Karl M. Karl M.

Zak Vortex - You & Me = Forever

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Zak Vortex’s You & Me = Forever is full of a deep sense of affection and nostalgia as it unfurls in a textured, intensely interwoven synth exploration. Zak Vortex works in a palette of touching melodies, ear-pleasing synth sounds and a rhythmic richness as he carries listeners on this expressive journey.

Emotional depth is at the centre of You & Me = Forever and its melodic content. Zak Vortex writes melodies that cut deeply into the realm of the heart. There are moments of delicacy, tenderness and aching emotion woven into the fabric of each melody as it unfolds. I am drawn to the vulnerability in the music here.

The way in which synths interact on You & Me = Forever creates a beautifully luminous sonic tapestry. The way in which the various synth sounds work in unison gives all the elements an airiness and gentle warmth that is hard to resist. I feel that quality only adds to the heart-touching feelings throughout the album.

Powerful bass and active, retro-sounding drums combine to provide rich support underneath the other musical elements. The way in which they knit everything together adds compelling shape and motion to the album as it evolves.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Final Call” comes to life as it grows out of mistily intertwining synth while flickering chimes sparkle lightly and thudding drums throb above lush bass. Flaring chimes twinkle as rounded, medium-high synth carries a dreaming, hurting melodic line.

Guitar with a touchingly heart-tugging ache cries out with pained feeling above throbbing drums and bass. Chimes shimmer in the distance, adding starry glint to the track. The drums grow light as a bell-like synth carries a wistful and dreamy melody above the low end motion.

In the distance, soft-edged notes add tranquillity while a repeating, gliding synth undulates. The impassioned guitar cries again, hurting and tinged with lost hope, before the track fades on flitting chimes and bell-like synth.

Ethereal voices flow, repeating chanted vowels, as razor-edged, pulsing bass forms a giant underpinning for “I Need You.” Liquid, caramel synth warmly entangles as shimmering chimes ring out with aching luminosity above the huge low end.

Retro drums with a hefty sound burst in as tranquil arpeggios bring a wonderfully peaceful feeling into the track. The vocal flow has an airy lightness to it as muscled bass undulates. Colossal drums shape the music while radiant notes glimmer. Chimes with a glassy purity ring out, carrying a melancholy melody with a deep sense of yearning.

The solidly punching beat moves as choral voices trail in again with silken breath. Guitar winds out in a deeply emotive melody, full of a palpable and visceral need above the colossal drums and heavy bass far below. The guitar trails off into breathy voices as bass throbs and fragile sound fills the background.

The main melody winds in again, catching me in its touching flow and filing me with longing. Crystalline brilliance pours from ringing notes that call out as the guitar comes in again, sobbing with intense feeling. The music ends on the gargantuan bass pulsation with which it began.

“Please Don’t Go” opens as diaphanous synth trails above oscillating bass and bursting drums. Light fills a delicately floating synth above heavy bass and pulsing drums while metallic notes create flickering ripples. Chimes carry the tender, touching melody above the skipping low end.

Radiance fills the background synth as it spins and the chimes have a fragile touch above the weighty low end. Guitar calls with a gruff tone, expressing pained yearning with real conviction. Drums and bass push forward and chimes flutter actively.

A round-sounding synth pattern repeats with a hypnotic quality while the low end urges the music on. Guitar moves in again, its gruff-edged tones capturing melancholy feeling before the track ends on lightly glistening chimes.

Expansive synth slowly climbs as pure, sharp chimes ring out in a dreamy flow above lush bass to start “You And Me = Forever.” Giant drums create power as shining chimes carry the melody that fills me with wistful and heartfelt emotion. Rippling, broad notes tremble below the cleanly glowing chimes as rich bass slips out below.

Softer-edged sounds create calm while the huge drumbeat guides the track as bass creates deep pools. Medium-high, illuminating chimes carry a hoping, dreaming melody as the drums fade away. Bass lifts up gruffly slipping synth chords before fading to quiet.

“Better Times” starts as flashing keyboard chords with a metallic sound are joined by the warm, reedy sax that cries out with intense feeling. The sax melody tugs hard at my heartstrings as it calls out and smoothly intertwining synth is radiant around it.

Weighty retro drums punch in to shape the music and effulgent synth slides. Now the sax is let loose again, the melody it carries affectionate and nostalgic, while drums throb and metallic notes add luminosity. I find myself touched by the emotional punch of the slightly rough-edged sax sound as it unwinds in jazzy lines.

As the sax soars out, the low end adds motion and solar light pours from string-like synth as it entangles. Distant notes create uplift and the sax climbs into the track and howls out with piercing emotion that carries the song forward until a conclusion.

Reverberating, lambent synth drifts slowly downward to open “Snow Angel.” Choral synth with a breathy flow carries a gossamer melodic line and heavy bass moves along with crisp drums. Flaring light emanates from trembling synth and soaks the entire track.

Medium-high, glimmering synth carries a hopeful melody, imbued with peaceful tenderness. Arpeggios dance in circular motion as vibrating synth flits out and bass pulsates. Full-sounding synth drifts charmingly down like fresh snow as sparkling arpeggios spin and bells jingle in the background.

Medium-high, round-sounding synth drops like straggling snowflakes from the sky. Bells with glassy brightness sing out a melody full of gentleness and kindly feeling as huge drums throb. Shimmering synth tumbles down above bass spreading fully below as the track ends.

Conclusion

You & Me = Forever bursts with touching emotion and passionate affection, along with a degree of melancholy and loss to add more depth. Zak Vortex creates strong feelings within me as he unfurls his sonic storytelling.

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CZARINA CZARINA

NINA x Ricky Wilde - Scala Hearts

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

Berlin-based artist NINA, also known as the Queen of Synthwave, and legendary British producer, songwriter and long-time music industry veteran Ricky Wilde (pop icon Kim Wilde's younger brother) release their highly-anticipated collaborative record, Scala Hearts via NewRetroWave. At the heart of their record are synth and electronic nostalgia - but on steroids - thanks to one foundational element we do not often see grace the synth scene: Ricky's extensive and genuine, first-hand experience through the years as producer and as one of the "O.G.s" who helped shape the sounds of eras that inspire today's modern music.  Scala Hearts plays like a delightful, authentic sampler of several different periods in synth and electronic music updated for the 21st century.  We also see different sides of Nina emerge through her performances - sharper, edgier, more fierce, and a huge contrast to her softer and more delicate earlier releases.

The record smashes right in with a rocked-out and hyper-dynamic cover of Dollar's Videotheque that efficiently combines new wave and disco with classic 80s epic rock, relished with arpeggiated and boldy robotic vocals by Nina - a fun, unexpected surprise countering the tantric saw-edged bass grooves and Ricky's sublime lead guitars. 

Videotheque is quite the proper, "cool" retro-futurist track that nicely sets up the dreamy and painterly ambience of Causeway, which steadily charges at first in shoegaze bass arps before deviating into ebbs and flows in eclectic arrangements and performances reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Genesis. The song carries several beautiful variants and layers in its production, constantly pushing and pulling with different surprises - including wistful pan flutes, fluttering top arps, and a beautiful yet brief operatic section followed by thunderous, dramatic drums.                 

The laid-back and palm tree-lined LA Dreamers was the first single that laid out initial expectations for the record with Ricky's catchy and infectious "Woah-ohh" vocal hooks that could easily get stuck on repeat in one's head for days.  But Fade Me Out is probably the record's piéce de résistance with Nina's most emotive vocal performance yet, immersed in huge percussions, creative vocal ad libs by Ricky that spiral all around right before crescendoing into giant synth leads and stacked choral grandeur reminiscent of QUEEN.

Living In Sin delivers Ricky's gritty early 90s epic rock performance that brings Bryan Adams to mind, teetering along the edge of sorrow and regret.  The track is strung with fluxes of tasty orchestral sections which Nina artfully punctures with cold and steely interjections. It is followed by Nina's earlier single co-produced with Radio Wolf, Gold Hearts, but this time more upbeat, optimistic and glimmering in hope in its reprise.

Nina poignantly reflects on growth, strength and gaining freedom in Night and Day which cascades in crystalline, orbital soundscapes and perfectly sets up the stage for the record's summit: the very heroic Fighter. Monumental, majestic and anthemic, Nina spreads her proverbial wings (and vocal chords) and takes flight in a giant leap of faith in Fighter - a track imbued with a new kind of courageous spirit in Nina that easily sends shivers down the spine with the multi-layered choir production and Ricky's guitar work that all seem to ascend into the cosmos. 

The record closes with an homage to Ricky's sister, Kim, with a perfectly italo-infused cover of Lovers On A Beach, carrying splashes of artsy motor-like guitar growls, Moroder-esque spectral sound designs and Nina's signature pristine yet effortless vocal performance.     

Scala Hearts not only lives up to expectations, but shatters through them.  But most importantly, the record opens a fresh new dialogue, new routes and avenues for nostalgia music genres griping with insularity.  Nina and Ricky exemplify the power and relevance of unique perspective, bold and artful experimentation, distinctive charm and thoughtful, clever production in each and every single track in Scala Hearts, while still satisfying all the boxes that retrophiliacs may demand.  Scala Hearts is a much-needed jewel that offers new facets and clues to possible new directions for nostalgia and retrowave that need to be further explored.  It takes bravery to be this bold and do something different and new. At the same time, only true legends do.

Scala Hearts easily gets a slot as one of - if not the - best records of 2023.

Listen to Scala Hearts here: https://ninanrickywilde.lnk.to/ScalaHearts

Check out the Absynth Video Podcast Interview with NINA and Ricky Wilde, with guest host Chi Ming Lai of ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK and Lee Bennett

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Karl M. Karl M.

The Last Concorde - Flashback

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Last Concorde’s Flashback casts a synth spell that transports listeners into an alternate ‘80s universe while keeping the sounds fresh and intriguing. The mixture of intricate sonic layers, attractive melodies and talented musical guests results in a deeply pleasing album.

The synth palette on Flashback is brimful with a plethora of ear-grabbing sounds. The way in which The Last Concorde combines those richly varied auditory elements elevates them to greater heights. I am drawn in by the luscious tonal range, fascinating textures and massively active low end rhythms. This is synth music that bathes me in musical bliss.

Melodies that are heartwarming and engaging abound on Flashback. There is often an emotive quality, full of ache, that fills even the more upbeat melodies. I enjoy the sense of longing for a time past or perhaps one that has never really existed that fills the music on this album.

I am also pleased by the inclusion of Dreamkid and Emma Ballantine from The Lightning Kids in the musical package. They each have distinctive vocal styles that complement the overall feeling on the album. They help make it as strongly engaging as possible with their contributions.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Flashback I” begins as resonant chimes sparkle and grow in volume while bass swells up underneath. Hollow percussion forms a popping pulse that doubles angular chimes. A flat drum sound creates a bursting beat above luscious bass and below hypnotic chimes.

Gliding synth drifts past in the distance, adding an open quality to the track. Scintillating chimes interlock in an entrancing pattern with the shaping drumbeat. Shimmering notes flicker as luminous synth trembles as the drums punch, Broadly sliding glistening synth fills the background while chimes impart a pleasing solar light to the proceedings.

A more peaceful feeling contrasts with intense glow while the solid drums continue to add form. The medium-high, sweeping synth becomes more pronounced as it calls out before fading out with tapping percussion and flickering chimes.

Distantly rippling notes trickle through open space in rapid motion as air flows to open “Wet Dreams” Huge, undulating bass is joined by slamming drums as elevated, metallic notes whirl in steady motion.

Funky bass adds to the groove as colossal drums propel the track while lushly entangling synth flows in the background. Toms pop in before the track glides with serene ease. Heaving bass supports sparkling synth as it spins with slap bass accents.

Massive drums surge as blissed-out, creamily slipping synth tangles into a wonderful sense of magenta relaxation. Sharply flashing, revolving notes keep on moving above the muscled strength of percussion and bass. There’s a flowing moment of pause before the track jumps and whirls into silence.

“All I Need Is You” starts as heavily throbbing, gigantic drums are touched by sparkling chimes before oscillating bass forms a propulsive pattern. Dreamkid’s passionate voice carries a yearning melody over driving drums and bass.

Raised synths flicker with gentle light and the chorus soars up as drums guide the music over the pulsating bass. The vocal melody blends hope and affection while radiance pours from sparkling synth.

Guitar calls out to accent the vocal melody and an enfolding synth tide swirls as fragile notes float and tender sax drifts through. Dreamkid’s voice caresses as the guitar dances to add weight and strength while oscillating bass pushes the music forward while the drums rebound.

Our storyteller talks about being alone in the city from “dawn to dark” and wonders if he has “seized up on the edge.” He can see love all around him but feels that “it’s barely chasing me.”He points out that “memories of you breeze in out of my mind” from time to time and they strike him like lightning. He adds “you’re always what I wanted. All I need is you.”

The narrator says he’s been chasing his dreams “on this highway of life” but he didn’t “get the memo.” What was obscured clears up and “the blinds are now wide open.” He adds that he’s never been afraid of risks and “I’m so damn unattended” now. He concludes by saying that “you’ll never make a splash if you don’t jump, so I won’t be burning longer.”

Gossamer synth with a wide glide sweeps through to commence “Ocean.” Drums rebound in a clean pulse and funky slap bass augments the low end groove. Orchestra hits leap with bright energy and panpipes create a hypnotic pattern exuding breathy peace.

Trembling drums press on and orchestra hits jump. Popping synth weaves into the mix to raise the music's energy levels while active drums press on. I find the strong retro energy of the well-crafted drum part especially appealing.

Refulgent, scudding synth gives the track a feeling of non-stop movement while panpipes briefly cry out. Slap bass twangs as a tautly flitting synth line dances in angular motion. Panpipes take up a melody that demands action while colossal drums drive on.

“Joan Wilder” begins as summery synth sails in along with open-sounding percussion. Trembling bells shift above widely pulsing bass as a thumping beat dances in along with stacked up, flashing synth chords. Panpipes float, carrying a melody imbued with playful energy.

The Last Concorde skillfully creates a sensation of poolside lounging as drums and bass frolic. Synth chords add lustre in the background while a breezy melody skips along as the low end pulse moves onward smoothly. Flitting guitar licks add a groovy note and timbales add Latin flair.

The lead synth’s airy feeling suits the melody’s celebratory feeling as it slides along. A delicate synth cloud moves below the guiding drumbeat as it passes by. Crystalline synth begins to grow into the music with a hazily shining feeling before it reaches full strength as distant bass swells.

Funkily entangled guitar pops as the energizing percussion presses on. Trumpet-like notes vibrate into the the unstoppable low end throbs on. The track ends on the sprightly melody with which it began.

Trickling xylophone moves above brushing percussion in a softly tumbling flow to open “Capri.” Chimes shimmer and muscled drums touch the track. An underlying, silken synth slides with feathery fragility as drums tick and xylophone hypnotizes.

Giant, retro drums burst to form a guiding beat while bass slips below as the xylophone reverberates in an intoxicating melodic pattern. After the drums throb alone, the xylophone adds an angular air of mystery to the track. The drums keep pulsating in a sonic wall.

After a drum flourish, electric guitar slides out with a majestic feeling and the xylophone wraps my ears in trance-inducing motion. Now drums fade and cosmic background synth ends the track.

“Back To You” starts as solid drums are joined by steadily clapping percussion and flowing bass as medium notes flare. Emma Ballantine’s ethereal voice is calming but tinged with ache as illuminating synth flares burst. Strong drums add addictive propulsion as gleaming chords entangle.

Emma Ballantine emotes and sunlit notes glimmer as the chorus has a soothing melancholy in it, matching the lyrics while dense bass trembles far below. Sharp edged, twirling synth cuts in as bell-like notes ring out and the drumbeat pulsates.

Flashing synth dances past as the spring, dynamic low end presses on while the vocal melody is softly touching and the energetic bass and drums interlock to take the song to an end.

Some relationships are frustrating but hard to escape. Our narrator notices that the other person says they love her when they’re alone and want her when they are gone. She swears that “I have to stop going back to you.”

The storyteller is being told she’s missed when the song’s subject is out with friends and leaves empty promises to call her even as she waits. She concludes that, in spite of it all, "I keep running back to you! “

Bright brass hits flash along with a crisply clicking drum beat that moves with razor sharp bass to kick off “Dreamers.” A strong groove tinged with varied percussion moves in as reverberant, airy synth carries a fragile melody with a nostalgic quality.

Fluting synth sings a hazy, flickering melodic line with a hint of loss in it. Slap bass makes a compelling entrance as drums bounce and brass stabs as the solid drums pop. The flute exhales in a wandering pattern while bass slices and record scratches scribble.

Big drums drive and the active baseline keeps the music moving. Wind flows and panpipes ripple in silken tranquility while rounded synth flares and record scratches come in.

“Those Days” kicks off as a throbbing drum and bass pattern propels the track with interlocking synths smoothly carrying chords that speak of peace and forward progress. After drums flourish, open-voiced synth spills out with yearning emotion while drums and bass push on below it.

In the distance, chimes twinkle while widely slipping notes slide behind the repeating melodic pattern with its dreamy quality. Now colossal bass surges as synth chords project luminosity into the track.

After a light swirl, the bright synth creates a pleasingly tranquil impression while percussion adds form. Radiant chimes carry an uplifting melodic motif above the low end's weight. Quickly trickling synth skips past as the solid drums and bass guide the track to an end.

A deep bass pool flows out as medium-high, sharp-edged synth drifts in gleaming motion to open “Flashback III.” A sweeping sound is joined by effulgent synth chords before widely glowing chimes carry a melancholy and soothing melody.

Punchy drums burst and bass growls. There’s optimism in the chiming notes as they flicker out above gargantuan drums. Ticking percussion underpins enfolding synth clouds as they well up in a more quiescent segment.

Drums rebound as resonant synth sings a touching melody mingling longing and warmth above swirling synth chords. Chiming notes glimmer as they interweave loss and hope as drums tick quietly while the bass falls silent.

Conclusion

Flashback takes familiar retrowave elements and makes them into a fresh, fun and ear-catching final album. I enjoy the approach taken by The Last Concorde on this album and find it easy to hear over and over again.

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Karl M. Karl M.

LIGHTSPEAR - Motor

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

LIGHTSPEAR’s Motor is a lusciously interlocking synth tapestry that explores all of the facets of cars and what they mean to enthusiasts. LIGHTSPEAR combines emotive melodies, fascinating synth textures and powerful low end propulsion on Motor. The end result is an expressive musical journey that keeps me engaged as I listen.

Melody is something that never fails to draw me into music and LIGHTSPEAR has crafted some truly pleasing melodies on Motor. I especially enjoy how he leavens the rushing intensity of the music with melodic content that is melancholy or full of longing. It creates a balance that I quite enjoy as the album unfolds.

There’s an auditory depth and layered richness on Motor that lends the music a great deal of sonic power. The synth sounds range from delicate to robust while the tones run the gamut from ice cold to solar in warmth. All of these complementary or contrasting elements combine into an ear-grabbing totality on the album.

I want to give special mention to the percussion and bass on the album. They have massive presence and propulsive life that adds to the accelerative and energy-filled nature of the music. I enjoy the way in which the low end interacts with the other elements through the tracks.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Motor” comes to life as a delicately ringing bell-like sound flows steadily into open space. Tiny synth motes shimmer with fragile, tentative motion in the distance. The narrator talks about his love of cars, night driving and speed in deep, rich tones.

Widely turning arpeggios spin and chimes glissade with sparkling ease. The narrator has an engaging tone as he speaks passionately while arpeggios dance and bright notes twinkle. Now powerful drums pulse onward and a creaking, sharp-edged synth insistently vibrates as tautly spinning notes move.

Shining synth with a string-like quality sings a dynamic, ear-grabbing melody as piano notes form a drifting pattern. Twisting, high synth calls out as arpeggios turn. The low end pushes on while raised strings exude ear-pleasingly radiant energy. Bending, wandering synth calls out in an urgently rushing pattern and bass pulsates heavily before falling silent along with gliding, metallic notes.

Cars rush past on the highway before deeply rippling arpeggios move along with brightly jangling, metallic bells to start “Route.” The arpeggios add rich texture as truly massive drums form a powerfully throbbing beat. Slightly gruff synth chords flare into the music above the elastic drums.

Chimes spill out sparkling light, adding superb lustre and metallic sheen to the music. Below the other elements, bass undulates in waves while the hard-hitting drums keep up their unrelenting motion. Effulgent chimes carry a melody that makes me feel victorious and alive while full notes twinkle and angular bass rebounds as trumpeting chords leap out.

A kick drum throbs and a nasal, gently unwinding synth drifts dreamily while vaulting, gleaming arpeggios flow. Nasal-sounding synth calls out with wistful emotion and illumination flashes from wandering, soft-edged synth as bass oscillates slowly.

“DeLusion” opens as windshield wipers swish rhythmically and a background drone becomes a steady flow. Tightly wound notes shimmy as flat percussion bursts out underneath. A distorted synth carries an enigmatic melody while metallic trickles move through above the punchy drums.

Clean, sharp synth carries a majestic melodic line before becoming haunted and mysterious again. There’s yearning emotion in the melody, adding a touching quality to the track that I find charming.

Rippling synth motes spark in a steady pattern and gigantic drums explode with broad force. Now resonant notes move as glimmering synth repeats a taut pattern and springy sounds tremble. Soft-focus synth carries the ghostly but noble melody before silence falls.

F1 cars howl around a track to open “Formula” before the sound of breath is joined by jazz organ notes with a bell-like resonance. Trickling chimes flicker and brassy notes cry out in the background, unctuous arpeggios spin and razor-edged bass thunders as fat drums explode.

Giant-sounding notes surge before a silky smooth, medium-high synth carries a melody mingling intense energy with pained emotion. Sharply slicing notes rebound in the background. There’s a wonderful, lambent life in the melody as tumbling, bursting synth leaps out.

After a sweeping synth cries out, taut notes flit past and heavy drums pound. There is breath again before the shining synth melody keeps up a sense of dynamism above the huge bass surge and silence falls.

“Track” commences as enormous bass rumbles below distantly floating chimes that wander quietly. Soothing notes arpeggiate and hard-edged bass growls in waves to create an excellent contrast. The bass becomes a powerful oscillation as chords exuding brightness flash out.

A snare drum adds shaping influence to the dark bass pulse and piano-like notes create a feathery pattern with a hopeful quality. The piano melody has a lost and wistful character while the underlying chords provide noble sensations. Now the bass scuds along rapidly with a shadowed feeling and the drums skip easily.

Rough-edged, gleaming notes have a melancholy tinge as they shift and the piano drifts past above rushing bass. The gruff synth that winds through carries a longing melody feeling as the backing chords generate majestic sensations.

Filigreed synth interweaves as big drums thud and radiant illumination spills into the track. Sharp notes cut cleanly as drums collide and golden synth sings a pained melody while drums rebound. There’s a deep ache in the lead synth while the low end powers onward to an end.

A hazily floating synth is tinged with arpeggiating notes flickering through it to start “Rust.” Softly slipping, elevated synth threads drop in before a ticking hi hat is joined by pulsating, dense bass.

A snare drum kicks in to add more shape and the tensely shining synth carries a dynamically expansive melody. Chimes shimmer as arpeggios shiver and medium-high synth vibrates with a brilliant light. A flashing synth pattern lends active energy while the percussion pushes on and bass surges.

The broadly trembling, medium-high lead synth has a pleasingly energetic quality to it. The narrator speaks with nostalgia about a beloved family car and her family’s experiences, sadness about the state of the car but joy for the memories.

Conclusion

Motor carries me away on a intensely interwoven synth journey, full of nuance and auditory detail. This is synth music that roams across a broad landscape of emotion and instrumental complexity and draws me in more deeply with each listen.

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