetitive either - reflecting Nikoletta's genius to compose sophisticated and thoughtful songs. Furthermore, her lyrics strike like a hammer with such strong force. Those who read the texts and can perceive the vast spectrum of life, especially the darker ones, will be able to relate. The titles are very expressive, multi-faceted and some parts even engage the listener to dance.

Nikoletta Winters plays both melody and harmony guitars, bass guitar, drums, pipe organ, vocals and even viola on this album to be played at maximum volume. Lacrimorta marks a new beginning for Ms. Winters' musical artistry, pushing the boundaries of what she originally thought possible to a new level.

The sound of Lacrimorta is something for fans of Michiru Yamane (of Castlevania fame), Malice Mizer, Sisters of Mercy, The Birthday Massacre, Cradle of Filth, H.I.M. and could be decribed as a fusion of darkwave, gothic-metal with synthesizer sounds including a shimmer of hope.

Lacrimorta is a well-rounded and versatile work that never gets boring.

For more Lacrimorta, visit lacrimorta.com.

Check out the video podcast interview of Lacrimorta below.

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.