At 1980 - Forget To Remember

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

At 1980’s Forget To Remember is retrowave with true heart and soul. It captures the earnestness of ‘80s music while steering clear of the cliches. The album's combination of musicianship, superb vocal performances and heartfelt emotion makes it stand out from similar styles of music. The production values are first rate and the music is full of strong melodies and engaging emotional expression.

All of the musicians and singers on Forget to Remember bring high quality performances to the album’s tracks. Josh Daily's visceral vocals and intricate guitar and Adrián Quesada Michelena’s lushly layered production are joined by talented contributions from Shadowrunner, Dana Jean Phoenix, Syst3m Glitch and Camille Gl​é​met.

I am moved by the strength of the emotion on Forget to Remember. All of the songs are brimful with touching feelings. I enjoy the mingled melancholy in warmth that fills the music on this album. There's a true sense of expression permeating all of the songwriting here. Once again, I can feel the depth of commitment to exploring intense emotional states in the music.

All of the vocals on Forget to Remember give it engaging depth. The way in which all of the vocalists are able to capture the different moods and states of mind in the songs make them doubly affecting. I also enjoy the way in which each different singer creates a fresh sound of the different songs.

The melodies on this album also draw me in. Each different melody adds to the way in which the music encapsulates feelings and transmits them to the listener. It's rare to find music that cuts right to the heart in the way that this does.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Lost in Time” opens as vibrating, expansive synth trips underneath ethereally sweeping notes that float out as metallic sounds flicker. The piano warmly slides into the music with gentle chords while caressing sounds intertwined in the background.

Delicate notes slip past and the guitar entangles with a lightly touching feeling. The piano chords imbue the music with a feeling of memory and the electric guitar slices in sharply, but not harshly while glistening synth calls out.

Josh Daily's guitar carries a soothing melody, touched by longing and tenderness as chimes sparkle. The drums come in to create shaping force while the guitar emotes with deep feeling, floating out before the track comes to an end.

Expansive, embracing notes slip past along with powerful piano chords and lightly gleaming synth to start “Never Mine.” Dana Jean Phoenix's voice comes in with trembling expression as it carries a delicate melody, imbued with emotional pain.

The piano chords and swirling synth add shape as wind sweeps past. Massive drums and solid bass support Dana Jean Phoenix's melancholy vocals as chimes glimmer. Dana Jean Phoenix's vocals wonderfully capture all of the loss and need in the lyrics as she cries out. The heartfelt vocals exude love and bereft emotion in equal measure. Now arpeggios slip past, wrapping around the vocals to add to their emotive effect.

The drums punch in with propulsive energy as flaring notes illuminate the song. Dana Jean Phoenix imbues her vocals with deep feeling as twanging guitar calls out, capturing more emotion as glimmering notes cast brightness above the towering low end.

Our storyteller says that she's lived a lie for a long time, as she's been "fooling myself about you and I." She thought the song's subject felt the same way she did. She adds that the other person said it was destiny but “I couldn't read the signs in front of me." The storyteller admits that getting over the song's subject has been taking a while because she'd been in denial. She has come to understand that the other person was never really hers.

The narrator points out that the song's subject has “lit a fire that cannot die.” It's a fire that doesn't care that the other person said goodbye. She understands that the other person never cared. The realization dawns that it isn't the fact that “you were gone, it's that you were never there." The narrator concludes by saying that “I'm just trying to live these thousand lives, but sometimes I feel that it's still taking a while. "

Huge drums explode into a propulsive beat and electric guitar leaps through the music to commence “Still in Love.” The guitar has a dynamism and uplifting quality to it as chimes ring out. Josh Daily's gruff voice is full of need and hope. The vocal melody mingles yearning and dreaming emotion as the low end presses the music forward.

The guitar flies out with an intense feeling that matches the deep expression in Josh Daily's voice. The vocals have a rough edge that traps emotion. The drums and bass push the music forward as a synth flares with light.

The guitar aches with expression as Josh Daily pours his heart out. Now the song glides through a segment in which echoing guitar entangles in luscious patterns. There's an irresistible earnestness in the vocals that pulls me in. The song ends on chugging guitar and shimmering light.

The narrator asks the song's subject to “lay with me tonight” if they still love one another. He tells the other person that he knows they're still scared but it'll be okay. He points out that “the fire that we started is tearing us apart” but perhaps he's only dreaming. He adds that he's still in love after all the time that has passed and “you're still on my mind.”

Our storyteller says that he's still nervous when the other person's around because “ you're the best damn thing, girl, that I've ever found." He asks the song's subject to dance in the rain with him and tell him she shares his feelings. He wants her to remind him he's not dreaming. He concludes that “there's a million other things that I wish I'd said, just burning ‘round inside my head.”

“Your Secret” begins as bright notes slowly grow and shine out before the percussion charges forward. Jangling strings ring out along with Josh Daily’s touching, affectionate vocals as the drums and bass jump forward. A metallic shine erupts from the bright strings as Josh Daily captures passion and heartfelt love.

There's a wonderfully encouraging quality in the chorus as the drums cascade and pulse. Chiming notes flow outwards with scintillating illumination that matches the intense passion in Josh Daily's voice. The sheer joy and affection in the music draws me inwards here.

The vocals fly out, capturing all of the feeling in the lyrics as brilliant synth flares. Solar notes glimmer and entangle while the throbbing drums and bass keep the music moving. The song comes to an end as Josh Daily gives full voice to his deep commitment.

The storyteller says that the song's subject was “born in the bay one moonless summer night." He says that she has the most lovely face and a beautiful heart. She has a hunger for life “with a million dreams alive” and she dances all day.

Our narrator says that he'll give her “the best that I have. " He wants her to run free, to remember he'll always be there and “I promise that no one will know your secret.”

Now the storyteller adds that she was born “in the land where the sun just never hides. "He talks about how the song's subject is on his mind and in his heart. He says she runs restlessly with her dreams, laughing all day.

He concludes by saying that “if you ever fall down and if you ever cry, I'll be right by your side.”

“Pieces of Me” kicks off as cymbals sweep in before the powerful bass throbs and drums form the shaping beat. Josh Daily's voice is full of deeply felt emotion and the vocal melody has a pained, yearning quality to it.

Drums and bass push the music forward as glittering synth flickers through the music. Josh Daily fills his voice with passion as it slips out above piano chords with strength and a wishful feeling. Luminous synth trickles through while the low end pushes on.

I am touched by the sense of loss in the vocals. The song moves forward while sparkling notes float above the emotive vocals. The drums drop out and the entangling piano notes move along with the lambent synth.

Expressive chords add more support to Josh Daily's aching voice. The chorus soars upwards and the drums and bass pulsate with luscious weight. The song ends with Josh Daily pouring his heart out.

The storyteller talks about drinking alone on the back fire escape in the “lonely city at night” which feels like home to him. He wishes he could take back everything he said to the song’s subject. He adds that “I'd give up anything in the world if she picked up the phone instead."

Our narrator says that he can't live in a world where they aren't together. He says she is “the sun and the stars, my forever” and continues by saying that she's the only person who knows who he is. Now he's been picking up the pieces since she's been gone.

The song’s subject has taken “the last Greyhound out of town” and moved on with the person from school that she said was the one. The narrator concludes that “there's some nights I get lost spinning around inside my head” and when he drinks, he sends messages but he hopes that they stay unread.

“Give a Little Love" opens as a warm synth is joined by Josh Daily's emotionally rich voice. Shimmering notes flash out as the trembling, hurting vocal melody moves above luscious bass. The percussion creates a heartbeat while Josh Daily expresses tender emotion. The drums explode as the vocals fill me with sensations of pure desire and longing.

Clapping percussion moves smoothly as guitar tangles together with touching notes. Josh Daily delivers the lyrics with conviction. The chorus climbs out with the earnestness of any '80s power pop ballad. The low end exudes tremendous strength as the vocals pierce my heart with need. Every element of this song is a deeply emotional experience.

Piano chords support the yearning chorus as Josh Daily's voice soars. The guitar cries out, carrying a solo that captures every bit of affection and desire the song can put out. The song ends as each part exudes absolute expression.

The narrator wants the bartender to pour him one last round and “I'll knock´em back” because it's just one of those nights. He says he's been working so hard and “God I wish that I could see you one last time!” He points out that there's no point in changing if you don't know the reason why but "I've tried so hard.”

Our storyteller asks the song's subject to “give a little love to me tonight, give a little love to me, don´t fight." He adds that it's crazy how time passes in the blink of an eye. He asks the other person to give him a little love again.

It's been a while since they last spoke but the narrator says the song's subject is still on his mind. He points out that he’d do anything for the other person and adds that "you’re still the one, damn I wish you only knew.” He's done changing himself so the other person should take him as he is without asking why.

Our storyteller asks the song subject to go dancing once more, just like they used to when they were together. He concludes “close your eyes and drift away ‘cause it will all be okay.”

Cymbals sweep before brightly gleaming, string-like notes echo out to start “Somebody Else.” Josh Daily holds raw emotion in his powerful voice as effulgent notes add shining gentleness. Cymbals sweep again while the vocal melody trembles with emotion and massive drums collide along with hard-hitting bass.

The intense, deeply felt vocals carry the heartbreaking melody as the low end drives on. Glistening notes fill the music with radiance as drums and bass shape the music. Now the shining notes intertwine with Josh Daily's powerful vocals.

Chimes shimmer and the song soars to a crescendo as the guitar sings out in a yearning, passionate solo. The guitar deepens the emotional connection created by the intensely expressive vocals while the drums and bass pulse hard underneath. The song ends on an emotive guitar crying out before silence falls.

This tale‘s teller tries to convince himself that he has it all but realizes it's just another day without the song's subject. He says that it's too late because the other person is moving on "while I'm still writing songs about you " He asks if he can turn back time.

As the narrator looks back on his life, he feels a sense of regret that he walked away from the previous relationship. He sees that the other person is now “living my life with somebody else.”

Our storyteller says that it seems like the other person is doing fine but his nights are "empty now without you." He admits that the song's subject has found someone new and he hopes that the new person will treat them well. He concludes by saying "you got so tired of me, how could I doubt you? "

“Let Me Go” begins as bass glides out below Camille Gl​é​met’s touching voice as it gently caresses the listener's ears. Glistening keys carry a delicately shining melody that twines around Camille Gl​é​met’s softly expressive voice. The vocal melody embodies tenderness and pain, capturing the brokenness of the song's emotions.

Bright synth glimmers, expressing more affecting emotion as the bass flows below it to create. Camille Gl​é​met’s voice suits the emotional tenor of the lyrics as it slips past. Josh Daily's voice echoes out with all of the emotional complexity he can summon, its rough edge deepening the expression. The drums rebound and throb as the vocals fly out above them.

Now both singers' voices come together in a chorus that punches the song's feelings home in a way that I find intensely compelling. In the background, broadly sweeping synth sails out as flickering keys contribute more shine to the music.

The song reaches a crescendo with heavily pounding drums, brilliantly sparkling notes and roughly snarling sounds as both singers give the music an emotional punch that can't be ignored. Silence falls on Camille Gl​é​met’s fragile voice.

The first narrator talks about the song's subject walking down a busy street that feels empty to her. She can hear glasses clinking and laughter but she “still feels so desolate." She tries to remember if the other person was ever kind, adding that “he can be so selfish.” She can't go on and so she speaks her mind.

The song's subject pleads with the other person to let her go. She says that they'll be better off if the other person lets her go to where "my love's enough." She adds that their love seemed invincible and now “I feel invisible.” She asks the other person to break the chain and let her go.

The second storyteller talks about how she “feels his touch and his breath on her skin" but he's betrayed by his eyes. She hears him make promises and hears the lies in them. The song’s subject knows that he's playing with her and she “tries to explain she craves something else.” The other person can be distant and so she has to leave and say goodbye.

Cosmic synth forms a lissome flow, creating intertwining layers to open “Ab Aeterno.” Bass billows below as sharply string-like notes intertwine, carrying a melody full of softly touching emotion as guitar also adds luminosity. Hollow percussion creates shape while scintillating notes carry a dreamy melody permeated by wishful nostalgia.

I find this music moving for the way in which it generates fond memories in me. Colossal bass towers as the metallic string-like sounds call out, encapsulating all of the melancholy feeling of the album. The open percussion adds more form to the music while gleaming notes flash into the music.

The drums flourish and the track rises again, intense emotions of tenderness and loss flowing out. Now the drums and bass launch into a propulsive beat, while entangling notes shine out, contrasting with the motion below them. All of the sounds slowly float out into a moment of silence before the track ends on warm light and airy pan pipes along with a cutting guitar chord

Conclusion

Forget to Remember has a heartfelt, earnest emotional core that I find irresistible. All of the musical elements and songwriting combine to create a touching whole that engages me with its expressive power. At 1980 and their guests have a winner with this album.

Cat Temper - Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Cat Temper’s Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur combines a wide variety of intriguing synth textures and colours in layers that interact in fascinating ways. His creative musical style along with his knack for composing in a compelling, unique way makes this an album worthy of multiple replays.

One of the aspects of Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur that makes it so enjoyable for me is the exuberant, inventive ways in which Cat Temper mixes different synth sounds. There's a freshness and energy in the music he creates that just keeps pulling me in. Like a painter, he creates luscious layers through all of the different sounds he combines into one cohesive whole.

Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur Also showcases Cat Temper’s melodic talent. He has a strong ability to write melodies which get inside your head. I enjoy the way his melodies move between different moods and emotional states within one track. Each track is like a small, self-contained world that encompasses a wide melodic territory. I enjoy the richness and complexity of the music on this album.

I'd also like to acknowledge the playful quality in Cat Temper’s music. I'm always taken by the fun he has with the music he creates. His joy and inventiveness pour out of every note he writes. All of the pleasure that he takes in his music infuses me as I listen.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Fur Warning” comes to life as a flanging sound rushes upwards while intensely shimmering synth vibrates out into space, washing in waves. Now hard-edged, tightly shining synth drips into the music as twisting sounds sweep in the distance.

Massive bass growls, creating a steady pulsation as clean edged, intensely illuminating synth rebounds in a wandering pulse. The gigantic drums and swinging bass create smooth forward progress, making me want to dance in a

loose-limbed way.

Flashing chords dance out in dynamic motion while the low end presses on. Breathy sounds float past and glittering synth creates blinding light. Underneath the other sonic elements, drums and bass keep driving onwards along with a cascading, open-voiced synth carrying an energizing melody.

I enjoy the way in which the music creates sensations of liveliness in me. glowing cords are joined by bell-like synth that twirls through the music with an adventurous quality. The track ends on the intensely unfolding chords and the swinging low end.

Massively bouncing, gruff synth with a cutting feeling moves above pounding kick drum to start “Take Your Whiskers Home.” Scintillating synth chords leap in to add ringing illumination as the drums and bass create a slightly uneven pulse.

Brightness pours from the music as a lower, intermingling notes ripple in rapid motion. Bending, open synth carries a melody with a celebratory, lively quality to it as chimes add metallic sparkle while the drums keep rebounding. The chimes take up a minor key tinged melody with a hint of melancholy in it.

Brilliant synth chords flare outwards above the bouncing low end. A medium-high, glowing synth carries a mellow melodic pattern. Soaring, piping notes sing out again with a positive quality. Chimes shimmer as bells call out with sunny warmth.

Glimmering notes ring and carry the dreaming, aching melody as soft-edged, medium-high synth yearns through the music. Now a wobbling synth doubles the main melody before the track ends on digital sounding notes calling out.

“Pawnama” commences as varied percussion flourishes with electric energy. Bursting snare drum forms a steady beat along with undulating bass that contributes another layer of propulsion. Deep synth rushes along with a hissing, percussive effect above the hard-hitting low end to create forward motion.

After another drum flourish, ominous synth clouds hover in the distance, contributing a dangerous quality to the music. The base has a chugging, metallic quality as it moves along with the pulsing drums. Brooding notes continue to sweep underneath the huge bass force.

Twanging guitar deeply rumbles in a melodic pattern that contains more menace. The melody has a surf guitar feel to it along with its shadows. The bass thunders underneath with crushing weight as the track unfolds. Echoing, broadly gleaming synth feels more positive and uplifting now, with a playful quality in contrast to the earlier darkness.

After another drum flourish, the shadowy threatening quality returns to the music. Darkly echoing notes reverberate as hi hat begins to add a metallic ticking to the music and a tiny “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” reference moves past. Now the ringing, chiming synth leaps out with intent darkness, feeling triumphant and threatening. Heaving bass ripples with muscled power while Latin percussion adds some flair before the track comes to an end.

Wide open, ringing synth grows and fades quickly before rising again to open “Jamie's Meowin'.” Uneven drums bounce above the rapidly oscillating bassline. Echoing, digital-sounding synth calls out with an unsettled melody.

Panpipes drift in luscious waves that caress the listener’s ears with their smoothly gliding motion. Underneath the other musical elements, drums throb with a slightly offbeat motion. I enjoy the texture of the panpipes as they move through the music.

An exultant, tranquil synth floats out with a gentle touch. metallic notes carry a drifting melody with a meditative quality. The drums flourish briefly while reverent sounds climb out on glimmering synth. Broadly flowing, ringing synth carries a melody tinged with yearning.

Rapidly rushing, shining notes with a minor key edge tumble out in spinning arpeggios while the massive drums rebound and a solid bass creates a deep well. Bell-like notes cry out and sharply rippling, fiercely luminous synth arpeggiates while worshipful notes climb.

The drums burst more slowly now along with heavy bass as metallic chimes flare and calming, enfolding synth slips past. The dense bass contrasts with the tenderness above it and the track comes to an end.

“One Paw Out the Door” commences as a kick drum pounds heavily and shadowy, widely sweeping synth carries rising notes out into the openness around them. There's a mysterious quality to the notes as they float. Now the razor-edged bass moves in a clean pulse along with the snare drums.

Arpeggios slowly twirl and trumpeting, brilliant synth carries a triumphant melody, tinged with uncertainty. Panpipes take up the widely flowing melodic pattern that mingle wistful, enigmatic feelings. Below the other sonic elements, the drums and bass pound on.

Shimmering, dramatic notes flash out and the drums are unstoppable. The bass has an addictive pulse to it that I find compelling. The main melody sings out on scintillating, medium-high synth expresses an energetic quality that still holds pain.

A bending, chiming synth moves through the music with a haunting quality above the powerful low end. The track draws to an end on nasal-sounding, twisting notes that growl out and a higher synth that creates a more unsettling feeling.

Solid drums throb and solar, cutting chords flash in to start “Women and Kittens First.” There's an uplifting feeling in the chords as they dance through with the skipping drums and impressive bass throbbing. Light pours out as the open-sounding percussion creates a steady pulse. Now glittering synth flickers past and the fat bass bursts in slow motion.

Echoing notes with a smoothly swirling quality drift past and the percussion ticks. The bass is gruff and strong as a growling note pattern flows past. The main melody has a feeling of positive energy while the chimes shimmer. I enjoy the encouragement within the melody. The gigantic low end surges and smoother notes flicker past with a bouncing pattern and a sense of yearning.

Ethereal notes descend with ease as the heavy low end pulses. now glowing, widely echoing synth floats outward. The drums flourish and nasal-sounding, distorted synth bends through the music in a wriggling pattern. All of the other musical elements are driven by the pulsing low end. A warmly luminous synth carries a melody that is caressing and gentle before the track ends.

“Purruption” comes to life as an intensely flaring, broadly sweeping synth pulsation jumps into the music. There's a minor key threat in the music as the melody cries out and reverberant drums pound. The heavy bass oscillates with a sense of danger as the drums explode in the background.

Digital sounding, pipe like notes ring out with a wistful melody, tinged with enigmatic feelings. flashing synth jumps out again, energy flowing from its towering notes. The drums and bass create an insistent pulse that presses the track forward.

The bass has sharp edges as it undulates and the drums erupt. The lurking threat in this music draws me into it. Airy notes burst in contrast and the ringing melody adds dramatic life. The surging drum pulse drives the music forward again along with the quickly scudding bass. Trembling notes flow in the distance while the melody rises.

Vibrating, chiming synth calls out with gently caressing notes in contrast to the dense low end. The earlier minor key darkness has receded and now there's a dreamy quality in the main melody. Radiant chimes intertwine with piercing illumination as the low end pushes onwards. Bass snarls and the drums pulse powerfully before the song ends on the melody’s shining illumination.

Conclusion

Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur Is layered, luscious and a lot of fun. I'm always enamoured of the way in which Cat Temper manages to remain playful in what he does. His musical talent is first rate but he doesn't take himself too seriously. I respect the way in which he makes music and his excitement for the creative process that comes through in what he composes.

Karl Vincent - Street Dragon OST

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Karl Vincent’s Street Dragon OST evokes the thrilling excitement of classic console and arcade fighting games from the late 90s. Karl Vincent captures the exuberance and melodic joy of those games with his mixture of superb guitar performances, memorable melodies and propulsive percussion. This soundtrack for a game that never existed is huge fun to listen to as it unfolds.

The atmosphere that Karl Vincent creates on Street Dragon is one of the major draws to the album for me. He captures the energy, motion and propulsion of retro fighting game soundtracks. He takes me right back to the hours I spent in the arcade jamming the buttons on Soul Calibur or Tekken 2. I enjoy the way in which he uses contemporary production values to heighten the musical quality on the album.

Street Dragon also stands out because of Karl Vincent's guitar chops. He infuses his guitar playing with the same kind of high octane energy that one finds in the guitar sounds used in classic fighters. His ability to weave together intricate and ear-pleasing solos increases the listening pleasure of the album. I enjoy the earnest exuberance in his guitar performances here.

One thing that always stood out for me with classic video games was the superb melodies they had within them. Street Dragon lives up to those classics with Karl Vincent's melodic writing. He crafts melodies that are catchy, fun and irrepressibly energetic. Each track brings more melodic Joy To Me as the album unfolds.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Calling” opens as colossal bass rumbles while rounded bells ring out, Breathy panpipes flash past along with flitting strings and broadly ringing synth calls out. Guitar flashes briefly and active chords leap above the oscillating low end as flaring orchestra hits jump in.

The massive bass powers along as bright, string-like notes intertwine with airy panpipes. Tom hits pop in and pulsing bass fades away to create a powerful introduction to the album.

Vast drums pound hard along with a loping bass pulse to open “The Challenger.” Driving snare drums punch in to propel the music forward. Medium-high panpipes carry a melody with an ancient and inspiring feeling.

Images of adventure, strength and bravery fill the panpipes as they call out. The drums slam along with undulating bass while the inspiring melody cries out and flaring sound climbs in. Slightly gruff, trumpeting synth takes up the main melody and imbues it with dominating energy above the low end’s insistent drive.

There’s more majesty to be had from soaring synth as the gigantic bass rumbles. Now quickly leaping, luminous synth carries a pulse full of triumph and unbowed strength. Bass oscillates and a guitar comes in, full of nobility, while rapid light flashes from gleaming synth

The track returns to the main melody, the panpipes full of a timeless feeling as the taut notes sweep. Brassy synth leaps out in victory again while the low end lopes along smoothly into silence.

“Subarashi Tatakai” starts as gigantic bass moves along with actively rebounding, gleaming synth. Now a rushing drum beat moves along with intensely luminous chimes as an elevated, glimmering synth calls out with a melody full of motivation and excitement.

The low end charges forward with impressive motion. Widely flowing, lucent chords flash out to create more dynamic propulsion above the drums and bass. Karl Vincent's twanging guitar tangles through the music and the drums pound.

Panpipes skirl with a windy flow and illuminating chords jump. The main melody captures me with its cascading leaps as it evokes a superb battle. Chimes fly out and the drums and bass pound hard to accelerate the music to a conclusion.

Colossal drums collide and a huge bassline undulates with intimidating force as “Train Hard” kicks off . Rapidly bouncing, blazing synth carries a melody imbued with motivational force. The drums and bass tower in the background, propelling the music forward with conviction.

A sharp-edged synth cries out with an explosive melody, full of victorious energy. The way in which energy pours out of this music attracts me. Orchestra hits slice in and again the rebounding, luminous synth leaps out through the music.

Energy erupts from every corner of this track as it pushes on. The drums flourish and medium-high, gleaming synth entangles as it carries a fierce melody. The main melody sings out, creating images of great effort and strength as the song drives to the end with pounding percussion.

“Street Mayhem” opens as broadly radiant synth jumps into the music with climbing motion. A gleaming synth rings out and now rushing drums and bass propel the music with intensity. Now the trumpeting synth bursts out, carrying a charging melody full of triumph.

Below the other musical elements, the drums and bass punch with mad force. The trumpeting melody carries me away on a tide of inspiration and excitement. The melody’s irresistible exuberance draws me in. Air sweeps past and the track flows into a segment in which massive bass pulses while cutting notes slice through.

Brassy synth calls out again, exuding primal energy while the unstoppable low end pushes forward. The main melody cascades through on a nasal-sounding synth that whirls through the music. The song thunders to an end on gigantic drums and bass and the motivating melody.

as rapidly intertwining, lacerating synth speeds into the music to begin “Saigo No Senshi.” Ferociously flashing notes double the tumbling, vaulting synth as it slices past. Karl Vincent's guitar flies into the music with freedom and thrilling life as it unfolds. The guitar performance pulls me in with its exhilarating motion in this track.

The drums and bass charge into the music with intensity and entangled notes all cascade together, creating effulgent sonic layers. Ringing chords flare as energy explodes outwards. A razor- edged, medium-high synth solo flashes into the music, unfolding with rapid motion and intricate detail. Widely tumbling, glistening synth adds more brightness to the speeding music.

Darkly twanging sounds flow past and again the guitar jumps to life, kindling the secondary melody that bursts with victorious emotion. Karl Vincent's guitar arcs and soars, filling me with exuberant excitement. The track ends on the slicing synth melody that flies out with abandon and fighting energy.

“Until Next Time” starts after a percussive flair, bell-like synth carries a wistful melody. Snare drum, slowly throbbing kick drum and bass create a flow while tender pan pipes drift out, exuding melancholy. The bell-like synth melody is touching and wistful, creating nostalgic remembrance in me.

Yearning panpipes call out again as metallic notes twang below and the percussion shapes the music. Karl Vincent plays a guitar melody that captures this track’s dreamy, aching qualities.

The main melody glides past, silky and pained, as it unfurls through the music. Underneath the other musical elements, the drums and bass form a steadying pulse. The track ends on tranquil guitar sliding into silence.

Conclusion

Street Dragon is an album that I find hard to resist. It just brims over with character, fun and massive energy. Karl Vincent has helped me return to a time in the past, reminding me of the carefree days of my youth. I'm not ashamed to say that I revel in this album's pure nostalgia.

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.