Odder - At The Pace Of Death

Review by Atomic Robo Kid

Distant sparks crackle as the water trickles in at the far corner of an abandoned industrial unit. Automated screeches and quick but precise hammer like strikes tell me that a machine is still at work. The sounds of sharpened steel coming towards me, heard faintly, juxtaposed with an eerie melody. The sounds of a sinister music box, supernatural sounds are omnipresent as is the fear of the unknown. This is a place of pain, a place of death! Further crackles and electrical interference.... 

Odder’s new track, 'At the Pace of Death', is coming to town! Boy, it is aptly named!

....we are launched full throttle into a dark realm. But, keep up mere mortals, you are in for a thrill ride. Meticulous synth work as Death's skeletal digits play a twisted, up-tempo church organ.

Percussion fused with distinct glitches compliments the fast paced melody, the breaks and well-positioned pauses summon an uncomfortable feeling of attending your own funeral. That twisted church organ is purposeful, not only in fuelling an emotion of fear, but for the structural progression of the track. 

Around two minutes in and I'm brought back to the stark reality of the abandoned industrial unit, perhaps I'm not ready to join Death's journey. However, that thought is quickly pushed aside as Death clearly has a different intention, coming back more aggressive than before. There's no escape, and there's no escaping that deep bass groove that cuts through the rhythm now. A very cool vibe indeed! 

We continue at full throttle, 'At the Pace of Death' in fact and there is a lot to keep us rocking! Powerful drum patterns, sinister sounds, tempo changes and glitches are just a few tricks up Odder's sleeve! 

 'At the Pace of Death' is a soundscape like no other: glitches; horror; catchy synth; explosive drums and deep bass. It's a soundscape, that for me, captures the essence of Odder and is becoming his trademark sound. This track, like Odder's previous is a cleverly composed and well-produced piece which combines torturous samples and dynamic mechanisation with dark melodies creating a sense of sheer terror that

I'm confident fans of horrorsynth, darksynth and EBSM will enjoy. 'At the Pace of Death' is releasing on 31st October on all streaming platforms. Just in time for that ultimate Halloween party soundtrack. Want to avoid those pesky 'trick or treaters' knocking at your door? Then play this loud!

Sonic Gap - Copperman

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sonic Gap’s Copperman is a dark, dramatic journey that tells a cinematic story of a damaged, twisted man and his revenge on those for whom he blames for his ruin. Sonic Gap unfurls this tale in intensely interwoven synth vignettes that evoke rage, pain, violence and loss. I enjoy the way in which this tale is told through sound and musical intensity.

Atmosphere soaks every track of Copperman and I enjoy the way that Sonic Gap is able to evoke the moods and sensations of his story. There’s seething darkness filling the synths, along with a palpable sense of pain and a ferocious desire for revenge. The way in which all of the auditory elements interact creates cinematic mental imagery for me.

Sonic Gap does an excellent job of layering synth sounds on Copperman. All of the synths have been well chosen and combined to create powerful emotion and sensation. There are slashing attacks, growing danger and moments of melancholy all captured by the varied tonal and timbral elements within the sounds Sonic Gap uses on the album.

I am enamoured of audio storytelling and this music does it well. Each track sets the scene and as a whole they frame it in vivid imagery. Sonic Gap has woven together many threads into an engaging and entertaining tapestry.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Copperman” starts as one decisive chord pounds in along with a ragged-edged oscillation that rushes forward. Dramatic, metallic piano-like synth leaps in tense bursts that weave shadow in minor key motion as giant drums throb like a heartbeat. The piano-like synth feels portentous and full of dark omen in the most deeply pleasing way.

Ethereally gliding sounds slip in the distance and the drumbeat is unrelenting. Bass roils as the widely sweeping piano creates a dangerous sensation. The steady backing drone adds to a feeling of expectant threat that permeates the track. Tumbling, jagged synth slices and silence falls.

Gritty, powerful bass growls as medium-high, string-like synth drifts in a haunting melodic pattern to open “Ready To Meet.” Clean snare drum throbs as a bell rings. Bass snarls as the arpeggiating, ghostly notes float and slip past while drums pulsate.

Sharp-edged, elevated synth carries a melody that effectively conveys loss and uncertainty as broad arpeggios spin out and drums shape the track. Rapidly tumbling, metallic notes fall through and the medium-high lead synth melody wanders as raised, flashing synth part sings out.

Chimes flicker and swirling, clean-edged synth revolves as the pained, nervous melody glides past. The ragged low end and shaping drums press on while aching emotion pours out before we end.

“Copper Mine Abyss” starts as unique, varied percussion throbs out in hollow-voiced motion as a kick drum forms a steady heartbeat. Elevated, sharply skipping synth trips along as gruff, massive bass rises with dominant power.

The kick drum keeps on shaping the music as a broken synth is now joined by triumphantly flaring chords. The heavy bass pushes on further and majestic synth blares out as the percussion interlocks and silence falls.

Oscillating, seething synth with a bubbling sensation to it creaks and groans as a kick drum pounds to begin “Acid Etch Of Malevolence.” A crunchy synth roils as a snare drum ticks and it cuts in with an oddly rubbery bending sound

Now lambently flaring synth pulsates in a swirling pattern. There’s a harsh feeling in the synth as the drums and bass create motion that surges onward. I can almost see the acid malevolence burning, evil and hungry, as it pours out in a vitriolic rush to eat away at the world.

“The Factory” commences as hissing, rattling industrial sounds echo into vast open space as threatening bass actively moves. Percussion throbs and taut synth notes flit past in nervous motion. Sonic Gap skillfully contrasts the elevated synth’s worried trickle with crushing low end weight as soft-edged chords add luminance to the music.

There is a mechanistic feeling to the low end while it repetitively pulsates. Now the music floats into a segment in which rapidly sparkling synth trips past as scraping sounds reverberate into space. The percussion presses on while shadowy bass shifts and bright chords leap as the entangling high synth fades into softly sibilant notes.

A steady bass undulation is joined by thudding kick drum as a rapidly scudding sound echoes to open “Mission To Mask.” After a swirling howl, a bending synth twists and cries out in a dramatically active melodic pattern while the battering low end pushes hard.

Elevated, mistily sweeping synth swirls smoothly as the relentlessly guiding drums and bass move onward. High, intertwining synth slips past with a feeling of tension wound into it, expectant motion about to erupt as the hard-hitting drums and dynamic bass keep pulsating into silence.

“Vengeful Hunt” begins as a rebounding kick drum punches in and delicately slipping synth drifts in the distance. Radiant notes briefly flicker as rising chords add a majestic sensation and the low end keeps throbbing.

Hollow panpipe notes quickly jump into the music as the brilliant chords glow brightly and a wonderful nobility fills them. Now open-voiced synth is touched with trickling notes as it trails past and the drums and bass pulse on before falling into quiet.

Weighty kick drum throbs as a tumbling bass rush creates intense motion as "Face Of Retribution” starts. Trailing, diaphanous synth circles and a snare drum joins in to add form.

Airy notes spin smoothly in a pattern imbued with something unsettling as scintillating, elevated synth effectively creates a rising feeling of danger and nerves as the percussion contributes to the crushing sensation that fills the track.

Conclusion

Copperman is a filmic tale told with sound. The music’s cinematic nature is quite well done as far as I’m concerned. Sonic Gap does a first rate job of laying out a story and then pulling me into it with his evocative composition and synth choices.

Elevate The Sky - Dreaming In Color

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Elevate The Sky’s Dreaming In Color is a luscious slice of retro-synth beauty spiked with his powerful vocals, beautiful melodies and a richly interwoven synth palette. When one adds Elevate The Sky’s emotive guitar performances, a host of skilled musical supporters and well-written lyrics the end result is galvanizing.

At the core of Dreaming In Color are Elevate The Sky’s vocal abilities. His voice can soar to incredible heights or take hold of my heartstrings and tug on them with aching emotion. There’s soul and strength in the performances as they take hold of the words Elevate The Sky has written and wring all the meaning out of them.

Melodic ear candy fills Dreaming In Color as each song reveals itself. The melodies have expression and depth in them, sometimes filling me with joy and at other times, touching me with their delicate melancholy. They all share clarity as they wind around my ears and draw me more fully into the music.

The way in which synth sounds, guitar and the other instruments combine on the album weaves a spell that creates sonic enchantment. There are a varied selection of ear-grabbing synth textures, tones and timbres on offer to paint intense imagery while Elevate The Sky’s guitar chops are electrifying. llia Skibinsky’s sax is incredibly seductive and Michael Oakley’s vocals on “We Are The Dreamers” are a treat, along with a #synthfam choir.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Radio (Hearts Beat In Stereo)” comes to life as the nostalgic sound of a scanning radio is joined by colossal bass and scintillating synth rippling in. Drums drive on with huge propulsion as glimmering notes dance. Elevate The Skys voice is wonderfully filled with melancholy and dreamy emotion as arpeggios shine expansively.

Passionate emotion pours from Elevate The Sky’s vocals as the low end shapes the track and cosmic notes flash out while medium-high arpeggios add a warm sheen. The vocal melody mingles dynamism and ache while massive retro drums throb and bass flows.

Caressing guitar entangles in a soothing and slightly pained melody while metallically ringing notes tumble through with a gruff edge. Elevate The Sky’s voice is full of power and feeling while radiant notes jump past before the song ends.

The power of memory can transport us all but we can also get lost in it. Our storyteller wants to rewind back to simpler days “through a window of hopeful eyes.” He listens to the radio as love letters are sent over the air and the frequencies take me to another place.”

On never-ending, lonely nights the narrator gave himself over to the radio. On “these rainy nights all alone” he gets lost in the radio’s world and keeps on dreaming as he gave “my heart to the radio.”

Now “faded scenery in the back of my mind” replays on a loop all night long for him. He’s been “lost in a daydream of make believe” and is now only a silhouette against the “light of you and me.”

A tentative light fills the background as distantly arpeggiating synth notes are joined by glimmering chimes to open “Dreaming In Color.” Arpeggios revolve in sweeping motion, joined by colossal drums and an airy female voice calling out wordlessly.

Elevate The Sky’s tender voice carries a wistful melody above the dense bass well as twirling arpeggios shift and glistening synth trembles. The drums have great presence as the arpeggios flow with expansive strength.

The vocal melody carries loss within it as Elevate The Sky capably captures the painful emotions in the words. Drums with muscled thunder echo while arpeggiating notes slowly spin. Now the guitar rings out in a wildly crying solo, wrenching in its emotional intensity before the song ends.

Dreams can be terrible, vivid and entangling in their impact. The narrator talks about the moon’s dark silhouette as he “fell asleep in an ocean of violent sharks.” He says that he fears seeing the truth as he is smothered under a “blanket of blue.”

Our storyteller speaks of fading away as a shade of grey while “I’m dreaming in color.” Time is trickling through an hourglass as the air begins to run out. It is a nightmare that won’t pass as he can “see the colors of a rainbow illuminate its glow.”

“Santa Monica” starts as tranquil panpipes echo out gently in rippling motion as rich luminosity pours from the backing synth. Creamy bass and giant drums add shape and propulsion as the track gets going. A sax cries out with ardent flair, radiating heartfelt joy above ethereal synth exhalations and the pulsating low end.

Warming chords glint in the background while bursting drums and throbbing bass add form. The sheer exuberance permeating the sax fills me with joy while the energizing low end pulls me onward. Luminous synth shines with sunny light and raised notes flit past in shining motion.

There’s genuine emotional uplift in the sax as it leaps and scintillating, metallic chimes move in hypnotic arpeggios. The sax takes the song out freely flying, reedy tones as the bass and drums push on along with glittering synth that adds to the track’s solar illumination.

Widely dancing, shiny synth intertwines as Elevate The Sky’s warmly nostalgic and tender vocals glide to commence “Laguna Beach.” The drums and bass accelerate and there’s lustre in the lead synth as it dances.

The vocal melody fills me with a hopeful ache as it unfolds. The lead synth washes out with uplifting energy while the low end shapes the song. Elevate The Sky’s vocals are full of feeling as brilliant synth flits in active lines while truly colossal bass growls.

A metallic synth adds more brightness as the guitar arcs upward, reaching for the sky in free-wheeling joy. Trumpeting synth accents Elevate The Sky’s passionate vocals that call out above the energetic motion below to close the song.

Sometimes nostalgia can be easy to lose oneself within. The storyteller paints a Laguna Beach idyll of white sand, blue skies and palm trees. He says that he and the song’s subject were holding one another so tightly, to the point that “we could’ve missed the spark.” The spark was the sun illuminating their eyes and pulling them from darkness.

Our narrator talks of the two of them holding a “California dream” in their hands. He wants them not to worry about the future but to find romance today. In the hopes that a moment’s intense feeling would last, he says that “we got lost in the scattered lights” and almost forgot to live their lives.

“Little Tokyo” begins as a koto echoes out with its unique string sound tangling along with traditional Japanese percussion before an exciting drum and bass pulse launches forward. The koto carries an uplifting melody that does an excellent job of injecting propulsive energy before a radiant synth twirls out an encouraging melodic pattern.

Bass oscillates as drums throb and the koto carries a melody tinged with wistful emotion yet full of lively strength. Soaring, gleaming synth wheels above the other sonic elements and the low end pushes on. Drums thunder as the koto entangles and panpipes breathe out behind it as lustrous arpeggios twirl.

The track slips into windy flow as sparkling notes trip past and arpeggios spin out. Rounded synth sails past and the punchy drums and bass add shape before the track comes to an end while a gong sounds.

Waves wash and brassy synth leaps out with luminous life as throbbing bass and huge retro drums propel “Malibu.” Elevate The Sky’s powerful voice bursts with expression as twinkling synth shimmers and the drums and bass keep pulsating. The vocal melody is full of need and hope to which I am drawn.

Glimmering synth flashes and trumpeting notes flare while chimes ring out. Elevate The Sky’s emotional performance reaches out to the listener’s heart as sunlight pours from the shining synth. The low end keeps on moving forward while the vocals brim over with touching affection.

The broadly illuminating lead synth sings a positive melody as guitar unfurls in a flying solo that explodes, twists and intricately weaves out above the drums and bass. Elevate The Sky captures the feeling in the words, deeply engaging with them as the low end charges onward and elevated synth pours out lambent glow before silence falls.

The chance to rekindle an old flame burns brightly sometimes. Our narrator creates the image of a setting sun as he and the song’s subject drive down a winding road. They are on their way to start the new life they’ve been waiting for as they “fly, gas pedal to the floor.”

The storyteller points out that even if the night fades away, he’ll find the song’s subject. He goes on to say that “even if the world ends tonight” he’ll find the other person and go on to meet them in Malibu.

Now years have gone by but he still thinks of the other person. Winter sets in but the memory of “that summer” continues. The reminiscence of fireworks bursting and “the taste of romance” goes on as the narrator recalls “late movie nights, falling in love, taking a chance.”

“Moving In The Shadows” begins in a multicoloured sonic wash while string-like synth adds a shimmering, soothing melody. Insistent drums pulsate in a guiding beat as a forward moving, bright synth pattern scuds as chiming notes sail out and now massive bass throbs and shiny arpeggios twirl.

Guitar surges in with a growling note pattern before smooth synth notes unfurl with hopeful light and the drums drive onward. The arpeggiating, full sounding background synth undulates while the guitar sings out and the lightly touching synth melody dances.

The guitar calls out in a melody mingling ear-pleasingly joyful energy with bluesy influences as rapidly sparkling synth trickles through. After a launching sound and flourishing drums, the guitar carries the melody that soars up with buoyant life and the track ends on flaring chords and delicate chimes gliding into silence.

Gigantic bass wells up as bright piano notes flicker and huge retro drums join in as the bass oscillates to open “We Are The Dreamers.” Michael Oakley’s deeply expressive voice carries the uplifting, aching vocal melody above smooth drums and undulating bass.

Glimmering chimes add shine to the song. Michael Oakley’s voice surges with passion and strength above the driving low end as light flashes out. Positivity, hope and energy leap out from the mingled choral voices as the melody explodes with joyful life. Elevate The Sky’s guitar charges with yearning energy as starry synths glitter. The vocals are full of feeling, powerful and compelling.

The chorus flies in again, blowing away the darkness of a mundane life. Chimes twinkle as the dynamic drumbeat and pulsing bass push the track on. llia Skibinsky’s sax solo is jazzy, full of reedy warmth and impassioned emotion that mingles with the chorus of joyful voices. Chimes shine with crystalline illumination as drums and bass propel the music. The chorus lifts in exultant emotion as the song pulses on to a conclusion and the sax cries out once more.

In “arcade nights” escape was reality for the narrator and his companion. In “summer dreamin’ at the mall” they found their destinies. In the midst of it all, they “loved…hurt and…fought to be heard.” Our storyteller talks about their dreams being broken "with your heart on the floor.” Their escape was to go "far away from the world” just getting lost in your car. There were also endless days and nights “reaching for the stars.”

As the chorus rings out, the narrator talks about how one night “could change forever” as they drive far away from the world. He calls for both of them not to let their chance go because “we are the dreamers.” He adds that the night could last forever and let one “escape from all your fears."

Nostalgia unfolds as everything is “etched in memory” as if it was just yesterday. Our storyteller talks about the way in which life continues “but time stands still when you’re with me.” Despite the heartaches, he talks about escaping and getting “lost in a song” during endless days and nights “searching to belong.”

As the song finishes, the narrator talks about how the night will change forever as they “reach up to the sky” and he urges himself and the other person not to let this chance go.

“New Horizon” comes to life as tremendous strength fills the bass that rises into the music with gruff edges as digital sounding arpeggios ripple in a rushing motion. Elevate The Sky’s vocal performance is aching and deep, carrying a melody that mingles hope and a hint of melancholy while arpeggios twinkle and the drums and bass press on.

The vocals tremble with intense emotion as the chiming notes exude warmth and positive emotion while the thunderous drums and solid bass. Elevate The Sky’s voice dominates the song as he ably captures the lyrics and their full meaning.

Lambent chimes coruscate above giant bass before the guitar cries out with touching feeling and climbs skyward and bass growls. The chorus flies above the forward charging low end while the drums and bass shape the music before the song ends.

Sometimes in life a chance to start anew must be seized when it appears. The teller of this tale speaks of seeing “the sun burst into a million flames” as he hears a heartbeat calling his name. There’s a powerful sense of escape coming over him as an unexplainable energy moves him. He realizes that “the wind will try to change my direction” and dreams seem distant but he can still feel a strong connection.

Our narrator talks about taking his heart to “new horizons” adding that it isn’t very far to the other person’s heart. He urges the second person in the song to “come undone and let go with me.” He goes on to say that their connection is all they have and all they need to discover that new horizon.

The storyteller talks about a truth that speaks loudly "like a familiar song.” He likens it to an encouraging voice echoing out strongly as his eyes are “intrinsically bound to a new rising sun.” Life awaits him, a transformation. The wind isn’t carrying him away now so he reaches out to the open sky to go on “a journey to a new path across the great divide.

Conclusion

Dreaming In Color fills me with a sweeping emotional rush as it unfolds in my ears. The way in which all of the different sonic elements combine is strongly pleasing and keeps me engaged as I listen. This is music that I can hear over and over again and continue to enjoy .

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.