Chill Collins - The Darkstar Anthologies

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Chill Collins’ The Darkstar Anthologies provides a beautifully layered, complex auditory adventure that has the boisterous energy, intense drama and action needed to create a compelling sonic companion to a comic book series. Chill Collins has woven together emotion, expression and musical quality into a compelling soundtrack.

A luscious plethora of synth tones, timbres and textures spills out through The Darkstar Anthologies. Chill Collins creates intertwining imagery through synth sounds that sparkle, flash and cascade at times or delicately caress as they slip past. There is bass that can be unctuous and soothing before looming with terrible force and drums that sometimes guide and sometimes charge. As a whole, these varied synth components become an entertaining and engaging journey.

Like any good comic book, The Darkstar Anthologies soundtrack ranges from bombast to deep emotion. Chill Collins uses his synth palette to evoke all of these contrasting states. Glistening synth delineates triumph while massively snarling bass conveys danger. Pastel-shaded gentleness glides in before jagged synth slashes, each segment telling another part of the story. In total, they unfold in exciting motion and strong expression.

I am drawn to this album’s storytelling through sound. Chill Collins pulls the listener in with the auditory tapestry of his synth choices and then keeps us invested in the music by continually writing ear-catching melodies, propulsive percussion parts and layered harmonies.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Prologue” begins as fragile synth piano trembles tenderly as expansive, trumpeting synth flows out with strength and nobility. Piano chords effectively create movement between light and darkness.

Orchestral strings add reverence as trumpeting synth soars out and battering drums pound. Impressive bass swells and choral voices ring out, the track becoming more robust as a dramatic female voice leaps in broadly ringing notes. Galactic energy pours forth as the strings and other instruments rush to a crescendo and fade out.

Wind flows rapidly into the track before a huge drum strikes once and hollow sound flows above crushing bass to open “ArtOfficial.” Twisting synth cuts through sharply and a disturbing sonic exhalation moves past.

Thunderous drums impact with tremendous force as bass snarls and strings flash with intensity while brassy synth cries out. Intertwining panpipe synth sings a melody that skilfully generates feelings of activity, affection and ache in me. Ephemeral strings move above giant drums that form a guiding pulse.

Gentler sounds float over flaring notes that skip through above dominant bass. Panpipes sing a soothing, dreamy melody out above intimidating bass weight and creaking sound before the track ends.

“SimCity” starts with a deep-voiced vocal sample that distorts into strangeness. A colossal bass oscillation is broken by slicing, blaring synth. A snare drum impacts in a shaping pulse and chiming notes delicately trickle past. Brassy synth breaks into an elevated part, shining out with pleasing positivity as flickering chimes dance.

In contrast, the drums are truly overwhelming and bass adds sinewy support, while sparkling higher notes skip past. A gentle sound twists in before a medium-high, smoothly rounded synth sings the tranquil, encouraging main melody. The track ends with hopeful emotion before trumpeting synth flares and fades.

Rain pours, thunder cracks and distorted synth forms a melancholy pattern as it flows to open “Breakout.” Sweeping sounds pass before hard-hitting drums punch in an active rhythm.

Raised synth radiates intense glow and bending notes create dramatic strength, propelled by surging bass. Aquatic, high synth ripples out and fades. Now gleaming synth draws me in as it fills the track with mysterious emotion. A cutting bass pulse and rebounding drumbeat guide widely twirling arpeggios.

An expressive female voice rises with deep emotion as digital arpeggios wash in to create texture. Gargantuan drums drive on while raised, glistening notes glide through in the distance. Angular sound lacerates before soft notes go quiet.

“Predator” commences as ominously rushing bass creates a dangerous feeling as snare drum punches hard. Glockenspiel notes shimmer as luminous arpeggios dance and angular, lacerating motion fills the drums. Rounded notes climb in the distance as varied, aggressive drums smash and charge onward.

Ethereal sounds wheel as chimes shine and noble notes rise in a well-crafted melody full of defiant triumph. Coruscating arpeggios twirl and haunted sound shifts below them. Sharp-edged, lambent synth sings a melody that fills me with dramatic energy as madly dancing high synth breezes past. I feel my heart and soul lifted by the climbing melody as cascading drums smack in. Glockenspiel rings out as delicate strings shiver and silence falls.

Haunted, echoing voices call out above a sharp-edged bass flow as drums batter in fierce bursts to start “Transit Lines.” A vocal sample calls out with intense strength as intimidating drums thud and flashing notes leap out. Quickly bursting synth charges as the vocals arc with pleasing passion and expression.

Laser-like synth dances in radiance as breathy vocals cry out. Caressing synth slips past in gentling motion as the vocals are joined by aggressively cutting sounds. Soft-edged arpeggios slide past while hollow drums tap. Glimmering synth bursts explode and the track flows out into open air.

“Reva’s (Till The Break Of Dawn)” opens as slightly wavering, medium-high synth rises in sunlit notes as a rushing drum and bass pulse creates propulsive motion. Encouraging, light filled lead synth carries a melody that lifts me up as delicate vocals drift behind. An angular, dynamic beat pulses as open-voiced, reverent notes create a calmer feeling.

Whirling synth leaps past before hazy synth slips above the gigantic, hard-hitting drums as muscled bass pulses. The misty notes have a swirling motion as a segment in which ethereal voices peacefully glide. Once again, slightly broken drums and bass patter as the choral voices add a sacred feeling and the track ends.

Spectral chimes ring out above steadily pulsing, shadowy bass that shifts below them to begin “WAVE FM.” Pumping synthwave drums and bass oscillate below melancholy, echoing chimes as brighter synth dances past. Retro drums batter with mass and energy as refulgent synth energizes the track.

Drums full of dynamic life burst as wide-sounding, bell-like synth suffuses the music with wistful light. The drums batter before guitar howls out to add intricate energy. I enjoy the guitar’s passionate melody while flickering synth frolics before the distant, chiming notes slip into quiet.

“The Coiling” starts as looming bass is joined by colossal, battering drums. A disembodied voice floats out and drums slam hard while skipping synth gleams. The lost vocals coruscate with passion in a way I find compelling. Weighty drums punch in and the jagged bass slides in below.

Sharply leaping chords cut in and the broadly shining synth notes entangle. The vocals soar passionately and the drums hit with tidal force. Effulgent lead synth trembles and the bass soars with the passionately angry vocals slice in while the low end adds rushing motion before silence falls.

Tenuously flickering, ghostly synth carries a pained melodic pattern out above a truly overwhelming bass rumble to bring “OB-X” to life. Drums and bass from a propulsive, rebounding pattern below radiant synth as snare drum rattles rapidly.

Bass snarls in broken pulses as jumping percussion shifts. Fragile chimes sparkle distantly in interlocking motion. Nervous energy fills the actively bursting bass and the high notes are wonderfully gentle in contrast while the percussion taps and ticks before the track ends.

“Coastal Infini” comes into being as rough-edged bass snarls dangerously while watery notes trickle and gigantic drums begin to pound in insistent motion. Pipe-organ notes add intense shine. Sacred voices rise in an encouraging flow that I enjoy.

Warmly luminous synth fills the track with light as it dances in a caressing melody. Tranquility permeates the music while the soaring voice calls out with powerful emotion before silence falls with buzzing static.

Terrified synth utters a scream as it creeps in against an echoing background to open “P0W3RCR33P.” Growling bass flows below broadly slipping, tragic synth that cals out in huge chords.

Slicing bass oscillates and monumental drums thunder before panpipes carries a haunting, ethereal melody. Triumphant chords glimmer and tremendous bass pulsates before hard-hitting drums punch with intensity.

Echoing panpipes create mysterious emotions in me as the bass snarls and presses forward. Spectral sounds trail tendrils while the low end smacks in. A wind flows around the open-voiced pipes as martial drums powerfully slam. Twisting, isolated synth slips and silence falls.

“Sunsetter” starts off as slightly nasal, metallic synth carries a wistful melody as a steady shine fills the background and drums tick. Heavily vibrating bass with lush depth is joined by bursting drums as the melody shifts energetically. Densely spinning arpeggios shift as the wide-sounding drums burst and thick bass clouds rise.

Synth with a rounded, cradling sound carries a charming, encouraging melody as the creaking arpeggios twirl. The main synth instrument carries the dreaming, energetic melody out over leaping drums, twirling arpeggios and luscious bass. The bass climbs in enfolding clouds before the track ends.

Trumpeting synth flashes while gruff bass growls and a reverent luminosity fills “Glow” as it opens. Jazz organ carries a soothing, melancholy melody as gritty bass growls and big drums hit hard to shape the track.

Peaceful chords swirl below the rebounding drums as climbing, flaring synth rises to effectively add victorious emotion. Distorted, medium-low synth carries an energizing melody as staggering bass snarls.

Interlocking, arpeggiating synth lines shimmer above steadily guiding drums as light pours from piano-like, muffled synth. The bass towers over the other sonic elements. The track ends on bell-like jazz organ.

“20808” begins as rough-edged synth creates intimidating mass below nervous arpeggios. The heaving bass and throbbing drums propels the track below a strange, computerized vocal sound.

Enigmatic synth with a soft-edged quality carries a questing melody. Chimes ring out to add brightness as the gigantic bass throbs and the drums create motion. Choral voices add exalting emotion flitting chimes suffuse the music with sunlight.

Hard-edged bass growls in the depths as crushing drums drive and piercing radiance flows from the arpeggios. I enjoy the palpable sinew in the bass and the drums batter forcefully as soaring synth shines before silence falls.

Bass snarls as pipe organ chords add intense gleam while seething arpeggios shiver to start “Trans_Ending.” Worshipful choral vocals rise above the shadowy tide below them as the organ adds more strength and drums shape the music.

Surging bass rumbles as everything slows down until it goes quiet. The silence extends, effectively leaving the listener in suspense before a crackling moves alongside rapidly flickering synth. An active bass oscillation shapes the music as a piano softly trails and woodsy notes call out.

A hallowed choral voice rises in yearning motion and xylophone rattles warmly. The drumbeat becomes martial and driving while dense bass elevates the other sonic elements. Xylophone provides an organic contrast while the drums press on, metallic sounds move through before raised notes fall silent.

Conclusion


The Darkstar Anthologies is an enjoyable auditory exploration. It roams through rich emotional terrain while drawing images in my mind’s eye. I can feel the action and drama unfurl in the music, leavened by gentle emotion. Every sonic element combines to produce an ear-pleasing final product that keeps me coming back.

Peter Gagliardi - Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Peter Gagliardi’s Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black mixes deeply engaging synthscapes with emotive melodies and ear-catching sonic combinations to weave a tale of cosmic fear, heart-rending pain and hope against the growing darkness. Peter Gagliardi uses a synthesizer’s ability to create intense auditory imagery in service of imaginative, carefully considered compositions that combine into a symphonic whole.

Like a great orchestral piece, Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black mingles each sound into a nuanced, interlocking whole. Peter Gagliardi utilizes all of the synth elements like a traditional composer as he orchestrates the album. The music vaults to the stars, pulls us down into fear and captures deep loss and pain. Each different synth sound is used to add tonal colour or textural elements that, when combined, produce a sonic voyage through impressions and emotions.

Peter Gagliardi composes melodies that expressively drive themselves into my heart as they unfurl on Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black. Each melody has a crafted feeling to it, carefully created to explore emotions and sensations. There’s a heartfelt quality to each melody that draws me deeper inside the story, allowing me to explore the feelings that it generates in me. Like much of the album, I feel the melodies touching me at a visceral level.

Storytelling through music is a skill that I respect and Peter Gagliardi definitely possesses that skill. As the album unfolds, it effortlessly takes me with it on a journey across galaxies. I can lose myself within the music, allowing it to wash over me and transport me to another place and time.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

‘Prologue: Dark Leviathan” comes to life as textured, silken synth flows out into vastness while medium-high, roaming synth drifts with the solar wind. Gentle, broadly sweeping synth shifts as a subtle hiss fills the background while steady, low sound slips past.

Light fills the music, synth chords swelling majestically, tinged with shadow as lush synth flares above enfolding chords, touched with minor key moments. The bass impresses with its cosmic power as colossal drums throb. Glistening, elevated notes glow while synth chords add a noble strength.

Tragedy suffuses the main melody as open-voiced, mysterious synth is touched by rumbling bass. Textured chords with an organ-like quality exude darker emotions to contrast with angelic synth before the track fades into space.

A scraping pulse moves into space as portentous sound shifts to open “Premonition.” Heavy, punchy drums join the grinding sonic pulse as it shapes the track. A hi hat bursts along with rippling, choral voices that create a warm tide. Pipe organ-like notes climb while the guiding drums and tumbling bass shift.

Fragile, chiming notes echo and carry a beautiful melody that trails with lacy delicacy as vibrating, medium-high synth moves in aquatic ripples. Worshipful choral voices call out as the drumbeat scuds smoothly as bass darkness touches it. Feathery synth chimes in again to create tenderness in contrast to the weighty drums before the track falls silent.

“First Winter Dreams” starts off as hard-edged sounds slash and bubbling notes rise while air sweeps. Dominant bass forms an uneven pulse as aquatic notes trickle. Icy chimes sparkle to skillfully paint in cold light. Soft-edged synth sings a floating and contemplative melody above the steadily throbbing bass pulse. Trumpeting synth weaves a victorious melody as raised sounds shimmer.

The main melody tinged with minor key shadow as cooling sensations permeate the music. A different but no less massive bass pulse looms as brushing drums hiss and high, spectral synth floats. An enigmatic synth melody delineates a distant landscape as chiming notes add wintry light and the bass hits hard. Glinting light flashes from chimes as the stentorian bass pulses and wind guides the track into silence.

Broad-sounding, soothing synth climbs as vast breathy sound drifts and distant tapping echoes to begin “Path to the Galactic Wastelands.” Bluff bass rumbles to add muscle as wide-sounding, gleaming synth spins out a slow arpeggio and raised chimes shine intensely.

Piano-like notes tremble while open-voiced synth fills me with a pleasing sense of obscured mystery. Crushing drums impact as sharp-edged, effulgent synth opens in sublime vistas.

Hollow synth vibrates while an ancient, chanting voice calls out and clashing drums create dramatic tension. Metallic notes rattle through as synth flares and dark bass threatens as chimes flicker. Spectral notes flow out into space and quiet.

“Beyond The Wilted Nightlands” commences as a steady synth drone moves behind plucked strings that slowly tremble into the darkness behind them. A glockenspiel carries a tragic melody, making me ache, as the drone continues. The glockenspiel radiates soft light as the drone is cut by clean notes glimmering above it.

Pizzicato strings create a textured motion above the shadows below. The main melody is tenderly caressing and pained. Strong illumination flares from high synth and angular notes cut with precision. Medium-high, full-sounding synth carries a hurting melodic pattern that touches my heart. The glockenspiel exudes a feeling of deep melancholy.

Luminous synth clouds swirl, encompassing the track with their enfolding glow while aggressive sounds slash in. Climbing synth chords are warm, but minor key tinges create uncertainty. Very high notes wheedle and the low end lifts all the other sounds above it. Radiant medium-high synth lifts upward to contrast with the lurking threat below it. Fragile glockenspiel cries out and high notes pour out brilliance before the track ends on an tenebrous drone.

Menacing bass is touched by an ancient-sounding stringed instrument that sends dazzling notes out into the shadows to open “The Burning Darkness.” The hammered dulcimer has a metallic, rippling quality as another plucked string instrument plays rapid notes. A trembling, digital-sounding pulse is joined by harp-like strings rushing in a tumbling cascade while chimes leap in.

Battering drums add muscled strength as twisting synth carries a wildly intertwining melody, effectively filling me with urgent feelings. Darkly towering bass keeps up a sinister flow and rough edged synth climbs. Elevated chimes skip with a brushing lightness as rounded, harp-like notes fade away.

“Future In Distress” begins as deadly sensations emanate from sweeping bass and growling, hard-edged synth. A warning emanates from a tidally flowing synth that adds luminosity. Medium-high, sunlit synth carries a melody that enjoyably holds out hope against looming danger. Drums guide the music with a hollow thud while open-voiced sounds echo.

Intimidating drums throb and clash while rising, diamond lit synth crescendos. Distorted, radiant synth carries a sonic gyre that cuts through the increasing intertwined intensity that flows all around it. Colossal strength fills the low end as gritty, illuminating synth carries a yearning melody as drums throb and fade away along with harsh gritty sound

Agitated, razor-sharp synth vibrates into open space and becomes a repeating, hypnotic pattern as “Cyber Cinematics” opens. Nasal-sounding, minor key synth carries a well-crafted melody that fills me with dread and triumph in equal measure, feverishly shining as the beat scatters below it.

The broken beat creates intense motion as squelching sounds move in the distance. A luminescent synth pattern adds speeding motion and the drumbeat drives on. Nervous energy seizes the twirling synth pattern as the jumpy drums give way to surging organ notes.

Broken beats urge the track on and the nasal-sounding synth melody weaves haunting strength. Sharp clawed synth tears through as black voids reach from below and silence falls.

“Embracing Another Dungeon” begins as densely wobbling bass supports flashing chimes rippling in a hypnotic pattern. Varied, trickling chimes swirl in the midst of an ethereal cloud as the bass increases in intensity.

Worried tension thrums through the chimes in a compelling manner as drums add shape. Widely twirling arpeggios wind up as metallic percussion rings out, adding a technological quality. Giant bass pulses with rage held in check as rough, heavily trembling synth moves.

Nervous chimes shimmer tenuously and the hammering percussion joins bursting drums over surging bass. Layered percussion creates dynamic motion above growling weight. Broad arpeggios ramp up an unsure feeling as drums add form. Bass throbs in short bursts while haunted, angular synth slips above it and silence falls.

Shifting bass tones slide into open space as tranquil, melancholy synth glides past to start off “Sorrow Over A Great World.” Raised notes touch with feather-light motion above the richness below them. The high synth melody pierces my heart with its melancholy gentleness as a harsher pulse trails below it.

The chimes are tender but pained, tinged with troubled emotion. Minor key notes flit while dense bass slips past below and an agitated, distant sound contributes masked fear. Jagged synth throbs in bursts while shadows creep in from below. A rough pulse lacerates while horror begins to intrude on the tentative chimes that still flicker lightly. The track ends on a warmer and more encouraging note as high notes skip quickly past.

“Cryoh Wound” comes to life as propulsive bass pulses rhythmically and chiming notes flicker in a filigreed pattern above it. Enfolding synth vibrates while the drums and bass add insistent strength. Towering, active bass slides in rough walls to become shivering and dangerous feeling as gritty sounds sweep.

Pipe-organ like synth distorts as the bass pulse becomes angry and hectic below the wonderfully regal melody. Giant drums explode with huge force while effulgent, surging synth flares and the initial rhythmic pulse returns again. Glimmering synth dances out in a twinkling pattern, shaped by the heaving weight below it as the organ-like, noble notes fade and the track ends on washing sound.

Stygian bass moves below medium-low, heavy synth that drops in lugubrious lines to create portentous emotion as “Architects of the Last Days” begins. String-like synth slowly arpeggiates in full-sounding lines.

The bass has a lurking quality but the glistening, string-like synth carries a melody that wraps me in soothing emotion as it unfolds. Bubbling arpeggios add texture as monumental bass forms a supporting ground below them. Flaring synth intertwines as metallic, bell-like notes echo above it.

Buoyant chords are carried by the massive bass flow underneath them. Shiny synth carries the diaphanous melody as it trails along above the dominant bass weight undulating below it. A glow permeates the highest notes as muscled bass pulsates and serene synth rises. String-like notes trickle past and the track ends in meditative calm.

“Epilogue: Memories of Orion” opens as starry pinpoints of light float out into openness underpinned by a soft, airy rumble. Slow arpeggiating notes slip past in a galactic blanket as triumphant synth carries a flowing line that is melancholy and wistful while the slowly trickling arpeggiation moves.

Acoustic guitar carries a melodic pattern that hurts and dreams nostalgically as flickering synth above it slides past, full of loss and need. The main synth melody draws me in and creates acute sensations of yearning for times gone by before everything ends on cosmic shine and breathy float. I feel that this track is the ideal album closer, encapsulating the emotional tenor of the music.

Conclusion

Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black feels like a symphonic work to me, rather than strictly an album in the modern sense. It has depth, richness and detail in that reminds me more of classical compositions than a series of loosely linked tracks. Peter Gagliardi has produced music that takes hold of me and refuses to let go, in the best way possible.

Fraver - The Unknown Awaits Us

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Fraver’s The Unknown Awaits Us unfolds in an image rich synth tapestry that carries the listener on a journey across deep space, facing danger and darkness. The intensity is leavened by beautiful, delicate moments as Fraver weaves all the synth sounds into a richly layered whole.

Journeying through soundscapes on The Unknown Awaits Us is one of my favourite parts of the listening experience. Fraver seamlessly combines his synth palette to draw me into the shifting emotional terrain of the music while painting cosmic vistas through intertwining sound. As a result, I can close my eyes and simply allow myself to travel through the album.

Each synth sound on The Unknown Awaits Us functions within a layered sonic ecosystem. I feel that Fraver spent some time crafting each track to make the best use of his sonic choices. As the album unfolds, these interwoven sounds all come together to create music with powerful expression, creating sensations of triumph and danger. Each texture and timbre deepens the overall emotional tenor of the album.

I was especially galvanized by the more ethereal, fragile tracks on the album. Fraver manages to fill me with tranquility in those moments. I enjoy the way in which he provides a space to rest and breathe in between the more powerful and dramatic moments in the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Spacewalk” comes to life as a creaking, shadowy sound shifts and rapidly battering drums rush in. Angular notes climb, ramping up the track’s energy as dramatically twisting synth effectively creates growing urgency above pulsating drums. A guitar calls out in a drifting, majestically roaming pattern above bursting snare drum and slicing bass line.

The guitar adds a roving sensation before gliding out along with a delicately slipping synth pattern. Trumpeting synth echoes out in an energetic twirl as a kick drum pounds and lacerating bass shifts with agitation. Soaring synth with a brassy quality contrasts with undulating, razor-sharp bass and melancholy-tinged guitar. Flickering higher notes flit past and the track fades out.

Slowly pulsating bass shifts below cosmically sliding higher synth to open “Eternal Orion.” Snare drum bursts in above gargantuan, deadly sounding bass. Noble, slowly unfolding medium-high synth glows as it carries a melody mingling tragedy and power above guiding percussion and colossal bass.

Snarling weight moves underneath a fragile, ethereally gliding background while wide-sounding synth sings a melody that gives me a powerful impression of galactic vistas opening out around me.

A snare drum ticks along steadily and percussion trembles above the enormous bass. Gritty synth chords thunder out to add even more muscle and tragedy-tinged emotion. The low end shapes the music and the track ends with galactic drift and radiant glow.

“Master” starts as vast bass growls below shining synth with a reverent quality. Threatening bass snarls in waves as fragile synth swirls out in contrast to the seething darkness. There’s ominous power in the bass as it throbs along with heavy drums hitting hard while cutting, medium high synth shifts.

A synth string section carries a melody exuding tragic emotion and loss above the looming bass far below. Tense, nervous minor key notes wander as the battering drums push on. This track creates a pleasing terror in me. I feel like I need glance over my shoulder as minor key notes twitch through the track while bass reaches out grasping tendrils.

Elevated, worried synth adds a terrified feeling as the tension racks up further. Drums rebound and bass dominates the music. Taut synth cries out in fear above the mass below it, a crushing thing exuding dread as disembodied sounds drift. Lacerating notes add grit while higher synth slips worshipfully in contrast to the horror all around it. The track ends as intense light radiates from elevated notes.

Bursting snare drum echoes into space as steadily oscillating, sharp-edged bass pulses and the drums form a guiding beat to commence “Hyperspeed.” Roundly glowing synth carries a melody mingling wistful emotion with something heavier above thudding snare drum and pounding kick drum.

The main melody skillfully conveys loss and dynamism. Bass oscillation and thumping drums are joined by a grinding guitar slicing in gruff motion while the glistening lead synth sings more gently. The guitar adds a ferocious feeling, tearing into the track as it comes in.

There's a break to unevenly pulsing, buzzing synth. Soft-edged synth tinges the music with diffused light while the trembling bass cuts harshly. The guitar has jagged edges carrying angry energy while tendrils of brighter synth twine around it. Tom hits rapidly pulsate and the hard-edged bass falls silent.

“Singularity” starts as mysterious-sounding synth slips while sharp-edged, elevated notes climb. Looming bass creates vast weight as hard-hitting drums punch. Intensely glowing synth carries a minor key melody mingling threat and melancholy in an intriguing fashion.

Broadly glistening lead synth carries the pained, ominous melody as distant sounds shift. Drums thunder, heaving bass rumbles and flashing synth adds a victorious quality to the main melody’s ache.

Powerfully bright synth carries the mournful and dangerous sounding melody above the low end’s great mass and lurking shadowy sensations. Bass drives on and the drumbeat pounds before the track fades out.

Diaphanous synth slides past, permeating the music with a reverent feeling as clear sounds cut through to open “The Unknown Awaits Us.” Absolutely towering bass forms a slightly gritty underpinning to the elevated synths that flicker above it.

Bass begins to pulse powerfully as flaring synth carries a gently rising melody, tinged with ache but still reaching forward. Delicate chiming notes shine as the bass falls away. The track drifts through a tenderly swirling, calming segment that radiates peace as it slowly moves.

I feel relaxation fill me as the softness again is guided by powerfully throbbing synth as drums rush onward and the colossal bass well swells up below. There’s motion and acceleration as mingled pain and yearning fill the main melody while the bass grows and fills the low end as the drums drive onward.

“Starfall” begins as a hollow sound echoes into vast space. Static flows and warming synth chords grow beneath elevated sounds drifting by. Steadily guiding drums throb to add support while sharply slicing sounds descend. Full synth chords rise above the cutting sounds before bass oscillates.

Lost, open-sounding synth wanders as it effectively fills me with empty feelings. The drums accelerate along with rushing bass as hammering, metallic sounds reverberate. Drums charge forward as pipe organ like chords gleam before the bass oscillates along with a hammering sound and the track ends.

Coruscating synth rapidly roams as a kick drum thuds and a big snare drum presses on to bring “Space Gate Keeper” to life. A bass wall thunders through static hiss before the majestic main melody soars. I enjoy the way in which the main melody fills me me with a feeling of nobility and ancient pride as crushing drums and towering bass power on.

Quickly wandering synth flows before the melody rises again, exuding timelessly reverent emotion. Elevated synth tumbles before the track moves into slowly shifting, supportive chords that flow widely above rushing bass oscillation.

The snare and kick drums press onward as gritty background static in the fills the track. Orchestral string sounds come in, enhancing the gravitas and strength of the main melody. Vibrating synth cascades as gigantic sounds tower and the low end pushes forward before silence falls.

Conclusion

The Unknown Awaits Us exudes a compelling sense of adventuring through starry vaults as it moves along. Fraver takes me and guides me through the auditory world that he has created with confidence. I enjoy every step of the journey as it carries me away.

Walmind - Walls Of Time

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Walmind’s Walls Of Time exudes airy tranquility and wistful emotion as it travels through lushly woven synthscapes. First-rate vocal performances add to the album’s emotional depths and the whole atmosphere has a tropical sensation filling it with warmth. I enjoy the relaxing, slightly melancholy sensation that unfolds through the music.

Both Walmind and Ligia bring their expressive and touching voices to bear on Walls of Time. They each have distinctive qualities to their vocal performances that lend more depth to the music. I also find the way in which they capture the lyrics to be affecting and touching. The end result are songs that may be short, but make a strong connection with my heart.

A mixture of well-chosen synth sounds and sensitive composition creates an atmosphere on Walls Of Time that bathes me in aquamarine peace and tropical warmth. Walmind has chosen synths that radiate relaxation and calm, occasionally contrasted with a sharper sound to balance the music out. I find myself drifting into a misty environment as the synth washes over me easily.

For me, this album has a summery essence to it that I find hard to resist. I enjoy the way that all of the musical elements combine to produce music for soothing afternoons in the warm sun. There’s a cohesion to this album that makes it easy to listen to more than once.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Walls Of Time” starts off as a plush synth provides a cushioning cradle for medium-high notes flaring gently out as sharper sounds cut through for contrast. Slowly throbbing synth moves in a wide swathe, guided by a steadily moving snare drum.

Broad synth forms a breezy pattern above bursting snare drum and interlocking notes as a gritty sound slices through. Alien flute-like synth carries a fragile melody with a wonderfully soothing feeling over the widely pulsating drumbeat. Medium-low synth repeats a clear pattern as gruff sound cuts in.

A whale song sound cries out before tautly pulsing synth forms a pattern. Breathy, twisting synth adds a floating quality above widely scattered snare drum and thick bass. Nasal-sounding, lambent notes flash out and silence falls.

A richly entangled synth wash wraps me in a comforting cocoon as cleanly rippling arpeggios spin easily to open “Heart”. The drumbeat flits out to smoothly shape the music. Walmind’s voice is tender and exudes heartfelt emotion as he calls out into the song.

Lightly pulsing drums shape to the music under the background’s aquatic, rippling sensation. Medium-high, sharp-edged synth sings a melody that reaches out with yearning fingers as gruff bass swells.

Drums tap with laid back ease under Walmind’s touching vocals. Gleaming lead synth carries a melody mingling melancholy leavened by hope. The drumbeat adds motion as bass wells up to create support below it. The song slides to an end on a soft synth flow.

The narrator speaks of walking down the streets and seeing the other person watching him. He says “I’ve nothing to fear” even if it seems he wouldn’t go to them. The song’s subject has “bet your heart to stay with me” in spite of his fear for many years.

“Brazilian Synthwave” begins as an astral soundscape with flowing wind moves above billowing bass as Brazilian percussion comes in. Tautly nasal-sounding synth pulses in short bursts as percussion adds a tropical flavour.

Medium-high, bending synth creates a charming sensation of humid breezes and palm trees. In the background, synth whorls intertwine in a calming motion as steadily bursting drums add shape. Distant, softly touching synth wriggles past as nasally pulsing notes drift.

The main melody curls comfortably, giving off easy going sensations as the Brazilian percussion adds a unique flavour. A smoothly gliding segment carries the wistfully aching melody and before the drumbeat jumps in. Tropically flavoured percussion taps above the lush low end. Wind sweeps above bass clouds that guide the track to an end.

Slowly enfolding synth bubbles up as elevated notes ring out above it, gently swaying, to open “It’s More than Just A Dream.” Ligia has a tender expression in her voice as broadly pulsing snare drum adds shape above oscillating bass motion.

Rounded, medium high synth carries a melody that fills me with affectionate sensations as it reverberates with digital sound. The vocals capture deep need and wistful yearning in the lyrics as the drumbeat pulsates and trickling, smooth synth ripples out.

The main melody slips by again, lightly touching and aching with intense need before delicately gliding notes tremble. Ligia’s voice is tranquil as sparkling synth carries the floating melody, like a loving caress, out into silence on rippling arpeggios.

The storyteller says that she wanted the song’s subject to want her as well for “all the time I was loving you.” She points out that she’s only telling the truth and it is more than a nightly dream. She asks the other person if they see the stars and the light because “I give you everything I feel inside.”

“No Matter How Far” starts as washing synth forms a languid flow as it flashes past in slow, broad sparkles. Snare drum splashes in again as Ligia’s voice brims over beautifully with loving passion as sharp edged synth flares out in sunlit waves.

Tightly wound, elevated synth carries a melody mixing passion, hope and dreamy emotion as the towering drums leap in to add shape. The vocals rise, capturing the feeling in the lyrics above throbbing drums and bass. Clean, trembling synth vibrates and the melody sings in again, rising on a luminous cloud as the low end guides the music.

Rapidly dancing notes glimmer and echo into open space as the track slips on, Ligia’s singing adds emotional strength as the luminous main melody shines through with hurting, hopeful emotion. Sharp edged notes flash before silence falls.

Our narrator says that she’s waiting through the night, every day of her life to be the other person’s “bright moon.” The other person wants her back but it’s tough when “day and night don’t match.” The storyteller realizes that no matter how far apart they are, she is on the other person’s mind. In the midst of her sorrow she knows that “I gave you all the love.”

Reverberating, cascading synth flashes out into openness along with rumbling, full bass to open “Echoes Of My Mind.” Smoothly guiding percussion joins a sharp-edged bass pulsation as radiant synth trembles above the steady drumbeat and luscious bass.

Peaceful contemplation pervades the track in a deeply pleasing fashion. The background synth is silky smooth and the percussion skips along with a laid back sensation.

Bass with an unctuous sonic profile keeps moving far below, adding weight. Air slips through as synth waves lap up against the track’s low end and the drumbeat adds form. I find myself sailing away, carried above a calm soundscape and out into space.

“Astronomy” commences as fragile chimes echo underneath shimmering synth drifting through in twinkling motion. Dense bass wells up and open-sounding drums tick to create rhythm.

Nasal-sounding, medium-high synth slides with a slowly tumbling motion through the track, adding meditative tranquility in an ear-pleasing fashion. Now sharply glistening synth adds lustre to the track while luscious bass moves. The lead synth’s soft-edged, delicate sound rolls through the track.

Chimes add settling feelings to the music while a dense bass cloud expands below. I find myself sinking into the enfolding tenderness of this track, out among galaxies as flickering notes trip through and silence falls.

Broadly spinning arpeggios sweep in as clear, cutting synth leaps in rapid motion to kick off “Ego Block.” Massive bass actively shifts as huge drums pound solidly. Lissome, glowing synth washes through in extended notes as throbbing drums add strength and motion.

Bass pulsates in moving lines as radiant synth frolics in an energetic movement while the drumbeat presses on. Taut synth quickly shivers and the track’s low end adds dynamism.

I enjoy the mixture of floating sounds with more activity to contrast with them. Flashing synth adds a clear light as it trickles through above growling bass and muscled drums. The track ends on luminosity and gruff synth whorls.

Conclusion

Walls Of Time is an album drenched in the feelings of gentle breezes breathing tropical moisture against my skin, languorous days spent relaxing and a hint of something wistful and melancholy to leaven the more soothing feelings in the music.