JESSY MACH - Legacy of Ages EP

Review by Karl Magi

JESSY MACH’s Legacy of ages combines the artist’s distinctive sound with strong melodies, beautiful auditory textures and a sense of gentle remembrance. This EP carries listeners on an engaging auditory adventure.

“Legacy of ages” commences as peaceful, gently illuminated synth glides while a bass pulse throbs beneath. Now broadly bursting drums create a steady pulse while tranquil, elevated synth sweeps past. The drums and bass have a definable heartbeat while leaping chords scintillate.

Rising strength fills the music as the triumphant, encouraging melody sings out on effulgent synth. In the background, a trickling digital sound runs past while the melody reaches out with affectionate warmth. The low end creates drive as the main melody slips out above it.

Peace fills me and a flickering digital pattern flits past. The melody shines now, evoking feelings of progress and victory, while the drum beat pulses on. The track slides into a delicate segment in which sunny, distorted notes flow past. The melody grows gentler in the music while the string-like synth intertwines.

An ominous rushing sound opens “Electric dreams” as muscled percussion surges in. Intense, sunny glare fills the lead synth as it calls out with bursting energy and the hard-hitting kick drum complements the powerful bass.

A snare drum pushes the music forward as sparkling, rapidly trembling synth explodes with luminosity. Bass thunders while tightly twirling notes create drama. An inspiring, invigorating melody leaps into the music, carried on a shiny synth.

Guitar slices in now, crying out with passion. Revolving arpeggios spin smoothly and the percussion punches weightily. The guitar sings again, climbing up with explosive light erupting from it, while the low end drives on.

I enjoy the guitar melody’s vaulting nature. Flashing, glistening synth climbs up above to add even more shine. The guitar solo is intricately interwoven and drips soaring energy as it spins out with wildlife before the track ends.

“Sundrenched drive” starts with a steadily pulsing drum beat and glimmering notes growing in strength as the hard-hitting bass mixes with the powerful drums to generate forward motion. The melody moves in on sharp-edged, refulgent synth which creates a placid, easy going feeling.

Xylophone drifts through with brittle illumination and an arpeggio contributes flashing sunlight. The low end creates gentle propulsion as expansive arpeggios twirl while the drums burst. Now the settling melody slips past, carried on a softly luminescent synth. The xylophone adds a unique texture to the music while lustrous chords dance out.

A bending, wide sounding synth echoes, carrying an exuberant melody as it leaps out. The drums and bass keep pulsating underneath and warm chords evoke pleasing feelings of cruising down winding roads in sunset light before the track comes to an end.

Soothing, smoothly flowing synth with rounded edges drifts out to begin “College memories.” The synth notes form a steady undulation before drums come in to shape them as they slip through the music. The bass throbs underneath to guide the music forward as twanging guitars cut in.

There's steady forward motion while wandering notes with a broad sound flit through. The main melody has a dreamy quality, carried on a wide sounding synth that sails out above the pulsing low end. I enjoy the main melody’s restful, nostalgic mood. Bouncing notes sing out in a warm flow as the drums rebound in half time.

As the drums return with their full pulse, the synth melody calls out, doubled by a guitar with a rather majestic feeling as it slips through the music. Now the guitar moves softly through a gliding section before the low end drives forward again. The lead melody enfolds the listener, carrying us away on a tide of meditative thought.

Again the drums slow to half time as the melody shimmers out more gently before the guitar cuts in again. The guitar adds more power as it cascades, carrying a solo with passion and intricacy as the drums pulse and the synth soars. The track draws to an end on a tide of uplifting yet slightly melancholy melody before it ends.

“Pacific pulse” starts off as rising, glistening synth chords are joined by a bouncing percussive pulsation. Scintillating luminosity flows out from the lead synth that carries a soothing, energizing melody. The drums and bass create an even heartbeat as they add motion.

Now solar glow radiates from the lead synth as it frolics through the music, carrying encouraging feelings. Chimes carry a positive melody, filling me with excited anticipation. Drums flourish as trumpeting notes contribute light.

Wildly twisting synth cries out in wandering lines that explode with life. Chiming notes flare out again, filling me with uplifting emotion. Gentle arpeggios drift and flashing synth unwinds in revolving motion while drums and bass carry the music to an end.

Swelling bass, lightly touching drums and tranquil chords open “She was right here (Cruiser mix).” Glimmering, broad sounding synth carries a melody that mixes tenderness and summery warmth. Choppy vocals add a unique quality while the soft-edged chords interlock.

Xylophone-like sounds create a trickling, textured pulse as they ripple and widely shining synth carries a melody evoking feelings of passion and energy. Now the chopped up vocals move above the undulating bass and guiding drums.

Caressing chords drift out and elevated, serene synth carries an enfolding melody. Sparkling notes flare together and a brassy synth calls out with flashing light. Majestic chords pour luminance into the track and the melody lifts me up and carries me away on its gleaming sounds.

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.