Coastal - Heartbeats

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Coastal’s Heartbeats has a tremendously deep emotional core that permeates every aspect of the music. The mixture of expressive melodies, beautiful synth layers, Aaron Hetherington’s superb vocal abilities and the impactful songwriting create an album that drives an arrow into my heart. This album keeps drawing me back to it again and again.

All of the melodic content on Heartbeats skilfully weaves together complicated emotions into affecting tapestries. Aaron Hetherington and Jonathan Fletcher work together to write music that has expression at its core and the melodies all dive deep to stimulate the humanity at the centre of the album. I also enjoy the way in which those melodies support the songwriting here.

I am engaged by the way in which Heartbeats explores the sonic palette used within the music. There’s such an auditory feast happening that my ears have an embarrassment of sonic riches to explore. The way synths are used to provide texture and tonal colour complements the lyrical and vocal beauty of the album. When one includes the electric guitar and heartbreakingly emotive sax, the end result is both touching and deeply attractive.

The fusion of first-rate songwriting from Coastal with Aaron Hetherington’s wide ranging, flexible and eloquent voice creates songs that mesmerize and touch the soul. Once again, the coruscating emotional centre of the album comes to the fore, tugging me into the world it creates and holding me in it with ease.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Slow Breeze” starts with a pleasing impression of yearning emotion in the opening synth chords that drift out in broad motion. Crystal chimes trickle through over luxuriant chords as a tangling, nasal-sounding synth shifts. Aaron Hetherington’s robotized voice adds a digitized quality above big, bursting drums and upwelling bass.

The vocals' digital quality creates contrast with the heartbroken lyrics while diamond-lit chimes sparkle and lush synth chords fill the background. Guitar cries out with hurting, twirling notes fading out into quiet.

The narrator speaks of a slow breeze blowing. He’s unable to breathe as the song’s subject’s eyes take him. He asks the other person to, “tell me what you’re thinking, tell me if you’re leaving.”

Our storyteller says the other person’s hands are “steady…ready” and his heart is racing and aching. He goes on to repeat the phrases only adding that his heart is breaking now.

Sharp-edged luminosity pours from twirling arpeggios while unctuous, gruff-edged synth billows to open “Heartbeats.” Punching drums and rumbling bass move below hollow, sparkling synth.

Aaron Hetherington’s voice carries the hopeful melody eloquently through the song supported by the lighter voice below it. Chimes add gossamer shine as the hard-driving drumbeat shapes the song. Aaron Hetherington’s voice leaps upward, exuding moving emotion, while a metallic gleam softly fills twirling synth.

Bass curls around the driving drums before an electric guitar trembles filling me with longing through the uplifting solo. Flaring synth leaps in broken motion above the drums and bass while the vocals arc outward. The song ends on nasal-sounding synth fading away.

This song’s storyteller speaks of falling “in deep with a runaway” as the emotion smashed in with tidal force. He says that they were “lost hearts with a dream and the stars.” He goes on to say that they were only kids and thought that the world was all theirs.

Our narrator asks if the other person will find him and repair him, hoping that she’ll “come and find me and leave this place forever.” He delivers the image of them floating forever on “summer’s fading heartbeat.”

“Like a blinding night in the dead of night” is how the storyteller describes the song’s subject. He says she’s like a “watchtower long from shore” in his mind. He adds that he would “spare time” just to allow her to guide him homeward. The song ends as he speaks of “searching…floating endlessly” for a fading heartbeat.

“Streetlights” starts as radiant synth washes out in clear waves as gargantuan retro drums pound. Sax now comes in, reedy voice evoking an intense need that I find affecting. Aaron Hetherington’s voice touches me with its profound feeling, carrying a melody creating more heartache and need as arpeggios flicker.

The sax’s sound suffuses each musical pore with a chest-clenching pang as the vocals carry the melancholy melody. Medium-high, glistening synth slips past before the sax glides out with its warm voice above the towering drums and gigantic bass.

Xylophone-like notes eddy as wistful piano chords support them. Aaron Hetherington’s full voice rises and a sax solo makes a mournful impact before the song ends on echoing snare drum.

Telling this tale, our narrator wonders if he is “the stone that sank down to the ocean floor?” and if the song’s subject was the tide pulling him toward the shore. He says that “the moments lie’ and the hand for which he reaches was never his to take.

Now the storyteller paints an image of rain pouring down as he stands under the streetlights. It’s after midnight and he sees the other person’s face “in everything they promised I would find.” He asks if the other person will return to find him “one last time.”

He states that the song’s subject was “the cord I followed led back to the wall” that he discovered was never plugged in. He repeats that the moments like and he questions “why the spark we had was never live.”

Subtly swelling bass is touched by distant, digital sounds like a childhood memory of an arcade to begin “Arcades.” The volume grows as all the sounds meld along with sparkling synth stars as unctuous bass waves roll.

Airy space surrounds the music as diffused sax cries out with heart aching emotion. Glittering synth creates a gorgeous feeling, like dust motes in a shaft of sunlight. Aaron Hetherington’s intoxicating voice carries a dreamy, aspiring melody above giant drums and a bass oscillation.

Delicacy characterizes the chiming synth notes as Aaron Hetherington’s touching voice echoes out. The sax floats as broadly glowing synth notes fade into the arcade sounds again.

The teller of this tale begins by saying “I’ve been waiting around my whole damn life” not being able to see and hoping “to find that shred of light.” He says that the song’s subject brought him that light. He adds that he is “enamoured” of what the other person does, even if they make him insane. He points out that he’s “in all the way when I’m with you.”

Our narrator states that he couldn’t forget and wouldn’t ever regret from the first time they met “making eyes in the arcade down on 4th Street that weekend.” He says that the song’s subject told him they loved living in the city but now “something’s changed and it’s time that we get away."

“Forever”commences as far off drums with a widely scattered sound move in along with pastel synth swirls and glittering chimes. Warmly radiant synth carries an uplifting melody before Aaron Hetherington’s clear, emotive voice leaps out carrying an equally positive melody.

Far below, giant drums and dense bass press on with propulsive motion. Aaron Hetherington’s voice is full of deep feeling as the shimmering lead synth spins out the encouraging melody while colossal drums and bass surge forward. Aaron Hetherington’s expressive voice carries the soaring chorus through the music.

The song drifts into a segment in which fragile synth twinkles and heartfelt vocals resonate. Tiny synth sparks float past and heaving drums and bass lend weight to the song. The chorus arcs up again and a guitar flies in, spinning out aching notes. Glistening chimes flicker and fade into silence before the song ends.

Reminiscing, our narrator remembers “drinks in the daytime soaking in summer heat” and spending twilight talking as he and the song’s subject lay on the beach. He felt that the moment might last forever. Now he finds himself wondering how everything got so bad and how his bed “eels so damn cold without you.”

As the sunset and “neon drenched the streets” our storyteller and the other person realized that “a moment’s all we really need.” They felt as if they could go anywhere and after sunset “you will never be alone.”

Now the narrator says that he’ll always wait “under starlight” and through long nights and “even longer years.” He points out that the pain can remain hidden in the shadows through which they once wandered. He wonders if they had been pretending that things felt right or if it was just the summer nights.

Gently radiant synth floats out in easily moving waves that become a steady flow to open “Constellations.” Bass slips up from below medium-high, soft-edged synth as Aaron Hetherington’s voice reaches out. Twinkling synth is driven by an explosion of the drumbeat.

The vocal melody is caressing and enfolding, carried on Aaron Hetherington’s unique, emotive voice. Drums and bass press on with deep muscle as the lambent synth erupts with sunlight. The sax leaps now, effectively capturing every nuance of feeling and need within the song, reedy voice dense with warmth. The echoing vocals fade along with glimmering synth.

The narrator speaks of draining the “river that divides” as he describes himself and the song’s subject as a “burnt out flame that scorched the floor beneath our feet.” He wonders if there’s a path that they hadn’t seen previously from which “we can stay up watching constellations form.” He adds that “these nights” aren’t going to wait.

Our storyteller talks about “a static in my brain” that causes a distortion once more. He points out that the pain he’s experiencing can only be dulled by the other person. He talks about them packing up and leaving the city “to wash out the rain.” He reminds us that at times “things start and lead to nothing.” He concludes, “it’s alright just let this go.”

“Gravity” begins as a vocal sample of an astronaut describing a view of the Earth from space opens the song out above a softly brushing synth wash. Truly colossal bass rumbles below Aaron Hetherington’s touching voice as synth sparks float past. Distant, taut synth creates a smoothly shivering pattern as big drums hit hard and the bass slips past.

Aaron Hetherington’s vocals capture the undisguised yearning in the lyrics as broadly splashing drums shape the music. In the distance, enfolding synth waves wash and the chorus rises with wonderfully heartfelt emotion. Rounded synth notes slide flicker around Aaron Hetherington’s aching voice as it yearns, carrying mingled emotions anticipation and pain.

Lush synth chords fill each musical element with supporting feeling. Guitar flies now, touching me deeply with the power of its expression. A soaring guitar solo leaps free and the vocals rise with affecting feeling. Bells ring and digital-sounding notes echo as the ticking drums fade to silence.

Our storyteller says that he’s struggling to sleep as “shadows loom like a stranger in the dark.” Those shadows have haunted eyes because “they’ve seen who we really are.” He has dreams of seeing the place where “the sun meets the sea” and the song’s subject dreams about "the days where the hours pass like centuries.” There’s a camera flash and the storyteller asks if the other person still loves him.

Now the narrator feels her tugging him toward the light with “a supernova aflame in your eyes” as something tells him to go. While they are being weighed down by gravity, they ‘transcend off the ground.” He wonders what the song’s subject is thinking. He adds that “they say nothing changes, same old place is home” and that the other person is never alone.

Our storyteller speaks of “a flash in the dark fading in the clear sky” and of a feeling lost as years passed and “a lifetime gone.” He asks if the other person still need him. He says that she’s pushing him into the night with “stars burning up in your eyes.” One part of him tells him no and the other urges him to go. Now gravity tugs him down while the song's subject lifts him up. He asks her, “won’t you tell me what you’re thinking?”

A soft golden synth glow is broken by quick pattering sounds as an elevated, diffused arpeggio twirls to kick off “Sleepwalking.” Piano chords give the music an enjoyably warming strength.

Aaron Hetherington’s voice is tender and fragile, emotion filling it as the delicately mournful melody unfolds and solid drums and dense bass shape the music. Percussion wraps around Aaron Hetherington’s hurt and lost voice before guitar flows out in a twangy motion. Circling arpeggios spin as the kick drum thumps like a heartbeat.

Raised, lightly flickering synth slides through in a melody that catches me in the heart-twisting feeling. The chorus calls out with deep power as the hard-hitting drums rebound and Aaron Hetherington’s vocals touch tentatively. The song ends on chords mixing enfolding feeling and majesty as bass growls into quiet.

The teller of this tale talks about his nights spent sleepwalking as “years pass but time locks in.” He says that as he fell away, he thought he was finished. He says that he had “spoken uninformed” and was made a slave to the fading sound.

Our narrator knows that the other person is somewhere there “in focus in the light.” He is resigned to the walls inside him closing to a place “where the shadows trap me in.” He asks the song’s subject to set him free that night. He explains that, “If sleep is a medicine then love is a drug that gives you hope.”

“Red Skies” comes to life as smoothly vibrating synth glides out in shivering waves. Metallic, string-like synth entangles in a dreaming melody. Aaron Hetherington’s vocals reach out with above quickly trembling synth as luscious bass fills the low end.

Smoothly dancing arpeggios flow in a tidal motion and Aaron Hetherington’s vocals hit me in the gut with their raw expression as huge bass with a rough edge growls. Raised

synth suffuses the song with sunlight as the vocals capture need and tenderness,

Entangling synth tumbles and bright notes radiate over the weight growing underneath. Now sax cries out with nostalgic passion. The drumbeat explodes and Aaron Hetherington pours his heart out as arpeggios twirl through and effulgent notes fall silent.

“The road is clear tonight, let’s take a drive” is how the narrator begins as he describes looking back in the rearview mirror to a “still frame up” of what they’d left behind. He says that headlights approach to “bring a glimmer below bright red skies.” There is an image of the tide battering into the shore to “sweep away these wanting eyes.” He wonders if this is what they wanted.

Our storyteller says that the two of them were “strangers searching in the mist” for the feelings they had as children. He adds that they were “drifters trailing in the dark” as everything slowly disintegrated. They came to know that “nothing lasts forever.” He realizes he’s quite unprepared as “life goes strong and things move on.”

Conclusion

Heartbeats is amongst my favourite albums of the year thus far. It has a deeply pleasing mix of emotional intensity, lyrical songwriting and musical beauty as it unfolds. Coastal’s first album made a strong impact on me and it seems that this second album is even more touching for me.

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.