Dug Masters - Teleport

 Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dug Masters’ Teleport is full of auditory richness, mingling many fascinating synth textures with strong melodies and a luscious low end, complete with unctuous bass and propulsive drums. This album weaves powerful imagery through layered music that explores the full range of human emotion. I am drawn to the complexity and depth that is created on this album

The first thing that pulled me into Teleport are the melodies composed by Dug Masters. Each melody has a strongly defined mood in it that is expressive and nuanced. I enjoy the way in which the various synth choices help highlight the emotion or sensation in the melodies. Dug Masters has a knack for writing touching, energizing or melancholy melodies that get into your head and stay there.

Another strong component of Teleport are the varied and beautiful textures,  timbres and tones that appear throughout the songs. Each synth sound helps delineate the moods, atmosphere and feelings that the compositions capture. There's a sense that Dug Masters thought carefully about each of the synths and chose them to suit the sonic profile of the different tracks. The end result is music that has richness and expressive power.

I am also impressed by the way in which this album captures feeling through instrumental music. There's a special skill in being able to take the complexity of human emotion and transform it into instrumental music. Dug Masters effectively transfers feelings directly into musical notes, driving them home with conviction.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Teleport” comes into being as extremely heavy bass  flows into the music and grows in power  as it  shifts far below. There's a smooth, rounded synth carrying a melody that mixes an aching quality with warmth. The low end drives on with strong propulsion and a funky feeling  while the synth flies out high above it.  

The drums and bass create a strong heartbeat while a twirling arpeggio  slips with ease.  Laser-like sounds flicker through while the tambourine adds rattling percussion and the drums and bass push on. The lead synth has a sunlit quality as the melody caresses and slides while chimes sparkle. Again soothing arpeggios ripple while the darker low end drives on. 

In the distance, distorted vocals  float out and the percussion adds shape. Now surging notes tremble as they drive on and the twisted voice echoes out while skipping sounds move through. The main melody has a wistful,  laidback feeling as the gentle, slightly pained melody carries on. The song ends on pulsing percussion and deep bass.

Arpeggios undulate  in glowing waves as they grow in power through the music to open “Sukeban.” A breathy flow  sweeps in  along with heavily bursting drums  and thickly throbbing bass. The percussion has real punch and force while the low end surges forward. After some tom hits, the main melody comes in on a medium high synth with an ethereal quality. 

The melody itself is elegiac and majestic as it calls out through the music above the guiding drums and bass. I enjoy the ghostly and cosmic quality of the main melody as it moves through the music. The bass and percussion combine to add propulsion to the music. There's a wistful, free floating feeling in the slightly nasal-sounding synth as it dances out above the throbbing low end.  

Drums flourish and the track moves into a segment that emphasizes the percussion well above it, raised notes shine with an aching quality. High, bending synth twists out a melody that moves with yearning well the low end presses on. 

More urgent, trembling notes move through as the track progresses. The vibrating synth moves and taut, angular motion  as it flows into the music. Haunting sounds travel through above the  tremulous notes before the track ends.

“The Last  Pharaoh  of Saturna”  starts off as urgently undulating, tense notes flow  as a harsh crow-like sound moves along with sweeping wind to open the track.  Now punching, muscled drums and bass surge forward while extended cords slip through the music. The main melody has a glistening warmth and Sense of abandon as it calls out above the hard-hitting low end. 

There's a crystal shine to the main melody as it unfolds. Jumping drums and bass move with the rippling notes as a disembodied voice echoes out. Arpeggios twirl with energy as the melody, crying out on brightly shining synth. The track creates a sense of forward progress mixed with something ancient and noble.  

Underneath all of the musical elements, the drums and bass have irresistible  force. Sweeping noises flow and the arpeggios dance above the strength below. The distant voice echoes and we flow into a segment in which dense bass moves underneath lost sounding notes. Now the drums punch hard again and the melody grows muffled before swelling into fullness again.  

I enjoy the way in which this music drives forward with intense energy. Arpeggios spin and drums throb while the bass flows and sparkling notes shimmer. The track ends on panpipe notes that cry out above an ominous void.

 A soothing, gliding synth touches the music with a melody full of ache and tenderness  to open “One Last Night.”  Bass undulates below the broadly glowing melody that wraps around the listener’s ears with peaceful ease. The drums tick to add shape and glimmering notes cascade. Now the kick drum comes in along with the bass while scintillating notes trickle through with gentle light. 

The swirling, intertwining synth has a string-like quality. Bass fades and lambent notes spin out before the low end pulsates again, chirping noises flicker through and the gently shining synth has a wistful  feeling to it.  Below it all the drums add weight and density. The music fills me with dreamy affection and melancholy. 

There's a sense of something beautiful passing on in the music. all of the higher synth elements have a warm feeling as they move.  An arpeggio turns in tremulous motion as the drums hit hard again. There's an expansive, echoing quality as distant notes keep arpeggiating and the main synth slides as it sings the dreaming melody out to an end.

“Nuclear Weapon” commences as threatening bass flows out with shadowy intent as razor-edged notes shiver in the distance. Now the heavily throbbing drums press on with irresistible force. Arpeggios circle, revolving in constant motion while trembling, lambent notes shiver out as a tambourine adds rattling percussion. 

The low end has a shadowy drive to it as siren-like notes ring out.  After a drum flourish, choral synth moves with fragile, floating arpeggios that spin out  while the drums shudder below. The trembling, fragile notes dance and stutter while the drums and bass provide an unstoppable force.  

The vocal-sounding synth calls out while the brilliant arpeggios twirl, adding to the sense of progress of the music. The drums have a crisp quality while sirens ring out. Angular, medium-high synth carries the noble, ancient sounding melody. I enjoy the constant heartbeat in this music as it moves. Tremulous notes vibrate out as a song draws to a close.

Easy going drums burst while bass undulates as smoothly moving  synth gently floats to open “Obsesión.” Now metallic percussion adds another layer while the tender synth unfolds. The whole song grows in strength with the massive drum beat  adds support. The lead synth glimmers as it carries the heartfelt, touching melody above the gigantic low end. 

A touching, tender melody unfolds with a dreamy feeling as the low end keeps shaping the music. There's an ethereality in the main melody that adds to its emotional quality. I also enjoy the lush illumination provided by the main synth. The drums tick while arpeggios circle, echoing out of the space along with gigantic bass. 

Silky smooth drums burst while the low end is joined by a glistening higher synth pulse. In the distance, delicate piano notes drift and the drums and base pulsate.  The track ends on wandering, gentle notes echoing out into space. 

“El Canción Del Ave”  begins as a desolate wind sweeps and a lone bird calls out. There's a sense of emptiness and desertion in the music as a haunted synth drifts through the track. The melody that forms on the spectral synth has a pain, lost quality to it before the drums come into create a steady heartbeat underneath it. 

Bass swirls to add more depth before sunny chimes flicker through as the drums keep guiding the music. Fluttering digital sounds flash past while arpeggios circle through and sparkling notes flit out. Wind slides past  while the drums guide the music with strength and the bass creates a deep well underneath. 

I am drawn towards the ethereal, hovering sensations that the music creates. The drums are crisp and clear as they shape the music and there's a sense of drifting over a wide open landscape as the track evolves. A fluting melody comes in that trembles with overtones of melancholy, but also with a sense of freedom and airy motion. 

The breathy notes drive on above the pulsating low end, creating feelings of  timeless power while the cry of a bird sounds again. The track ends with the throbbing low end and ethereal sounds floating out into silence.

Conclusion

Teleport mingles many ear-grabbing sounds with strong melodic writing and as it travels across the broad terrain of human emotion. I enjoy the craft with which Dug Masters creates music here.

BAD GUYS GET DEAD - Resistor

Review by Atomic Robo Kid

How do obtain the music you listen to? Purchase, stream, physical or digital formats? A combination of them all, or do you download from a Torrent provider? Do you take notice of piracy legislation? Do you seed copyrighted material to others? Well, thats just a couple of concepts Bad Guys Get Dead considers with his newest EP 'Resistor'. In Fact, at the time of writing this review he has unleashed 'Resistor' via P2P and the only other means of listening comes with a hefty price tag of $500. This EP is mighty fine, in a host of ways, but I just don't have the means to purchase it. Looks like I'll just have to obtain it the other way. Or should I?

What is the price of art? it sure does have a value, art in all it's forms has the power to make us think and to make us question and the creators of art surely are worthy to be heralded as leaders. At the very least they deserve to be paid for their work!

The release strategy alone tells you that this mostly dark, bass fueled cyberpunk series of tracks sets out to provoke conversation around piracy, Internet addiction, reliance upon, being watched by and controlled by technology. This is the catalyst sowing the seed for dystopia.

Anyway, let's get down to review ‘Resistor’, by Bad Guys Get Dead.

Cybersecurity protocol is initiatiated as we enter 'The Scanner', reading our thoughts to detect any threat to the system that has been imposed upon us. Spoken samples and a heavy, almost Nu Metal sludgy guitar riff drags us through the security check. The sliced vocal sample helps those synaptic thoughts to flow, whilst that looped riff appeases our more primitive side. We shouldn't be scared if we have nothing to hide. But, honestly who doesn't! So beware those secrets will be detected!

'Hyperconvergence' ups the pace with toe tapping ferocity! The drum samples and sequencing are tight, and the explosive kicks get that adrenaline pumping. The structure maintains that Nu Metal edge and introduces new sonic elements, namely synth work. The higher notes work nicely with the metal style thumping drum work and fuzzy bass tones.

Deep, groovy, slap like bass introduces us to 'Information Superhighway' and the vocal samples remind us of the addictive qualities of the Internet, where reality merges with virtual realities. The ensuing coma places us in real danger numbing our emotions, separating us from family and friends like any other narcotic. That said, this track has a fun, at times experimental, composition where the sounds of modems and distorted samples are positioned at the forefront of the mix and lead the listener to contemplate the intrusion, the hold Internet use has on their lives.

Get those engines started, '7000RPM' is required here! This track brings a different flavour to the album, a much more outrun feel with mysterious dark layers of Trance as we embark on a late night drive. The latter third of the track turns slightly darker with a vocal sample to cement the essence of the track, we need to prepare for 7000 RPM. I really enjoyed that 90's coated dance music with that cool tone and pace of an Outrun composition.

'Dying Time' is here, as is the stark dystopian soundscape we are thrusted inside! High adrenaline sonics, reminiscent of an intense action scene from an 80's movie, provide the thrills to this track! In fact this would sit nicely as the soundtrack to Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome! After all, that's where the vocal samples have been borrowed from and would be my preferred track if I had to fight to the death with a sledgehammer or chainsaw! That sense of pent up aggression is captured very nicely by Bad Guys Get Dead.

I'm afraid I know next to nothing about Stranger Things, so it's tricky for me to comment on the appropriateness of the track: The Love Theme From Stranger Things Season 10'. However, what a can say is this track could easily be a soundtrack to a 80's movie, telling a story of friendships lost and found, true loves and passion. A very chilled Synthwave track and a great demonstration of the versatility of the artist. Skillfully done!

Slow riffs interact with the perfectly timed deep drum work. Spectral crackling sounds assist in creating an eerie horror mood This works very well indeed with the accompanying rock style drum patterns and evolving melody.

'Resonance of the Cyberblade' starts with a earsplitting electronic 'zing' as the Cyberblade is drawn, drums roll and synth guitar sounds strut forward propelling us into this no holds barred battle! This is an awesome dark Synthwave / Shredwave affair that gains an increasing darkness and ferocity as the track progresses.

Conclusion

Overall, 'Resistor' is cleverly composed, with a nice variety of Retrowave flavours and the occasional helping of a range of 90's toppings. There's lots of vocal samples and interesting sonics in this EP, where you'll experience an array of Synth genres. Starting heavy with deep grooves, flavours of Hip Hop (almost) and Nu Metal intertwined so well. Then, through to Chillwave and finally Shredwave.

Whether your after music as food for thought or seeking music to simply enjoy 'Resistor' has a lot to offer. The value of music is up for question. Is music valued in a monetary way or is music valued for the way it can make us move, feel and think? This EP keeps you guessing, each track brimming with surprises. Tom Hanks once said life is like a box of chocolates, which is also an apt way to describe 'Resistor'! You don't quite know what to expect, until you taste it. But, when you do boy it tastes great! So, tuck in! Get listening to this by any means necessary!

Torrent link: https://badguysgetdead.com/resistor
Bandcamp: https://badguysgetdead.bandcamp.com/album/resistor

AGNIS - Antipriest

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné | Photo by Visionathor

Dark ethereal pop, Polish artist AGNIS shifts gears and returns with an industrial pop dance track and visuals, Antipriest via darkTunes Music Group. Agnis shows a different kind of fire with this industrial rave, darkwave, and synthpop fusion with a touch of 90’s Europop nostalgia designed to get some unholy moves going on the gothic dance floor.

In 2022, AGNIS released her debut dark ethereal pop full-length record imbued with pagan themes and mysticism entitled Oneness - an eclectic body of work and complete experience that touches upon subjects of transmutation, spiritual maturation, and finding light and fire, with powerful vocal performances and piano-led musical bravado against backdrops of industrial saw-edge and dark synthpop atmosphere. Oneness also showcased AGNIS’ magnificent visual artistry in the accompanying music videos. Also check out her beloved Madonna cover of Frozen.

Antipriest is AGNIS’ first revelation from her upcoming record slated for this year, promising to deliver a brand new chapter immersed in artful dark pop, thumping beats and her own brand of danceable dark electro. Dance, after all, is a most sacred ritual to all mystics and priestesses.

For more AGNIS, visit her Bandcamp.

CAT TEMPER - Happy Tails

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

Cat Temper opens a portal to a new feline dimension and scurries into iconic videos of the 1980s with his most excellent, brand new visuals for Happy Tails - the first single from his upcoming full-length record, Nineteen Eighty-Fur (March 2024).

Directed and animated by Jim Ether, Happy Tails is a frisky and delightful visual cat feast loaded with Easter eggs (and fuzzy mice). All rendered in 3D CGI, the video features Cat Temper and visual odes to A-Ha, Michael Jackson, Eurythmics, Talking Heads, Devo, A Flock of Seagulls, and more. They definitely pulled all the stoppers for this one! Also check out the accompanying pastel-hued synth pop maxi-single release filled with bonus non-album tracks with art by Foreigner.

Cat Temper is the highly prolific artistic project of Boston-based synth artist-producer, Mike Langlie. Known for his cheeky and endearingly irreverent feline twists on music legends, with LPs filled with a robust range of cat-themed song titles matching the quirk and mood of each track, Cat Temper has quickly grown into a synth icon and scene favorite.

Curious for more? Visit his Bandcamp.