Karl M. Karl M.

Cat Temper - Mystic Kitten

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Cat Temper’s Mystic Kitten weaves a musical spell as it combines lushly layered synths, melodies both ethereal and haunting and atmospheric moments that cast an enchantment over the listener. The album draws me in and entangles me within the musical web it spins out around my ears.

A richly varied and endlessly ear-pleasing synth palette is a big part of Mystic Kitten’s attraction for me. Cat Temper explores sounds that glisten, drift diaphanously and rumble ominously in his synth choices. I enjoy the moments of haunted darkness as much as those of flaring light. His percussion and bass also create powerful propulsion and shaping motion to complete the layering.

Melodies that have a wandering, lonely and pained quality fill Mystic Kitten. I enjoy the way in which Cat Temper’s melodies are clear and emotive. There’s a wandering, ghost-like feeling in the writing that is sometimes gentle and sometimes hurting which captivates me. I find the magic of the album increases as the melodies unfold.

Atmosphere oozes from Cat Temper’s music on the album. I enjoy the quality of misty ensorcellment that fills the music, evoking ancient ruins and fog-clouded moors. There’s a delicate spell cast over the tracks that I find quite engaging.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Welcome To My Nightmeow” comes into being as rippling, digital-sounding arpeggios sparkle into space. A steady sound swells fully and reverberating drums pound hard while darkly shaded bass growls. Broad-sounding, sweeping arpeggios writhe and hard-edged, metallic chimes ring in a melody that effectively mingles dynamism and threat.

A ticking hi hat joins flowing arpeggios and giant bass as drums cascade.The low end becomes a muscled surge and twisting, haunted sounds move. Now trumpeting synth cries out in energizing life as guitar growls and erupts into driving motion.Bells ring out again, cutting in with warning feeling. Warmer, brassy synth calls as angular guitar slashes in. The track ends on radiant, jangling bells and sweeping notes while percussion throbs.

Hectic, nervous synth rushes in widely dancing motion to open "Last Cat On Earth.” Open-voiced panpipes exhale in an ethereal melodic pattern before giant bass bursts along with solidly throbbing drum. The panpipes dance in again, repeating a cosmically flowing pattern.

Intertwining synth carries a haunting, warmly melodic line that creates a sense of yearning that I enjoy. Nasally flickering synth sings over colossal low end motion. A taut arpeggio ripples as pipe organ-like synth carries a wandering pattern and the low end keeps pulsing onward.

Distorted synth writhes and shimmies as rough-edged bass growls and bell-like percussion taps. The drums punch in while oddly modulating synth wriggles and the track returns to a ghostly melodic pattern and solid drum motion.

“Purranormal” starts as flashing synth chords with a minor key tinge shine out into open space. Ominously pulsing bass doubles the luminous chords a and snare drum rattles while hollow percussion pops in between. A metallic synth winds out an enigmatic melody full of spectral light as chimes flicker and extend above the low end percussion.

Now the bass line becomes energizing while radiance glides out from elevated synth. The “A" section returns to add mystery once more. The synth melody wafts like a phantasm, like something from out of the shadows as the low end shapes the track.

I enjoy the little twist of variation to the melody that adds unpredictability as chimes flit past. Dynamically moving bass pushes on above a slowly sailing synth as chimes delicately arpeggiate. Rapidly turning arpeggios whirl as bell-like notes ring and piano climbs above them with more warmth before ending.

Steadily pulsing synth glides and modulates to produce an actively moving feeling to commence “Hisslexia.” The lead synth has a sharp-edged brightness to it as solid bass doubles it to add some weight. Lambent synth dances to add another dynamic layer as tuned percussion is cut by an edged bass pulse.

Now panpipes wander in cryptic patterns as blatting bass is joined by rebounding drums as soft-edged caresses. The low end pushes on and flaring, minor key synth tangles with abandon in an ear-pleasing rush.

Massive drums flourish and the track slips into misty synth lines and explosive drums. Slicing sounds trip as a fluting synth carries a fragile and soothing melody. An entangling synth pulse flits into silence as the track finishes.

“Under My Paws” comes to life as sailing synth entwines in silken motion as it flows into openness. A reverent feeling fills the track as a steady bass oscillation moves through. A scintillating, elevated synth sings a calming, slightly shadowy melody that I find engaging as drums throb and dense bass pulses.

Tom hits move in as rounded synth chords with a tinge of something dangerous slip past. The bass has a heavier force as it tumbles and a snare drum adds shape. The main melody slides in with soothing light as trickling synth falls in.

Massive, retro drums punch hard and cascade as chimes dance in a tenderly floating pattern. A gleaming synth carries a melancholy- tinged melody as chimes twinkle and the track ends with driving drums.

Widely sweeping, digital-sounding synth roams in arpeggiating motion, echoing out into space with a spectral quality to kick off “Lace and Whiskers.” Growling bass descends with threatening weight before the arpeggios are joined by cleanly cutting synth.

Bubbling synth wanders with wonderfully haunting melancholy as chiming notes shiver. Panpipes carry a lost and pained melody, drifting out over digitally rippling arpeggios.

A trembling, elevated synth moves tenuously and intimidating percussion thunders and towers. An spectral synth with a mournful quality carries a heartbroken melody. After cleanly twirling arpeggios flow in, nasal sounding synth adds a hurting quality as tremendous retro drums pound and then fall into silence.

Conclusion

Mystic Kitten is an ideal album for listening during the season of darkness and mists preceding Halloween. I enjoy the way in which the music haunts and enchants me. I want to keep listening as the long autumnal nights slowly shade into winter darkness outside my window.

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Karl M. Karl M.

Valley Lights - Two Lane Highway

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Valley Lights (Kai Mammoser)’s Two Lane Highway is a heady mixture of excellent vocal performance, emotionally intense songwriting and energizing musical backing to galvanize the listener. The way in which the musical elements combine creates an engaging voyage through love, loss and passion topped off by high sound quality.

Kai Mammoser’s vocal performance is front and centre on Two Lane Highway. His voice is powerful, clear and expressive as he sings and it captures the intensity of emotion within the lyrics. I enjoy how he can modulate it from tender caress to soaring strength in order to convey the words most effectively.

The songs that Kai Mammoser has written for Two Lane Highway drive straight to the heart of the matter. He mingles direct expression with raw emotion and moments of lyrical beauty in his writing. There’s a feeling of heartfelt truth in the emotional content of the words that shines through in each song. As a whole, I find myself drawn to them.

The melodic lines, lusciously intertwining synth sounds and propulsive percussion all deepen the feelings within the music on the album. I think the synth palette suits the emotional content in the music and Hugo Lee’s sax is masterful. All of the various producers weave high quality sound and the mastering adds the final touches.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Headlights” begins as flaring synth chords swell in as flashing notes pulse, played by Mattias Fumagalli. Hugo Lee's sax comes in with passionate intensity, carrying a melody trembling with yearning emotion. Retro drums energize the song and strong bass oscillates. Kai Mammoser’s voice has a resonant, emotionally direct quality as he delivers a warmly nostalgic vocal melody.

The propulsive low end is touched by wide-sounding, glimmering synth chords that fill the song with enfolding light. Kai Mammoser’s lush, ear-grabbing voice carries the vaulting chorus as the drums and bass move the track forward with lively energy.

Behind it all, synth gleams with neon light as the vocals fly out with positivity filing them. Kai Mammoser radiates heartfelt feelings as he expresses the emotion in the lyrics. Sax touches the music with dreamy richness before silence falls.

The storyteller talks about the song’s subject looking good in the summer. They were “pushing 95, cruising up the coastline” as the car stereo played loudly from the open windows. Our storyteller says that there are “so many tender things I can’t forget about you now.”

Our narrator says that how she danced with him, kissed him and smiled at him was a “a very special bliss.” They enjoyed “summer fun under a purple sun” but ultimately they got scared and “that’s why it all came undone.”

A memory of the two of them “all alone under the stars and sky” on the never ending highway as the car’s headlights illuminated them comes to the narrator. He says that he won’t forget “dancing in the headlights with you” and asks if she’ll dance with him the same way once more.

In the summer, he was hers and she was his “the only woman I adored.” As they sat together on the beach, she kissed him and “I took those photos that bind you to my memory.”

Massive bass flows out as glittering chimes leap out with radiance to open “Two Lane Highway.” Digital-sounding synth with a rounded sound wanders through in angular patterns. Kai Mammoser’s voice injects ardent energy as guitar breaks out in a snarling line above heavily pounding drums and dense bass.

There’s a fresh liveliness in Kai Mammoser's voice as the drums throb and bass growls while chimes flare out with glinting light. The chorus is joined by chugging, charging guitar that slashes into the track while the drums push onward. I enjoy the grabbing expression in the vocals while the dynamic underpinnings drive forward.

There’s uplifting energy in the chorus, mingled with the regret in the words. Shimmering chimes flicker and the track glides as Kai Mammoser’s voice drifts. Majestic synth chords glow as the chorus jumps in again. The mixture of fierce guitar and propulsive low end fills the song with motion as the vocals fly again as the tautly wound guitar cries out.

When a relationship ends, sometimes all you can do is break away completely. Our storyteller says that he stayed for the song’s subject but “you broke my heart and it’s still bleeding” so he’s got to leave town. He wakes in the middle of the night to hear her voice in his head. All he wants to do is “drown it out and let you go.”

The narrator wonders if they might have done things differently or if “maybe it was too much for you to have a little faith in me.” He’s got to leave but he wanted to tell the other person that “it’s a two lane highway, you go your way, I’ll go my way.”

Again our storyteller says that she’s the reason he’s leaving and feeling depressed. He adds that “you broke my heart but it’s still beating” so the time has arrived for him to go. He is finished with fighting and hearing “you screaming inside my head.” He still loves the song’s subject but says that they’re better off with him not saying anything now.

He ends by saying “I’m gonna get in my Camaro and drive on into the night outta sight.”

“Chasing Ghosts” begins as rumbling fills the background before drums burst in a throbbing pattern as flashing synth leaps out behind delicate chimes. Kai Mammoser’s emotive vocals carry a melody mingling need and loss. His vocals fly out with fervent life as brilliant synth gleams while chimes add crystalline illumination.

The guitar cries out and unwinds in a madly dancing, cascading solo that draws me into it. Kai Mammoser’s voice is clean and clear as it soars above the angular synth pattern and shiny chimes as the drums and bass add shape. As the song ends, the vocals are distorted and glittering high notes trip in the distance.

Sometimes we’re haunted by the memories of people that we've loved, hurt and lost. Our narrator talks about walking down lonely streets in the darkness. As he walks, he can "only see your eyes in these city lights.” He sees beautiful people going downtown contrasting with graffiti on the walls and "red lipstick on a cigarette.” A memory of kissing the song’s subject returns to him as he muses.

The storyteller says that he's been looking for a girl, but he can't find her. She was the one to whom he gave the most, now "haunted dreams are my only reminder.” He feels like he's chasing ghosts. He goes on to say that he’ll “drive all night into the pale moonlight." In spite of everything, still has hope for them.

Now the narrator can’t see any face or number for her on his phone so he's all alone chasing ghosts. He's driving on an empty highway "in the shadows of my mind” as her face appears in neon signs. He remembers skinny dipping in a rooftop pool while “moving to the sound of black magic in a silhouette. ” He came to understand that their hearts were connected.

As the song ends, he hears whispers that are calling to him from a forgotten time. He concludes that "faded memories are so damn scary, I still don't know if you're real or not."

Varied percussion creates a steady heartbeat as wind rushes in to start “Across The Galaxy” while cosmic bass thunders below slowly twirling arpeggios. Kai Mammoser’s voice is rich with feeling, carrying a tender melody, as the powerful low end adds support.

The chorus is full of affection and need while tiny synth stars flicker and a bass tide flows underneath. Kai Mammoser effectively pours expression and heart into his voice as a soothing synth melody sails through and the percussion throbs.

Rounded, washing synth slides underneath the climbing chorus as soft arpeggios turn and bass planes. The vocals dream and yearn above the low end power. Refulgent synth chords flare gently as the chorus cries out with intense feeling. Bass spreads out into a vast flow as twinkling notes descend and silence falls.

When we're in love, sometimes it feels like we are drifting across the galaxy, illuminated in starlight. The storyteller talks about how he and the other person are holding hands, sitting under the stars and he won’t let her go. He weaves the image of the other person’s cigarette smoke climbing "to heaven slow.”

Our narrator talks about them diving into the sky and swimming “among the star signs” as their bodies align eternally. He adds that they’ll hang their constellation “between the scales and the maiden” so it can be seen across a vast distance. He says they’ll shine across the galaxy in “golden starlight alchemy.”

The storyteller speaks of holding her in his arms, telling her that his “solar heart” is always hers. They’ll watch “ocean tides crash upon a thousand shores” as the reflected sky dances in moonlight. He asks the other person not to close her eyes and to “make a wish tonight.”

He concludes by saying that they’ll shine across the galaxy like a “burning twilight tapestry.”

“Thailand” commences as a glassy smooth, caressing synth blanket rises. Kai Mammoser’s lush voice grows into the song as flickering notes gleam and creamy bass wells up. There’s wonderfully soaring energy in the vocals as drums and bass propel the song while a radiant synth flashes out.

The chorus leaps while undulating bass dances with pulsing drums as Kai Mammoser’s engaging voice lets loose. The vocal melody bursts with life, carried on a luminous synth, as the drums and bass drive. The track drifts through pink synth clouds as the vocals exude powerful love. The song launches back into the propulsive segment in which synth shines and the low end pulses.

Sometimes a change of pace has to be sought to keep a relationship going. Our narrator pictures them with “palm trees in the sunset” in a place they can go after their dreams that’s closer than it appears. He adds that “we could make it if we try.”

The narrator asks if the other person remembers discussing a trip to Thailand. He says that they can make it happen and adds, “You always thought I was such a fool, maybe I’m just a fool for you.” He asks her to take his hand and run away with him, pointing out that they don’t have to be scared.

The storyteller says that they each have their own friends and the two groups don’t get along so “that’s why we run around, can’t talk on the telephone.” He adds that they both know something has to change as the current situation is no way to live. Now they’re free falling into the unknown with "hearts open to endless possibility.”

Now our narrator goes on to say that they have each other and that’s all they really need. He states that he sees a future in which they can be free but he has to know “Are you coming with me?”

Effulgent chimes carry a tranquil melody as synth chords add softness to open “Holding On.” Kai Mammoser’s pained voice conveys broken hearted emotion that still holds determination as the solid drumbeat and rich bass adds support. The bass and drums pulse together as misty notes slip past.

The strong vocals carry the chorus, effectively mingling loss and hope as the flickering chimes double the melody, adding fragility. The guitar calls out in a melody full of intensely melancholy emotion as Kai Mammoser’s voice arcs upward. Soft-edged synth and crying guitar combine in an engaging flow and silence falls.

In spite of loss, sometimes we can't stop loving someone. Our narrator talks about spending another lonely night with an empty bottle at his side. He talks about the "images inside my mind I can't escape, even when I try.” He won't give up and he’ll keep holding on because "even when we fall apart" he still loves her.

The storyteller says that after another sleepless night with moonlight pouring through his blinds, he can't hold back the tears as he bleeds inside.” Again he reiterates that he'll keep holding on because "even when you break my heart, I still love you."

“California” starts off as madly whirling guitar is joined by brilliant synth chords, gargantuan drums and heavy bass. Chimes add encouraging notes and Kai Mammoser’s voice is expressive, carrying an uplifting melody as the guitar dances with active energy as muscled bass and gigantic drums drive on.

Kai Mammoser rips out an intensely yearning vocal performance and the guitars intertwine in dynamic motion. There’s an honest expression in the vocals that I enjoy. Massively driving drums and bass support the uplifting melody as chimes glisten.

The guitar solo explodes with free flying motion while the low end presses forward. Kai Mammoser’s vocals possess lively strength and feeling and the song ends on flashing chimes.

Sometimes after a love ends, you just have to go home. The narrator says that he's been pulled back and forth, but keeps on moving ahead. He keeps on his eyes "on a new adventure" because if you aren't living, you're dead.

Our storyteller says that he and the song’s subject spent Christmas in New Mexico under clear skies with bright snow. Now "it's summer baby and I've got nothing for you.” He says that winter doesn't come when you're living in California.

The narrator muses on how life can be a trip that never gets old. He points out that he is a "wild child" so no one should try to tame him because "I was born for the road.” He goes on to say that "I loved you baby but your heart kept getting colder." However, now he's always warm since he got back to California.

Waves wash softly as pillowy synth flows in soft arpeggios as a steady bass oscillation moves to kick off “Bonfire.” Flaring chords leap out and Kai Mammoser’s voice is resonant above the rebounding drums as bass throbs. The melody radiates affection and warmth while the bass pulses and drums guide the song.

Sparkling notes flit past while glimmering synth intertwines. The vocals soar out with loving intensity as the lead synth fills the song with luminosity. There’s propulsive motion below as shining chords flash and Kai Mammoser’s vocals deliver a charged punch.

Sometimes a chance encounter can ignite a deep passion. Our narrator saw the song’s subject dancing in her bare feet in the surf. He says that her body was "lit up, just like a firework." He goes on to say that he felt that he knew the other person as if in a dream or déjà vu.

The storyteller talks about "red embers climbing to the sky, igniting the passion between you and I.” He says that he can feel her warmth as he runs his fingers through her hair. A bonfire burns on the beach while the moon glows and waves roll in to complete the picture.

He's been staring at her through the fire and says that "you've got my heart, I've gotta know your name” because he knows she feels the same. The narrator creates a poetic image of "twin shadows cast upon the ocean, fire dancers caught in slow motion." He talks about how he's found a home in her embrace.

How's the song ends, his hands are wrapped tightly around her dress, and he's moving clothes inside of a caress. He holds her close to him as she kisses him and there’s a"taste of salt that's on your lips."

“Valley Romance” opens as languidly sailing synth flows above a steadily throbbing, retro-sounding drumbeat as lazy tom hits drift in. Kai Mammoser’s silky-smooth vocals have an authentically ‘80s sound as they carry a passionate vocal melody.

Medium-high synth glides out, creating laid back vibes behind Kai Mammoser’s classic-sounding voice above the shaping low end. Bass and guitar lock into an addictive groove as percussion adds energetic motion.

Twirling arpeggios cascade as funky guitar cuts in and the strong vocals carries the need-filled melody. Glittering guitar adds to the booty shaking beat as the vocals are full of desire and unique percussion adds a trickling feeling. Elevated synth twists through in a sexy solo and the undeniable rhythm keeps grooving hard before the song ends.

The narrator says that he’s on the boulevard at night seeing “so many ladies in their Mercedes.” He creates an image of high heels on concrete and moving on the dance floor. The song’s subject is looking for fun and our narrator can feel her electric attraction causing “a short circuit” as he is “magnetized by her.”

In the chorus, our storyteller talks about how right it feels to be dancing under neon lights. He says that they can dance all night long and encourages the other person to “take a chance on another valley romance.”

The song’s subject is a karaoke superstar and the narrator says her singing has him thinking. He is drawn to to her “short skirt, soft lips” and the heat he feels between them. He adds that her caramel skin and brown eyes are a good sign. He says that she is a livewire who will “jumpstart my desire.” He concludes, “Time of the essence, got to stop messin’ around.”

A skipping sound creates a steady motion as full chords billow while trickling notes run past to start “Forever And Always.” Sax briefly cries out and Kai Mammoser’s voice aches as colossal bass throbs. The medium-high, broadly glowing synth carries a melancholy melody.

Kai Mammoser skilfully captures the emotional heart of the lyrics in his voice. Hugo Lee's sax calls out in a melody that dreams and hurts as the drums and bass shape the music while widely sliding chords add touching emotion.

The sax cries again, reedy richness pouring out into the track. Air sweeps as ethereal notes illuminate the music and the sax explodes with soaring energy while the giant drums and solid bass take the music to an end.

In spite of our best intentions, sometimes relationships fall apart but their memories remain to hurt us. The storyteller talks about going to the beach when he needs to clear his mind. As the waves wash the shore, he says "I still think about you sometimes.” He goes on to say that what was best for him was the best for her so in the end "we both did what we need to do."

Our narrator still doesn't understand what it all means, but he realizes that it happened for a reason. He talks about how he'll "watch the tide and…feel the cold water washing over me as I let go.” He’ll sing this song for her now that he’s able to say goodbye.

The observation that "nothing gold can stay" strikes the narrator. In his mind, he’ll still stay with the other person forever and always. He notices a silhouette of her on the passenger side of his car “on city streets, that we drove a thousand times. ” He knows that the situation can’t be any different. It hurts because he knows that "you're the one thing that I'll never have.”

As the song ends, he says that he'll drive by himself on "these old roads" while faded lights are "burning bright as they guide me home."

Conclusion

Two Lane Highway strikes a great balance between retro sounds and modern recording sensibilities that is given freshness by Kai Mammoser’s vocals, unique songwriting voice and dynamically powerful musical backing. It is one of my favourite albums of 2023 so far.

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Karl M. Karl M.

Sunesis - Orbital

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sunesis’ Orbital evokes everything diaphanous and melancholy as it tells the tale of a lonely space traveler’s journey through the stars. Sunesis combines her ethereal vocals, emotive songwriting and atmospheric synth palette to paint aching, floating imagery. The end result is affecting and keeps me returning to this cosmic story as it reveals itself.

Sunesis’ voice has a quality of airy delicacy in it when she sings that adds wistful emotion to the words she writes. Her songs contain melancholy within them that is ideally captured in her voice. The way in which the two elements combine, hits me right in the heart with feelings, carrying me away into another realm.

Atmosphere drenches the music of Orbital. The way in which Sunesis mingles the different synths in her palette creates sensations of mournful emotion, deep peace and wide open vistas of stars. I enjoy the way in which the music glides and drifts, slipping past while darker shadings touch the tracks and drums throb.

I also enjoy the way in which Orbital tells a story. Each track adds another layer to the overall tale, carrying me through this intergalactic exploration, building one from the other into a richly interwoven whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Onboarding Medley” begins as fragile, floating synth is joined by incredibly massive bass that slowly interlocks into a swirling pattern. Nasal-sounding, tightly wound synth wanders in a pulsing pattern as widely whirling notes echo behind it. Meandering, rounded synth shifts with an aching tinge while sharper, brighter notes cut and twinkling chimes descend.

Digital-sounding, broadly reverberating notes call out in a melody that dreams and glides while chimes sparkle and dense drums form a guiding pulse. Panpipes breathe out in wonderfully tender breaths as glistening synth calls out and misty arpeggios twirl. Soft-edged synth creates a delicate pattern and planing notes extend as a flaring sound slices in. Open-voiced notes slip past and fade into bass darkness while chimes flicker.

Lush, broadly shining synth arpeggios spin out into vast space, radiant and peaceful as gritty bass climbs to start “Galaxy Empress.” Digital sparkles flicker past and a bubbling sound briefly moves through the track.Triumphant bass climbs, touched by softly tapping drums as glistening arpeggios rise over the shadow below them.

Rounded, warm notes drift and a tender voice calls. Flaring synth trembles glassily into the openness swelling around it. All of the layered sounds create peaceful, introspective feelings in me. I can picture a grand, galactic vista flowing past my starship window as the music unfolds.

Now soothing, transcendent synths bend with a melancholy quality as gliding underpinnings tremble. Soft-edged notes wash along with vibrating, medium-high synth shivering lightly as bubbling sounds float briefly. The worshipful, wordless vocal melody flits past as gruff bass growls far below. Guiding drums keep shaping the music before we fade on darkness and a delicate higher note.

“Black PrismA” opens as fresh and cool sounding synth forms a rippling motion over smoothly guiding drums and thudding bass. A snare drum ticks and springy synth spins in the distance. Sweeping sounds slides as a soft-edged, lambent synth trails delicately over the extended pads.

Flatly tapping percussion is joined by deadly bass growling and a steady kick drum pulsating. Trumpeting, choppy synth blares out as taut arpeggios twirl while the drumbeat guides the track. Wandering synth sweeps while natural sounds shiver. Ethereal, haunted synth glides and threatening bass snarls as the open air rushes.

The lost and tragic melody flows through the space surrounding it. Once again, giant bass trembles along with a tensely vibrating synth. Tremulous synth is joined by gently floating sounds to give me feelings of disconnection and mournful emotion. Slowly flickering sounds trickle while tense strings undulate and the track fades out.

Tranquility and melancholy flow from Sunesis’ airy voice and a sliding synth before massive, rich bass rises to open “Silence." Drums tick to shape the track while ringing synth floats out as Sunesis’ softly emotive voice carries the pained melody.

Tightly curling notes glisten delicately and bass throbs while the drums guide the song. Now the drums move alone before lush bass growls and bell-like notes slip past ethereally.

The background rises in misty flow as radiant notes expand and raised synth planes in long lines. Sunesis effectively captures the expression in the lyrics, feeling pouring out from her voice before silence falls.

Loss and ache, yearning and melancholy come together in this song. Our storyteller opens by saying that “you can be yourself here, away from all the fear.” She’s found a way to remain above the waves “a day away” but right now she’s enslaved by her thoughts.

The narrator feels that she’s still not drowning but “I'm sinking down in words that don't mean a thing.” She addresses the song’s subject and to tell that person “we both know something - I can’t keep going on.”

She doesn't want to “give in to the rain” and her face shows all of her feelings when she can’t give herself to the other person. She wants to hide her eyes from the song’s subject because “it's been hurting me to see everything I became.”

Our storyteller concludes, “Mirrors still see the same and I don't know how to stop it.”

"Moon Motel - Intermission 2” commences as creamy bass slides below sweeping, slightly gruff synth trembles into the easy flow around it. Hollow drums and a soft hi hat tick add form as whistling notes distantly hover.

Tranquil, cooling synth floats out as the drifting, sharp-edged notes slip through. I feel a weight lifting from my shoulders as I listen. The percussion is feathery and shapes the track while exhaling synth provides a peaceful feeling as tremendous bass finishes the track.

Cosmically vibrating synth shivers above static hiss to create a spaced out and haunted feeling as “New Horizon - Terra Version” starts off. Active percussion pulsates to create powerful propulsion as wandering, broad sounding synth glides in slowly undulating motion.

Drums and bass throb with galactic power as Sunesis’ voice airily calls out while widely sailing synth creates a slowly roaming pattern. Digital sounds trickle past while the low end moves.

The relaxed sensations of the gritty synth as it shifts puts me at ease. There’s a shadowy tinge to the lead synth line as it trembles and open-voiced percussion throbs. The track ends on sparkling, delicate synth carrying a pained melody.

Conclusion

Orbital drips with atmosphere, musical imagery and emotional depth. Sunesis weaves a luscious sonic journey as the music unfolds and I am appreciative of the way in which she can draw feelings out of me through sound.

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Karl M. Karl M.

Dimi Kaye - The Neon Shredder

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dimi Kaye’s The Neon Shredder combines intense guitar performances, enjoyable melodies and interlocking synth layers in an ear-grabbing sonic journey. Dimi Kaye is a masterful guitar player but his skills don’t stop there. His melodic writing and ability to paint with synths also shine through in this album. It is an auditory trip worth taking.

The Neon Shredder is a showcase of Dimi Kaye’s guitar fireworks. He can shred with the best of them, all flair and fire, but I also appreciate his ability to throttle back the intensity. There are tracks on the album in which he slows down and allows a gentler, smoother side of his ability to shine through and create lush soundscapes that carry me away.

Melodies that are expressive and engaging abound on The Neon Shredder. Dimi Kaye crafts melodic moments that are clear and ear-pleasing. I am drawn in by the way in which he can convey emotion through melody on the album. Along with dynamism and power, he can also create tenderness and tranquility in his melodic writing.

Layered, intertwining synth sounds move through the music on this album. I enjoy how the synth textures and timbres work together to generate strong imagery that complements and contrasts Dimi’s guitar work. I also have to acknowledge his drum and bass writing on the album because it adds a great deal to the way in which it flows.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Shredwave Avenger” comes to life as muscled bass flows with intent below crushingly powerful drums to create surging energy. Dimi Kaye’s guitar rises with dark majesty as broadly slicing synth leaps in, generating a dramatic sensation. Dimi Kaye’s guitar unwinds masterfully, flying out in a rising line of triumphant strength.

Trumpeting synth carries the hard-edged melody and gleaming notes rise with nobility. The guitar joins in to add more strength to the track while the glimmering, shadowed melody calls out. The guitar jumps in, feeling vaguely threatening as the track moves into a minor key segment in which grit and victory combine.

Wide-sounding, brassy synth imbues the track with a sense of soaring upward. The guitar flies again, full of exhilaration, crying out above the throbbing low end. Flaring synth accents the twirling guitar before the track descends into silence.

Thunderously pulsing guitar drives hard above rich bass and pounding drums to add raging propulsion as “Neon Fury” starts. Sharp-edged, shadowed synth climbs in a mysterious melody as the low end and guitar surge.

There’s taut strength in Dimi Kaye’s guitar as urgent synth doubles it to add an enigmatic quality. The guitar snarls onwards and glowing synth carries a haunting melody that effectively creates a feeling of pained motion. Gigantic drums batter while the tense synth melody flows.

Now popping, metallic percussion moves in empty space before ominously gliding notes drift in and the ferocious guitar slashes. Drums tap while wheeling guitar projects a dangerous feeling before intensely flashing synth cries out into quiet.

“Riffs Of Justice” opens as slicing guitar unwinds in a melody that is shadowed and verges on aching emotion, climbing high and dropping deeply down. Now kick drum throbs and the guitar launches into a propulsive and soaring melody full of success.

Dimi Kaye’s playing is intricate and skilled, fingers flickering over the strings to draw out the melody. A more pained quality enters the melody as the low end drives on, the guitar singing with emotion, before returning to the more encouraging melody.

Gleaming synth sings with triumph and the guitar dances in to add power while the low end pushes onward. Another solo spins out in wildly whirling motion and the melody takes on a flying feeling, calling out with righteous power as the pounding drums keep throbbing to an end.

Hollow percussion and muscled bass move as cutting, gruff guitar growls and delicate synth twirls distantly to start “The Neon Shredder.” The guitar and hard-hitting drums create active motion while synth flashes out a hopeful melody, tinged with melancholy as it cries out.

Taut synth climbs in energetic arcs above the slamming low end’s strength. Dimi Kaye’s guitar scuds past in the distance before leaping out in a solo that shines and accelerates skywards in intensely interwoven lines.

The track glides into a segment in which gentle guitar twangs and soft percussion touches while hard-edged bass forms an insistent pulse. Dimi Kaye’s guitar weaves a mad string tapestry with finger bending skill as the low end keeps pressing forward.

“A Warm Breeze In Summer” commences as ticking hi hat and smoothly entangling synth flow together in a calming exhalation. Twangy electric bass creates a hypnotic groove with the easily moving drums as the guitar carries a tranquil melody that exudes all the feelings of a lazy August afternoon.

The drums and bass guide the track while guitar sails along with peaceful relaxation as twinkling notes brush the music. Dimi Kaye plays with ease, carrying me away into a world of golden sunlight, azure water and swaying palms. The beat and twangy bass subdivide as rounded notes intertwine.

Now grittier guitar takes up the supremely easy-going melody, adding a little edge, while the track moves forward. Another signature Dimi Kaye solo contributes uplifting energy as it intricately flickers. The track returns to the settling lead guitar melody, breathing out above the shaping low end. The music ends as the guitar slips above flowing synth chords.

Brilliant synth chords burst as a steadily throbbing, gruff bass oscillation moves underneath to commence “Sunset Drive.” Gigantic drums throb as the bass oscillates and chords illuminate the track with warm light. The flashing synth is joined by delicate chimes, like sunlight on water, as a softer-edged synth sings a melodic pattern that takes away my tension.

Drums and bass pulse on as Dimi Kaye’s guitar adds tenderness while positive emotion pours from broadly glowing synth and chimes shimmer. There’s a melancholy gentleness in Dimi Kaye’s guitar playing, carrying a touching and dreamy melody as bursting chords add motion and chimes glitter above the throbbing low end.

“Funkstalgia” opens as groovy electric bass knots under radiant chimes and a snare drum joins in the funky motion. The chimes flash out as Dimi Kaye’s guitar cruises in a jazzy melodic pattern that easily glides through the music.

The guitar slides along with a relaxed flow while the bass guitar interlocks with the guiding drums. This track is right in the pocket as the illuminating chimes flare and Dimi Kaye draws out an achingly cool solo.

A guitar sound with a little more of an edge tumbles in cascading motion while steady drums and bass shape the track. The main guitar melody slips in again, full of effortless expression and a chilled out vibe as the chimes jump in before the track fades.

Drifting, ethereal synth forms a hypnotic pulsing pattern above colossal bass to begin “End Of the Neon Age.” Solidly hitting snare and kick drums add motion as widely trembling, elevated synth carries an energizing melody as full-sounding notes add more form. The glowing, slightly gruff lead synth melody has a pleasingly wistful tinge to its hopeful sound.

Hard-edged bass oscillates as drums leap out in bursting motion and the diffused lead synth takes on a pained edge. Brassier notes accent the main melody and the drum and bass pulsation drives on. There’s a softness in the lead synth melody, despite its motion and the track ends in quiet.

Conclusion

The Neon Shredder travels through a plethora of sonic landscapes as it unfolds. Dimi Kaye’s guitar playing is central to this journey, but he uses the full complement of musical abilities at his disposal here. The end result is deeply enjoyable and listenable.

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