WOLFCLUB - Desert Hearts

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

WOLFCLUB's Desert Hearts mixes passionate vocal performances with well-crafted lyrics and a deeply engaging synth palette. This is music with depth, intensity and a pleasing retro vibe wedded to crisp production. WOLFCLUB also takes on board talented guests who add even more richness to the music.

All of the vocal performances on Desert Hearts are first-rate. The group’s main vocalist, Stephen Wilcoxson, has a voice with a broad range and emotive power that can soar or ache with equal strength. The guest vocalists all bring voices with unique sounds and expressive depth to the mix, increasing the album’s ability to touch the listener.

Themes of love, betrayal, desire and loss fill the song lyrics on Desert Hearts. There’s a pleasing blend of darkness, evocative imagery and conflicting emotion within the words of the album. I enjoy the clarity and emotional power in the writing and how well all of the vocalists can translate those elements into audible feelings.

WOLFCLUB’s synth palette adds colour and vibrancy to the songs. Each sound is well-calculated to add to the expressive nature of the music. There’s a rich variety of tones, timbres and auditory signatures that interweave into lush tapestries as they twine around the vocals that are at the album’s heart.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Crystallise” comes to life as razor-edged, elevated synth leaps in sharp undulations above a chest-pounding kick drum. The synth pattern has a shattering clarity as it cries out with intense feeling while the snare drum slams. Guitar tangles in flaring motion, while bass roars along with hard hitting drums.

The female singer’s voice is flowing and expressive as it carries a melody mingling uplift and memory. Drums collide with tremendous power as the bright synth tide flows in entangled lines. Desire wars with loss in the lead singer’s voice in a pleasingly powerful manner.

Intensely pulsating notes fly out as the female singer expresses yearning emotion while the low end surges with sinewy strength. The guitar has a lightning dynamism as it jumps out above the massive muscle that propels the song with synth radiance glowing in the background. The lead singer imbues her voice with passionate feeling as the song ends.

The storyteller speaks about being able to “see…breathe…feel” the other person but she adds “then we both go and hide in the dark.” She goes on to say that the song subject knows she’ll break their heart. She says that they can run and hide but it doesn’t make a difference because “it’s all just a matter of luck.”

Our narrator points out that she has know the song’s subject for many years. When they were together, the other person was hers and their relationship was shared but “it all passed away into dust.” She is looking for a brief contact “to get high, to get by” and to recall that all of us are “just a shadow of love.”

She reminisces about being out in the night “when we were alive.” There was nothing but secrets and our storyteller asks how they can hide “in the lie of a kiss.” She blames the song’s subject for being the cause of the situation and now she can only dance alone. Seeking in the darkness, she fights to reach “the fire of the night of a kiss” which is the “only reason its like this.”

Reverberating, trembling synth weaves a warm, tangling flow above luscious bass sailing beneath it to begin “Journey To The Second Sun.” Stephen Wilcoxson and NYRE’s voices call out with an enfolding melody, echoing as a thudding kick drum supports flickering metallic synth.

The vocal melody holds need and wistful longing together, carried on the emotive vocals. Guitar flies in now, full of hopeful energy that flashes out above the powerful drum and bass motion supporting it. The guitar wheels through the music, slightly gritty as it spins out an energizing solo while drums pulsate.

Brightness flares from the guitar’s impassioned cries as radiant synth intertwines. The vocals capture all the mingled emotion pouring from the lyrics while a deep yearning permeates the melody.

This song’s lyrics speak of “falling through dust and through satellites (like) the second sun in a violet sky.” The lyrics ask if the narrator can go and if the darkness is the song subject’s home. Now a “rainbow of gravity” rips into the night as UV light is holding tight. The lyrics go on to speak of how the other person shows “light years of being alone.”

Now the lyrics talk about how “reflected, broken mirrors” cut the storyteller’s heart through the stars “on their solar wind.” In the chorus, the words speak about a second sun, adding “you can journey here.” The storyteller has lost their love but has the song subject’s to give. The song also speaks of how the main character lost their life but “I’ve got yours to live.”

In the final verse, the song says that its subject is in the narrator’s heart “like a chemical” and is in their veins as “the pain that I think I want.” The lyrics speak of a “desert heart” that’s like a smashed atom bomb, a heart whose “ventricles, they extend, through the universe.”

Widely glittering synth sweeps into a melody touched by wistful emotion despite its intense shine to start “Desert Hearts.” Dora Pereli’s voice caresses my ears tenderly, carrying a dreaming melody as a snare drum rattles in time to her singing.

In the background, luminous synth threads intertwine and provide a supporting lattice to Dora Perelli’s emotive vocal performance. Bursting drums accent the lyrical delivery, adding punctuation along with a growling guitar line. A gently longing quality fills the vocals in contrast to the drum pulse.

Medium-high, glistening synth leaps out in a melody that is touching and tranquil. Dora Pereli’s full voice glides along with expressive feeling and the drums keep throbbing. Broad-sounding guitar entangles with glowing synth and the song ends on flickering light.

Our narrator speaks of watching as time blurs together while she moves “from life to life just trying to re-connect.” She talks about detesting the ruins of her home town but adds “it’s a place to hesitate, or it’s a place to rest.”

The storyteller feels imprisoned by past desires “in the spare bedrooms” as she screams while her lungs feel like "two burst clenched balloons.” She describes her lips and her heart as muscles able to speak to the other person like “a prayer into the desert of a distant moon.” She adds that the other person’s heart is a muscle but hers is “untouchable” and can’t be stopped.

She says that she has seen the “ truth of the horizon lie” along with the ways to come and go into and out of life. Her tears “deliver the mascara stain right out of my eye” and in a flash she has come to know “the feeling of a passer by.”

“Restless” begins as rapidly trembling synth oscillates below a melody that flashes out with an intertwining gleam as the bass tumbles below. A bursting drumbeat throbs as a flickering synth shines out with gentle light.

A string section sings out a pained melody as Steve Wilcoxson and the female vocalist mingle their voices in a majestic and aching duet as the guitar pines away above powerfully pulsing drums. The two singers have wonderfully well-matched voices that drip emotion from every syllable.

Sparkling brilliance suffuses the strings as they flow above the propulsive rhythm section. The heartfelt vocals blend again as strings wind out with need and loss filling them. The guitar arcs upward and the drumbeat shapes the track before it ends.

Despite their restlessness, the song’s subjects “have never been so far.” They may be reckless but “we’ve never been so lost.” The narrator says that the other person thinks it's okay to walk away and “take the night in another direction.” He adds that the song’s subject wants to run so he says “I’ll take you home but I’ll never forget you."

A charging guitar cries out with gruff edges above a pulsing bass oscillation that scuds underneath it to commence “Shoreline.” Punching drums add dynamism as the guitar cries out. A female vocalist opens with her lighter voice and is followed by Stephen Wilcoxson’s intense vocals as fiercely throbbing drums and dense bass press on.

Both singers let their voices climb skyward as a guitar adds snarling power and the low end surges. A sax lets loose in a jazzily impassioned line that swirls with abandon above the low end’s forward motion. The female vocalist’s gentle but intense vocal is again followed by Stephen Wlicoxson belting out the lyrics as the drums and bass charge.

The sax howls out with reedy energy that reaches high as the slamming low end keeps on driving. There’s a powerfully compelling energy in the sax solo that makes my heart soar in contrast to the darkness in the lyrics.

The narrator speaks about “paying cash at the hotel” and the other person saying they wouldn’t tell but when the song’s subject stepped through the door, the room was empty. He is staring at the ceiling in disbelief and then the other person tells him that they’re leaving.

Our storyteller says that they were “caught in a fever” and then the other person called him a liar to pour “gas on the fire.” He talks about a “heart tangled in wires” that was illuminated by desire. Now there’s a stolen car with a broken windscreen and a frozen engine that makes him realize it’s over.

The narrator tells the other person that they can “melt me to my core” as he screams for more. He asks the other person has found what they are seeking. He has been “dragged down” and left torn by the other person’s crashing wave.

Again he asks if the song’s subject knows what they are searching for. He adds that he’ll race them to the shoreline as it is “meeting up with the skyline.” He says he walked away for the final time but asks ”Can we say it’s the last time?”

The storyteller talks about a distant place that they already missed. The other person claims it never existed. He feels that they just “missed the exit.” He speaks of seeing a face on a billboard that was torn, “ sun-drenched and forlorn.”

The woman on the billboard had empty eyes, full of boredom. He says that he could tell she’d hate being stared at by strangers. She lead a life that was complex and her “dream was so faded.”

“Call Me At The Weekend” begins as a hi hat clashes while a muscled drumbeat reverberates and drives on. Rich bass flows as a blazing brilliance pours from a medium high synth and guitar flashes as Stephen Wilcoxson’s voice calls out with affection and impassioned intensity.

Drums explode outward as tangled guitars radiate blinding light. The echoing chorus floats, carrying an encouraging melody through open space. A guitar slices in a flaming line that kindles hope and joyful emotion in me with pleasing energy. Huge drums rapidly pulse in an uneven pattern and bass growls far below.

SW’S voice has an expansive, expressive quality and the vocal melody captures anticipation and a melancholy pang. The vocals are matched by the guitar’s coruscating gleam and sweeping synth while bass flows outward. Sunbeams flit from elevated synth as the song ends.

Hope fills the narrator’s mind as he asks the other person to call him on the weekend so that they might drive all night. He asks, “Do you think that would be fine?” He says that if the song’s subject calls him they can go away together and he’ll “go wherever you will stay.” He asks if the other person thinks that’s okay.

The storyteller wonders where they can go to stay the night and “lose our heads and track of time.” He also ponders where they might go in order to “find our minds and build the fire in our eyes.” If the song’s subject calls him, he wants to “slip away into the sun” and tell no one. He asks if the other person thinks they can run.

As the song winds up, he points out that if they leave on the weekend, he’s never going back but will take “another track.” His final query for the other person is “Do you think that makes you sad?”

Colossal bass shifts with a smoothly immersive flow that is touched by glistening synth delicately brushing by to open "I Thought I Saw You.” The bass moves forward and bouncing drums create an energetic lift. Stephen Wilcoxson’s broad ranging, emotive voice carries a melody full of painful nostalgia.

The drums and bass create a surging tide and now the vocals rise with flaring light and piercing loss. The drums batter precisely as Stephen Wilcoxson unleashes his entrancingly expressive voice to capture thwarted aspiration. Widely flowing synth with a string-like quality oscillates while gigantic bass pulsates.

The low end adds support while Stephen Wilcoxson pours out his soul into the lyrics. Shining synth falls through the track and the chorus is heavy with separation and broken dreams. The track's low end throbs with immense strength as the song ends on twinkling light fading away.

This tale’s teller says he thought he saw the other person on TV in a crowd but it was low light and they didn’t turn around. With a seeming sigh, he adds “I guess I’ll never know if it was you.” He thinks he heard the song’s subject in a crowded space but it was a “quiet echo, it was gone too soon.” He adds that he wasn’t able to catch the other person’s eye and once again he doesn’t know if it was the other person.

Our narrator says that he doesn’t remember their relationship some days and he’s alright for a moment. He adds, “Even though you’re gone, I still remember what it was.” The pain returns when he realizes that “they” took away the narrator’s ability to “hold you in the night, and kiss you in the morning” without any warning or any reason.

He isn’t sure he can keep repeating the pain of remembering. All he wants to do is run away with the other person and dream of the future. Someone has taken all of their love away and “now there’s nothing else but sorrow.”

Now the storyteller thinks he saw the other person in a dream which is another place they are meant to be. He woke up and now he realizes that “I guess I’ll never know if it was you.”

“Crash” starts off as delicate piano trembles while slowly sliding synth shifts and Stephen Wilcoxson’s limpid voice calls out as massive bass pulsates. The vocal melody is both affectionate and mournful as the bass throbs with gigantic power and the background synth whorls are tinged with effulgence.

The vocals echo out, carrying a heartfelt and aching melody in a way that draws me in. There’s a muscled strength in the bass that contrasts with the soaring passion in the vocals as the huge drums throb in a strong motion along with the bass.

Stephen Wilcoxson’s voice arcs out with intense emotion in every syllable as dominant drums thunder. Synth illumination flashes in a brilliant cascade and the bass rumbles far below before silence falls, sinuous shimmering filling the background.

Our narrator realizes that the trouble is that he needs the song’s subject and “trouble’s all I’ve ever had.” He makes it clear that the other person can stay around but they don’t have to but his “spirit slips into the sad.”

The storyteller feels that it’s a mistake for the other person to take a break from the relationship because "you know I still adore you.” His anxiety is that the other person will move on and meet someone new. He asks, “Is it better when I’m gone?” because he is having trouble telling if that is true or not.

“I didn’t want to crash” our narrator announces, adding that they could have turned or swerved. He wants to know if they can start over and “slow it all down at the red lights.” At the moment, he finds himself braking on wet roads, unable to see the corners in the dark night.

He adds that he didn’t think they’d crash and he thought they’d stay for the duration, but “it all went so fast and now I’m left lost in a part of the past.” He wants to see how the other person is doing but he knows “deep down it’s better not to.”

Conclusion

Desert Hearts is vocal synthwave with emotional intensity, vocal expression and lyrical depth. It flows along on a synthesized tide, full of a plethora of ear-catching sounds that grow together into a well-produced whole. I enjoy letting the music pull me in and carry me away.

LA Nights - Surf

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

LA Nights’ Surf is a unique take on synth-based music with explosive dynamism, fascinating synth combinations and a fresh feeling that I enjoy. The album is layered and varied with an exploratory quality that takes me on an auditory journey as it unfolds.

Irrepressible and compelling energy pervades Surf, driven by the intense percussion and rhythmic bass. I enjoy how clean and crisp the drums are and the surging strength that they exude. I am also enamoured of the tidal bass energy and when both rhythmic elements interact, they imbue each track with life and motion.

Abundant and fascinating synth sounds mingle together on Surf in a way that pulls me into the music. Synth glimmers, growls and trembles in layers that interact in ear-grabbing ways. There are powerful contrasts between lacerating shadow and luminosity as well as moments of crystalline delicacy and heartbreaking emotion. Each sonic interaction engages me more fully.

Rather than relying on clichés in the music, this is an album that takes synthwave elements and reconfigures them to create a fresh sound. I enjoy the experimental edge in the tracks and the way that LA Nights uses his synth palette to paint strong imagery in my mind.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Searchers” comes to life as medium-high, soft-edged synth sings out above rippling, metallic notes A sharply popping drumbeat and solid bass add support. A nasally entangling synth carries a dynamic melody that presses on eagerly.

Lambent notes with a knife edge slice to create an effective contrast to the gleaming sounds that tumble above underlying bass oscillation. Creaking, dark-toned synth snarls with ferocity while clean drums jump and bass glides.

Flat sounds smack in and nasally twisting synth trembles in a revolving motion that speaks of forward progress. Drifting, sparkling notes entangle and active drums are lacerated growling synth that adds insistent power. Lustrous, bright notes make a flaring mark before silence falls.

Razor-sharp synth cuts in a widely spinning arpeggio to start “Wonder.” Clean drums hit hard and colossal bass undulates in a subdivided pulse in between the drumbeats. Finger snaps move with giant bass and the drumbeat splashes broadly.

A keen-edged synth torrent falls through and arpeggios spin in a swathe of dense grit and blazing luminosity. Drums rebound before dynamic bass slowly oscillating and glimmering synth dances out with coruscating brightness while the drums punch in. An ear-pleasing, frolicking synth tide washes and endless arpeggios turn as bass pulses and fades.

“You Said Further” starts off as cool-sounding synth ripples into a softly surging auditory space. Towering drums and gigantic bass form a propulsive heartbeat as a honed synth vibrates and flat percussion batters over trickling notes.

Radiant synth dances with intense illumination that pierces the track. Elevated, open-sounding synth spins in hypnotic motion above the angular drums and bass that lend a clean energy to the music. I enjoy the way in which an impression of a pastel blue sky fills the background synth as it glides easily.

Fierce bass hammers and the hollow sounding synth entangles as it spins smoothly. progress. Power pours from the lacerating low end as cascading synth provides a softer touch before the track draws to a close.

Distorted xylophone rings out in a trickling line, imbued with calming emotion as punchy drums pop in to add guidance as “Soda” begins. A swirling bass flow slips below the percussion to add substance.

A soothing sonic blanket fills the background while crisp drums snap and bass slides easily. The xylophone has a enjoyably wandering tenderness to it as the big drums smack in. Bass oscillates rapidly as string-like synth roams freely. Xylophone glimmers above hard-edged synth pulses while the bass drives on and the drums add motion.

Bass moves in groovy bursts and breezy xylophone sails along while an organ-like synth intertwines in quick notes. The low end creaks sharply and a nasally elevated synth echoes out before fading on a slapping, string-like sound.

“Surf” commences as drums form a steady pulse and widely entangling, tech-y synth reverberates in floating lines. Oscillating bass forms a surging flow as nasal-sounding, taut synth trembles above bursting drums.

Medium-low synth cracks sharply to create a hard pulse along with the powerful drums and razor sharp bass. A croaking sound rattles in an even pulse as broadly glowing synth with a jagged edge leaps in shifting walls.

I am drawn to the twisting secondary synth that sings a journeying melodic line while growling bass undulates. The track ends on the intertwining, technological synth and the muscled drumbeat that fills the background.

Metallic, wide-band synth trembles as broadly flowing drums crate laid back motion to open “Later.” A guitar howls with emotive tones, brightness suffusing it as it carries a melody with a mournful ache at its heart.

Drums drive on with massive weight and snapping reverberation as the guitar melody unfolds, touching my heart with the pain radiating from it. Colossal bass throbs while the drums create a hard-hitting rhythm that adds form to the music.

Ethereal notes bend in the distance as the guitar’s passionate, piercing sound drifts out and captures yearning. Percussion claps in and the bass oscillates to shape the track. Sparkling notes shimmer and twist while the guitar cries out with wistful feeling and the bass pulsates far below and silence falls.

Conclusion

Surf explores synth-based music in a way that is deeply pleasing and engaging. The synth tapestry’s textured richness and dynamic life is accessible, but still intriguing in a fresh way. I’ll be interested to see how LA Nights will to continue to evolve the musical ideas on this album.

Forhill - Fragments

Artwork by Valentin Pavageau

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Forhill’s Fragments transports me on a lushly layered synth tide that radiates utter relaxation as it unwinds. Melodic beauty, intricately intertwining sounds and guiding rhythms combine into a entrancing whole on the album. Forhill and his guests weave tranquility into each note here.

The melodies that fill Fragments convey deeply calm and soothing emotion, tinged with some melancholy as they journey through the music. Forhill and his collaborators manage to imbue their melodic writing with dreamy feelings and more than a hint of longing.

Layer on layer of well-chosen synth sounds all mingle and intertwine on Fragments. There are synth sounds that evoke solar luminosity, eddying breezes and aquatic flow. Timbres from gruff to smooth interact while chimes twinkle and bass forms luscious depths. As a whole, there’s complexity and nuance in each musical element.

I also enjoy the use of percussion and rhythm on the album. The propulsion and shaping that the drums provide creates an important energy flow in the tracks. The way in which the bass also locks in creates a superb balance between repose and progress in the tracks.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Supernal” comes into being as tremulous synth drifts upward in a gleaming line before washing notes glide in and widely flaring synth entangles as the gently muffled drums and solid bass add support. There’s a smoothness and ease in the drifting notes as a medium-high, soft focus synth ripples in a steady motion as the drums and bass bring guidance.

Now the drums and bass urge onward as ever revolving, glowing synth twines around the beats as open-voiced notes shift with a delicate slipping motion. I feel serenity surround me now as twinkling notes sparkle above a hazy background.

Aquatic synth undulates while glistening synth wraps around itself in twirling motion above the constantly throbbing drums. Cosmic notes shimmer with soft focus light and breezy flow as lapping arpeggios tremble into open space and fade into silence.

A solidly propulsive drumbeat and luscious bass move “Iris” forward as it commences. In the distance, subtle luminosity floats, contrasting with the strong low end. Dynamic drums and bass add form to the gauzy synth flow that eddies around them.

After sonic exhalations drift, a rounded synth vibrates in a melodic line with heart-melting emotion. A bending synth sings out with wistful emotion trailing in its wake while the rhythm presses on. This track embodies everything soothing to me as it unfolds.

Air flows and a subtle bass oscillation shivers as full notes glisten mistily. The bass grows more prominent as pink sonic clouds move on by. Drums tap in again with shaping bass and a melody shines like a summer sun slowly sinking into the ocean. The song ends on fragile notes.

“Flicker” starts as a breezy flow mingles with diffused, slowly slipping notes. Nasal-sounding, rounded synth carries a richly tranquil melody while drums and bass lock into a dynamic heartbeat. Synth like foggy sunlight mooches through in an ear-pleasing, unmoored line as the effulgence around it grows.

Feathery synth dances delicately while the more unctuous notes around it intermingle. The drums and bass press on while slightly distorted synth trembles out in a pattern that exudes meditative contemplation.

Medium-high, polished synth glitters, the drums are gently guiding and brilliance enfolds the background. Radiant light fills the distance and washing synth circles while more defined notes trip in a trickling pattern. Sparkling shine fades along with static.

Lustrous synth flows in tremulous lines through an airy background that drips with wonderfully relaxing sensations to open “Division.” A steadily shining, elevated note sustains above widely illuminating synth that vibrates in overlapping pulsations.

High notes yearn while cascading synth arpeggiates. Drums and bass snap in and provide a strongly guiding motion. Brassy synth rings out in a melody that carries uplifting emotion as tapping percussion and active bass move.

Digital sparks descend and piercing synth carries crystalline light. Scintillating sunlight flickers from high synth and the funky bass line adds a groove. The track ends with the dreaming melody floating into silence.

“Luna” begins with a diaphanous melody that exudes longing as percussion softly guides. Angular synth slides along in an oscillating pattern, doubled by gruff bass and a crisply clicking drumbeat. Broad-sounding, synth transports a breezy melody that hints at wistful emotion as the skipping drumbeat and active bass pulse.

Shining synth drifts out to accent the lithe melody while the low end provides guidance to the track. Sparkling synth traces through while the main melody effectively carries me into rose-tinted memory while bell-like notes ring out with ethereal light.

Hollow percussion creates an open-feeling pulse as twisting synth wraps me in tranquility while active percussion creates form. The main melody carries me on lissome currents, allowing me to journey along with it. The track ends on silvery glow and hollow percussion.

Delicately glistening synth slowly unfolds while distant percussion taps and throbbing bass rapidly oscillates to kick off “Liminal.” A smooth arpeggio circles and worshipful illumination fills the background. Strongly pulsing drums and deeply surrounding bass form a rhythmic flow as flickering notes fall past.

The track floats into a segment that lifts me up on billowing clouds to fly me above the world’s cares. The percussion is a heartbeat below the breezy synth that pours out a soft-focus glow. All of the sonic elements intermingle in a lambent fog that creates relaxation before the track comes to an end.

“Iridescent” begins as an elevated sound rises out of smooth-surfaced synth waves/ along with sweeping air and gossamer, metallic notes twining together in a long outward glide. Vibrating synth moves in the distance as the easily skipping drums guide the track above bass flow.

A caressing synth carries a melody with a mingled ache and affectionate emotion. Glittering synth ripple past and the bass forms a richly moving ground below the steady drumbeat.

The main melody infuses me with a yearning for a beautiful place, dimly remembered, above the active pulse below. It. The balance of energy and laid back vibes works well here as the sliding melody winds out and ends in a diffused sonic cloud.

Bending sounds interweave into a lushly shining whole that shifts in slow motion to open “Decoupled.” Majestic notes slip out as extended bass undulates while airy static hisses. There’s a slow peaceful slide through open air as a hollow sound trembles.

I am utterly transported to a realm of silken ease in this track, as if a warm sonic blanket is being wrapped around me. Tentative, elevated notes gleam and tremulous emotion fills the music while the settling atmosphere unwinds into quiet in a long glide.

Conclusion

Fragments is an escape mechanism for those of us stressed and tired out by modern life. The album provides a chance for reflection with its combination of intoxicating melodies, shimmering calm and restful flow.

Yota - Room 412

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Yota’s Room 412 is an emotionally affecting synthpop journey that erupts with superb ‘80s vibes as it unfolds. The album combines Yota’s first-rate vocal performances, songwriting that drives to the heart and a background of lusciously interwoven synth tones, timbres and textures. This is soulful and pleasing synthpop that draws me into it deeply.

At Room 412’s heart, there is Yota’s superb voice. There’s a charming retro sensibility in her vocals, but that is only a small part of their success. What really makes her voice so captivating is the way in which she translates words into emotion as she sings. There’s such a powerfully direct impact as her flexible voice explores the lyrics she’s written.

The lyrics for Room 412’s songs are another strong reason for the album’s quality. Yota has traveled through the jagged, complicated emotional terrain of love and loss throughout the songs. There’s a sense of mingled joy and melancholy in her words that presses home the intensity of deep affection and separation from it.

I also am pulled in by the ear-pleasing combination of well-chosen synth sounds that give off a retro feel without being a pastiche and production quality that allows those sounds to shine. I also enjoy the balance between vocals and music that allow each element to shine.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Don’t Go” starts as the sound of a heart monitor beeping pulses softly along with a heartbeat itself. Yota's’s voice asks “is that his heart rate?” And after the monitor flatlines, she asks, “Was that his heart rate?” Followed by “where is it?” Distant synth swirls with fragility into delicate, shimmering arpeggios as breath flows in and out.

Bass grows along with the other musical elements into a rapidly flickering motion as Yota says, “they said they’re gonna get you but this is too soon.” Now her voice pours out intense pain as it soars above the fitting arpeggios and fades out as she whispers “don’t go.”

Steadily pulsing drums drip with ‘80s sound as medium-high, silky smooth synth carries a mournful melody that unfurls gently to open “Don’t Tell Me Why.” Yota’s voice reaches deep inside her heart to bring forth the emotion in the lyrics as synth undulates in a aching glide.

Sharper-edged synth chords support the other musical elements. Huge drums and densely growling bass move below Yota’s strong voice rings out, the vocal melody hurting as gleaming synth notes wash and a towering flow shifts in the background.

Massive bass snarls as broadly cascading notes fall above Yota’s emotive vocals as she cries out. Electric guitar transforms the loss and need in the lyrics into a sobbing solo above a heavy low end heartbeat. The song ends with delicate singing and pulsing drums as widely flaring synth fades to quiet.

This tale’s teller speaks of a person with a heart of gold and “those hands that kept me out from the cold.” She says that she had a mind out of control and the other person thought that they’d save her and “never let go.” She thinks about what the other person told her at times adding that she guess they gave their all and had enough. She points out that “your silence says goodbye.”

“Dark Dandy” opens as glowing synth exhales before a slamming drumbeat and oscillating bass punches forward hard. Towering, brassy synth carries a melody exploding with action and intense energy above the hard-hitting drum and bass throb underneath it.

I feel acceleration and a leaping thrill as Yota’s husky voice carries a melody that expresses gripping need. The low end is unrelenting as broadly flowing, string-like synth undulates below the vocals which gain a little warmth as they leap up. Yota’s airy voice is strongly expressive as the trumpeting lead synth flares up with dynamic life and positive encouragement.

As the drums and bass press on, Yota’s vocals soar upward and flashing synth cascades, imbuing the song with bright life. Oscillating bass moves below, the gentle vocals slipping as metallic synth intertwines. Drums and bass drive in again as Yota's voice captures desire and hope. The song ends in echoing silence.

Our narrator can’t seem to stop thinking about the song’s subject. She says that she can’t reach the other person or “get inside” of their mind. She asks the “dark dandy” if things feel good like they used or as they “should do.” The narrator tells the other person that “I need you now” and adds “don’t you make me cry”. She tells him not to hurt her and pleads with him not to repeat the same actions again.

The storyteller asks the song’s subject if, after so many years, he ever wonders “how it would feel to make it right.” As the days keep on passing, their relationship fades from view but “I still hear you calling.” She concludes by saying that he is once again chasing her and will “chase me ’til the end.”

Visceral drums charge along with slowly oscillating, massive bass to begin “Holding On.” Yota’s passion filled vocals cry out in a melody that combines longing and hope. Her lush voice rises in yearning as hugely bursting drums throb along with heavy bass to create an entrancing rhythm.

A subtle synth light swirls in the distance, but the real standout in the song is Yota’s heartfelt performance. Gleaming synth waves wash in the distance before the propulsive drums and towering bass drive forward. The vocal melody exudes the aching loss and tenuous hope within the lyrics.

Flashing luminance slips in behind the chorus as it flows in breathy motion. Actively undulating bass and throbbing drums underpins the vocal performance as bass washes. After a drum flourish, elevated notes sparkle as an accent while Yota carries the song with her strong vocal abilities.

The storyteller is in limbo, hoping for the song’s subject to make up their mind because she’s “been holding on too long.” She feels there’s something she ought to do to move forward. Her memories are “vivid blue” as she wonders if their lost relationship is gone for good.

Our narrator asks what it actually means to say a relationship is over when feelings still exist “just like a cut that doesn’t heal.” She ponders on the fact that even as she is being told she’s free, she feels like “I’m failing constantly as the chains are holding me.”

She says that she feels the same, no matter how hard she tries. She’s like a “burning flame” as she wonders if they’ll break or hold together.

“I’ll do what it takes to save” is how the storyteller continues, adding that she wants to take that action right away. She says that she can’t be who the other person wants her to be because “I’ll be so much better” as they have fun together.

The song concludes as she says that she’s read all the signs, she’s feeling alive when she things of their relationship and “it tears me up inside when you’re not mine.”

“May” commences as Yota's voice echoes above twanging strings before truly colossal bass throbs along with giant retro drums. Yota's silky vocals contrast with the muscled power pouring from the drums and lush bass. The vocal melody effectively captures pained desire. After coruscating synth leaps in, the drums and bass launch an active beat while Yota’s voice flies out with exultant light.

Medium-high, blazing synth sings an encouraging melody, full of uplifting emotion to reinforce the expressive vocals. Flaring synth surrounds Yota’s heartfelt voice and guitar-like notes intertwine with calming light. Drums and bass drive on as the vocals cry out passionately.

Flickering, medium high synth captures me in warmth and affection. Piano glides past with a feather-light touch and percussion pulsates as bass rumbles subtly. Glimmering, sharp-edged synth rings out before chimes sparkle with fragile light. The chorus leaps upward with positivity and the track ends on massive bass and shiny synth.

The storyteller talks about her first meeting with the song's subject in May at which “you seemed so confused.” June has rolled around and she suspects that the other person will “ tell me your news and then run away.” At the moment, the song’s subject shouldn’t stay. Eventually there are “ forces (that will) rise, they will guide the path to see” and those forces will “talk about love the right way.” She adds that “one day you’ll know.”

Our narrator says that love “came out of the blue” in May. They both thought they were only friends. Some forces around them “know that you don’t want this” so they will show the song’s subject who will understand. However the strong forces of attraction as calling and "they will return and they will talk about love.” The brightly shining, mysterious light will take over to “unite you and I once again.”

Aggressively propulsive, lacerating bass and slamming drums launch “The Hunger.” Gossamer synth hovers reverently above the surging tide. Now Yota's voice hovers with wonderfully delicate expression as it carries a melody mingling sweetness and positive emotion above throbbing drums and bass.

Lustrous synth motes float in above the touching vocal performance. The chorus bursts with dynamic synth radiance as the heaving low end presses on. Yota’s vocals pour out unbridled aspiration for better times ahead as the drums thunder on. Intense brightness suffuses the elevated synth.

A pillowy flow fills the next segment in which muscled drums and bass fade. Yota’s tranquil voice unfurls airily through open space. Now a giant bass wave flows and the throbbing drumbeat is accented by blazing illumination. Shimmering light and ethereal air guides the song to an end.

Our storyteller speaks of a light within her that is gripping her. The light “cuts like a knife and makes me able to see.” Now she’s ready to fight and “burn through the fields of fire.” Defiantly she says there will be no more pain and “nothing will break me no more” as she takes control.

The narrator talks about long days and nights that “hurt like deep cuts” as she waits for the other person to call. She pleads for them not to hurt her again. In contrast, another side of her mind is showing her leadership so she can “reclaim and unite the one that I used to be.” Now she’s ready to fight and follow her “deep desire.”

"I won’t take it slow, I’m wide awake ready to go” is our storyteller’s next response as she talks about being ready to rise far above the struggle. She intends to reach upward as “hunger thrives inside.” She is feeling alive and stronger than what is keeping her down as she is “breaking this spell all over.”

As the song ends, she is lifting into flight and she will “shine above” like magic while she is “reaching higher than before inside."

“Let’s Not Sleep Tonight” starts off as breathy panpipe expands along with cut glass sparkles. Hugely powerful retro drums burst in and Yota’s vocals are playful and dreaming, punctuated by caressing synth tendrils.

Yota’s voice has a superb retropop vibe as it leaps out into a heartfelt chorus as giant drums and dense bass drive onward. A coruscating glow leaps as sunlit celebratory synth flares up and the low end presses on.

The song drifts into a gliding segment as panpipes exhale and the vocals rise with soothing light out above the driving drums. Rounded notes form an undulating pulse and lambency pours out before silence falls.

The narrator is tossing and turning, unable to sleep so she gets up to “watch the city lights at night.” She remembers all of the things the song’s subject said to her and why they said them. She asks the other person to “stop taking your time” because they know they are hers. The narrator wonders why they’re faking when she can “see the truth deep in your eyes that you still try to hide.”

Our storyteller says “let’s not sleep tonight” as she asks the other person to come over because she promises to make them feel so good. She wonders why the other person wants to "pull the brakes” because they could “do so much better.” The storyteller warns the song’s subject that “it’s now or never” so they need to stop taking their time. She concludes that the other person knows she’s right because “I see the truth deep in your eyes.” She finally asks why the song’s subject is still trying to hide.

Medium-high, softly shining synth revolves slowly above impressively pounding drums to kick off “Give Me A Chance.” Creaking synth moves in broadly undulating swathes as the drums leap into a rapidly driving rhythm below climbing synth walls as Yota deeply expressive voice calls out wordlessly.

The vocals stutter in bursts as delicate chimes shimmer while drums and bass slam forward. Yota can fill her voice with intense feeling and let it loose in an emotive torrent and that ability is on full display here. Chimes ring out with a clear glow as the low end hammers. Intertwining, sharp-edged synth cuts in as weighty motion shifts below. Glassy chimes cry out as the huge bass throbs.

Broadly slicing synth drops out as smoothly flowing chords expand and percussion ticks. Yota sings in her strong, touching voice and half-time drums form a steady heartbeat. Angular synth groans and chiming notes flicker while the vocals climb skyward above muscled low end motion before the song ends.

This tale’s teller realizes that “us not talking anymore has slowly made you go insane” as she addresses the song’s subject. She tells that person that she wanted them to understand that “all I needed was a change, just one change.” She wrote them a letter to say that “I’m just trying to make this better.”

Our storyteller says she can’t let go and asks for another chance because “it tears me up inside.” Their lack of communication has made her think everything was in vain. She adds that “since you turned the page” she has been unable to make the other person understand that “all I needed was a change.”

She begs the other person “don’t break it, don’t say it’s gone” and concludes by saying “can’t understand you, lately you’re behaving like a fool."

“Velvet” opens as glittering light rushes into wide open space as cutting synth reverberates with soft light. A surging bass tide rises with crushing power and retro drums punch hard with tom hits in the background. Yota’s voice trembles as it glides in a cosmically swirling melody above the bass tide and sparkling synth.

I feel drawn to the needy ache in Yota's singing as bass rumbles and shivering synth rises in an extended flow. Colossal drums and bass press on as solar radiance fills the bursting synth. Yota captures the wanting in the lyrics. Bright synth light flows above the endlessly driving drums and bass before ending.

Our narrator asks if the other person is there and if they notice her. She can hear them and “every breath is moving closer” so they can’t hide from her. She doesn’t want what’s happening but “it feeds me in the darkest, deepest corners of my mind.” The narrator says it ought to have remained a fantasy but “it crossed the line through reality.”

The storyteller knew that the situation would hit her hard. She tried to let go but each time they “close that door” she feels a call from deep inside that tells her she needs the other person. The darkness is growing as they “watch it slowly take control.” She’s tried to hide from it but she still misses the song’s subject and says “I don’t know how. don’t know why.”

“Are you here? Did you notice?” Is what she asks and then says that she doesn’t fear the other person. They don’t touch one another but “still it feels just so damn right.” She knows that the other person doesn’t need what’s happening but concludes that “it feeds me.” In the end they unite “in the darkest, deepest corners.”

Softly shining arpeggios revolve out above gruff bass to bring “Somebody Else” into being. Ethereal notes drift in a calming melody while arpeggios twirl in the distance. Yota’s vocals echo in a melody that is like gentle fingers caressing skin as giant drums and dense bass form an even heartbeat.

Sunlit arpeggios slowly revolve and the low end shapes the music. Yota’s voice skilfully captures loss and affection as it slips out and the arpeggios soften the percussion's harder edges. Light fills the twisting arpeggios and Yota's diaphanous voice fades into silence.

The storyteller tells the song’s subject that they don’t know it but her feelings have changed and adds that “’ll show how it can hurt to the core.” She tells the other person to cry and let another person “just call you baby.”

Our narrator thought that her craving for their love wouldn’t go away “but since tonight I realize you’d tear this heart in two.” She goes on to say that she thought she’d stay and they’d never be separated but “since tonight I realize I’ve only been a fool.”

Conclusion

Room 412 is synthpop with a deep, intense emotional core. Yota’s inimitable and expressive voice carries the music while the synth backdrop creates an excellent balance between nostalgia and aural pleasure. I can listen to this album over and over again.