Sferro & Tommy ‘86 - Remote Communications

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sferro & Tommy ‘86s Remote Communications explores a complex range of synth tones, timbres and textures to create luscious, layered music. Sferro & Tommy ‘86 creatively utilize their sonic palette to travel through moods and atmospheres that run the gamut from darkness to dappled light and from melancholy to uplifting emotion. On the way, the album travels through well-composed melodies, powerful percussion and detailed auditory imagery.

One of the factors that draws me to Remote Communications is the sheer intricacy and complexity of the synth sounds and their relationship to one another. Sferro & Tommy ‘86 manage to carry me away on a journey through ear catching, engaging auditory layers. I appreciate the time and effort it took to craft the luscious sonic jewels that are the individual tracks of this album.

Another aspect of Remote Communications that I find impressive is the melodic writing on the album. Sferro & Tommy ‘86 craft melodies that capture emotion and deliver it to the listener with nuance and intense feeling. The way in which the melodies interact with the other sonic elements gives them life and depth as they unfold.

I am also enamoured of the auditory imagery that fills Remote Communications. I enjoy the way in which atmospheric moments mingle with the other musical elements to carry me away through emotions that vary from positivity to wistful melancholy. Sferro & Tommy ‘86 weave compelling soundscapes throughout the album.

I also want to add that I thoroughly enjoyed Mecha Maiko’s performance on “Like A Child” for the way in which she added a great deal of emotional expression to the song and complemented the sounds created by Sferro & Tommy ‘86.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Zen Meteor” comes to life as intensely illuminating, slightly distorted synth bends and washes, undulating smoothly as the track opens. Rebounding drums and dense bass form a steady heartbeat beneath elevated, airily sweeping synth.

Chimes flash with glassy light as drums and bass create a throbbing pulse. Fragile, open sounding notes slide above the low end tide. The chimes add brilliance and hollow sounding, medium high synth trades off with resonant, xylophone like sounds as the drums and bass pulsate below.

The chiming notes add more sparkle and light to the music. a wide sounding, laid-back synth sings out a melody with a ghostly tenderness that charms me. well then drums and bass shape the music. The shimmering notes keep flickering through the music in time to the rebounding drums. all of the notes interlock into a caressing framework that slowly guides the track to an end.

Intensely flashing synth rises in quick motion to open “Like a Child.” The drums and bass create a steady pulse as a nasal sounding synth cuts with sharp edges. Mecha Maiko has a breathy, sultry voice that slips past, carrying the dreaming melody above the low end’s steady heartbeat.

The chorus becomes warmer, but still a little uncertain. in the distance the drums and bass interlock with the swirling synth. Mecha Maiko’s voice has a wonderfully tender quality and a wistful feeling as it carries the drifting melody. There's a danceable quality to the beat while a synth flitters through in quick string-like motion.

The vocals are caressing and smooth while the low end creates motion. In the distance, the quickly leaping synth moves through and the low end keeps pulsing. Mecha Maiko captures the yearning in the lyrics. Twisting notes and synth with a digital accent unfurl with lively energy as string-like sounds sweep past to end the song.

The storyteller creates a beautiful image of feet that “silently land on the lake in the night" and gentle kisses from diffused city light. She talks about beds that are made “in a selfish place” and frost that winds around the waist with no mind paid. She goes on to say that she had thought she loved the city but she isn't sure it loves her back.

Our narrator goes on to say that “this is my heartbeat through and through.” She speaks of her heart’s vibrations lightly shaking the morning dew. She is catching the last train home with “no more money, no neon glow, just the houses row by row.” As she concludes she talks about being " cradled like a child” by everything she doesn't know, all alone.

“Shadow Work” commences as metallic sounds ring out along with twisting noises that writhe through the music as solid drums punch hard. Heaving bass comes in to thunder below the hard-hitting drums as flitting notes sparkle above the weight below.

Elevated, fragile notes dance out with a light and airy feeling above the low end. Now broadly flashing synth flares in the distance as the drums keep punching out. Shining, ringing notes intertwine to add intense luminosity above the weighty low end pulse driving forward.

Glistening notes cascade and call out with a rounded tone. Hard-edged, gruff synth entangles below the elevated, echoing notes that fill the track with solar light. Shadowed synth runs into a gritty flow before scintillating notes undulate as an ominous threat continues to move in the distance.

Below the other sonic elements, the drums and bass add steadying shape. The track ends on broadly leaving synth and the continual throb while the full sounding, metallic notes flicker out to end the track.

Smoothly drifting synth flows in delicate lines as exhaling notes pulse to open “Sunset Valley.” Trembling drums reverberate below lightly caressing clouds, rising in pastel hues while the bass adds weight below.

Now sharper-edged, medium-high synth cuts through the cotton candy clouds with a soaring melody, sweeping in on a bright sounding synth. The drums pop above the rich bass as lambent chords contribute diffuse light. Xylophone-like notes shine, moving in a steady glide. I enjoy the balance between gentleness and power as this track unfolds.

A floating feeling permeates the music, lifting me above the misty cloudscape as xylophone-like notes add effulgent luminance. Open sounding pipes move in the distance briefly as the drums pulsate and the track fades to silence.

“Brothers of the Soul” commences as massive drums thud in with a solid beat as a hi-hat ticks. Rebounding, clapping sounds echo out and flashing synth pulses and bursts, adding encouraging energy. The drums and bass lock into a punchy groove that presses the music forward.

Breezy notes sweep in the distance, swelling outwards as growing, scintillating synth chords add luminosity. Powerful forward motion imbues this music. After a drum flourish, open-sounding synth drifts out as worshipful notes intertwine in the distance.

I find the contrast within this track pleasing to the ear. The digitally glowing, hollow sounding synth flows outward as brilliant chimes flit past and shining chords flare. Silence falls for a moment before delicately swirling notes drift past as broadly bursting percussion reverberates throughout.

Hissing notes move before a glimmering synth carries a quickly shifting melodic line that adds increased movement. The drums keep exploding and a chime flows past in a rapid ripple before trembling notes flow out into space to close the track.

Panpipe notes echo out into open space with a vibrating quality to start “We Been 'Round.” Drums softly skitter and skip as a medium-high, glimmering synth dances out with a bounce. Rapid fire panpipe pulses volley back and forth as the drums rebound and the bass throbs.

A taut, sharp-edged synth moves in, carrying a melody that soars upwards on bending notes as the drums and bass pulsate. Luminous synth bounces in trembling lines, imbued with urgency as the low end pushes on. Sweeping, medium-low synth with a rough-edged sound flares in extended pulses that cut through the other musical elements.

I enjoy the percussion’s momentum, mingling with the sweeping entanglement around it. Bending, rising synth wanders outwards in a wriggling motion while the drums and bass press on. Luscious layers wrap around one another before the track falls silent on softly shifting notes that gently brush the background.

Ethereal synth curls around the other musical elements, adding illumination. The percussion has a shuffling hiss, supported by a massive kick drum. Hollow, floating sounds move along with an echoing, digital-sounding synth which contributes warmth.

“Visible Silence”  begins as a wobbling synth moves  along with nature sounds as the track begins. Gigantic drums throb heavily below as effulgent synth slips past  while bass rumbles far below. Percussion echoes with dominant  force as swirling notes intertwine with the heavy bass.

Softness and ease slides into the music in a way that I find deeply satisfying. Quickly shivering notes echo out across a bending background before the drums hit hard again.A shiny synth flows out with tranquility in contrast to the bursting weight below it.

Gentle sonic tendrils wrap around my ears as they extend through the music. Sparkling chimes flicker past while towering sounds reverberate before silence falls.

Metallic sounding, glistening synth swells into the music to open “Heart Beats.” Distorted vocals call out above truly colossal drums and bass. the low end’s weight and power shift while the vocals wind through.

There's a heaviness and a strong throbbing component to the track. I enjoy the way in which the drums and bass mimic a strongly beating heart here before the track ends.

Conclusion

Remote Communications mixes strong melodies with fascinating synth sound combinations, intriguing imagery and high quality production to create an album that compels me with each track. This is music I can listen to over and over again and hear a new element each time I hear it again.

Fraver - Crystal Star

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Fraver’s Crystal Star is an intensely layered, thrilling intergalactic adventure painted in a rich synth palette. Cinematic imagery, melodic energy and atmosphere combine to weave an album that I find engaging and intensely entertaining as it unfolds.

Atmosphere, mood and imagery are strong points on Crystal Star. Fraver skillfully deploys wide-ranging synth sounds, textures and total colours to generate detailed mental imagery. There are moments of interstellar drifting, vertiginous scenes of space combat and majestic planetscapes that open up through Fraver’s use of his tools.

Fraver has chosen the right tools to create his sonic tapestry. The way in which he carefully combines the different sonic elements allows him to bring his compositions to life. Drama, tenderness and explosive energy radiate from each of his different synth choices and they all come together in a satisfying whole.

Crystal Star showcases Fraver’s knack for composing melodies that are engaging, memorable and full of depth. Each melody works well to convey the mood and feeling within the individual tracks, while together they help carry me on the journey set out at the beginning of the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Axiom” comes to life as softly touching notes glide out above a slowly cascading revolving background. Hollow, icily shimmering notes tap out into the music. Expansive, creaking synth reverberates in the background while the crystal notes flash out. A pleasing sense of mystery pervades this music.

Sunlit chimes trickle out while skittering, sweeping noises swirl in the background. Reverent notes rise with peaceful ease and float above the unsettled low end. Shadow fills the distantly floating background while caressing notes have a warmer glow as they float out and echo before the track fades into silence.

Powerfully pounding drums and belligerently surging bass form a gigantic pulsation to open “Stars Call Me.” A trumpeting synth rings out, carrying a soaring melody that paints imagery of a blurring flight through distant stars. Tranquil, tender notes add luminous lustre as they flicker high above.

The drums and bass charge forward as they propel the music with lacerating energy. Elevated notes with a twisting feeling call out above the cascading bass pulse. An unsettling feeling emanates from the high notes, effectively adding an element of uncertainty.

A bending, medium-high synth carries a haunting, ominous melody that wends its way through the track above smashing drum and bass energy. The low end fades out and a washing, interlocking series of synth sounds moves with a minor key twist.

Once again, bass thunders in a threatening pulsation. Glimmering high notes roam, filled with ghostly feelings. A digital-sounding, open-voiced synth drifts with a warning before the track drives to an end on the hugely shifting drums.

“Zero Gravity Level” begins as the towering bass undulates massively and drums establish a steady heartbeat. string-like notes intertwine as the raging low end lacerates the music and the drums pound. The strings have a minor key shadow in them as the percussion presses the music forward.

A sense of drama pervades along with warmer colours now touching the strings. The electric guitar snarls ferociously as the drums pound and flourish. Arpeggios tumble through with shivering luminosity and the dark bass surges. Tension fills the arpeggios and the growling guitar cuts in with threatening force.

The drums rush onwards to provide intense propulsion and explosive energy. Now seething guitar contributes a sawtoothed feeling as a smoother, more flowing synth swirls around. Taut arpeggios twirl and again guitar adds fury and roughness to the music before the sun track comes to an end.

Ethereal, ringing notes slip out and open space as hissing sounds float past to begin “Crystallization.” A kick drum is joined by a steadily throbbing snare drum as the colossal bass pulsates below. The drums and bass guide the ghostly, tender sounds that slide above.

There is pain emanating from the music as the low end shapes it. Muscled energy emanates from oscillating bass as higher notes entangle smoothly. A rounded synth carries a melody that hurts as breathy sounds exhale into the music and the drums and bass drop away.

Dangerous feelings move below while the rebounding drums pulsate in a steady motion. Now string-like sounds become a majestic, shadowed melody as the low end continues to press on. The string-like synth effectively creates drama and emotion before the song draws to a close on a subdivided beat.

“Starfield” begins as expanding and contracting bass wobbles through the music and snapping claps launch into a racing, harsh, and grinding guitar attack that rips through the track. Dramatically climbing, exultant synth cries out above the battering drums whose tidal force dominates the music.

Guitar rampages as it shatters the music while a raised synth melody fills the music with a victorious quality. Distorted synth twists through adding another degree of darkness. Creaking noise permeates the notes to add uncertainty and discomfort in the track.

The kick drum pulses as a horrifically twisted synth conjures up threat. Slashing, lacerating strength fills the guitar as it carries the song to an end below the orchestral synth as the drums smash hard into the music.

Broadly bending synth swells and twists with a dangerous feeling to commence “Avalanche Of Kicks.” Above it, glowing notes ring out and now ferocious, metallic guitar forms a grinding pulse along with grunting synth.

The main melody calls out on a triumphant synth with a cutting edge above the maelstrom raging below. A sense of battling adventure radiates pleasingly from the melody as the aggressive low end rushes on. The lead synth exudes rising power as it rings out above the forceful low end.

The guitar exudes pure hostility as croaking synth adds a pervasive threat. The beat launches again to shove the track forward while the guitar surges. The track ends with charging motion and the main melody’s intense sense of victory.

“Crystal Star” opens as reverent synth waves drift out as glassily glowing notes ring with melancholy yearning. Now sharp-edged bass undulates as trumpeting synth carries out the melody that speaks of adventures across vast distances and loss along the way.

There's churning strength in the gritty low end while the crystalline chimes flit. The melody has a touching ache within it that moves me, despite the feeling of exploration which fills it. Underneath the other musical elements, the bass forms a razor-sharp pulsation.

A snare drum and kick drum throb briefly for a moment along with peaceful synth before the growling low end pushes them onward again. Chiming notes glimmer delicately through the huge bass tide underneath. The track ends with the wandering melody imbued with a journeying quality and more painful emotion.

Swirling synth clouds float outwards with growing illumination to start “Precasius.” A launch countdown begins as trembling notes shift in the background. Massive, ragged bass snarls below punching drums to create motion. Scintillating, crystalline notes intertwine above the low end’s onslaught.

Rounded synth falls in uneven motion, adding a sense of unsettled energy. Underneath the other musical elements, the drums and bass create shredding motion. The bass fades as twinkling chimes add galactic illumination and sawtoothed bass tears into the music. The way in which delicate notes contrast with the storm below draws me into the track.

Now hollow sounding, rapidly tumbling notes slip out and the music is filled with clouds full of gentle light before huge bass rumbles again. Intensely slicing synth slashes in and rapid drums shape the music while distorted, uncomfortable synth unwinds. Sensations of struggle and darkness mix in the music as the track drives to an end.

“Distant Frequencies” begins as quickly rushing, jet-like sounds are joined by digital noises. Undulating bass and powerful drums create a steady pulse as meditative, medium-high synth drifts out in an uncertain melody. Sparkling chimes flit in the distance as the drums and bass throb.

Flashing, rising notes glimmer broadly as the low end creates propulsive motion. Bass moves flatly while worshipful notes intertwine above it with a soothing feeling. There is a haunting quality in the music, chimes shining in contrast to the crushing bass moving below.

Now the track launches into a rushing charge while gigantic, insistent synth leaps out. Majesty along with more uncomfortable feelings fill the lead melody while battering drums rush forward again. I enjoy the sense of travelling through vast reaches of space here. The track ends with a victorious quality.

Conclusion

Crystal Star takes me on a journey full of drama, intensity and exploration. I enjoy the way in which the compositions layer together fascinating sonic elements to paint imagery that carries me across the galaxy.

DRAVEN - Massacre Blood Club

Review by Atomic Robo-Kid

That's right! Athens, Greece-based Dark Synth Artist Draven has a new album out: 'Massacre Blood Club'. Which is very welcome news as it's been almost two years since his previous, 'Abyssal Arcana'! Thankfully we have had an array of blistering singles to see us through and sustain our addiction to dark, deep beats, face melting bass and horror movie homages! With each single we have borne witness to an already highly skilled artist further developing his craft, an evolution of sound design and direction whilst cleverly maintaining his roots of dwelling in the darkest abyss! The host of collaborative tracks on 'Massacre Blood Club' have undoubtedly provided Draven with opportunities to explore EDM, EBSM, D&B and other genres whose titles consist entirely of acronyms! All that, and Dark Techno and Dubstep which I don't think have their own acronyms yet! 

I begin to prepare myself for a night on the town, a night to revel in the infamous, the notorious, yet secretive 'Massacre Blood Club'. I’m eager to feast on the flesh of mortals and further quench my thirst for that red liqour which I now crave. I know tonight is going to be like no other! Tonight will see the sacrifice of the blasphemers, the morbid additions to the torso sculpture in the pit and a night of the darkest, Skull crushing music! Let's begin...

I'm greeted into the club by deep atmospheric Trance stabs, police sirens pierce the wall of sound briefly. This is a troubled neighbourhood. 'Seductive Meat Grinder' (feat. Sebastian Komor) is an incredible kick-start to the album! An EBM style dance floor filler fuelled by thumping beats, rhythmic breaks and deep soul swallowing melodies. This club is full of pain with fresh blood on tap. This is my kinda place! 

An eerie high pitched soundscape backed by an almost muffled and reverberated, very cool, underground breakbeat sequence serves as introduction to 'Encryption' (feat. Tim N). This track, for me, showcases how Darksynth song writing can be incorporated into a Drum & Bass song structure. It has those skull crushing kicks and dark atmospheric moments associated with Darksynth juxtaposed with the rolling drums and percussion associated with Drum & Bass. This track is packaged up nicely, serving up plenty of intrigue and I'd say there's even some links with 90's underground club culture. For me, at least, bringing back some very fond memories. 

'Stained On The Mainframe' has a beautifully dark, eerie, cinematic feel to it. Filled with suspenseful moments that are fuelled by neoclassical sounds and melodies played out on a mechanical music box. The suspense is torn apart with earth shattering kicks and Dubstep style baselines. There's plenty of pent up aggression in the twisting and evolving bass that infects the orchestral parts somehow increasing the angst to the max. A suitable soundtrack whilst watching John Kramer or Patrick Bateman at work, perhaps! 

Blood is why I'm here, as I drink back more from the human prey restrained by chains lining the walls of The Massacre Blood Club. 'In The Taste Of Blood' (feat. CONNÖR) is heighted ecstasy, quenching my thirst for blood and lust for dark beats. Acid leads create a delicious, rave auditory aesthetic. Which, I feel is pretty unique given that it sits at the forefront of emotion deeply darkend by sounds of terror! 

'Not Your Kind' (feat. The Static Architect) really took me by surprise! I wasn't expecting a vocal track, but I'm very happy to hear one as I've often wondered what new dynamics vocals would bring to Draven's work! The results are an Industrial, Darkwave style track, slightly lower BPM than the others on this album. The vocal talents of The Static Architect needs to be commended as we experience an awesome array of vocal skills. I love it! 

'X-Stacy' (feat. Teknovore), is a gloriously dark progressive, minimal deep Trance affair with touches of Techno. The coupling of dark up tempo beats and Techno style melodies works in perfect harmony, I challenge you not to want to move to this!

‘Redrum 8’ starts, as a gently elevating intertwined melody that progresses with deeper undertones. A solid kick and rising drum succession launches us into a higher state of consciousness. The track encorporates an elaborate acid bass line. Which, evolves and sweeps through to deep and dirty. Powerful kicks smash through the acid bass and when coupled with the more gritty rhythmic bass makes parts of this track particularly heavy. 

We peel away the outer tissue and peer inside the inner workings of the human brain with 'Through The Cerebral Cortex' (feat. We Are Magonia). Our fears are immediately tapped into with sounds of torturous equipment, that provide interesting percussive elements. The dirty Dubstep bass in conjunction with horror ridden synthesised industrial tones create a magnificent tension. A very well constructed soundscape! 

'D3ATH' is aptly named, our soul is ready for collection as distorted church bells ring and faint sounds of ritualistic chanting plague our senses. We are plunged into a sonic abyss where musical boundaries blur and we are thrust into an intense onslaught of thunderous bass, precisely laid drops and distorted synth that paint sounds of a macabre aesthetic. 

Don't be fooled by the introduction to 'Blasphemy' (feat. We Are Magonia), the almost cheerful melody is quickly wiped out of existence by brutal bass and sinister sampled sounds of horror. Syncopated percussion and violent outbursts of bass are at the forefront of this cleanly produced track. Truly powerful moments that weave dark atmospheres and aggressive beats into the Hell filled chasm. 

Just when you thought that insane and macabre night at the 'Massacre Blood Club' was over the DJ has one last, BONUS track, to get you on that dance floor. So, get ready knock back the '777' and prepare to for this Dark Techno, Mid Tempo stomper of a track! Eerily atmospheric yet euphoric in equal measure! There's plenty of groove, glitches and heart pounding kicks that you won't be able to resist moving to!

Overall, Draven's 'Massacre Blood Club' is a ruthless sonic ride! It's overloaded with pounding beats that bleed dirty bass whilst seamlessly blending haunting melodies with fierce beat sequencing. The album immerses listeners into a dark, atmospheric world, where each track feels like a descent into the subconscious depths of the darkest regions of your mind! It's equally compelling as it is terrifying! An immersive experience where listeners are confronted with a gripping fusion of a range of Dark Electronic Music genres resulting in visceral sonic exploration. This album combines elements deeply associated with Darksynth and Horrorsynth genres and injects dangerous doses of adrenaline that mutate it into a hybrid monster out for blood! A series of muderous tracks that must be heard loud in a dark clubbing experience! 

The collaborations and subsequent fine tunings of Draven's repoirture are testament to Draven's mastery of Dark music production. He delivers an unapologetically intense and alluring array of emotions capable of sweeping you away to alternate realms. 'Massacre Blood Club' will resonate with enthusiasts of the darkest depths of electronic music. Enter the lair of Darkness, of beats and movement, of lustful euphoria!

You're welcome inside the "MASSACRE BLOOD CLUB", become one of us.

For More Draven, visit draven1980s.bandcamp.com

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.