Magnetic Skies - Empire Falling

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Magnetic Skies’ Empire Falling is nuanced, musically rich and emotionally engaging synthpop. It combines the vocal talents of Simon Kent with strong songwriting and a skilled band that weaves a musical tapestry from synths, guitars and drums. Darkness and light contrast and intertwine through this album to enchant the listener.

The first and most important factor that makes Empire Falling so enjoyable for me is Simon Kent's voice. It has a great breath of range, powerful expressiveness, and the ability to touch my heart. It carries the deep lyrics with a nuanced feeling that permeates every aspect of the music.

Another strong element that draws me to Empire Falling is the quality of the songwriting. It explores all of the complexities and contradictions of being human with well-chosen words. I enjoy the way in which a whole complicated welter of feelings can coexist in one song. This is emotive, adult synthpop and I appreciate it.

Lenin Alegria on drums, Jo Womar on synths and Carlos Aguilar on guitars combine their musical abilities to create a lush and intensely layered sonic tapestry. I enjoy the way in which each musical element interlocks with the others to provide strong support for the singing and songwriting.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Into Paradise” comes to life as radiantly gleaming synth flashes out a tenderly flowing melody above Lenin Alegria’s solidly throbbing drums and dense bass. Simon Kent’s softly expressive voice carries a wonderfully gentle melody as Jo Womar’s luminous synth glistens above the pulsing low end.

The chorus rises in a caressing cloud along with the softly twining lead synth melody as the low end adds shape. The vocals are smooth and yearning as trickling synth flickers through as the drums and bass guide the song.

Simon Kent has an enfolding quality in his voice as the music moves onward and now there’s airy gliding behind the vocals as the bursting drums are joined by Carlos Aguilar’s guitar calling out while the drifting lead synth sails through to end the song with the vocals.

Sometimes love becomes an irresistible tide that sweeps us along. The storyteller talks about watching the way the song’s subject moves and feels their pull, adding that she doesn’t think it’s a sin as “the game begins.” The other person’s smile makes her feel high along with “the scent and the skin.” Time grows tight and she realizes that if she shuts her eyes, it’ll end up with her finding “I’m into paradise.”

Now the narrator is trembling, realizing that it is “only fear” but she can see something solid in their connection. Their eyes grow unfocused as the ocean is “calling us on to the edge of time, blurring lines.” An unknown scent fills the air and there's “sugar on lips, sugar on hips.” The narrator concludes by saying “love, look at it all fade away.”

Rapidly driving bass moves along with undulating, elevated synth in an interlocking pattern as hard-hitting drums punch in to open “Fading Lights.” Simon Kent’s fills his voice with a desolate ache to it as it carries a melody full of longing.

A synth with an elevated flare carries a melancholy melodic line. The chorus rises with yearning above a solid drum and bass oscillation and the guitar drives forward. Tautly winding synth cries out and rounded notes form a steady, tangling pulse. There’s a hint of hope in Simon Kent’s hurting voice as the guitar unwinds in a trembling melody.

I enjoy the way in which the chorus climbs with impassioned strength. The background synth has a string-like quality as it twines through the song. Tenderness and need fills the vocals before the chorus bursts out again. The huge drums splash in as the string-like synth carries the wistful and emotive melody. The song ends with Simon Kent’s plaintive tones.

The storyteller paints an image of “falling through the sky” as they are like lights fading away. He adds that they now need to “take it home.” He touches the other person’s hand and now they are “moving cold.”

The narrator asks the song’s subject to hold him, even though “you feel like ice.” He has to take the other person home and away from the night life as they are “lost in a scene and flying way too high.” The song’s subject is being pulled down by its gravity and the narrator asks if they can feel it coming on.

The song’s subject wants to be warmed by the sun and is “hit with echoes.” The narrator encourages them to “put out the dark, turn on the light” because they got in over their head and lost the fight. He concludes by reminding them to not “let it fade away.”

“Empire Falling” starts as a full note that extends as strings sing a warmly melancholy melody while guitar gleams in the distance. Simon Kent’s voice has a vulnerable quality to which I am drawn as it carries the wistful, lost-sounding melody.

Drums add motion while electric bass twangs. The vocals gain power and depth as the luminous string-like synth sings the mournful melody while strong drums pulsate.

Simon Kent captures the desolation in the words as the bass chugs while drums add form. Vibrating synth echoes out along with a high, warning sound as the song flows onward. The drums drive in along with the scudding bass and the guitar rings in a wandering solo with a haunting feeling as the strings plane in easy motion while drums bounce and flourish.

Sometimes when life seems settled, a single event comes along to throw it into turmoil. Our narrator speaks of being with the song’s subject laying on a beach, drifting in time as there was no fear and “our lives were in our hands.” Things moved slowly and everything was under control. He talks about “chasing the days away.”

Now the storyteller says that he watched “a world come rushing in like an empire building.” The storyteller speaks about running to the beat and getting lost as the city calls to him. Things fell into a “twist of lies” and he lost the battle, never thinking that “the end would be in sight.”

There’s nothing left to be said as truth has gone out the window, the narrator adds that “it could take a lifetime to make this right.” He has seen the world come “crashing down like an empire falling, lost in the speed of life."

Gigantic, massively pulsating bass joins punching drums in a propulsive pattern as the female singer’s emotive and powerful voice opens "You Shine On.” Simon Kent intensely expressive vocals carry a melody with a dark weight to it above the explosive drums and reverberant bass.

The chorus glistens and exudes hopeful emotion while Jo Womar’s voice adds a softening quality. The guitar cries out as the drums pulsate and Simon Kent has a shadow over his voice.

The chorus flies out with radiance and the guitar carries an angular melody with an ominous feeling in it. The vocal melody has a pessimistic air and strings intertwine. I enjoy the chorus as it contrasts darkness with rising light and a dreaming quality before the song ends.

Sometimes deep love banishes everything else in its wake. The teller of this tale talks about the “emptiness inside the laughter in their smiles” and how those people push love away. All he wants to see is the other person and he feels like he’s “in heaven when you shine on.” He feels himself falling out of the temporal.

Our narrator asks if he’s in heaven or dreaming as he sees “heaven in your eyes.” He wants to let people fall away as he decides to “surrender to the game.” He adds that they are challenging the stars and he feels the emotion coming onward. The narrator adds that he’s “in heaven when you shine on.”

“Darker Night” opens as lush arpeggios spin broadly and guitar adds depth around them. Giant drums smack into the music as effulgent synth glints. Simon Kent’s trembling vocals carry a melody tinged with an aching feeling as illumination pours from a delicate, raised synth.

The bass presses on with propulsive force and angular guitar slices in. Simon Kent has a compelling, deep feeling in his voice as it cries out with melancholy. Drums shape the music and sparkling synth carries a mournful feeling as the low end pulses. Guitar twists through with a wandering sensation and metallic synth pours light with a hint of something ominous.

Life sometimes spirals into tense, unsettled moments driven by another person. The narrator tells the other person to “swallow hard, fight the fever.” He says that they are “as warm as ice” and he’s not buying it. He talks about the dark road and asks if it is in shadow.

Our storyteller says the other person won’t slow down as they are far too shallow, moving into “the darker night.” He talks about the other person standing by themselves and “pushing out for someone’s danger.” He speaks of sound being lost as the other person's eyes go wide. He concludes, “You’re breathing fast and you feel the wire.”

Resonant, slowly rippling synth flows into open space to commence “Not A Fire.” Quickly driving drums hit as string-like synth calls out in a well-crafted, elegiac melody cut by the guitar as it soars.

Simon Kent calls out in a tender vocal as the twisting synth in the background trails through. Yearning fills the vocal melody as the drums pulse with ease. The strings unwind smoothly and guitar dances in.

Simon Kent lets his voice caress as organ-like synth adds a warm quality to the music and the drumbeat drives on. The chorus leaps up with in passionate feeling as the strings sing out fully and distorted drums throb and the guitar cries out again, dynamic and hypnotic, while the percussion drives.

Humanity is a bundle of contractions that make for a complex whole. The storyteller talks about how the world is “alight with a heartbeat” and exhales in time to it. He says that he’s come to “shed my skin and let a stranger in tonight” as his bridge burns. He doesn’t want to waste time but paradoxically can wait in line.

Love “not a fire” is coming to him. Our narrator speaks of being icy on the inside and a “butterfly on the outside.” He wonders if we ever really know anything and if we are “always left alone.” He adds that there is really no way to escape.

“Outside” starts as steadily vibrating chimes tremble while colossal bass shifts and a siren like sound rings out. Gigantic drums burst and guitar carries a melody with a tentative quality as piano-like notes echo out and Simon Kent’s voice is delicate and pained. I enjoy the vulnerability of the vocal melody.

The guitar carries the tenuous melody as heavy drums punch and ethereal voices drift out as the bass slips along. Simon Kent’s voice has an emotional depth while the melody is full of mournful expression. String-like synth unfurls and the cosmic vocals drift while giant drums shape the song and piano adds more illumination before the song ends.

Sometimes we all need an escape from the chaos that surrounds us in the world. The narrator wants to shut out light and time and float into quiet. He adds that “I want to feel so high. I can’t resist, I need the danger release.”

Our storyteller wants to be allowed to “fade into bliss” after pushing away the world’s violence. He reaches out into space-time, surrounded by what he needs. He talks about leaving the world behind, adding “skin on skin, let the amnesia begin.” He concludes, “I can’t watch the chaos, the lies, the weapons, the sin. Let’s leave it all outside!”

Enfolding notes drift together as percussion softly taps with a metallic sound to open “Give Me Back That Moment.” Emotive guitar slowly slides and Simon Kent skillfully captures tremulous emotion in his voice as it caresses.

Drums create a shaping motion and the guitar slips past in a gentle glide. Simon Kent carries a wish in his voice and a chorus of mingled vices adds a reverent quality. The guitar melody is pained and full of yearning and the drums tick on.

Simon Kent sings with a soft touch as the bass adds support and soft-edged synth circles. The vocal chorus intertwines and the drums pulse. Again the guitar slides in with heart-tugging emotion and the song drifts to an end.

This song asks us if we are really living in the moment. The teller of this tale encourages us to open our minds and head outside for a walk. He adds that we should “brush the sleep out of your eyes and look inside.” He asks us if we are living now, adding “give me back the light, give me back that moment.”

The narrator asks us if we left our dreams behind us "lost in time” and if we’ve lost the feeling and had the world pass us by. He again asks, “Are you living now?”

Conclusion

Empire Falling takes us on a complicated, intense and emotionally engaging journey through the human condition. The way in which all of the different components interact with each other creates music that pulls me in and hold my attention throughout the album.

LukHash - Virtual Burnout

Album artwork: Luciano Oliveira (neondemon.jpg)

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

LukHash’s Virtual Burnout takes listeners on a journey through spiky digital soundscapes that freely mingle chiptune elements with synthesizers. The music is dynamic and sharp-edged with a grungy computerized feeling that fills me with a sensation of cyberpunk adventure.

The way in which LukHash combines C64 sounds with synths creates ear-grabbing and layered audio landscapes that are energetic and razor sharp. I like the gruffness and grit that fills the retro computer sounds and the way in which the other synths intertwine to add different tonal colours and timbres.

Atmosphere plays into the success of Virtual Burnout as an album. The way in which the classic chip sounds interact adds to the sensation of moving through a dangerous digital world, full of lurking threat. LukHash allows shadows to grow and the harshness of the early computer sounds to give all the other sonic elements a grungy overlay.

I also want to mention the percussion and bass on Virtual Burnout. LukHash creates hugely active and propulsive strength in the low end of the tracks that helps lift the music to the next level. The sheer power of the drums and bass fills out the music and gives it real heft.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Keygen” opens as chippy arpeggios rapidly flicker while bass wobbles and sharp drums pop as razor-edged synth cuts in. The 8-bit melody has an energizing feeling as it leaps above the rebounding drums and punchy bass. Glistening digital-sounding notes dance in fun and funky motion.

Sparkling, chiming synth flits past in a dynamic melody as the lacerating low end skirls and jumps. Explosive motion fills the chip melody as it launches into a wildly whirling solo that breaks above the hard-hitting low end. The main melody dances out into spinning arpeggios and falls silent.

A tripping computerized sound breaks into a groovy pulse of drums to open “Amiga.” Dark bass flows along with twangy guitar. Medium-high, warm-toned synth jumps in with a hopeful melody.

Gruff bass twirls past as nasal-sounding digital synth sings a triumphal and melancholy melody. Sparkling notes form a descending minor key pattern. Fluting synth plays a haunting melody before spinning back into the lead melody.

I enjoy the way in which the main melody creates an entertaining and dynamic earworm. A hip-shaking groove supports the lead synth, driven by punchy drums. Rounded synth pops through and gives the groove even more life before the track ends.

“The Kingdom” begins as heavily colliding drums flourish and a flaring synth carries an enigmatic minor key melody. As the crushing bass and hard-hitting drums create an addictive pulse, the radiant synth carries an aching, needy melody.

The track returns to a snaky minor key line that adds a hint of shadow. Glistening lead synth sings a mournful melody above the crunchy low end and bursting drums. Choral voices add worshipful drama as entangling synth skips into spinning arpeggios.

The choir adds dramatic life and the bass snarls. The pained main melody returns as arpeggios twirl out in tangled motion, building to a climax and fading on delicate chimes.

A haunting, dark arpeggio flows in steady motion as air rushes in to kick off “Virtual Burnout.” Threatening, creaking bass is broken by digital flashes as powerfully rising synth chords fill the background.

Arpeggios keep spinning in a worried pattern while the low end batters angrily below them. Shadowy lurking fills the music as melancholy synth with a string-like quality floats.

Trumpeting notes arc up high and drums punch ferociously while the bass has tidal force. The main melody’s mixture of rage and muscle is a superb one while spectral synth slips and lacerating notes fade into silence.

“8-Bit Warrior” starts as “fight!” rings out and quickly arpeggiating 8-bit notes are joined by an explosive drumbeat. Rounded, digital-sounding synth bouncing in rapid motion as angry bass snarls.

Quickly trembling notes leap into a jazzy, dynamically swirling melody as smooth arpeggios oscillate. The 8-bit melody flickers and bops along with playful life as the chip notes flash out.

Punchy drums smack in above the surging bass. The main melody twists and weaves through with energetic life and fades on computerized arpeggios.

A rattling sound moves before tremendous drums smack in to open “Cyberpunx.” Computerized notes wriggle through as massive bass slams. Ethereally floating synth carries an enigmatic, haunting melody as angular sounds slice into the track. There’s a rippling, spaced out quality in the string like lead synth as it slides smoothly.

Pulsing drums and huge bass add support to the track. Gruff edged, intensely shining synth carries a melody that fills me with a sensation of victory above the low end weight. The drums and bass batter while sweeping synth dances. The glowing lead synth melody soars out with triumph as 8-bit notes slide and shiver into silence.

“Invaders” commences as crunchy, squelchy arcade sounds move in. A slamming drum and bass pulsation is tinged by taut high notes that create a hypnotic pulse. The muscled low end surges as quickly rising, glistening notes move in angular lines.

Fierce energy in the low end adds support as light pours from a radiant, tremulous synth effectively contrasting with the raging low end. Now a segment in which a full-sounding synth moves in a hypnotic line leaps in with pounding drums. Spinning, echoing digital-sounding notes create an urgent melodic line, tense and propulsive, before the track ends.

Effulgent synth glistens in flashing chords as a rhythmic throb fills the low end with powerful pulses to begin “Shooting Star.” Elevated, nasal sounding synth carries a tentative melody as digital notes move in a melodic line that has delicacy and a soft touch within it.

There’s a wistful quality in the melody above the hard-edged drums and bass as open notes shiver. Now trumpeting, broken notes travel through before the tender and gentle melody rings out again. I enjoy the dreamy ache in the main melody as it sails through.

Arpeggios shimmer out as grungy 8-bit notes flit past and the drums and bass guide the track. The lambent lead echoes out in a mysterious and ghostly line before ending on roundly growing chords.

“Modchips” opens as a dominating drumbeat and giant bass are touched by classic computer sounds cutting in along with luminous notes. The chip sound that carries the main melody has a gleaming quality and the melody is groovy and intricate as it whirls through the track.

The crushing weight of the low end adds ferocious motion. Computerized notes pulse through in rough-edged bursts before the grabbing and wildly unfurling lead melody sings out. There’s a free-flowing life to the main melody as it dances past which I deeply enjoy.

The low end throbs with propulsive motion as the chip melody bends out to enliven the track. Twinkling sounds shine as they tumble down. Slowly descending, radiant chords and heavily vibrating bass end the track.

Cascading, minor key 8-bit notes jump in bursts as colossal drums and bass create a dangerous energy to start “Robot Uprising.” The lead melody is carried on a keen edged, glittering synth above the colliding drums and bass.

There’s huge strength and threat in the main melody as it unfolds in digital radiance. I enjoy the drama and sense of advancing danger that fills the music. Strings add a cinematic burst of energy as brassy notes ring out with a minor key melody as the string section stabs again.

The chip melody cries out with soaring victory while the intimidating low end hammers on. There’s a majestic feeling in the melody as the drums and bass attack. The track ends on a minor key sound with harsh strength.

Conclusion

Virtual Burnout is music that compels me to listen. The way in which LukHash weaves together all of the sonic components in the tracks gives them intensity and momentum, along with a real sense of place and occasion. The end result is an entertaining auditory journey.

Synthwave Compilations - From Dusk 'til Dawn

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Synthwave Compilations’ From Dusk 'til Dawn brings together a cross section of the hugely talented #synthfam to weave together a captivating musical tapestry that carries listeners on a journey from light to darkness. The breadth of talent on offer means that this album is a deeply engaging, entertaining listening experience as it unfolds.

Each artist who made a contribution to From Dusk 'til Dawn brings their own unique musical style and vision to bear. I enjoy the way in which the artists contributed music that has distinctive qualities on an individual basis while still fitting into the overall theme of the album. The end result is a sort of integration that creates a lush whole.

I appreciate the way in which the different contributions to From Dusk 'til Dawn exude intensely atmospheric impressions. The tracks effectively conjure up intense imagery and sonic states that capture the feelings that each different piece seeks to evoke. I find the journey on which they take me deeply pleasing as it carries me along.

Let me note that I had a tough time picking favourites on the album. Each contribution is well-done and full of musical quality. I appreciate the effort and skill that went into every piece and the noble goal for which the album was created.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

Tholos - Horizons: Trembling guitar notes reverberate in brightly gleaming lines that entangle as massive drums flourish. Sweeping synth twirls as a gently shining synth sings a delicate melody and bass glides as a snare drum taps. Radiant, full-sounding synth carries a hopeful and tender melody out over the guiding low end.

Peaceful joy charmingly permeates the lead synth as it shimmers and chimes twinkle past and the guitar strums warmly. Breezes slip through as glistening synth spills out the yearning, dreaming melody while drums and bass shape the track in a steady heartbeat that takes us out.

Lavallette & Louvers - The Getaway: A softly crackling background is broken by leaping, luminous synth carrying a triumphant melodic pattern. Louvers has an impassioned, unique delivery and the vocal melody has a wistful quality to it while the hugely glowing synth moves. Now drums kick in while synth glimmers.

The vocal melody has an aching quality while rounded chimes ring out. The low end shapes the track and Louvers’ voice has a melancholy quality within it. A scintillating synth briefly rings out before drifting notes slowly move in hazy lines.

Louvers’ vocals feel lost and pained while chimes sparkle. Drums hit again along with brilliantly shining synth and the scudding bass. The melody has a sunny energy that contrasts well with the mournful vocals while chimes trickle past.

Our narrator speaks of the main character taking the wheel, their fate being sealed in “the getaway.” He says that the sun hasn’t shone since the other person left and how that feeling has lasted for years. He talks of trying to move forward “with all your hopes and fears.” Now he creates the image of heading down the road with “your foot on the gas” and never looking back as the future rushes in.

The storyteller talks about the unending nostalgic glances back as “we just pretend like we’re getting on.” He goes on say that at the end of the day, we haven’t grown up and “we never got fun.” Ultimately we have never been able to figure out how to escape from our lives.

Falling Islands - Realspace: Fragile, flickering chimes float out in rippling motion as a slowly sliding synth light fills the background. Airy exhalation moves as distant raised notes drift. Gargantuan bass grows below as ringing chimes densely entangle and pour out radiance while the bass rumbles.

Reverent sound rises and flows out and now heavy, pounding drums drive on as bass keeps up a solid motion below them. Guitar carries a melody that sails out with ease. The melody has a wonderfully glassy smoothness and a quality of encouragement tempered by yearning as the punching drumbeat adds shape.

Elevated, twirling synth leaps in oscillating motion as the guitar unfolds in the melody that adds soft light and a feeling of relaxation that eases my tension. The drums and bass give the track form below the laidback, slightly melancholy guitar melody as a flaring sound in the distance grows more intense. The bass is a deep well as the tangling guitar spills out before falling silent.

THALREX & Displacement Activity - Falling Waves: Scintillating synth sparkles as waves wash and seagulls cry. The lead synth glistens in bursts as the deeply pulsating low end surges forward.

Raised synth moves in intertwining lines as bell-like notes tremble and the low end creates constant motion. Luminous synth flashes out in a victorious melody before shimmering chimes with a metallic quality ring out.

The track drifts into deep bass float as chimes flit in brilliant motion. An elevated synth creates solar illumination as it sings a yearning melody that reaches for the stars as chimes add blinding light and the track ends on the washing ocean.

Aisle 9 - I See Stars: Shivering, echoing synth floats out into open space with an ethereal quality as aquatic sounds move in the distance as a voice announces that “tonight I see stars. ” Luscious bass throbs while open-sounding synth moves in wandering lines above huge drums.

Metallic notes vibrate past as the bass supports slipping, airy synth as it pulses in. Effulgent synth with a rounded quality carries a peaceful melody with a hint of pain in it as the low end shapes the track.

Bass bursts as the glinting synth floats with tranquility. Guitar unfurls in a cosmically gliding solo with a melancholy heart while drums solidly throb. I get the pleasant sense of drifting into a galactic starscape in this track. Trembling, gleaming synth is backed by oceanic washing as it fades into silence.

vylt - Visions: Horror-filled chimes ring as a voice over speaks of “grotesque images crowding in. Massive drums punch forward aggressively as sparkling synth carries a melody speaking of terror and lurking evil. Guitar lacerates with ferocious force and snarling rage as the chimes create a brightly horrifying vision.

A Theremin-like synth with a spectral quality carries a melody that haunts the track. The drums and bass are a maelstrom as fat, digital-sounding synth pulsates in a forceful line accented by chimes. The guitar is a growling menace in the background as the worry-filled main melody shimmers out. The Theremin trails mistily before the guitar effectively creates a deadly threat with its razor sharp edges.

Drums shatter into the music as distorted chimes ring and guitar saws. The dynamically driving melody dances above the raging storm below it. Illuminating chimes are energetic and nervous above the shadows that seethe in the low end before the track ends.

Pashang & RAN - Time’s Arrow: Clock-like ticking moves above a shadowy bass flow as unearthly notes with a haunted feeling float out. Gritty synth pulses slowly and a raised synth drifts in misty scraps above towering bass.

Raised, broadly gleaming synth carries a roaming melody that’s full of loss while chugging bass slices and heavy drums punch. Time ticks on and piano notes add a portentous quality. Raised, glimmering notes wash in tentative motion as giant drums batter. Piano notes add more darkness as guitar lacerates, giving me a well-drawn image of claws tearing into the music.

Strings rush rapidly, adding tension. Reverent notes flow as a mournful synth calls out with a hurt and desolate melody. Drums smash hard and guitar pulses in sharp-edged power as a howling synth flickers. The track ends on a tumbling, intricate guitar solo.

Conclusion

From Dusk ’til Dawn creates intricate synthscapes that highlight every aspect of the broad world of contemporary synth-based music and all of the first-rate talent within the musical community known as the #synthfam.

Breathe Of My Leaves - The Radiant Believers

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impression

Breathe Of My Leaves’ The Radiant Believers is exultant, emotionally powerful and intensely layered music that is full of lyrical depth and vocal expression. Stephano Barberis composes beautiful melodies that he elucidates in intertwining synth sounds while Jordan Gant writes dense lyrics and sings them with intense feeling. The end result is a deeply engaging, sophisticated slice of synthpop.

At the heart of The Radiant Believers is Jordan Gant’s vocal performance. His voice is expressive, resonant and wide ranging as he takes hold of the lyrical and musical essence of the album and brings it to life. I enjoy the way he is able to pour himself into the vocals and reflect the emotion that flows from his lyrics.

Songwriting is a clear strength for Jordan Gant and it adds to the engaging nature of The Radiant Believers. His songs are full of deep imagery, beautiful emotion and contain thought provoking ideas that require the listener to pay attention and focus on what’s being conveyed. I am grabbed and held by the power of the words on the album.

The way in which Stephano Barberis writes music and takes advantage of synths and their capabilities is ear-pleasing and luscious. His compositional skills allow him to craft heart-piercing and emotive melodies. I am drawn to the movement between moods and sensations as the melodies unfold, carrying multiple states of feeling. The way in which he harmonizes adds more direct emotion to the overall sound.

On top of the melodic content, Stephano Barberis uses his synth palette to paint intensely interwoven sonic portraits. He explores the interactions between different tones, timbres and musical textures to create nuanced moments or instances of joyous expression. I enjoy the richness and beauty that he adds to the album with his compositions.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Stay” opens as growling synth sweeps and interlocking voices form a richly resonant choir singing a tranquil melody. Hard-hitting synth cuts through and Jordan Gant’s expressive voice carries a sharp melody with a punching feeling as the chorus climbs with impassioned strength. A muscled, propulsive low end throb guides the track as a noble, rising melody flows out.

After a stuttering moment, the vocal melody caresses and pours darkness at the same time, while the song flows into a segment in which vocals mix into a glowing chorus.

Gleaming, enfolding synth sails out as Jordan Gant’s heartfelt, gruff voice soars out and the drums and bass drive on. Reverent voices mingle and the song ends on a fluting instrument.

Sometimes the beauty to which we are drawn has sharp edges. The storyteller describes the song’s subject as the beauty radiating from inside that is “a perfect circle, an opulent dream.” He speaks of scraping the surface for fragments of his heart that only leaves behind “a benevolent scream.”

Our narrator wants to get together with the song’s subject and no one else. He asks what they’ve got to lose. He will act as her “Magna Carta” and she as his “cryptic queen.” The desire for her is like a prophecy and a flawless piece of his heart, but he has to beg her to stay.

“Stick the knife in towards my lovable side” is what the storyteller asks her to do, in order to take as much as she needs. He has offered her whole galaxies “to claim the stars for days” but all of the paintings she creates blend into a dull grey mass.

As the song ends, he says “A prophesy, a perfect piece of my heart. Like a key you came in and opened my heart."

Vibrating, angular synth moves in a melodic line that flows with luminosity to start “You’re My Light.” Roundly rippling notes and an airy, digital-sounding synth flit through. Jordan Gant’s voice is powerfully expressive as it soars out above thumping kick drum and an entangling synth.

A windy flow sweeps through and surging synth fills with warmth as a kick drum guides it. The vocal melody has wonderful strength and ache in it as the chorus erupts above rapidly thudding drums and bass. Majestic chords rise and the emotional heart of Jordan Gant's vocals is revealed. Synth gruffly sings the active melody as a galaxy of spinning, open-voiced synth revolves.

The dance-floor filling beat pumps out as Jordan Gant’s voice arcs upward and the medium-high, glowing synth sings out with more encouragement. The vocal lines climb and dance, intertwining as the synth melody, carried on a glistening sound leaps with positive life as the low end drives onward.

Struggle and striving fill the words of this song. The storyteller points out the fact that everything except "pennies in a hat” is changing in the world. He wants to “answer nothing but the holy” as he feels exhausted and overwhelmed. It makes him wonder how anyone can feel as it goes on and on. He is trapped in “hopeless dreaming” that the song’s subject is the light that needs his light.

Our narrator feels that the world is too much as it spins. He is holding his heart to “see the sky for you and I” but if the distance between him and the song’s subject grows, he feels he’d die. He’s amazed the other person feels anything “when all the beasts inside your head they roar and scream for something” and perhaps all of their dreams fade too.

He concludes by saying he wanted nothing before but “things have changed. I've got a hundred million reasons why I’d die from the pain but you don’t.”

“Godzilla” opens with crushing bass and dark, dominating brass that is joined by digital sounds before the deep bass pulse is cut by brassy notes leaping in. Jordan Gant carries intense emotion in his voice as he sings the uplifting vocal melody as the gruff-edged, radiant synth fills the background.

The chorus is chanted as exultant piano rises and the sharp-edged lead synth carries a warming and hopeful melody. Now twanging strings entangle with Jordan Gant’s rich and resonant voice while a brilliant synth carries a slightly dreamy melody. The lead synth has vibrant density to it as the chanted chorus erupts into dynamic motion while the low end presses on.

Humanity seems to have a unique gift for destruction and its manifestation. Our narrator talks about how dead dreams poison the skies and “everything is tied together, don’t know why.” He looks on with horror at what we’ve done to the world. As he waits, barefoot on a beach, he is “looking out to nature like a one night stand” before the earth begins to shake.

In the chorus, Godzilla is seen as a “radiant believer” who broke through radioactive fallout and saw the truth of it in an infamous incident involving a Japanese fishing boat whose crew was irradiated.

Our storyteller talks of “bombs bursting in the image of man” while the force that is embodied in Godzilla waits and plans underwater. He asks what the wise one will do “to replace” as it breathes “life across this sacred ground.” It is a force to maintain balance as the world is broken down. He concludes, “I feel the rumble, it's time we meet face to face.”

8-bit notes wander before a medium-low, glistening synth trembles delicately as it becomes a softly touching melodic line to commence “All The Memories Made.” Tapping percussion comes in before Jordan Gant’s lightly gliding voice carries a melody mingling wistfulness with ease.

Drums and bass create a pulsating flow as the vocals gain some strength while the synth lights sparkle. Vibrant synth dances with a soothing feeling as the low end adds form. Jordan Gant’s voice aches with emotion as full-sounding synth trickles tenderly as drums and bass propel the music.

I enjoy the vocal layering that adds a choir-like feeling as Jordan Gant captures lyrical emotion with intense power. Ethereal synth hovers while the vocals flow expressively. Rapidly oscillating synth shivers below a rich chorus of mingled voices. Digitally sparkling synth dances along to the throbbing beat with wandering energy. Jordan Gant belts out the chorus with adamant passion while the drums and bass drive on.

If one holds on to nothing but material things and rejects love and affection, life is empty. The storyteller talks about "a man who held all of his treasures, staring at an empty sea" without any friends or any pleasure. The only thing that he had was "a tightened grip.” Our storyteller goes on to say that he hopes it isn't him or that it won’t be what he becomes.

“Now and again you’ll see defeat in me” is what the narrator says but adds that without the song’s subject he’d be nothing. He says that the only way his heart will break is “by taking all the memories made.” He asks the other person to wake him up because “I need the love.”

The storyteller points out that without a plan, you can’t hold on to anything. You end up “living with a broken heart, no end, no one to call your lover.” He adds that kind words always have worth and his own words are “writings on the wall, for everyone to see.”

“Avalon” opens as sawtoothed bass cuts in and luminously flashing synth is joined by a gliding drumbeat. Jordan Gant’s impassioned voice soars out, carrying a melody bursting with hopeful life as the gigantic low end throbs.

Jordan Gant whispers the chorus as a noble, brilliantly flaring synth sings an uplifting melody that brims over with majesty while the low end drives on. I am touched by the way in which this song mingles joy bounded by ache. Jordan Gant’s expressive vocals sail out in the melody that soothes and soars while the drums and bass throb.

Now choral voices rise with reverence while the low end pulsates. The song is full of aspiration and yearning as a medium-high, sharp-edged lead synth carries the melody with positive life and the song ends on a choir.

Avalon is the mythical isle on which King Arthur rested after being grievously wounded, representing a place of healing in this song. Our tale’s teller speaks of fighting “the Pericles fight” to strive for an ideal.

He asks for Avalon to carry him through, adding that he’s not alone and “done with the hopeless nights.” He wants this island of healing to take his life, putting the onus on it as it will “take my soul, take me home.”

Now the narrator speaks of “streams of waves” in an ocean that is craving “the love that I am fighting for.” He wishes to be struck down “beyond the clouds” as his mind will continue to be “forevermore.”

Massively rushing bass joins Jordan Gant’s emotionally grabbing voice that carries the pained melody to start “Sweet Music Man.” Rough-edged synth sways in easy motion before the explosive beat drives on. Gritty synth rings out as the slamming low end presses on.

The chorus soars in Jordan Gant’s heartfelt voice as the gigantic percussion thunders. The drums and bass add more acceleration while the trumpeting lead synth leaps out in arcing flight. The energy is higher and the synths slice but Kenny Rogers’ spirit is fully intact, the words punching emotionally in Jordan Gant’s inspiring voice.

“Supernova Heart” commences as slowly shining synth glistens before becoming a wavy flow that slips into a delicate melody. The melody softly floats out into pillowy space as swelling bass rises and a lightly touching drumbeat guides the track.

Tareya’s smoky, expressive voice carries a hopeful and soothing melody out into the music as it sails past. Tareya’s voice brims over with intense emotion while Jordan Gant’s voice adds support. Towering bass erupts while broadly sliding synth moves with strength. Jordan Gant’s caressing voice flies out as the two singers voices intertwine while sharp-edged, triumphant synth dances along.

The sheer emotive exuberance in the singing draws me into it with alacrity. Wavering, enfolding synth carries an affectionate melody while the bass and fragile synth motes drift. Jordan Gant and Tareya’s mixed vocals leap out with touching feeling pouring from them as the low end throbs on.

Sometimes love is a cosmic force in our lives. The narrator talks about falling into a landslide of “conversations with mankind.” She asks what we’ve got to prove and asks “if our bones are made out of stardust” which brings our consciousness to life, what have we got to lose?

The storyteller says that she’ll love like no one else and “turn light into colour” just as the other person in the song asked her to do. Her heart is going supernova and she has “never felt so much colour.” She speaks of an eternal love that surpasses light speed and inverts spacetime.

Now she sends whispers out into the ether “just like a dreamer” as she asks what she’s got to lose. She concludes by saying that it is all due to the song’s subject that this is happening.

Trumpeting synth rings out with nobility and a shadowy tinge to start “Perfect Defeat.” Rushing, gargantuan bass comes in along with a throbbing drumbeat as Jordan Gant’s vocals carry the mingled emotions in the lyrics.

Choral vocals weave together as they move along with with the slamming low end. Jordan Gant’s voice has a mysterious quality as elevated synth glides diaphanously as the drums and bass bring propulsion. Brassy synth joins the soaring chorus as the choral voices unwind with rising energy.

I enjoy the way in which Jordan Gant connects with the lyrics to give them full meaning. The song ends as strings cry out with resonant warmth to contrast with the brassy, slicing synth as the low end hammers towards an ending.

Love and destruction are sometimes inextricably linked. Our storyteller talks about “my harmony, my deepest friend” whom he wishes well, but says that all his harmony has been is an easy escape in a challenging time.

He points out that “time is right for your devour.” He wants to be a fantasy for his darkest melody and asks for his “auburn queen” to pray for him. She is his perfect defeat and all that he desires.

The narrator goes on to say that he wishes he had a plan for her, “a fortress high above the land” in which to keep her. She manages to complement his melodies and “sabotage my fantasies.” He asks his “scale of queens” to stay with him as she is a third of him.

He asks her “don’t you have a song to sing until you ruin it?” And he asks her to find other plans. Our narrator concludes, “it always seems to me that you’re getting in the way but without you I’m a single man.”

“Across The Rainbow Bridge” commences as gently slipping synth and gritty bass form a soothing flow that slips into space. Jordan Gant’s lush voice is joined by strings that add more warmth as glimmering chimes sing a tender melody above the colossal bass.

Jordan Gant captures the aching gentleness in the lyrics with his strong voice. An ancient-sounding and peaceful melody slides through the music above the trembling low end. I am drawn to the choral vocal effect that adds a worshipful quality while luscious bass shifts.

Jordan Gant’s vocals are moving as they unfold and digital-sounding synth carries an affecting melodic line through the music. There’s depth and an enfolding feeling within the song that reaches out to touch the listener.

When we lose a loved one, there is an ache to connect with them again in a deep way. The narrator speaks of a place “across the rainbow bridge” where we can come together and find a breathing space. It is also the place where the narrator can love the song’s subject forever.

Our storyteller asks the song’s subject to keep their eyes open as he says that he won’t forget their embrace. He ends the song by talking about the day “you wore a halo, the day you became my angel” and how much he misses his lost loved one.

Conclusion

The Radiant Believers is a beautifully crafted synthpop record that delves deeply into what it is to live as a human being in this broken, beautiful world. I am engaged by the mixture of powerful vocals, intricately layered music and thought-provoking lyrics that fill the album.