Bunny X - Love Minus 80

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Bunny X’s Love Minus 80 takes listeners on a lushly interwoven synth journey through a sci-fi inspired series of tales in song form. It combines their emotive vocals and well written songs with guest performances from Don Delpiero, Thought Beings and Sellorekt/LA Dreams to create expressive, engaging music that draws me in and hits me with intense feeling and auditory joy.

All of the guest artists on Love Minus 80 bring their unique talents to bear in the album. Each of them helps add to the depth of feeling and expression in the music. There’s a level of aural beauty radiating from each of the songs on which they perform that adds to the already high level at which Bunny X operate already.

I also want to shout out the high production values on Love Minus 80. Gosteffects an Abigail Gordon have created music that fairly oozes ‘80s vibes while remaining pin sharp and crystal clear. The production quality allows the synth tapestry a chance to shine and the vocals to make their full impact as the album unfolds. The synth palette on this album is detailed and lushly textured. In combination with strong bass and drums, the end result is layered and engaging.

Taking inspiration from science fiction adds a layer of depth and interest to the songwriting on the album. I enjoy the way in which Bunny X shows respect for the original stories’ creators while remaining fresh and original in their writing. They pay homage to the source material without leaning too heavily on it. The end result is songs that capture something essential from their sources of inspiration, adding to their depth.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Love Is An Empire” comes into being as sharp-edged synth flashes through oscillating bass carry a melody with a longing edge to its glow. Abigail Gordon’s voice exudes trembling gentleness, expressing aching affection as retro drums provide giant-sized support.

Cloudy, diffused light shines through the vocals, wonderfully full of tender caring. Widely gleaming synth intertwines in a melody that feels like soft morning mist as the low end presses on. Abigail Gordon’s vocals are lightly touching and emotive and a light touch as radiant synth shines.

Cascading synth echoes out, carrying the enfolding melody like calming hands on skin. Burnished synth sparkles while the vocals is heartfelt and settling while hard-hitting drums and solid bass add form. Luminosity irradiates every musical element as the song ends.

“I sense you calling out softly, out there in the darkness” is how our narrator opens this song as she adds that she knows the other person is running back to her. She says “it’s all coming down again” in reference to the familiar feeling one gets as if a long lost friend is returning home once more.

Now the teller of the tale asks the song’s subject to “take the Milky Way down, long past these broken sidewalks.” She says they should run into the night, adding that she’s got no desire to go back. The storyteller points out that once she’s found the other person “we’ll build an empire” and make it work together. She states that “love is an empire.”

For a while, everything was unclear to her “like a forgotten dream.” Now she can see the other person returning to her vision. She speaks of “racing onto the interstate” as they pursue the feeling they seek to see where it all ends up.

Abruptly flitting, rough-edged synth vibrates above dense bass to open “The Forever War.” Abigail Gordon’s warm voice echoes out, carrying a melody mingling dynamism and affection while the bursting snare drum and thudding kick drum push on. Bass provides lush support while clear synth flashes out in choppy lines, containing strength and nobility.

Abigail Gordon speaks now, delivering a message of support and protection, as the rising tide synth tide suffuses the song with sunlight. Chiming notes flicker while a rounded, broadly echoing synth carries a wistful, peaceful melody. The expressive vocals effectively capture the meaning in the lyrics. Punchy drums support the intense lead synth as it powerfully glimmers and bass wells up far underneath it. The song ends on a tumbling synth pulse and strong drums.

The storyteller reassures the song subject by saying that “you can let them come to me, I’ll control your fear.” She says that when the war approaches, the other person can count on her this time. She adds that she’ll protect the other person “through the centuries” as she swore to do. Now our storyteller asks the song’s subject to “hold me in your memories” and says they’ll keep them good.

Our narrator points out that they’ve travelled “so many lifetimes” that the idea of home is meaningless. However “our sun hasn’t set yet - it’s not too late” so she asks the other person to meet her “at the 5th planet out from Mizar.” She goes on to say that it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Now she says that in the other person’s eyes “I’m forever frozen in the past” but if they use “time dilation” there is a chance of finding a way to make it all last.

“Daydreaming” starts as muffled, twisting synths wells in strength as colossal drums form a surging pulse alongside huge bass. Abigail Gordon’s voice is pleasingly rich with feeling as it carries a melody that makes me feel settled and laidback. Bass and drums with intense weight propel the song in broad walls.

Nasal-sounding, bending sound spins in knotted motion as the unrelenting drums and bass drive Abigail Gordon’s voice possesses resonant depth, the melody carrying both pain and dreamy hope while thunderous bass throbs and chiming notes glow.

The vocals tremble with need and affection to contrast with the immense muscled strength below them. Medium-high, mistily gliding synth calls out with mournful light as the ethereal vocals drift and the song fades quietly away.

Our narrator knows that the other person’s “mind is swimming” and they are pensive because “you’re so tired of the way things seem to go.” She says that she’s got something to say and she hopes the other person will listen. She wants them to know that “your love is like a dream.” She adds, “when I think of you and me It’s like I’m daydreaming.”

The storyteller says that she can see the other person “running all night into the morning” feeling that they can only get through everything alone. She says that she as been calling out to the other person “wishing you would let me in.” There is a “hole in y heart” when they leave again. She concludes “When we’re all alone, I can’t hide this feeling.”

Bluff, blunt bass punches in as a nervous sonic rush flits past and giant drums burst to begin “The Darkest Place.” Mary Hanley’s voice has a lost quality, full of seeking as the vocal melody skilfully mingles ache and anticipation. Glittering, elevated synth flashes with radiance above underlying power.

Shiny synth permeates the song in wide band brightness as Mary Hanley’s voice exudes heart-touching emotion. Fragile chimes drift in a lonely line as ringing, string-like notes swim out in a diffused line above the massive drumbeat and pulsing bass.

The vocals rise out encapsulating aspiration and protective love. The song flows into a segment in which airy, metallic notes shimmer delicately above gruff synth in contrast to the peaceful vocals. Flaring synth notes leap out above low end strength pushing onward from below as the chorus carries protection within it.

This story’s teller speaks of struggling to keep the other person close “but looks like we failed.” She creates a desolate image of “floating blind in the darkness and just falling without end.” She points out that it’s been ten years since the song’s subject has been home or seen a friend but she won’t give up.

Our narrator says that when she gets the other person back she’s not going to let their opponents take that person away again. She adds, “You’ll always run free my friend!” Now the narrator tells the other person to shut their eyes, count down and they’ll see her face. She realizes they have been waiting for her in darkness but “I swear I won’t let them take you away again.”

She acknowledges that the song’s subject fought hard so she needs to bring them home. They’ve been “lost in a world, a galaxy that’s still unknown.” She says she will pay any price. She promises “I won’t let you go, won’t fall for the lie.” Finally she swears that “this time we’re getting close.”

“Love Minus 80” commences as hollow synth shivers in descending lines that echo out into open space as gruff bass and widely throbbing drums add motion. Mary Hanley’s voice exudes power carrying a darkly shaded melody wonderfully tinged with passion.

Rising synth flows out in a sweeping, luminescent tide as angular, fierce bass cuts in as piercing fire flashes from a raised synth. Orion’s deep voice carries melancholy within it as slamming drums drive on and lacerating synth pushes past.

The music glides into a smoother segment before the vocalists combine their voices above jagged sound below them. Intensely flickering synth leaps out in brief motion and silence falls.

“You said we’d be fine and I believed you” is how the narrator opens this song. She asks the other person to make up his mind and help her to get through. She adds that she never thought it would be easy and points out that they can’t forget that “it’s a timeless experiment, never-ending romance.”

Our storyteller says that every time the two of them are apart “seconds go on for days.” She asks him to give her one final chance and she promises to bring him back. She goes on to say that she’d “bend time just to have you near, here in my arms.” The storyteller promises to free him even if it takes 100 years to see him again.

The second narrator says that is has been so long since he’s seen the song’s other character. He says that when she was “laying there in the ice” she was so confused. He speaks of “living life deep in shadow” as he tries to pay off his debt because “it’s a timeless experiment, never-ending romance."

Starry synth ripples out above slightly gritty lower notes with a reverent feeling as massively powerful drums slowly throb to start “Good Love, Gone Bad.” Abigail Gordon’s voice is fragile as it carries a mournful melody above the widely sweeping bass and drums with cosmic power.

Refulgent synth cuts in while the drums and bass thunder below and Abigail Gordon's vocals touchingly exude loss and reminiscence of better times. Sharply shining synth leaps in lacerating lines above the drums’ deep strength. The vocals touch softly above smoothly encircling synth and muffled drums as a steady brushing pulse flows.

Coruscating synth extends in broadly towering notes while drums and bass surge on. Abigail Gordon’s pained, delicate vocals glide above vibrating synth and a kick drum heartbeat throbs continually. Drums collide and the song ends on gigantic synth flashing above the bass throb and below drifting vocals that slip into quiet.

Our narrator says that early on “when my heart was on fire, it was a sweet escape.” As time passed, the other person grew cold and now she “can’t hang on much longer.” She adds that it is “good love, gone bad.”

The teller of this tale says that she still thinks of the other person “on warm nights like this” because they were such good friends. However the song’s subject “turned the sky so black” without more than a word. Now she can’t go on any further but she “spent all night dreaming of you.”

She points out that she thought she knew the other person and concludes “but after I’ve won this war, I’ll still be your fool.”

“Chiba City Blues” begins as bass like a pillowy cloud supports glistening, string-like synth carrying a tranquil melody. Arpeggios spin through as smooth drums and bass add shape. Gleaming synth echoes out below Abigail Gordon’s calming vocals sliding through, carrying a melody that puts me at ease above scudding bass and tapping drums.

String-like synth adds glimmering illumination above the easily moving drumbeat over bass oscillation. Abigail Gordon’s voice is caressing as effulgent synth radiates and the bass quickly oscillates. Now the guitar twists out in a twirling dance, reaching high with aspiration as the bending notes fade out into silence.

The storyteller says that she knows the other person will come around “when the hustle’s got you down.” This situation is the Chiba City blues. She points out that the other person has “learned so well from your mistakes.” Now Night City is calling them and they’ll “get jacked into the ice.” Our narrator concludes by saying “let’s see If you’ve got what it takes.”

Conclusion

Love Minus 80 is a joyful journey for me. It combines the wonderfully layered synth sounds with excellent vocal performances, grabbing songwriting and guest artists who lend extra depth and breadth to the music. The homage it makes to all of the talented sci-fi creators is an added bonus on an already first-rate album.

OK James - Adventurous Music

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

OK James’ Adventurous Music is indeed full of adventurous sonic combinations, entertaining musical moments and ear-catching tones, timbres and textures. OK James weaves together all of the various sounds into a cohesive and playful whole throughout the album.

For me, one of the draws to Adventurous Music comes from its playful nature. OK James seems to be having a great deal of fun playing with sounds and samples throughout the album. His retro vocal samples fill the music with quirky entertainment and he is clearly having a ball mixing together his pleasingly eccentric sonic palette to create ear-catching music.

I enjoy the off-the-wall nature of Adventurous Music’s soundscape. There’s a whole variety of scraping, wobbling, flashing sounds along with jazzy guitars, distorted piano and an array of unique percussion. There’s something so satisfying about the creative ways in which OK James mixes different sounds together to create fascinating compositions. This is music with real heart and soul to it.

Rhythm and groove also permeate OK James’ music on this album. He underpins every track with potent drumbeats and dense bass power. There’s always a beat that ads support and shape to the music, keeping it all moving in the right direction as the tracks reveal themselves.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Reality Of The Now” begins as a retro vocal sample talks about a “music revolution.” A tidal drumbeat and metallic, hollow percussion form a persuasively propulsive and funky beat. Distorted synth shimmies in a pleasingly elastic line as record scratches shift.

Broad, gleaming synth creates a pulse that slides in between the beats as creaky noises move. A vocal sample speaks of people struggling to differentiate real and fantastical experiences as chiming notes sparkle along with the gigantic drumbeat that ends the track.

Taut string-like synth creates a hypnotic pulse above bending bass as a tapping sound moves regularly to open “Other.” Drums patter along with brightly flaring synth sweeping in nervous chords. Solidly hitting drums form an energizing pulse as digital-sounding notes writhe.

Metallic percussion hits as the drum and bass throb. Varied, ear-grabbing percussion creates deep aural interest. Computerized sounds buzz and jump while bell-like percussion adds brightness and rebounding bass pulses. Twisting sound joins gliding chords. Shimmering chimes brush past above bursting drums as a soothing sound flows into silence

“Adventurous Music” starts as slicing synth leaps and a dense kick drum pulsates in a muscled line while roughly scraping sounds move. Ringing chimes call out with concentrated brightness above weighty drums rebound while open-sounding notes float with hollow breath.

Watery sounds trickle as giant drums smash and wriggling chimes float. A vocal sample adds encouragement as xylophone contributes a woodsy tone. Razor edged, rapidly oscillating notes creak above thumping kick drum in an active motion that effectively generates an edgy sensation.

Flaring, elevated notes pulse, doubling gleaming synth. A classic vocal sample warns of approaching danger. Rounded synth repeats in a light line over the sharp edges and digital volleys below it.

A vocal sample speaking of laying something in your ear opens “In Ya Ear.” Crisp drums throb below tripping piano moving above the interlocking groove. The groove drops away as distorted piano roams in a hazy line.

Smoothly warm guitar notes give way to bursting, solidly groovy drums. Cut up violin adds interesting resonance as a jazzy guitar flits through in dynamic motion. Twisted piano drifts in bright patterns while the drumbeat stays in the pocket before the music fades out.

“A Journey Into Sound” commences with reverberant piano that’s joined by ticking drums, as a vocal sample adds a vintage touch. A solidly hitting drumbeat pops adds support and record scratches contribute their own percussive quality.

Smoothly flowing piano chords shift above the drums which fade as hand claps come in and a vocal sample speaks of a journey into sound. Roundly radiant notes bubble upward to please my ears. As piano dances in ethereal lines, delicate chimes flutter. Sharp-edged synth slices in tight lines as slipping sounds smear.

A hi hat hisses above big drums as record scratching adds a textural element. Rattling sound cuts in and now a steadily glowing notes move behind another retro vocal sample. A cut up voice adds passionate sound above the strong drums.

Deeply vibrating jazz organ carries caressing notes that contrast with wobbling, gritty bass to open “That’s Not A Moon, That’s A Basstation.” Sawing, dry synth with a string-like quality drags past above rubbery, colossal bass as vocal sounds flicker.

Reverent synth pours out peaceful light as digital-sounding, medium-high notes pulse. Crystalline chimes drift and raised sounds with a warning quality move over heaving bass. Medium-high, bending synth adds a haunted quality before the drums lock into a propulsive pulse.

Galactic orchestral sound becomes a majestic melody moving above tremendous bass depth in a most pleasing fashion. Fragile chimes tremble with a soft touch before bass rumbles again. Darkly twisting synth writhes and curls above broken drums.

Chimes sparkle mistily again before the track drives on with a rushing, ticking drumbeat. Soft scraping repeats above massively powerful bass. Drums speed along with a quick vocal pulse and the track ends on surging, threatening notes.

“Elegy” begin as a vocal sample reminds us that there’s no fooling around, this is for real. Clean drums create shape, harsh hissing cuts in and bass flows in smooth lines. Organ-like synth floats in unsettled lines and a gentle voice touches the listener's ears. Drums and bass intertwine in an active pulsation as funky guitar strums brightly.

I enjoy the way in which the drumbeat hops and jumps as twangy strings play a catchy lick. Flaring guitar adds a groovy feel as a vocal sample speaks of how humans have to remain civilized. The track ends with “alright, lets get out of here.”

Conclusion

Adventurous Music showcases OK James’ creativity along with his sense of humour and an obvious love for aural painting. This is music that frolics through each track, creating a playful sensation that keeps me listening.

M.K. Khan - Wild Machines

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

M.K. Khan’s Wild Machines explodes with drama, action and power as it tells a futuristic tale of cyborg combat and a ferocious battle against an evil megacorp. The album bursts with strong melodies, deeply engaging instrumental choices and rich auditory imagery. M.K. Khan has written a soundtrack to the nostalgic action movie of your dreams.

As a fan of movie soundtracks in which melodies delineate much of the action, I revel in the melodic writing on Wild Machines. M.K. Khan writes catchy, ear-pleasing melodies that evoke intense feelings for me. I enjoy the way in which each melody tells a segment of the story through the emotions it elicits in me, making me excited to hear the next part.

Every musical element of Wild Machines has been well judged to enhance the storytelling within it. The instrumental choices that M.K. Khan has made all work toward drawing the listener into the album’s world. Synths twinkle, soar and growl while electric guitar adds some grit and dynamic energy above tremendous bass and thundering drums. There are also passages of warm, tender beauty that tell another side of the story as they unfold.

Even without an idea of the overarching storyline, M.K. Khan’s music conveys the overall feelings that he seeks to express. Each track weaves together its musical elements in a way that draws vivid pictures in my mind’s eye. I keep on listening because I crave more of the excitement that the album delivers so well.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed


“Wild Machines Main Theme” comes to life as a sweeping sound rushes in before drums pound to create a powerful impression. Medium-high, flashing synth and growling guitar flow together to generate motion. After a brass hit, gently touching arpeggios move along with piano notes flitting through to add a dynamic sensation.

The guitar soars out with dominating power as mysterious arpeggios twirl and drums cascade and flourish. The track ends as angular notes throb and fade. M.K. Khan does a superb job of giving us a taste of what’s to come on the rest of the album’s tracks.

Actively pulsating bass tumbles while clean drums burst to open “Laugh Now Cry Never.” A trumpeting synth calls out to give a triumphant impression as gritty guitar snarls. The guitar rapidly leaps through energizing notes to create a feeling of concentrated energy as smooth synth flickers.

The guitar wildly spins out a thrilling melodic line surging with life and strength as clear snare drum keeps time and hi hat hisses. Falling bass moves with intricately intertwined guitar and electric bass adds a unctuousness to the music.

String-like notes add texture and light while muscled guitar snarls with intent and glistening synth falls past. The guitar carries an acrobatic solo, imbued with rushing confidence as silence falls.

“Butterfly Twist” starts as punchy orchestra hits suffuse the music with blazing light and taut synth trickles. Brassy synth leaps out in a pleasing melody that confidently proclaims itself and exudes encouraging emotion. Surging guitar adds gruffness and sharp-edged strength underneath the main melody.

Fiery orchestra hits accent the other musical elements to create a victorious sensation while the drums shape the music. Madly whirling synth rushes along with charging drums as the guitar unfurls in a solo radiating effusive energy and evolving motion.

Illuminating synth flashes out in a melody that fills the music with joyful madness. Minor key, shadowed guitar adds an element of danger as chiming synth rapidly moves with an angular bass oscillation. This segment generates more devious feelings while the fierce orchestra hits assert themselves. The guitar soars out with an adventurous, motivating solo that gets my blood pumping.

Growing luminosity fills the opening synth part as it flows outward, adding a majestic feeling while expansive bass echoes to start “Hero Complex.” Orchestral brass calls out in a wonderfully rousing melody as martial drums enhance the sense of heroism.

Brass exudes strength as wind sweeps and now bass oscillates powerfully while massive drums add throbbing life. A piano carries a melody positively oozing with an expectation of greatness. Strings glide through a melodic segment that enfolds the ears and creates tranquility.

The piano melody mingles a feeling of achievement with heart-warming emotion while gigantic bass drives forward. The brass section creates soaring sensations and a feeling of success before silence falls.

“Sweet Moon” commences as funky bass joins widely bursting snare drum. A xylophone frolics, panpipes slip in delicate, diaphanous clouds and flickering synth rises. Twangy, acoustic guitar carries a jazzy, wandering melody while the panpipes jump for joy, carrying a satisfyingly buoyant melody.

Resonant xylophone ripples in woodsy motion as an orchestra hit or two punctuates it. The guitar melody has a detailed quality, roaming with a relaxed energy while strings breeze along behind it. The drumbeat provides guiding motion to push the track along. Xylophone bounces playfully through while groovy bass curls and the track ends.

Shimmering synth trembles smoothly in an echoing pattern to create a sun-dappled effect as air flows past to begin “Aquamarine Dream.” Panpipes carry a melody flowing like glassy water as rounded chords add richness.

Undulating bass and smooth drums form an active pulse that shapes the track. Nasal-sounding, high synth carries the melody mingling dreamy emotion and forward motion. The piano line is suitably touching as it exudes gentle inspiration. Bell-like synth carries a melody capturing the warmth of a blue summer sky. The panpipes slip in again, their melody feather-light and laid back.

The background synth intertwines and cascades in the distance. Elevated, nasal-sounding synth carries a melody that evokes images of sailing across glassy water. A sax carries the song out on a wave of ease and relaxation, winding down into silence.

“Diamond Ocean Strategy” begins as tremendously powerful bass rapidly throbs and glistening synth slowly swells in volume. A “number unavailable” message adds an empty quality to the music. Glassy bells carry a pleasing melody that expresses introspective contemplation above heavily pulsating bass and strong drums.

Xylophone slips through in a warmer line and sparkling, open-voiced chimes create a shining sonic filigree. The drums keep guiding the track above colossal bass far below. Fragile, glowing synth generates a meditative mind state within the main melody.

Drums subdivide along with throbbing, angular bass as twinkling synth whirls above it. Mournful sound echoes out over the drums before the main melody dances in, delicate notes skipping along easily. The track ends with tripping chimes spinning out into quiet along with a xylophone.

Running footsteps are joined by an ominous sound below them to open “Final Challenge.” Tension-filled arpeggios spin and threatening, rough-edged bass throbs as dramatic strings rise. Battering drums attack as raging bass surges while an wobbling sound adds rounded weight.

I enjoy the mingled invigoration and emotional ache in the main melody. String-like, glittering synth swirls before an angry guitar carries a gritty, lacerating pulse. Drums surge with intimidating power and the string section mingles intense expression and a certain lightness before the track comes to an end.

“One Sky To Another” comes into being as resonant violin trembles before soft-edged, trumpeting synth carries an inspiring melody. Orchestral strings call out, skillfully evoking nobility, victory and celebration as the strings weave with a contrasting mournful quality.

Birds chirp while weightless synth carries a melody full of tenderness, relaxation and peace. Timpani roll and rounded, brassy lead synth carries an encouraging melody. The string section suffuses the music with hopeful warmth as an ancient flute fades along with timeless percussion.

Conclusion

Wild Machines is a concept album that delivers fully on the promise of a cinematic, energizing listening experience. There’s an undeniable sense of fun that permeates the music and draws me into a world of pulse-pounding adventure and melodic pleasure.

Mahl - Wanderland

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Mahl’s Wanderland combines intriguing musical contrasts, a lavish synth palette and emotional power generated from the melodic and harmonic content of the album. Mahl creates soundscapes that are both touching and engaging as the music unfolds.

Throughout Wanderland, Mahl puts luminous synth up against shadowy bass, mixes sharply lacerating sound with smoothness and interweaves delicate notes with deep power. As a result, I find that my ears and mind are constantly engaged and stimulated. This is music that entertains my ears with its layers.

A varied mixture of energetic, gleaming, seething and swirling synth sounds fill Wanderland’s auditory landscape. Mahl roams across a complex range of synth textures and tones to help his music make an impact. I enjoy his decisions and the way in which they form an enjoyably rich musical whole on the album.

The melodic writing on the album along with the beautiful harmonies creates and maintains strong emotions. Mahl is able to compose melodies that reach my heart and harmonies that are attractive and engaging. Together both elements drive a wide variety of feelings and sensations as they fill the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Hi Tech Rec Home Master” begins as computerized-sounding notes climb before clear light emanates from a raised synth that breathes gentle emotion. A vocal sample talks of “high tech rec” while iridescent chimes glint above heavily pulsing drums and dense bass.

As the bass oscillates, effervescent synth sings the main melody mingling heartwarming melancholy with hopeful emotion. The vocal sample talks about video games in retro tones as shining lead synth tumbles past and wide-sounding, digital chimes add resonant feeling. Gleaming notes trickle through and pulse-pounding drums and bass press on.

After a solid bass punch, the track slips into a segment in which tremulous synth spins out a soothing arpeggio while the vocal sample talks about the excitement of video games. Uplifting synth moves in leaping, positive lines and chimes flicker with delicate light as angular synth pulses. The track returns to resonant, chiming notes adding motion before silence falls on video game sounds and fragile notes fade.

Trembling notes slowly rise as a softly touching drumbeat is joined by massive bass to start “SpaceWalker.” Cosmically drifting synth swirls slowly through the track as ominous weight fills the bass.

Jangling, medium-high synth carries a dynamically twisting melody above guttural bass and easily pulsating drums. Bending, lustrous notes move with 8-bit sounds above the bass flow. Drama is effectively added by shadowy synth floating past while jangling notes in the background add texture.

Metallic, medium-high synth carries a slightly melancholy melody while digital-sounding notes descend in wriggling motion. Nasal, distorted synth adds a spaced out quality and we fade on giant bass.

“Italo 85” opens as a 1950’s ad talks about “soft soap” as colossal bass bounces and throbs. Ticking percussion dances as medium-high, rebounding synth carries a joyfully twirling melody above the pumping low end.

Rattling, tapping percussion moves as disco bass adds propulsion. A slowly unfurling arpeggio moves while computerized, rounded synth carries the hopefully energetic melody above angular bass motion.

Reverent notes glide past as gruff, minor key synth spins out a more tentative line. Soft-edged synth carries the main melody’s positive emotion out over the throbbing drum and bass before the voice over closes the track.

Otherworldly, resonant synth climbs from bass depths to open “Memory.” Full-sounding, medium-high synth glides in a fragile line above a sharper edged glow before massive bass throbs in active motion. Raised notes vibrate while bell-like synth floats past to accent it.

Flickering synth effectively fills the track with cosmic illumination above colossal bass swelling outward. Bursting percussion joins serenely unfolding synth to add contrast. Medium-high synth with a broad sound carries a melody expressing hope and motivation above the shaping drumbeat. The main melody has an elegiac quality as warmly aching synth airily drifts above it.

Drums drop away as chimes shine delicately. The round tones of the lead synth slip past, melancholy and gentling, while drums and bass return to add form underneath. Elevated synth adds a tragic note to the music as it fades away on enfolding notes echoing into space.

“The Beach” begins as intensely flashing synth moves above oscillating bass, carrying an encouraging and hopeful melody as the hard-hitting drums throb. A playful vocal sample adds more happy emotion to the track.

Now the steady drum and bass heartbeat supports the melody that pours out joy and positive energy in a deeply pleasing manner. Rippling, digital-sounding synth trips through and powerful drums press on with the lushly flowing bass.

The lead synth lustrously sings a heartwarming melody as the track moves with elegant ease. A child’s voice adds to the music’s wonder while flickering chimes slip by. The main melody buoys me up with simple joy. I feel a smile touch my face as the track ends.

Intimidating, steadily throbbing bass with a gruff quality drives as drums thud to start “Wanderland.” Metallic synth exhales as digital sound ripples and drums and bass slam forward. Wide-sounding synth with a reverberant gleam carries a pleasing melody that inspires feelings of adventure and wanderlust in me.

Towering bass rises with looming energy and a siren blares above pumping drums and bass. Feather-light synth gives a diaphanous sensation to the music as a vocal sample floats. Glistening lead synth emotes as it combines trembling with energizing feeling. High synth caresses with a tentative touch before huge bass throbs out into silence.

“Metropolis" opens as seething bass moves with shadowy power as tension mounts. Diffused snare drum bursts and angular, technological sounding synth cascades with a cold quality as hissing sounds drift past.

Sharp bass combines with driving drums as more hollow percussion adds shape. Computerized, pulsating synth tumbles above the throbbing drumbeat. Elevated synth calls out melancholy, lost-feeling notes that effectively radiate emptiness.

Jagged synth is touched by an orchestra hit while spinning notes twirl and open-sounding percussion taps. Steady, dark synth is touched with tenuous feeling notes above crushing bass. Drifting, mournful notes give way to gut punching drums and lacerating bass before fading to quiet.

Bass growls darkly as spaced out sounds flicker and cosmic notes create a gently reverent background to commence “District 1.” Sunlit, gleaming chimes flow in an astral pattern exuding starlit calm in an enjoyably settling fashion.

Dominating chords flare and bass oscillates with muscled strength as widely sweeping arpeggios twirl. The bass is a constant presence and the lead synth shines with flickering light as the arpeggios turn and wobbling synth moves into silence.

“Gran Turismo” begins as a cloud of intertwining, string-like synth creates an abiding feeling of relaxation to draw me in. Sirens soon cry out a warning and jagged, gigantic bass now pounds quickly. 8-bit notes vibrate and hissing snare drum joins the heavy bass power.

A pipe-like synth with a metallic quality carries sailing notes above the undulating bass and drums. Glossy synth carries a lively melody tinged with more troubling emotions. A raised beeping grows in intensity and gliding synth chords move while sirens rush.

Air-filled synth adds an easily floating sensation in contrast to the leaping snare drums. Flickering arpeggios spin and resonant synth bounces. Wide-sounding, lambent synth urges onward and soft arpeggios spin before silence falls.

A billowing synth cloud illuminates “Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt” like morning sun delicately lighting it from within. Slowly sliding sound joins a thudding kick drum as luminosity fills the main melody. I am enamoured of the wistful nature of the main melody as bass creamily curls around it.

Delicate, metallic synth carries a yearning melody that fills my mind with sadness and need. Swirling chords and far off chimes touch medium-high synth while throbbing drums and lapping bass waves add form.

I let go of my tension as interwoven synth drifts and chimes ring out. String-like synth unfurls, trembling tenderly while the low end adds direction. The song ends with night noises and peace.

Conclusion


Wanderland is indeed a synth journey. It takes listeners from ache to hope, from joy to darkness across a landscape of intriguing, soothing and energizing music. Mahl has a knack for producing music with depth, complexity and ear-grabbing life.