Beckett - Pixel Perfect

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Beckett’s Pixel Perfect captures the pure joy and exuberance of classic video game soundtracks from the 8 and 16-bit era. His lush mixture of distinctive sounds, ear-pleasing melodies and irrepressible energy carries me into memory and through exciting synthscapes. This album’s entertainment factor is enormous for me!

An excellent blend of new synths and old school console and arcade sounds infuses Pixel Perfect with a fun blend of nostalgia and aural pleasure. Beckett freely mixes the different audio signatures to create pleasing textures and tones that add to the spirit and youthful energy that pervade the tracks. I also take a lot of joy from the memories evoked here.

One crucial characteristic of the best video game music is strong melodic writing. Pixel Perfect allows Beckett to show off his melodic chops to good effect. He crafts clear and engaging melodies that explode with life and tease my ears with their sweetness and encouraging emotional content. I am happy that Beckett can touch me so directly with his music.

Another aspect of the album that I find engaging is the jazz fusion sensibility that infuses the album. I can hear the Japanese video game influence in that jazzy sound and as a massive fan of classic VGM it keeps me coming back to listen over and over. Pixel Perfect has me hooked.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“STARFIGHTER" comes to life as drums with tremendous weight flourish and dynamically bursting synth explodes into an actively jumping melodic pattern that accelerates forward rapidly. There’s a slight dip in which extended notes plane and spinning, elevated sounds trickle as massive bass surges.

Active bass intricately intertwines as bright synth carries a melody conveying motion and action as horns wriggle dynamically. Chimes ring out above the gnarly bass groove. The horn section is exultant as drama grows in flashing synth chords as drums and bass rebound.

The brass section soars upward as shimmering arpeggios whirl underneath and drums throb. Metallic notes flit and elevated, nasally glowing synth pleasingly evokes aerial acrobatics for me. A jazzy piano dances and drums and bass rush. Horns vault and the piano bounces in energizing motion. Brass climbs and a hectic, chiming note pattern fades.

Unique percussion sounds support a xylophone that adds warmer accents over knotty bass guitar. Hollow chimes ring out before the brass section stabs in like sunlight on a plane’s wings. Glistening brass notes call out, flying skyward before returning to the accelerative main melody. The track ends on wildly glowing horns and a tense arpeggio.

Subtle bass flows as a taut synth caries a tensely repeating figure, ramping up the urgency to open “Clock Stopper.” A computerized bleep sounds as the tense note pattern is joined by a jet engine firing up.

Powerful retro drums smack into the track to add motion as angular bass writhes. Blaring synth cuts in quickly flaring lines while the snare drum pushes on. Jazz fusion brass adds enjoyable, lively energy and light as chimes swirl.

A punchy, skittering drum solo creates speeding life and the bass is catchy and lively. Horns keep up the gleaming motion as chimes sparkle with sunlight and the drumbeat has springy life and power before it fades.

“Clear Skies” begins as resonating xylophone reverberates richly and warming chords support it. The xylophone melody is full of untroubled emotion as the lush bass below adds support. Now round-toned, smooth synth carries a melody deep with swirling air currents and relaxing feelings along with jazz inflections.

The drums add shape and the bass has an unctuous texture. I enjoy the sailing nature of the main melody, light and laid back, contrasting with the dancing xylophone. Guiding drums brush and the luscious bass flows and the track ends on gentling chords.

There’s a classic “select” sound and then 8-bit noise channel drums burst to start “Select Your Player.” A crunchy bass line is cut with flaring 8-bit arpeggiation as an active bass and drum pulse moves.

Angular, computerized notes lock into an vitality-filled melody that moves above the sharp-edged low end. There’s twangy bass and the main melody bops along, exuding fun energy before ending with flaring light.

“Sonic Junction” begins with a funky bass line that moves along with finger snaps and bursting snare drum along with solidly pulsating kick drum. The lead synth jumps into an upbeat and dynamic melody while chimes trickle and horns effectively carry blue sky energy and groovy joy.

Hollow, breezy synth pops along with lively encouragement. Panpipes call out with breathy light as they float with sunny calm above knotted bass and jumping drums. The panpipes are playful as they hop along and record scratches cut in.

The main melody has effortless cool, just like Sonic, as a cascading synth solo flips through with positive vibes while big drums and bass interlock. Chimes ring while the horns snap out with radiant gleam as chimes flare and the upbeat main melody fades.

The ‘90s arcade sensibility in “Jackin’ Daytona” is evoked from the get go with a thudding dance bass and drum pattern. Slightly fuzzed synth chords add jazz fusion energy as record scratches pop in.

A pumping piano-like synth line with dynamic chord changes builds up the energy as engines roar, crowds applaud and funky bass takes the track to an end.

I enjoy this track’s evocation of sitting down in the seat at the arcade, grabbing the wheel and putting the coins in, ready to have a blast with your friends.

“Turtles Investigate The Source” captures the musical world of old school Ninja Turtles games. Distant city traffic sounds are joined by ticking percussion and flashing synth trickling past. Glimmering chimes add more radiance as city noises shift in the background. Jangling synth notes intertwine with dramatic life through the music.

Popping drums create shuffling motion as orchestra hits punch in. Spiky, medium-high synth cuts in, carrying a melody that roams with a pleasingly loose-limbed, intrepid feeling as orchestra hits smack in below. Growling bass moves as drums hit hard and metallic notes flare. Nasal, rounded synth cries out with intense motion and sharp notes slice in with a guitar-like feeling.

A sampled voice moves with record scratching and rebounding, dancing drums. The main melody flies out again, full of irrepressible vivacity as orchestra hits keep flying out to redouble the track’s power. The drums propel the music and all of the sonic elements launch toward the end of the track.

Car doors shut, keys go into the ignition and the radio scans stations to commence “RUSH (Chase HQ Version).” A pulsing Outrun beat dances in as arpeggios ripple with crystal light. Guitar cries out with passion over the flowing drum and bass rush. The guitar-like synth carries a mellow melody as chimes flicker to create gentle illumination.

Pulsating drums and bass press on and radio messages come through to tell a dramatic chase story. Scintillating chimes ring out and the guitar melody has a glistening quality as it gives off pastel vibes above the rushing synthwave beat. The chimes add blazing light as slipping arpeggios trail.

The guitar unfurls with a smooth jazz sensibility and a silky motion that I find deeply enjoyable. Jazz organ flows along in luminous note clusters, a gliding feeling pervading the track. The drums and bass have a liquid flow and arpeggios twirl. The track’s main melody dances along once more before silence falls.

“The Search for 34 (SNES Edition)” opens as a bending, SNES bass sample is cut into by a voice over that sets the stage for the song’s tale to be told. Flaring synth rises as powering up sounds begin. The track launches with a rushing drumbeat as SNES trumpet samples jump up in a motivating melody while the percussion's solidity adds form and massive bass towers.

Arpeggios twirl out as the bass forms a surging pattern underneath, their fierce energy adding support to the exultant trumpets as drums tick along. The horns arc upward before quickly stabbing above the actively shifting bass line while orchestra hits punch. Trumpeting synth sings out in an adventurous melody that soars into the stars. The SNES sounds take me back to being a kid again.

A medium-high, brilliant synth carries a free-wheeling solo that exudes action and excitement as it whirls wildly. I enjoy the twangy funk of the bass as brassy synth flies out with mad energy. The story continues with 34’s pilot on the radio as oscillating bass moves below. The fiery brass section climbs again and bass shifts with intense life while the drums skip along. Blaring synth triumphantly matches the victorious emotions of rescuing 34’s crew as the track ends.

Lithe synth sails out with enfolding warmth to start “Congratulations.” Shimmering, organ-like synth briefly touches the music while a drumbeat begins to shape the track with a relaxed motion. Brightly gleaming, string-like synth unfurls in a melody with tender emotion wrapped up in it.

Chiming notes flicker with a charming, hopeful melody as bass pulses along with a guiding snare drum. I picture motes of light dancing on blue water in the main melody, carried on glinting synth. Flashing chords add a glow as digital-sounding notes spin in scudding arpeggios. As the track ends, the tranquil melody skips into silence.

“Thanks For Playing” opens as shiny synth wriggles out in a melody overflowing with good feelings above punchy drums and surging bass. The melody is radiant as string-like notes ripple and piano chords effectively increase the track’s celebratory quality, tinged with wistful emotion. The drumbeat bursts and raised chimes carry the track to an end.

Conclusion

Pixel Perfect is one of the most entertaining albums I’ve reviewed in 2023. Beckett has captured all of the innocent pleasure that old school video games can provide without falling into simple pastiche. I have a blast every time I play this album and how can you top that?

The Magic Portal - “Vol.1: Portal To Dimension One”

Art by Luca of eLxAr

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Magic Portal's Vol.1: Portal To Dimension One is an emotionally complex, musically engaging audio exploration using a wide-ranging synth palette. The Magic Portal skilfully weaves mood, atmosphere and sound into a layered journey through diverse soundscapes. I am drawn to the way in which synthesized sounds can create intense feelings on this album.

I am struck by the melancholy that seems to move throughout Portal To Dimension One. In spite of the varied energy levels and tempos, a lingering sense of aching emotion permeates the tracks. The Magic Portal’s music here has a yearning quality that touches me, even when it is only subtly apparent. It makes me feel and that draws me in.

As The Magic Portal deploys his rich synth palette, he effectively uses the variety of tonal colours, timbres and auditory textures to paint feelings. I am pulled in by the way in which he manages to evoke joy, triumph, loss and pained emotion by combining, contrasting and interweaving synth sounds. I enjoy the way he can reach out to create emotion in me. I also want to mention Cocaine For Toothache’s production input on “Night Flight.

Melody is one of the strongest tools in The Magic Portal’s musical kit. He writes melodies that deftly capture feelings and sensations with clarity. There is a special skill that he shows when writing melodic parts which allows him to move seamlessly between different moods within a single track. The end result only deepens the feelings on the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“2977: Kids Playground” comes into existence with a soft background hiss while fragile synth glides in the distance as a subtle arpeggio rippling in. All the musical elements begin to crescendo as brightness fills the drifting synth while the arpeggio becomes a rapid rush.

Synth sparkles in a wash while solidly punching retro drums create a driving pulse along with active bass. Celestial synth moves in a hazy pattern while the giant drums and solid bass hit hard. After a drum flourish, the subtle arpeggios spin with a soft touch while the percussion presses on.

Now the main melody shines on a glistening synth, tinged with an emotional ache and tenderness that melts me. The huge drums and oscillating bass support the melancholy melody. The melody slips slowly past while air sweeps and arpeggios skip in spinning motion. Diaphanous sounds slide past while relentless drums and shimmering notes flash past.

The main melody floats in again with a tentative ache as it is shaped by twirling arpeggios and heavy percussion. A rounded, breezy synth solo dances through with a gossamer quality and gentle radiance, carrying me in a cradling melody that tugs at my heart and fades out huge bass, leaping light and an arpeggio that drifts to silence.

Scintillating synth sends light beaming out above an undulating bass line with a sinuous feeling to open "The Roaring City.” There’s a triumphant quality in the lead synth that marries with more pained emotions in the melody above smooth bass.

A slowly pulsating snare and kick drum combo adds more form to the lead synth and flowing bass. I am touched by the elegiac feeling in the sunlit lead synth as air begins to flow through the background. Crystal chimes call out with delicacy in a melody with a wistful air as bending synth swirls.

A secondary melody that roams. As the snare and kick drums pulse, lucent chords bathe the music in misty glow and bass scuds easily along. A diffuse gleam fills the background as calm descends on me in a veil. Kick drum throbs as piano-like notes shimmer gently and a snare drum ticks. Twisting synth cries out and chimes flit before the track ends.

“The Thick Blood Of The City” commences as muscled bass rapidly oscillates and elevated arpeggios with a cutting edge spin. Huge drums throb as clear synth flashes in a regular pulse. The bass has a tremendous elastic energy and the snare drum creates steady motion.

Cascading radiance slides from high synth as sinuous bass ripples. Tension increases in the rapid arpeggios while drums hit with real force. Drifting synth cries out in a haunting refrain, touching me with a lonely feeling as it floats in the ether.

Drums heave and an arpeggio calls out with a profound sense of disconnection while the power below it throbs on and drums pulsate evenly. Digital-sounding chimes trickle through and silence falls.

Nasally flickering synth weaves above a rapidly trembling bass line to become a shimmering tide over punching drums and dark bass to kick off “Circuits." The underlying chords hold shadowy mystery while stellar glistening fills the cascading high notes.

Wide-sounding, effulgent synth cries out with dominant triumph that lifts me up. Sharply jangling, metallic notes ring out above the heavy weight below them. Wind sweeps as computerized notes tremble and heaving bass pushes on. Emotive strings wash through and the drumbeat adds intense strength below tumbling, razor-edged notes. The track fades on sparkling light.

“Night Flight” begins as distantly shining notes slip past and colossal bass slowly trembles. A rushing drumbeat moves as soft notes with a gossamer feeling glide past with a melancholy ache. The low end spools to propel the track onward. There’s a tentative feeling emanating from the delicately touching melody as spinning synth slices through.

The open-voiced, diffused lead synth has a trailing feeling as a xylophone-like instrument sings a tranquil melody to contrast to the ferocious low end. Cut glass chimes shiver and resonant, string-like notes intertwine while metallic, bell-like synth vibrates while the kick drum throbs softly.

Raised, glimmering notes trickle in and scudding drums guide on. There’s a pleasing sensation of being carried across vast skies, gliding on silent wings above the ground as it rushes past. There’s distance in the music as hugely pulsating synth and liquid sounds end the track.

Bass with Stygian depths rumbles as galactic sounds slip past to start "One Portal Closes, Another Opens.” A bass heartbeat underpins angular, medium-high synth that entangles as it floats past. Rounded, stellar notes with a pained quality shine as hazy chimes shimmer with fragility.

Gigantic drum and bass motion contrasts with the glimmering chimes. There is great strength in the low end compared to the more uncertain high synth as breathy notes sweep. Piercing synth calls out in a melody that draws me above the clouds, effectively creating illumination as it cries out.

The surging bass tide below growls on while drums thunder. There’s a sense of deep nobility in the elevated synth as it cuts through the other sonic elements. Chimes flicker with a distant galaxy’s light as the energy below towers before silence falls.

Conclusion

Portal To Dimension One is music that creates a unique sonic world and then invites the listener in to explore it fully. It’s an album that engages me and keeps me traveling along on the journey on which it takes me.

Neon Vice 83 - Ocean Signals

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Neon Vice 83’s Ocean Signals is a blue water journey that voyages through oceanic peace across lusciously textured synthscapes and tidal energy. Neon Vice 83 weaves together soothing melodies, aquatic evocations and low end power to create a marine audio journey.

All of the ways in which Ocean Signals creates the sensation of floating in the sea and moving through water make for a lush listening experience. Neon Vice 83 has skilfully chosen synth tones and textures that paint imagery of waves gently washing, sunlight glinting on the ocean’s surface and currents swirling powerfully.

I am also drawn to the way in which Ocean Signals uses melody. The melodies are imbued with unfurling dreamy sensations and hints of melancholy that mingle with the enfolding serenity. Neon Vice 83 uses his melodies to pull the listener further into the atmosphere that drifts and sails along.

Mood is a strong part of why I enjoy the album. The music wraps around me with caressing motion, pulling me into the tropical seas of its sound. I lose myself in a watery world that leaches my stress away and lifts me past the worries of the day to day. This is ideal music for escaping the madness of the current world.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Hands Over Water” comes to life as bubbling fills the track along with slowly undulating, glowing synth. Radiant, slowly rolling synth creates a gliding pattern while a hard-hitting house drumbeat propels the music.

Sparkling notes flicker and soft-edged, medium-low synth carries a silken melody that sets my body at ease. In contrast the drums and bass add motion. Now glistening synth notes slide into the track as trembling bass shivers underneath.

The melody has an aching tinge to its calming motion as the drumbeat skips softly and chimes tinkle. Shining undulation continues along with the throbbing house beat while I let the melody’s gentle tendrils wrap me in their calm feelings and silence falls.

Peaceful ease floats through the background as solid percussion adds form and glimmering synth light slips out to open “Ocean Signals.” Deep tranquility in the low end permeates my mind, releasing tension as panpipes drift smoothly.

Now medium-high, string-like synth entangles with an angular feeling while the drumbeat guides the music and bass throbs. Varied percussion lightly touches as the panpipes give off a blue light, suffusing the music as they ripple. Widely knotting, string-like synth moves hypnotically, creating a contemplative state in me while the low end grows quiet.

“High Waves” starts as medium-high synth with a resonant quality drifts in a tidal flow to create a relaxing, somewhat aching feeling. A ticking percussive element lightly guides the track while seabirds cry and water slips in the background.

Effulgent synth notes flare and trail off as the main melody keeps cascading with soft emotion. The throbbing house beat adds motion to the meditative feeling of the track. Sunnily flashing synth drifts out in a hopeful melody that permeates me with positive feelings.

Drums drop out as the iridescent melodic notes shimmer. A rapidly rushing, hollow sound vibrates as the drums accelerate back into a weighty pulse. The main melody calls out on, making me feel as if I am floating in cool water, the sun bathing my upturned face.

Deeply burbling synth lusciously weaves an undulating pattern before fat drums hit with solid weight to begin “Discovery.” Steadily oscillating notes vibrate as reverent turquoise synth ripples and descends in slowly moving waves. The low end provides a steady influence that becomes more active as the music unfolds.

Twirling, distorted synth carries a melody evoking exploratory and quizzical feelings as the drums throb below. I am drawn to the slowly undulating sound that permeates the music in constant oceanic motion. Worshipful airiness fills the background. Peaceful contemplation fills the track as it comes to an end.

“Beaches And Sand” comes to life as steady static crackling joins subtly oscillating panpipes. Flashing synth broadly pulses and sparkling notes trickle. Broken, open-voiced sounds move with a guitar-like notes as bass trembles in quickly rolling lines.

Playfully frolicking, chiming synth carries a joyful melody above the guiding drums and rich bass. Static crackles again as arpeggios revolve distantly and flickering light accents tautly twanging guitar.

A drum hit flits past and clapping sounds echo. The main melody pops along, giving me a charmingly nostalgic image of playing on the sand as a child while the ocean smoothly splashes on the expansive beach.

Conclusion

Ocean Signals creates the sensation of slipping into the warm water of a tropical ocean to swim amidst vibrant corals and teeming reef fish. It fills me with a combination of nostalgia, relaxation and melancholy while carrying me on its guiding drumbeat and bass motion.

Future Analog - Lost Without You

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Future Analog’s Lost Without You explores all the joys and sorrows of a relationship as it evolves and becomes complicated. The mixture of Paul Aston’s (Future Analog) strong songwriting, richly layered synth interactions and guest performances create a synthpop album shot through with energy and melancholy.

The songwriting approach that Paul Aston & Wesley Reid take on Lost Without You has a refreshingly direct feeling that I enjoy. The songs cut right to the heart of whatever emotional situation is being explored and drives it home for the listener. Each song takes hold of your feelings and pulls you more deeply into them as the song unfolds.

All of the synth choices on Lost Without You capture and intensify the expressive nature of the songwriting. Paul Aston is able to translate the words into musical concepts that bolster the emotional punch of each song. I am enamoured of the way in which he supports the songs with music that suits them so well.

Wesley Reid’s vocal performances are another stand out for me on the album. His voice has soulful intensity, a broad range and an emotive punch and these factors all help convey the lyrics of the songs. I feel that Wesley Reid has an excellent ability to drive home the songs with conviction. I must also say that Paul Aston’s own vocal performances are unique and engaging.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Searching” erupts with retro energy and joyful emotion. Hollow drums hit hard and pumping, driving bass is joined by flickering synth light. Trumpeting, gleaming synth sings an uplifting melody before Wesley Reid’s unique, expressive voice carries a melody full of dynamic life.

Warm synth tones burst and enfold the chorus as powerful drums and bass pound on. Ringing synth trembles out with bright energy as Wesley Reid’s caressing, encouraging voice soars out over active drums and bass.

Lead synth shines with radiant light as It fills the music with its rich tones and angular bass undulates. Quick notes sparkle and broadly glowing lead synth carries the hopeful, positive melody. The vocals are full of hope and we end on rounded, sparkling arpeggios and shiny chimes.

Our storyteller speak about how he’s been looking for the other person, hoping to find them. He says that he never “thought you would come into my life now” adding that his heart “skips a beat” when he sees the song’s subject.

In the chorus, the narrator talks about how he’s been seeking the other person and is thankful to have found them. He says that if his “searching had not lead to you” he is unsure of what he’d do.

Now the storyteller says that he’s been wishing for the other person. He adds that he had been “searching high and low” as he wished for the day that “would come to find someone like you.”

As the song ends, the narrator says “Have my heart, every day feels like a brand-new start.”

Digital-sounding, elastic synth ripples slowly before angelic notes breathe into the background to start “Free.” Solidly throbbing drums and bass kick in to propel the song. Wesley Reid’s strong, resonant voice carries a melody that bursts with energy above the pounding beat.

Rippling notes dance as Wesley Reid’s wonderfully expressive voice flows out with the jumping melody as the drums and bass punch on. Glowing background synth shines out above the hard-hitting low end. Wesley Reid’s vocals become more gentle and caressing as clapping percussion moves past.

Quick bass pulsations punctuate the vocals and now shining, frolicking synth leaps out with flashing light while the drums and bass drive on while dancing, nasal synth spins out a lively melodic line before the song ends.

This song’s narrator says he woke up to find a note from the song’s subject saying they’re leaving and now they’re not there. He points out that this has happened before and "I’m tired of all of these silly games.”

Our storyteller goes on to say that he deserves more and can’t ignore what the other person did to him. He tells them to hit the door because he’s “sure, never meant to be” so he’ll set the other person free.

The narrator’s eyes have been opened as he realizes that “the way that you were treating me was all in your plans.” He won’t take it and wants the other person to hear him when he says “it’s time for you to go, I gave you everything.”

As he says, “hear me roar” and heads out of the door, he realizes again that he isn’t able to ignore his treatment so it was clearly not meant to be. As he becomes aware, he’s started to love himself “through the good and bad with you.” Our storyteller isn’t taking it another day.

“From The Past” opens as Iwan Bedford’s surging synth undulates into the song along with unevenly throbbing bass. Wesley Reid’s emotive voice slips out gently while ethereal synth glides in the background. Oscillating bass supports angular synth pulses that merge with that bass heartbeat while Wesley Reid almost chants the vocals.

Punching drums and bass form a well-done contrast with delicate notes shining in the distance as bass flows along. Wesley Reid’s voice is soothing and a little dreamy as it carries the words while drums and bass shape the song.

Panpipes flit past with relaxed ease while the vocals ache just a little as the low end pumps on. Active percussion leaps as vibrating synth shifts and Wesley Reid’s vocals float past. Glistening distant notes trickle as undulating bass and delicate notes rise along with the lost feeling vocals before the song ends.

Our storyteller asks if the other person will remember him from the past. He speaks of looking out of a window “into a world of make believe” where a vision of his “perfect dream” materializes.

He asks his mirror to tell him what it sees and wonders if it will be “another cruel December.” Now he asks the song’s subject if they’ll remember him “when the morning comes” or if he will be a faded memory.

Echoing vocals join softly gliding notes split by glittering synth as the solidly throbbing drumbeat moves beneath them to begin “The World.” A soft shuffling sound accents the music before glowing synth sings an energizing melody.

Wesley Reid’s silky voice slips past carrying a melody tinged with loss above the thumping drums and solid bass as wide-sounding, lightly glistening synth curls through. Wesley Reid effectively captures the emotion in the words as pizzicato strings trickle and the percussion and bass leap.

Flaring synth rebounds past as chimes shine above bass depth. The main melody returns with its illuminating energy and the vocals yearn intensely. Quickly trembling synth with a string-like sound slides through. Sunlight radiates from elevated synth strings before silence falls.

The narrator wonders why the song subject is trying to obscure their feelings when he’s “seen it in your eyes” and he realizes that they are leaving but doesn’t know why. He asks “what can I do to save us?” He is desperate to know. Our narrator seeks reassurance and tells the other person that “my heart is in your hands.” He wants to share the future with the song’s subject and “give you the world.”

The storyteller says that “money won’t matter tonight” because he knows the other person is leaving. He says that losing them means he can’t survive. He points out that he is around and willing because “you’re everything.” Now there’s no time to wish and he prays for the other person to come back.

“You never told me you were leaving” is what the narrator states. He tells the song’s subject that they hold his heart and then asks how they can move toward healing. He says that he’ll give them the world and concludes “if you leave me there’ll, be darkness and silence.”

“Issues” commences as large, lush drums throb in time with a medium-high synth that cuts with angular luminosity as bass swells. Majestic, glimmering synth carries a melody with an enfolding, slightly pained quality as the drums and bass press on. Paul Aston's unique vocal timbre adds feeling to the lyrics.

His voice’s quality draws me inward as it is touched by shadow while glistening synth floats out above the huge drumbeat. Radiance fills the brassy synth as a note of positive energy comes in and the heaving low end drives the track.

Paul Aston’s voice has an engaging quality as the vocal melody vibrates and bass rebounds in hard-edged walls. Percussive motion carries the song onward and brightness fills high synth. The song ends with Paul Aston’s distinctive vocals.

The teller of this tale asks the song’s subject why they can’t see the issue they are facing. He adds that he always knew the other person was bad news “making me wanna disappear.” He continues to ask why they don’t see the problem and adds that he’s unsurprised by the truth and “now I’m glad we’re through.”

Our narrator says that the other person tried to exploit their good nature but now he won’t compromise because “you took my love for granted.” With them gone he feels like he can breathe. He repeats that they’ve got so many issues and asks what that person is trying to prove.

The storyteller says the other person thinks they’re angelic “so you can’t believe that you’ll never be.” He adds that one can’t be too careful because he “dodged a bullet.” He goes on to say that the other person was “trying to put me through it.”


The song’s subject is trying to gain him back but just cries. Our narrator points out that everything the other person did was wrong and they need to say goodbye because they only ever lied.

In the end, he’s happy the relationship has ended and he says he doesn’t “have to deal with that no more.” He’s free and can finally start to breathe again but he concludes “you don't realize it was love suicide.”


Reverent synth floats out over actively jumping percussion and fat bass to open “Be Alive.” The vocalist has a caressing and ethereal voice that carries the mysterious melody well. Her voice floats into choral synth with a worshipful feeling before warmth permeates the music.

The singer’s voice is emotive and soothing while giant bass pulsates and flaring synth moves. Fragile synth glints and flows while the singer’s voice has a tender quality, carrying the vocal melody with its minor key moments. Supporting synth intertwines in a filigreed tangle above dynamically undulating bass and softly pulsing drums before silence falls.

The storyteller says she’s feeling numbed by routine and he’s not proud of what she’s become but “I’m just too far gone.” She’s looking for a distraction and a different experience which is “something magnificent.”

Now our narrator goes on to ask “what would I give to be alive…to feel alive?” She answers herself by saying she’d give everything for “a brand new start…to stay alive” and a different plot.

This tale’s teller says that predictability defines her life and she’s tired of always working. She is looking for a disruption because “it’s unacceptable I need something different.”

“Beautiful Liar” starts as luminosity pours from intensely flashing synth as Paul Aston’s passionate voice cries out above it and colossal bass rumbles before the drums splash out. The vocal melody mingles desire and darker tones while light leaps from the broadly shimmering synth while the tremulous bass oscillation moves.

The drums create intense motion while Paul Aston fills his voice with expression and the giant drums collide as the bass creates muscled support. The chorus has deep power as widely rippling synth rebounds.

Now the bass waves flow rapidly and the drums pace the song easily. Paul Aston sings with poise and emotion as the propulsive low end rushes on and the huge bass gives the music dynamism while brassy notes flash and fade.

“Save the stories for someone who cares about you” is how the narrator opens the song as he adds that the other person just lies. The danger is in their beauty which is irresistible. He asks, “What have I missed?”

Now our storyteller answers his question by saying that he’s irritated with thee situation and “tired of this hesitating.” He questions why the other person has to tell so many lies because “when we were good, my heart was on fire.”

The narrator didn’t realize that the relationship would fail but the other person “turned out to be a beautiful liar.” He adds that the song’s subject thought they could manipulate him but “I see through your lies.” He says their disguise is poor and it’ll lead to their downfall.

He concludes, “You think just ‘cos you're beautiful…you can lie and still have it all…you can lie and you wouldn't fall.”

Conclusion

Lost Without You is full of life and expression. It takes the listener on a journey across a widely varying emotional terrain, supported by strong performances and musical choices that deepen and intensify the messages within each song. The end result is a enjoyable musical exploration of love and relationships.