Caspro - Coastal Edge

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Caspro’s Coastal Edge evokes all of the moods and beauty of the ocean through rich synth sounds. There are moments of aquamarine calm, shadings of tidal power and sunlit shallows in which to bask. Caspro and his guests weave a layered, intricate sonic tapestry that invites listeners to lay on the beach or float in the ocean as Coastal Edge unfolds.

Caspro’s masterful ability to create auditory imagery shines through on Coastal Edge. His synth choices, compositions and skillful ability to interweave different sonic layers enables him to paint strong imagery in the listener's mind. Each track transports me through varied seascapes from sun-drenched beaches to deep blue water while releasing all of my tension and allowing my mind to roam.

I enjoy Caspro and his guests’ well chosen synth combinations as they allow the music to gain depth and complexity as each track evolves. They managed to generate interactions that create microtonal moments, lush textures and ear catching sonic combinations. There's intense creativity to the way in which the synth layers work together on this album to add interest and dynamism.

Beautiful melodies abound on Coastal Edge. Caspro writes melodies that are gorgeous, emotional and transporting. I enjoy the nuance of his writing and the way in which he can capture the listener and carry them away. I am drawn to the variety and engaging qualities within each melody as they add to the atmosphere of the album.

Another aspect that attracts me to Coastal Edge are the guest performers working with Caspro. Each of them brings their own unique musical vision while still fitting into the album’s overall audio canvas. They add more depth and interest to the music with their contributions.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Beach Gaze” comes to life as gently touching chords swell through a slight haze and the music creates the impression of waves brushing against sand. The chords are warm and slowly flashing synth pulses in the distance. Bass undulates in deep waves as the chords shift.

Elevated, softly radiant synth flickers out in synchronized motion while bass rumbles. Trumpeting synth carries the main melody, mingling soothing feelings with a slight uncertainty. Raised, brassy notes echo in a choppy pattern as vibrating synth trembles while luminosity fills the background.

The volume swells as a broad series of bright notes flare out. Drums and bass add form to the music while gleaming notes ring out. Brassy synth leaps in shaking lines as the low end drives on. I enjoy the tremulous quality combined with the sense of tranquility. The main melody wanders a little above the massive low end as the song comes to an end.

Echoing, glistening notes ring out and form a steady heartbeat as base drops in and gentle sound floats past to open “Drift.” Massive bass surges while being doubled by a steadily shifting, illuminating throb.

Elevated, enfolding notes form a peaceful and pained melody that drifts above the huge low end. The drums burst while the melody wraps around me with serene melancholy. Chimes float through with a crystalline ring as the low end’s tidal surge goes on.

The chimes add light and an echoing, breathy sound forms its own pulsation. The main melody draws me in with its combination of aching emotion and tenderness. Elevated, glimmering synth flows past easily and silence falls.

“Coastal Edge” opens as rippling, tumbling synth spins out above huge bass and smoothly pulsing drums that create an evenly flowing feeling. There's an oceanic power in the music which evokes surging, gigantic currents in a way that pulls me in.

Revolving, sharp-edged synth creates motion as vibrating notes move with intense light. Metallic, medium-high synth carries a melody with a hint of nobility. Full-sounding, slightly nasal sounding notes tumble down again while the bass throbs.

The track returns to the twirling, repeating synth’s tidal flow as luminosity flows from the blaring synth while softer tremulousness moves and glowing notes echo with a sense of strength filling them before the track ends.

Calming, rounded synth delicately descends and climbs with gentle lustre to start “Sea Within.” Deep peace permeates the softly shining synth as it undulates like a kelp forest moving in a sun dappled ocean. A tinge of darkness touches the music before brightness flashes out as bass well drifts past.

Tension leaves me as the music washes over me like cool, oceanic water and carries me past all of the cares of the day. Images of aquamarine water come to me and the tender melody flutes out with soothing sensations filling it. This music gives space for contemplation and relaxation as the track draws to an end.

“Plume” commences as solid bass pulses while gentle, swirling sounds drift in the background and the drums come in to guide the music. An airy, woodwind-like instrument carries a mysterious melody out over the rebounding low end. Laid back, soothing sensations fill the music and now the deep bass throbs along with the drums. Descending, intertwining synth spins out with a flaring motion.

Full-sounding, soft-edged notes dance together while the drums pulse and the bass undulates. A trembling synth carries a melody that wanders and drifts, like a dandelion seed on the water as it flows smoothly. Twirling notes intertwine to form a steadily revolving pattern while the drums touch lightly. Flashing notes move in the distance and the drums and bass grow in strength.

Now open-voiced, slightly twisting synth carries the pained and haunting melody, touching so gently. Drums and bass rebound together while the arpeggios move through to add texture. A worshipful sound swells in the background and electric bass contributes another sonic dimension. The main melody beautifully mingles loss, tenderness and an indefinable sadness as the song ends.

Bright notes vibrate in steady motion and bass descends slowly to open “Turning Tides.” The bass oscillates with deep power as drums add shape to the music. in the distance, delicate sounds flow and a luminous, tremulous synth carries a tentative melodic pattern.

The filigreed melody shifts above lightly touching drums. Vibrating notes ring out with fragile glow as the base oscillates far below. The percussion’s guiding heartbeat moves and shimmering synth echoes out into space. The drums and bass keep moving on while the flaring melody calls out.

I get the sense of great motion beneath the surface as the melody wanders out. Mystery and uncertain emotion is carried by a glistening synth before the track comes to an end.

“Viewing Place” begins as a richly expanding synth moves over slowly pulsing, breathy notes. Colossal drums punch in along with muscled bass as synth waves wash through. Sharp light cuts in while the low end pulsates strongly.

The medium-high, lambent lead synth carries an uneven melody above the powerful low end. The melody compels me with its dynamic illumination, touched by more aching sensations. Now an expansively bubbling synth grows and strengthens as the bass rises underneath.

The crisp drums guide the music while softly radiant synth carries a shadowed melody. Glimmering synths tumble together to become a steadily surging pulsation. The main melody sails in with its slightly broken motion and trumpeting qualities to end the track.

Gigantic bass hits hard while brilliant synth forms a steady motion and drums add shape to open “Horizon Infinite.” A sense of forward progress fills the music as light glitters through. I enjoy the trance inducing quality of the insistently pulsating synth as it fills the track.

Washing sounds flow through and shivering, glaring synth drifts out and a diaphanous melody slides above it. Lightly touching drums keep the pulse going as cascading synth wanders in rapid motion.

Metallic sounding, smooth synth carries a melodic pattern, increasing the music’s hypnotic motion. The gossamer melody slips past with a feeling of loss permeating it. Steady, flashing synth repeats before the track draws to a close.

Conclusion

Coastal Edge evokes the complexity of human emotion as it relates to the ocean. It captures beauty, uncertainty and liminality as it unfolds. Caspro and his musical collaborators have created an album full of layers, textures and atmosphere. I enjoy being transported by the music here.

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.