NINA + RADIO WOLF - My Dark + Bluesbreaker

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

2023 was quite the year of re-emergence and re-imagination for Berlin-based Synthwave Queen, NINA. We saw a darker and sultrier side with her collaborative EP entitled “Lust” with Los Angeles and Athens, Greece artist Kid Moxie, distributed by cult label Italians Do It Better. Then she returns to solidify her throne as the one and true Queen of Synthwave with the explosive full-length, “Scala Hearts” - the collaborative LP with legendary British producer and songwriter, Ricky Wilde. This time, Nina doubles down with her frequent collaborator, partner-in-crime and ultimate stage companion, Berlin-based Canadian producer and songwriter, Radio Wolf with back-to-back singles entitled “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” - arguably, the best offering to date from their project together. Both tracks burn with playful and tantalizing dark romance, yet each one carries its own distinctive and infectious vibe.

“My Dark” is the more experimental of the two. The track starts off with a groovy electronic bass arpeggio dripping in cool, bringing Pulp Fiction vibes to mind with Nina singing her verses in this coy yet icy tense delivery, sprinkled with sultry breathy effects in between. Then the song drops into a vivid and super lush dark neon noir chorus - a particular stylistic vibe expected from Radio Wolf. One of the most interesting sections is the bridge with haunting, unsettlingly beautiful, glistening arps that seem to transport listeners into the Twilight Zone, followed by Radio Wolf’s tastefully tempered yet efficient guitar atmosphere work. Part retro-futuristic analogue with a very slight touch of darkwave, “My Dark” is danceable throughout and ends in a wistful resolve with a brief semi-acapella from Nina.

Then things get raunchy with “Bluesbreaker.” Upbeat and lo-fi, the track sends vintage bluesy rock vibes packed with some grit with the heavy bass and guitar hooks and full, rocked out drums. Radio Wolf showcases his guitar lead bravado, combined with special effects that emulate synths and electronic sounds at times, with Nina’s jeweled and seductive vocals providing a cooling effect in the heated atmosphere. “Bluesbreaker” is a fantastic new brand of electronica-infused rock and roll that is much-needed.

Both “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” are quite a surprise turn in both artist-producers’ repertoires, both presenting familiarity while exploring new territories in a stunning new direction that’s fresh and breaks away from genre formulas. Both releases bring something mighty and new to the table.

“My Dark” is out now. “Bluesbreaker” comes out on March 15th.

Enjoy both on iloveninamusic.bandcamp.com

For more info visit:

www.iloveninamusic.com 

www.radiowolfmusic.com 

Hill Valley Hero - Electric Outlands

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hill Valley Hero’s Electric Outlands takes listeners on a cinematic, intricately layered journey through rich synthscapes in a grand adventure, full of action and drama. It combines well crafted melodies, intricately layered sounds and the contributions of talented guest performers. The end result is music that entertains and engages listeners as it unfolds.

One of the major reasons for which I'm drawn to Electric Outlands is the way in which Hill Valley Hero tells a story through auditory imagery. A palpable sense of new vistas, exploration and adventure fills the music. The way in which Hill Valley Hero weaves together ear catching, layered synth elements creates impactful impressions of landscapes and action that I find compelling. I enjoy being taken on this filmic quest by Hill Valley Hero.

Melodies are something which touches me deeply in music and the melodies on Electric Outlands are well-written and sometimes simply beautiful. I enjoy Hill Valley Hero’s ability to create melodies that pull me in with their emotional impact and imagery. Each melody has an expressive core that tells some part of the story and helps me to engage with the feelings which Hill Valley Hero conveys. The way in which the melodies evolve continues to create a cinematic impression in my mind's eye.

Each synth sound and instrumental choice made by Hill Valley Hero comes together to create music which weaves a sonic tapestry and conveys the  album’s story in cinematic scenes. This is music with an intense ability to evoke emotion and paint vivid pictures through the layering and interweaving of many musical elements. I also want to credit the superb guest performances on the album which contribute to the complexity and depth of the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Pilot Elite” comes to life as chimes flash out with crystalline light before truly gigantic drums thunder into the music along with a hint of guitar. Weighty bass adds even more muscle as chimes leap out. Cooper White’s freewheeling sax twists through the music with intensely passionate energy.

Massive drums keep throbbing and a twirling arpeggio spins through the music. Drums and bass drive onwards as an elevated sound forms a rhythmic pulse. Panpipes call out and the guitar swells into the music with growling energy.

Sharply glassy synth adds illumination above the pounding drums and bass. Now the track slips into a section in which calming and easy going flow from a caressing synth along with flaring guitar.

Drums flourish and now a brass section adds dynamic life above the colossal low end. The main melody effectively fuels inspiration as it calls out on a gleaming synth as the pulsing low end drives to a conclusion.

Razor-edged, string-like notes entwine rapidly and a vocal sample echoes out while the hypnotic low end pulses on with forceful motion to open “Ultrasonic”. A haunting quality permeates the lead synth and digital-sounding notes tremble through the music.

Arpeggios keep swirling and the main melody flies out, carried on a medium high, glowing synth imbued with a sense of dynamic life and a hint of shadow. I enjoy the synth parts’ complexity within the track. A tight-sounding synth spins in the distance while the drums throb and the bass pulses.

Slicing arpeggios move as sparkling notes flick through the music. After the drums flourish, a delicately shining synth floats and the arpeggios add texture to the music.

The drums and bass create a strong sense of motion and we glide into a segment in which piano light notes create an accelerative feeling as the drums tick. Gritty, broad-sounding synth snarls as the drums pound hard. The song drives to a conclusion with the leaping, arpeggiating pulse.

An engine starts and idles before revving as arpeggios softly drift in the distance and heavy hitting drama's pound to start “Into The Outlands.” There's a swinging quality to the low end as funky bass entangles. Widely trumpeting synth calls out with a sweeping, majestic melody as chimes sparkle in the distance.

Colossal drums provide support while a feeling of nobility flows from the open-voiced synth. Xylophone trickles in the background and the lead synth has a smoothly rounded sound as it carries a tranquil melody. Broad strength emanates from the brassy lead synth that glows through the music as drums flourish.

The gigantic low end pushes forward as the main melody tells the tale of a tremendous journey across uncharted territory. I'm thrilled by the sense of adventure that fills the melody. Now fluting synth rapidly winds through the music, adding to the sense of exotic exploration in new lands. Funky slap bass moves underneath as the drums burst before the song ends on luminous synth.

“Magnetism” begins as strong drums and hollow percussion form a steady beat while intensely gleaming synth flows out in an inspirational melody. Smoothly entangled, guitar frolics through the music before moving out with vaulting energy above the strongly propulsive drums and bass.

The music has a jubilant and celebratory quality as the synth adds illumination. The guitar wheels through the music as the urgent low end jumps forward. A feeling of freedom and joyous energy fills the music and I find it infectious.

The main melody flies out with encouragement and power. Coruscating synth dances through the music and we move into a section where rising piano chords support a tightly wound and soaring synth while the drums explode again. The guitar circles high above and the song ends with a deep sense of positivity.

Static crackles above a low rumble to start “No Turning Back.” Now softly luminous synth trembles above swirling, warm chords. The impression is one of gentleness, but huge bass growls below to add a powerful element. The low end contrasts with caressing sounds above it. Now broadly spinning arpeggios are cut by a sharp sound.

The lead synth calls out with triumphant energy and a melancholy tinge. Sparkling synth descends in a clean burst of sound through the music as the powerful bass moves below.

A starry feeling permeates the music and tremendous drums punch hard. Reverberating percussion flows out and adds even more strength. The track ends on the well-crafted sense of nobility with which it is filled.

“When We Say Goodbye” commences with glittering arpeggios that twinkle into the music and grow in strength to add bright motion. Lush bass floats out to underpin the music.

Arpeggios circle to create texture and shape as crisp drums hit hard. Trembling, solar notes add more scintillating light as they burst. Thunder rolls and the brightness grows even more intense from the flashing notes that leap into the music.

Underneath the other musical elements, the drums and bass are intensely propulsive. I am drawn to the sense of light that fills the track, generating feelings of encouragement before the music ends.

Sweeping, luminous synth swells before muscled drums throb and heavy bass smacks in to start “Victory Dance.” The low end has a strong groove and a synth pulses steadily as it flickers out. An entirely joyous feeling fills the main melody as it calls out. A wide variety of fascinating percussion is slashed by orchestra hits.

Playful energy fills the lead synth in a way that just makes me smile. Manuel Trabucco’s sax calls out with an infectious, jazzy joy as it jumps through the music. The music flows funkily as the guitar moves in while more orchestra hits add dynamism and percussion punches.

The main guitar melody flashes in with an expression of pure happiness. A sax solo wanders with excitement and ease before synth shimmers and the low end takes on a slower pulse. High, digital-sounding synth ripples and the track expresses lively emotion before it ends.

Conclusion

Electric Outlands creates a thrilling, fascinating soundtrack to an adventure that roams across wild terrain and through intense action. All of the different musical elements mingle into a deeply pleasing listening experience on this album.

XENNON - The Light That Came For The People

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

One of the most interesting aspects of the Synthwave genre is that a lot of the current artist-producers originally came from various musical backgrounds such as metal and progressive rock. Many got swept in the tantalizing neon-grid, palm tree-lined sunset nostalgia wave. However, as wave genres often ebb and flow, in the recent years we saw a few notable artists who started their musical explorations in synthwave enter their own evolutions, some changing directions more dramatically than others in search of what is next and also - more importantly - their own individuality. Many would argue that synthwave may or may not be dead, yet regardless, now is probably the most interesting moment in the synth scene as more and more artists reshape their musical palette, shift gears and redefine their own musicality. Such artist is Xennon.

Xennon first emerged in the scene with his concept synthwave LPs, “Miami Cop”, “Dark Of A Distant World”, and “Utopia”, and was backed by his playlist “Synthwave Sounds” that went viral at the peak of Netflix’s Stranger Things hype. However, today, we see Xennon diving into his love for classic progressive rock for clues as to where to go next with his synth soundscapes. The result is a brand new record slated for release later this year, spearheaded by his new single, “The Light That Came For The People”.

“The Light That Came For The People” starts off with a stark, dual harmony acapella before dropping into giant, colorful synth leads and rhythm section that somehow bring the prog rock band Rush and sounds of 80s Television Sitcoms to mind. The track segues between funky odd meters, expertly performed guitar arpeggios, surges of bright, colorful synths, and Xennon’s indelibly vibrant vocals poignantly emoting hope — all running in polyrhythms with each section countering and meeting at certain points. Lush, yet juxtaposed with sharp drops and dramatic resolves, the composition and arrangments are ambitious yet feel effortless and cohesive at the same time, with infectiously colorful, rainbow hues in the atmosphere. The song is also marked by a message of hope and beauty - something greatly needed in the current times of war and unrest.

With the first single off his upcoming record, Xennon somehow manages to keep one foot in nostalgia and also explore a new type of musical bravado with the other. “The Light That Came For The People” is an exemplary light we needed to experience.

For more Xennon, visit his Bandcamp.

DAV DRALLEON - STREET KRVZADER

Review by Atomic Rabo-Kid

In Dav Drelleon’s latest LP, STREET KRVZADER, We find ourselves in the dark alleyways of Abaddon, a City full of repression. A City whose citizens are controlled through force, either physical or psychological. Dangerous gangs exerting violent power and mega corporations twisting the use of AI to manipulate the human mind. The evil Valhalla have the city under total control! Or do they? Thankfully, all is not lost due to groups of rebellious factions uniting and creating Zantetsuken. A hybrid cyborg that welds immense power and battle prowess! They are the only hope to save humanity and destroy the machines that threaten its survival! 

'Who will survive this war? Let's listen to find out!

'Metal Warriors' is a powerful introduction both to the brutal sonic soundscapes which is prevalent across this album and to one of the aforementioned rebellious factions. Epic guitar work sets the scene whilst a high tempo synth melody sets the blood to boiling point. The street battles are violent and so is this track! Vicious guitar hooks ensnare us, as Dav Dralleon showcases his extreme ability to play extremely barbaric music!

'Deathbringer' Feat. Irving Force is a track I've been wanting to hear from Dav Dralleon for a long time. As, I've been intrigued to discover what such aggressive music sounds like with equally aggressive vocals. Boy, I'm not disappointed, It easily satisfies my intrigue! Irving Force does an incredible job here and his ferocious vocals align perfectly with the unbridled aggression of this track. The vocal skills are perfectly balanced, showing similarities between the voices of the front men from Cradle of Filth and Sylosis. A scorching track! 

'Street Krvzader' starts with a face melting riff and an explosive array of brutal beats! Heavy metal percussion helps create an intense juxtaposition with the guitar work fluctuating into an aggressive series of cutting grooves! Heavy breakdowns and risers grab your attention throughout!

'Vulkan Force' launches us straight into the action, with a fast and frantic higher end solo guitar and interesting dark glitched vocal elements. This is supercharged high tempo action, at its best! Furious lead guitar pierces through the background of rapid fire doom laden beats. There's ample amounts of glitched percussive sampling that makes for an explosive listen. 

The glitched beats remain with 'Quarter Of The Iron Priest', with a heightened intensity and sensitivity in crafting a soundscape that to my ear, at least, is reminiscent of Aphex Twin, when his tracks let rip into an explosive percussive sequence. It's pure genius the way these beat led rhythmic elements are woven and timed to perfection! 

'Zantetsuken' explodes through the speakers with violent guitar and rapid fire drums culminating in a bass filled deep rhythm that would rile up a mosh pit with devastating effect! More signature glitchy, metal, noise percussion rips through the expertly laid riffs. This track, like most on the album in fact, is simply mind-blowing. 

Sludgy dark structural elements, cutting lead guitar, frantic beats and a touch of the orient is what 'Ryu Cyberblade' is all about. Revenge is what he seeks and Abaddon should be fearful for he is a powerful lone warrior out for blood! This track encapsulates raw high adrenaline fight scenes where bad blood is spilt by the plenty! 

Somehow the tone finds a way to get even darker, monstrous growls and tuned down plucks introduces us to 'Vertikall Daemon' Feat. Moris Blak. These swarming sounds pass by us paving the way for a blistering onslaught of sound where the darkest techno ensues. This attack takes on a more dance floor persona, than is evident in the rest of the album and I love it!  There's an awesome balance of Dark Techno, powerful percussion, deep shredding and the darkest of Darksynth. What a blend and with magnificent results! 

The tense atmospheric emotions are well crafted in 'Valhalla Sektor 99', the track starts with futuristic sweeps and metallic thuds. High pitched synth work creates an eerie, deathly soundscape. 'Valhalla Sektor 99', set on a lower BPM, takes us into a deep journey into the cyber city of Abaddon, through the intense layers of sound. Drone sounds and darkness that culminate in terrifying vocal samples. 

'Abaddon Lethal Future Shock' is the finale, to a truly mind blowing album. The despairing future of the City of Abaddon is played through with intensity with plenty of twists and turns. An epic track, on every level, for every second in this monster 9 minute 11 seconds song! 

Overall,  STREET KRVZADER is honestly one of the heaviest and meticulously excellent albums I've heard in a very long time. Perhaps, even ever! Which is saying something having grown up on albums like Sepultura's 'Arise' and Slayers 'Reign in Blood'. Dav Dralleon has captured the essence of pure violence and bottled it in a sound that represents raw, unadulterated, visceral aggression. Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. But, who wants tea when you can drink straight from the bottle with the dark lords and become an immortal? 

Dav Dralleon deserves tons more attention than he currently receives, after all he manages the roles and skills of a multitude of band members usually expected in a traditional metal band. He brings new elements with every release and is a sonic force to be reckoned with! A real master of the heavy metal craft demonstrating not only highly skilled technique but also an understanding of how to get you up and headbanging! Or, whatever the kids do these days! Song composition is just spot on, complex and technically brilliant!  STREET KRVZADER blends traditional heavy metal elements with Metalcore, Shredwave, Darksynth, Cyberpunk and Metalstep seamlessly and with incredible results. There's a lot in this for any fan of the harder styles of metal music or any of the genres mentioned above. So, prepare yourself! Then, go and have a listen!

For more Dav Dralleon visit his BANDCAMP and Instagram