7DD9 - Computer Program Reality

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

7DD9’s Computer Program Reality layers synth sounds to create impressions of danger, hope and uncertainty. A pervasive shadow lurks in the album’s dark corners along with nervous tension and yearning. 7DD9 explores a dark techno-dystopia tinged with faint hope as the album unfolds.

Computer Program Reality’s synth palette contains many unique and ear-catching synth sounds. 7DD9 skilfully layers and combines them to create expression. Sometimes the sounds slice and scrape, only to be interrupted by radiant light. At other points, tension thrums from elevated notes and bass sounds thunder below. Each mood and impression forms from intricate synth interactions on the album.

Another important aspect to creating Computer Program Reality’s emotional impact is 7DD9’s melodic writing. The melodies that he writes clearly convey complex emotions. I enjoy the way in which his melodies deliver feelings that can be ambiguous or mixed. There’s a balance in each one that allows their multiple different sensations to exist alongside one another. The welter of conflicting emotions comes through in every melody.

I also want to comment on the darkness that fills the album. 7DD9 never lets his listeners forget about the danger that hides on the edges of this “computer program reality.” I am drawn in by the way in which he infuses every track with shadow and warning, even if its only in the distance. This threatening atmosphere deepens the other emotions in the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Computer Reality” opens as scraping, vibrating synth pulses out along with a steady bass wobble. Tension-filled synth carries a foreboding melody above massively throbbing drums as vast bass heaves.

The main melody creates pleasant terror as it mingles dread, nervous energy and melancholy. Dominating drums and bass deepen the music’s dangerous sensations. An atmosphere clotted with evil hidden in shadow permeates the track as drums and bass guide the music.

Now a vocal sample warns us of our computer programmed reality as spiralling synth increases the fear factor. Glowing synth carries a terrified main melody while deadly weight fills the low end. Delicate notes flit to contrast with the buffeting force below them before silence falls.

Steadily pulsing bass fills the track as rattling, hissing sounds buzz to start “Most Didn’t.” Elevated synth shimmers out above ticking percussion along with tender, rounded synth chords.Taut synth twangs in sharply to create an effective contrast with gliding sounds.

Flickering notes uncurl their tendrils, enfolding the listener as huge bass throbs and drums guide it. A lost feeling fills the higher notes while gigantic bass surges and taut arpeggios twirl. Shivering, notes tremble and silence falls along with crackling sound.

“Ancestor Simulation” begins as unsettling, distorted synth bends while growling bass and guiding drums move below. Haunted, ragged synth drifts with pained emotion in a way I find touching. Glimmering synth exudes a reverent ache above heavy drums and rumbling bass.

Raised, rounded notes shift above shining synth as it carries the hurting melody. After a drum flourish, medium-low synth trembles below the tragedy-tinged main melody that flickers out with deep emotion. The gruff weight below it surges and the drums now fade away.

Jagged bass leaps in short bursts as swirling synth spins around it with a cosmic character to start “Butterfly.” Angular guitar moves in active lines to effectively lift the track’s energy level. Chimes sparkle and ethereal sounds drift past above bass depth as a kick drum pounds and snare drum taps.

Gleaming, elevated notes flicker above the cutting guitar. After a distant voice speaks, darkly throbbing bass joins a thudding kick drum as the ghostly voice chants with an enigmatic quality. Softly brushing notes flicker as a wobbling surge moves below them.

Muscled bass heaves with portentous power while spectrally gliding notes slip in intertwining lines. Chimes flare and guttural guitar snarls while a roaming sound howls with a forlorn feeling. The ghostly voice chants while drums and bass pound with shadowy strength.

“Playtime’s Over” commences with a terrifying, guttural bass explosion that moves into tidal bass. A rapidly trembling arpeggio, full of tension, shivers above tremendous bass while a bell rings and drums tap. A sense of imminent threat flows from the bass as quickly cutting synth pulses.

Brassy synth carries a pleasingly forlorn melody above colliding drums and looming bass. Drums rattle and throb as agitated notes flit before radiant synth carries a pained, tragic melody. Slicing synth forms an actively pulsating line while giant drums roll and thump below and bass rises with dark intent. An agitated arpeggio shifts and the track ends on harsh sound.

Drums hit with crisp strength above sweeping, razor-edged synth to kick off “Holographic Universe.” Enfolding chords flow in the distance above terrifying shadows and heavy drums. Drums and bass form a metronomic pulse below twisting sonic exhalations.

Smoothly glimmering, sliding synth twirls past and slowly shaking notes move through the track. Raised synth cries out as dense bass pulsates and drums hit heavily. String-like, tentative synth twangs, carrying a soothing melody, in contrast to vast bass power and rebounding drums before the track ends.

“Flip Side” comest to life as sparkling bells add tranquility as drums and bass form a guiding pulse. A medium-high, caressing synth carries a hopeful melody, full of exaltation and motion. The main melody is encouraging above the anchoring low end while majestic chords swell up behind it.

I feel motivated and inspired by the main melody as it sails out. Flashing synth takes up the main melody and adds calming light to it above evenly throbbing drums and bass. Worshipful sound fills the background as chiming synth fades. Medium-high, soft-edged synth carries the dreaming melody before the track ends with a sense of peace as tender notes glisten.

Conclusion

Computer Program Reality takes synth building blocks and constructs intricate, emotive music with a lurking terror filling it. 7DD9 evokes all of the uncertainty, potential danger and possible hope for the future that our current technology presents within this album.

Baying Ridges - Echoes Through The Canyon

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Baying Ridges’ Echoes Through The Canyon is a complex sonic web, woven from many auditory strands. It is sophisticated, sometimes challenging music that deftly combines a profusion of different tones, timbres and textures. Baying Ridges makes ambient music with the ability to engage a listener and hold their attention, allowing for deep exploration.

Baying Ridges utilizes his intensely rich sonic palette in intriguing ways on Echoes Through The Canyon. He creates unexpected mixtures of sound that can form intense contrasts or flow into a nuanced and complex whole that gently varies as it unfolds. In spite of being ambient music, there’s so much depth in the soundscape that my ears are always engaged.

Echoes Though The Canyon is also a chance for Baying Ridges to demonstrate his skill in generating mood and atmosphere through sound. The complex way in which each track unfolds allows the music to roam from brilliant light to tenebrous shadow, exuding emotions that range from deep pain to tranquil peace. As a whole, the album is a journey with many facets and emotional moments that draw me in.

I also enjoy the way in which Baying Ridges makes his more experimental side accessible to listeners. I find that, while segments of the album challenge me, I never feel alienated by it. There’s a quality within his music that is strongly appealing, so when things get a bit far out I still find something that keeps me listening.

Track By Track Analysis

“Cortez The Killer” commences as heavily seething, dense sound rumbles while distant, softer sounds blunt the harshness while they continually flow. Rough, static-laden hissing is supported by sonic tendrils trailing while airy sound drifts. Hollow, feather-light sounds trickle past and rounder notes intertwine with ease above blue water bass depths.

A breathing feeling permeates higher notes as static crackles and chiming notes hover while underlying weight buoys them up. All of the sonic elements become a intricate whole that effectively engages the listener. This rework of the Neil Young original lends it complexity and power. Galactic, vast sounds float through with ease.

Metallic, bell-like sound ripples, given definition by the rough crackling background. Massive bass rises like deep ocean currents, shifting with muscled ease as airflow openly slips past and a reverent sense of mystery tinges the track. Rising sound contrasts with scraping static as elevated ringing shifts above it. Crunchy noises mix into the continually entangling, harshly hissing background while overwhelming bass creates forceful sensations. A steadily shifting, high metallic sound rings out with the chaos around it.

Peaceful, deeply settling sounds glide out with rounded, luscious tones and smooth depths below them to open “Towards The Sun.” Bass weaves in to skilfully create a shadowy weight to leaven the lightly touching soundscape. Distant, melancholy notes have a spectral sliding quality as they move with airy motion.

Tautly flashing sound echoes while twisting notes interlock above the growing low end, filling all the auditory space. Medium-high sound creates a pleasing calm while droning low notes support the other sonic elements.

Fluting high notes drift above a tidal sonic wash like aquamarine currents, touched by pained emotion. Haunted notes ripple, lost and seeking direction above underlying shadow. Bright, ethereal notes chime in, sparkling with fragility. The low end drone is tinged with organ-like notes that crescendo and fade out.

“The Eternal Siren” starts as enfolding sound glides out, trembling as it flows. Deeply slipping bass moves below choral sounding notes forming a reverential melodic line. Dense bass rises up in clouds and night insects chirp in the distance. The choral sound has a melancholy quality above its bass underpinning.

Higher, breathier sounds slide past and rise up above the depths underneath. Soothing qualities fill this music along with a wandering feeling. Slowly exhaling notes also flow through the music. A forlorn quality is carried in the voice-like sound along with something enchanting as open-sounding notes shift above thick bass.

A round-sounding instrument adds darker shadings to trailing vocal sounds, echoing out with a lost quality. This well-crafted track exudes mournful emotion, gentleness and a hint of something stranger lurking in the background. The track slowly winds down as the spectral vocal sound carries it to a conclusion.

A metallic clashing mingles with scraping, circular sounds repeating to open “Break Free.” Wobbling, bending bass combines with the other elements to create a lush flow. There’s a sweeping, swirling feeling in the track that I find hypnotic. Bending bass and tapping, echoing metallic noises float out into the void before silence falls.

“I Saw You Once In a Dream and You Were Lost” begins as tremulous, tender sound moves over a glowing background as full, far away notes move far away. Wind-like sound floats as fragile chiming sounds also move. Below a shadowy bass well supports string-like, tentative notes while metallic sounds trail through gently.

The track’s lower sounds form a nervous soundscape moving through cavernous openness. Skittering noises trip through as resonant, vibrating sounds float above bass weight. Shivering sounds brush past while twinkling notes tinge the music. Baying Ridges effectively creates a pervasive, detached feeling in the music. Surging power begins to grow with more than a hint of portent.

Strength contrasts with the delicate soundscape flowing while elevated notes flicker. Slowly shifting, shining high sounds trickle while haunted, yet reverent emotion radiates from the mistily intertwining background. A low drone adds to feelings of vague warning while higher sounds glide past and out into silence.

High-pitched chattering squirms through above echoing lower notes with a worried quality to bring “Sea Creatures” to life. Teeming, squealing sounds raise uncomfortable sensations and a strange whisper permeates the music.

Sounds skip and tumble in the distance, blaring out with rough edges as a squelching sensation fills the elevated sounds. The background cries out with frightening feeling while a caressing noise drifts to leaven the track's unsettling sound. I am suitably discomfited by the track’s crawling sensation.

In the distance, massive weight is lacerated harshly while whispering and the higher notes’ gelid squirm deepens the discomfort level. The sea creatures in the title seem to be wriggling together in a mass through the threatening, bizarre soundscape to generate a distinctly off-kilter auditory environment.

Conclusion

Echoes Through The Canyon* is ambient music with nuance, layered complexity and evocative power. It explores a plethora of moods, images and sensations through the sheer variety and depth of sound that Baying Ridges utilizes. The end result is fascinating and alluring as it draws me through strangeness and beauty.

*please note that this album will be available on June 16, 2023.

Fraver - Artifact

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Fraver’s Artifact takes listeners on a shadowy, dramatic adventure as the intergalactic hero strives to obtain a potent, mystical artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. Fraver uses his synth and guitar palette to paint intricate, exciting imagery and draw listeners into the tale he’s weaving. I find myself wrapped up in his auditory storytelling.

Each instrumental element on Artifact is well-judged to create a specific mood, sonic feeling or energy level. Fraver can wrap the listener in seething darkness, touch their heart with sparkling light and evoke a ferocious space battle as he deploys his auditory arsenal. I find myself absorbed in his tale as he tells it in tone, timbre and texture.

Another reason I am drawn into Artifact’s world is the melodies that Fraver writes. His melodic abilities evoke triumph and tragedy, melancholy and joy as the story unfolds throughout the album. I enjoy the way in which he uses melody to carry the listener along. Each melody reveals another aspect of the storyline as it is woven for us.

I also enjoy the atmospheric nature of Fraver’s music. Each track creates a sensation of being immersed in the atmosphere of the places and experiences that Fraver evokes. I lose myself in the imagery that forms out of all of the musical layering and depth that fills Artifact.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Feel It” beings as heavily throbbing bass intensifies in volume and intertwining, darkly shaded synth trembles. Intimidating bass dominates rebounding kick drum and ticking snare drum that form a guiding pulse. Keen-edged synth carries a roaming melody with a mournful quality above reverently glowing notes.

Sharp guitar slices in, also carrying a pained melody while bass rumbles and drums reverberate. Clean-edged synth flashes brightly, carrying the wandering melody before a guitar cuts in with jagged edges. Distantly drifting synth moves behind the guitar above the guiding low end sounds.

Elevated synth slips through, feeling uncertain and lost before the guitar makes a cutting path through the music. The pleasing main melody floats in again, full of disconnected and aching feeling as the lacerating guitar contrasts with it. The track ends as it fades out on string-like sounds.

Razor sharp, slowly shifting bass moves with angular power into open space to start “Running Away.” Clapping percussion briefly touches the track while chest pounding kick drum pulses. Smoothly gliding, cosmic synth pulses glide, effectively creating contrast with the other sonic elements sharper signature.

Rising, swirling synth drifts over open-voiced percussion as bass oscillates below it. Brassy, minor key synth bursts out in a majestic melody, tinged with shadow as bass motion and guiding drums shape the music. The noble main melody is imbued with an adventurous feeling as hollow sounding arpeggios spin. Drums keep on pulsing far below and the bass undulates easily.

There’s images of sailing across open space for me here as the elevated synth shines with starry light. Hollow drums keep up their motion as the muscled bass heaves and a darkly echoing sound drifts. Gigantic bass oscillates as the main melody shifts through with radiant light and sweeps into quiet.

“Arrival” opens as towering, rough-edged bass growls below resonant, string-like synth notes floating into open space, lost and full of sadness. Reverberating, medium-high synth drifts above the dangerous sensation surging below it.

Round-sounding, triumphant synth soars out, carrying a melody that radiates victorious feelings. The main melody bursts out and the bass pounds before launching into a charging throb along with heavily colliding drums. Distorted, twisting synth carries the melody before slashing guitar cries out, exuding enjoyable strength above the drum and bass heartbeat.

Gleaming lead synth repeats a broadly drifting note pattern accented by blinding synth light. Once again, the guitar cuts into the track with deep power while glittering lead synth flickers out above the hard-hitting bass.

Panpipe synth fills the track’s open space with cosmic, floating notes to begin “Electromagnetic.” Metallic, raised synth pierces the track and punching, driving drums and bass propel it. Gruff, medium-high synth carries a yearning melody out over chest thumping drums and growling bass.

The guitar cuts in with a sharp tone, adding force to the main melody. Underneath it all, drums throb and bass seethes as tinkling synth notes add shine while delicate sounds drift. Bass grows ever more Stygian as the drums pound. Thunder rumbles and rain patters as panpipes flow with ear-pleasing, ethereal sensations.

Medium-high, shining synth carries the melody as it reaches out while the brittle guitar rakes through the music, full of intensity. Elevated sounds have a slicing quality that cries out far above the bass tide while reverent synth glides and silence falls.

“Rise To The Stars” commences as agitated bass pulses move unevenly while swirling radiance fills the background. Colossal kick drum is joined by an evenly guiding snare drums. String-like synth plays a tension-filled, orchestral melody that contrasts well with a warmer feeling in the music.

Threatening bass surges and drums throb with crushing weight as a tripping synth pulse shifts. Nervous, rapidly vibrating synth adds uncertainty as panpipes burst in minor key notes, feeling uneasy and detached. The main melody combines shadow and motion while drums add form above deadly bass.

Galactic sounds move through and glistening synth carries a pained melody. Underneath everything else, void-deep bass enhances the music’s darkness. The main melody feels hurt as it slips above vast depths while off-kilter sounds skip through. The track ends on string-like synth carrying a melancholy melody while drums and bass intimidate before silence falls.

Spaced out, drifting synth chords glimmer and move in as coruscating light pours from elevated synth above solidly pulsing bass to start “The Chase.” Broad-sounding, trumpeting synth carries an ear-pleasing, victorious melody out over bass oscillation as high notes glisten.

Ferocious, biting bass supports the driving percussion to launch the track. Brilliantly shining synth carries the main melody’s proud triumph above titanic, cutting bass and aggressive drums. Undeniable ferocity permeates the track’s low end. A half time segment comes in as ragged synth slowly fades. Now chimes flash out in a sparkling pattern as tranquil notes glide.

Bass oscillates and silky lead synth slips carrying a relaxing melody. The drums hit hard again and growling bass keeps the music in motion. Above it all, the main melody exudes mastery and strength while a guitar dances in now, flickering as the low end slams on.

“New Guns In the Cyber-Arms” begins as harsh 8-bit sounds rise in pulses and churning bass pounds as the digital sounds climb. Super Synthesaurus creates a raging guitar tide that moves below warm notes drifting down to form an interesting contrast.

The drums and bass are an overwhelming, almost physical force as they smash into the music. Digital-sounding synth adds another sonic layer above the guitar maelstrom as drums and bass ram forward.

Again descending notes flit past and thunderous guitar lacerates as 8-bit sounds shiver with a tremulous feeling. There is undeniable power that dominates every aspect of this track.

Angular bass flows in pulsing motion as raging guitar drives in short bursts, open-sounding drums tap and gargantuan bass oscillates to open “Cosmic Darkness.” The guitar cries out with a doom-laden melody as a rounded synth chorus slips past and bass surges below.

I’m drawn to the angry, threatening main melody as it unfolds. Bass heavily throbs and more gentle sounds float past in contrast. The guitar is accented by creaking, digital sound as hollow drums throb. Expressive, medium-high synth carries a caressing melody, in contrast to the guitar's absolute rage.

Percussion shapes the music and muscled guitar shifts. Now the lead synth flows delicately while ethereal notes shift an the guitar slices again. A more dynamic melody is carried by sailing synth while the low end drives on. The guitar adds dangerous force before the track ends on tender notes.

Conclusion

Fraver’s Artifact is one of those albums that transports me. I find myself soaring through the stars, outrunning the villains and making a mystical discovery with the album’s hero. Throughout it all, the shadows grow and I wait with excitement for the tale’s climax.

L’Avenue - Club Tropez

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

L’Avenue’s Club Tropez paints images of sultry tropical nights, moonlit beaches and passionate dance floor motion as it unfolds. Intricately interwoven sonic layers interact with reedy sax and jazzy, complex synth solos to create ear candy. This album manages to soothe and energize simultaneously.

The way in which L’Avenue uses the synth palette on Club Tropez results in dense, satisfying sonic layers. He mixes smooth glide with dynamic motion, contrasting glow and bass depth while keeping everything silky and luscious. Clarity is paramount, but there’s a roundness to the music that I enjoy.

Auditory imagery is a crucial aspect on Club Tropez. L’Avenue fills this music with tropical sensations and tranquility leavened with energy. Each track illustrates scenes of relaxation, passionate nights and luxuriant life. The way in which this album transports me from the world is deeply engaging.

I’m drawn to L’Avenue’s effective collaborations with sax player Alex Bone and synthesist Marco Casanelli on the album. Both guest artists fit seamlessly into the chilled out vibe of the music and their contributions serve to intensify the album’s overall feeling.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Club Tropez” comes to life as sweeping, flaring synth slips cleanly along with distant voices as vast bass pulses and clapping percussion ticks along. Dance floor friendly drums and pulsating bass drive the music as gleaming chimes flicker out above the supporting heartbeat.

Luminous, string-like synth carries a soothing melodic pattern delicately out over the track’s low end. Balmy synth carries a calming melody as piano notes ring out to boost the track’s energy. Evenly throbbing drums and bass add form as hollow percussion trips along with taut, elevated synth.

Female voices ring out and metallic percussion trembles. The pleasingly crafted melody exhales summery peace and rippling, open-sounding synth drifts. Muted, misty notes glide out into silence.

Huge drums rebound as elevated, open-voiced synth trips in flickering lines to open “Wildstyle.” Muted drums bounce while unctuous, glistening synth flares out, adding intense shine above richly swirling bass.

Chimes sparkle as they carry a lightly touching, peaceful melodic pattern above the strong drums. Underneath it all, bass forms a lush support while radiant synth trips in a rapid note pattern above bursting, hollow drums.

Enjoyable calm suffuses the music as effulgent synth exhales brightness. Now tremendous drum weight bursts in along with bass strength. Angular, medium-high synth trembles as varied percussive sounds form a unique flow above the track’s low end. There’s a feeling of rippling water within the percussion before the track ends.

“Limousine” begins with a brushing hiss as easily floating synth clouds give off hazy light. Hollow synth flows along with softly tapping drums and a laid back bass upwelling. Diffused, distant synth contrasts with flaring notes while drums and clapping percussion provide shaping elements. Flitting chimes dance briefly and raised synth adds more gleaming illumination while distant voices echo out.

Radiant synth carries a charmingly peaceful melody, full of cosseting sensations. Solid drums rebound and creamy bass wraps around them to add support. Intriguing percussion contributes texture as it cascades and rattles. Rounded synth chords add a fulfilling feeling as drums keep ticking. An elevated synth pulse further shapes the track.

String-like notes dance out with intense shine and now Alex Bone's sax cries out, carrying a melody exuding chilled vibes and a luxurious feeling. Quickly flaring notes add glinting shine and string-like synth uncurls through the music.

Open-sounding percussion tumbles past and Alex Bone's sax brings passionate emotion and a jazzy, ultra cool sensation. An airy shakuhachi sound floats off in the distance to add another sonic layer. This track is overflowing with a pillowy, relaxing sensation that fits its title well.

Thunderous drums rush briefly before gently glittering synth, solidly popping percussion and actively swirling bass move in to commence “Body Rock.” The drums create an unevenly rebounding percussive pattern while spinning synth moves past and slap bass jumps in.

Deep, succulent synth chords bring weight to the quickly moving arpeggiations while soft-edged synth flows. Horns cascade briefly while the drums leap in rushing lines. I enjoy the way in which the drums add depth and strength below the trembling synth cascade.

Marcello Cassanelli’s widely roaming, intricately dancing sax-like synth radiates dynamic energy and life. Massive drums reverberate and angular synth skips with slightly jerky energy before ending the song.

“Breakin’ “ opens as dry sounding snare drum taps while gruff bass pulsates in quickly vibrating lines. Chimes echo with a melancholy quality, feeling a little pained as bell-like percussion plays a distant samba rhythm.

Glistening chimes tumble, conveying a lost Rough-edged bass actively adds power below the ethereal high notes. There’s a bending quality in the smoothly elevated synth that slips past. The track moves into a segment in which bass blocks interlock with the snare drum and bell percussion while siren-like sounds howl and voices move.

The track sails pleasingly into a pastel mist before Marcello Cassanelli’s jazz-inflected synth solo flutters intricately through, adding interest. Fragile notes brush through and crystalline chimes ring again above the gigantic bass and tapping drums before the track ends.

Diamond shine pours from climbing synth lines as percussion snaps in to kick off “Tour De France.” A flat snare drum adds a dance beat as angular bass slices below an actively arcing, chiming synth pattern. Medium-high, broadly gleaming synth sweeps into the music while arpeggiating, coruscating notes flicker and rich sounds exhale.

Voices cut in briefly as smoothly rising synth slips upward and gruff, angled bass slides under sun-bright notes. Below the other sonic elements, heaving drums and bass push on. Water flows as twirling, glimmering arpeggios spin out while metallic percussion adds intriguing textural contrast. Breathy notes exhale and the higher synth intertwines with them. Elevated, intensely glowing synth imbues the track with glaring luminance before the music fades away.

Conclusion

Club Tropez is excellent music for chilled out summer nights. L’Avenue’s music carries the listener away on an incredibly smooth, aurally complex journey. The album is totally relaxing without being even the smallest bit boring. L’Avenue makes music that soothes while keeping one’s ears very happy indeed.