Eric C. Powell & Andrea Powell - The Getaway

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Eric C. Powell & Andrea Powell’s The Getaway captures intense feeling through strong vocal performances, expressive songwriting and a background full of interesting musical details and unique synth sounds. Emotional engagement and expression are a hallmark of this album along with vocals that are able to capture the feeling in the lyrics the artists have written. I enjoy the way in which the musical backing enhances and shapes the atmosphere of the album.

Both Andrea Powell and Eric C. Powell bring their own unique vocal styles to The Getaway. Andrea Powell has a resonant, warm voice underpinned by strength and Eric C. Powell’s voice ranges from breathy tenderness to soaring heights. Each artist uses their voice to good effect in capturing the different emotions within their songwriting. I am also drawn to the way in which their voices work together when they share vocal duties.

The Getaway also showcases the pair's songwriting abilities. Each song has a knack for capturing emotion and conveying it to the listener. There is a core of feeling that I find hard to resist in these songs. Their approach to songwriting cuts to the heart and lays feelings bare in a clear way. The songs pull me in and hold my attention as they unfold and I enjoy the journey on which they take me.

A tapestry of interesting synths makes The Getaway a pleasing listening experience. There's a plethora of rich tonal colours and ear grabbing sounds moving through the music, adding support to the singing on the album. The atmospheric synths deepen all of the emotion and expression present in the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Soul to Your Heart (Icy Blue Mix)” begins as piercingly gleaming chimes ring out as wind sweeps and gruff bass undulates. A rolling, expanding synth pattern with an angular quality moves out above the slicing bass and now drums tap in to add more form. Cascading notes tumble through with clean light and the drums drive on as lustrous synth flashes through the music.

Andrea Powell’s strong, expressive voice carries the dynamic melody. Eric C. Powell has a dreamy quality in his voice, tinged by pain as he joins in. Lambent chimes flicker with clear radiance as the drums in bass drive on. Andrea Powell has a mid-range voice with an engaging tone that expresses the lyrics well.

Brightness fills the music from the glinting notes that ring out. A sweeping sound flickers through the music and Eric C. Powell ably captures deep yearning in his voice. Gigantic notes swell upwards with a powerful flow. A leaping synth and radiant chimes combine to add energy. Andrea Powell skillfully captures the emotion in the music. Their voices mingle in a rich flow before the rough bass and punching drums bring the song to an end along with flaring luminosity.

Our first narrator says that when she looks in the mirror she sees the song’s subject. Now “the image grows clearer” and she sees blue because “you are the only one.”The second narrator says that he “sold my soul to your heart” and now he's coming apart. The first narrator says that the other person was the only one for her.

The first storyteller says that she found the past in a picture that was hidden away. She states that she'd “give my soul to have your love today.” She points out that the other person was the only one for her. She's staring out the window wondering “is this me?” Both storytellers continue by saying that They sold their souls and ask if they'll ever be set free. She concludes "now I'm the only one.”

Rapidly throbbing, pulsing bass and broadly shining synth with an angular feeling bursts in to start “The Station.” Eric C. Powell and Andrea Powell mingle their strongly expressive voices and a vocal melody, full of longing unfolds. Solid drums throb, bass oscillates far below and the song moves forward.

Both vocalists ably imbue the music with deep emotion as bursting synth flashes, flowing into a sweeping melody that is uplifting and caressing. The throbbing drum and bass pulsation moves again as rain falls behind the emotive vocals and the touching lyrics. Dynamic synths carry surging energy as the song ends.

Our two narrators exchange verses. He starts out by saying that as he’s waiting at the station “I see you, I don't know what to say.” She says, as they stand in the falling rain, that “there's the last call, you know I cannot stay.” Together they express their love for one another and both say “never forget you.” They know that “this is the last time I will hold you” and they realize that it couldn’t last.

Our male narrator asks her if she remembers that “we promised we would cherish every single day” to which the female narrator replies that she sees “the lie now in our eyes” that they could “go our separate ways.” He wonders if “there’s any other way” and as her tears fall “in the downpour” she says that they can’t throw it all away.”

Once again, they talk about how each is the other's true love and they’ll never forget each other. There’s more hope now as they say that “it's not the last time I will hold you. We need to make this last!” As the song ends, they repeat “We need to make it last. We will make it last.”

“World Falls Away” commences as full piano carries an aching melody while low strings create a smoothly shifting pulse. A violin-led string section rises above the lower parts in an aching melody. Eric C. Powell’s vocals are deeply felt, soaring out over the steady string motion and the piano’s rich notes as distant electronic sounds add shape.

Eric C. Powell’s voice matches the pain in the vocals and the strings swirl before Andrea Powell’s voice adds support to his. The piano melody hurts and hopes, strings yearn and electronic sounds skitter and twist. Strings take up the pained melody as metallic notes form a cascading line. Eric C. Powell’s voice is emotive and the piano melody keeps on flowing. The strings ripple and climb as the piano hurts and the bass guides the music to a conclusion.

The narrator talks about how we are all holding on to “the things that were ours” and to “the light of the stars.” He asks plaintively about what can be said when “the world falls apart in your hands.” Our narrator hears the sadness in another’s voice as a loss of choice is being sold.

He asks what can be said “when the world falls away from our hands.” He talks about how people are alone as they search through the lies while there’s an “endless drone” that blinds us all. Ultimately the narrator asks, “What can we say when the world turns away in the end.”

Digital sounding, tender synth slowly flows out with a similar gentleness to the original as this cover of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson’s “Winter Song” opens. Reverent, glowing notes rise in the distance before the solid drums and deep bass add a smooth pulse. Luminous bells ring out with metallic light as the low end pulse shapes the music. Eric C. Powell’s voice is deep and resonant, carrying the mournful but hoping vocals above the warmly intertwining parts below it.

Andrea Powell’s caressing vocals join Eric C. Powell’s as they both convey all of the need and ache in the lyrics. Like the original, this music combines affection with a sense of loss. A piano doubles the vocals and clean, radiant chimes permeate the music. Both singers bring their voices together with hopeful caring as they move above the glowing background.

String-like notes contribute even more delicate emotion. Bells softly ring in the distance to create a wintry feeling as the piano descends. Andrea Powell’s voice touches my ears softly before Eric C. Powell’s voice also comes in. I enjoy the interplay of the two singers. Swelling illumination fills the distance as the bells call out all encompassing light before the song ends.

“Always Over You (Secrets Remix)” starts out as galactic, twinkling notes drift through deep bass waves. Andrea Powell''s voice calls out with heartfelt depth as solid drum pulses drift into openness. Now the drums and bass throb along with round-sounding, pulsating synth. Andrea Powell's voice is now joined by Eric C. Powell as it carries a yearning, touching melody out over the low end pulse.

There's a giant, broadly sweeping synth that bounces through the music as the drums burst. A metallic sound adds an accent as Andrea Powell’s floating vocals are supported by Eric C. Powell’s. Drums and bass throb below scintillating notes trickling through the music as the two singers' voices carry the chorus. A string section carries a melody full of wonderfully expressive feeling as the punching drums drive the music forward.

Angular notes cut through and Andrea Powell’s warm toned, echoing vocals call out over metallic tapping. The drums flourish again and the low end pushes forward as Eric C. Powell's voice moves in the background. Eric C. Powell's voice takes up the chorus, deeper and more resonant, as Andrea Powell sings out above it. The drums and bass keep pulsating with weighty emotion and Eric C. Powell’s voice cuts in between. The low end has muscle in it as the ethereal vocals drift out above it and silence falls.

Our storyteller says that the place in which she finds herself is all shades of gray and “the colours hide their hue inside the secrets of the day.” Those colours lead her back to the song's subject. She adds that she is “falling, always over you.” The narrator says that she’ll let “my soul reveal the pain and lead me to the truth." She wishes that she could find a way back home to the other person.

Computerized voices echo out into open space as a hi-hat takes to start “The Getaway.” A powerful engine revs and the insistent base pulsates as Eric C. Powell opens the song with his strong voice and Andrea Powell's voice now comes in to carry a dynamic melody above the throbbing drums and bass along with the delicately drifting background notes. Eric C. Powell and Andrea Powell wind their voices together to carry the chorus with intensely expressed emotion.

The gliding background slips out with caressing luminosity above the massive drum beat. The two singers mix their voices together with engaging emotion before the robotic voices are joined by the snarling engine sound. Eric C. Powell's voice calls out and Andrea Powell’s joins it with expression and passion. The drums and bass keep pulsating as Andrea Powell opens the next line before the flaring synth notes add their gleaming radiance.

Strings intertwine with resonating emotion as the pumping drums in base create forward motion. as fragile notes with a digital quality flicker out the robotic voices move behind them and trumpeting synth leaps out with energizing motion while the smooth engine roars.

Now the two singers' voices soar with the strings intertwining around them while the drums burst in. before the drum beat kicks in again and both singers carry the chorus. The song ends with the vocals flying out above the swelling strings and sparkling notes.

The first narrator says that he needs to get away into the other person's arms so "sound the alarm.” He says that they should just drive. The second narrator says that she has to get away and wants to “confess that I need to get away from this mess.” Both narrators say that they have to get away into the night.

The two storytellers say that “we can drive all night until the dawn, we’ll drive far away until we're gone.” They say that they'll be together and they can drive forever so “this will be our getaway song.”

The first narrator says that they need to get away before time runs out and “we need to get away, (it's) time to escape.”

“Saturn” comes into being as spaced out, echoing notes tremble with digital sounds riggling in the background. A slowly gliding, soft-edged synth wraps around rough bass that pulses in slow undulation, as the whole track slips along smoothly. A nasal-sounding, elevated synth carries a melody with a positive sensation already emanating from it above the solid bass pulse.

Now the drums come in with propulsive strength as the bass growls and the upper end sounds swirl together easily. The main melody has a bouncing feeling in it, unfolding in the music with dynamic encouragement as string-like synth intertwines. Slowly moving, taut synth dances through the music as the nasal-sounding lead slowly wanders with an ethereal quality.

The drums and bass add shape to the music as they throb. The main melody slips through with active motion as bright sounds twinkle. Bass undulates now as a ghostly synth floats through the music with delicate smoothness. I enjoy this track's balance of sonic elements.

There's a slightly ominous feeling from the bass as it descends and moves in bursts with a gruff sound. In the distance, sounds interlock with gliding ease and percussion taps into the music. Brightness swells and climbs as the tightly wound, nasal-sounding synth calls out before silence falls.

Conclusion

The Getaway draws me in with its mixture of excellent vocal performances, thoughtful songwriting and a musical background that both complements and enhances the other elements on the album. I enjoyed the listening experience while reviewing this music.

Broken Videos - Memories Of Tomorrow

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Broken Videos’ Memories Of Tomorrow captures all of the emotion and melancholy of memory through intricately layered synth sounds and beautifully composed melodies. There's a yearning yet hopeful feeling that permeates this album as it unfolds. Broken Videos capture complicated feelings in their instrumental synth music in a way that draws me in.

Memories Of Tomorrow is an example of the way in which all of the rich variety of synthesized sounds can be harnessed to express emotion. The interactions between the different tones and timbres create feeling and beautiful imagery as they unfold. The sonic layering’s lush complexity is an element that I find intensely engaging in each track of this album.

I'm in love with well-composed melodies and Memories Of Tomorrow is filled to the brim with them. Broken Videos are able to harness emotion and convey it through their melodic writing in a way that has enormous appeal for me. I'm impressed by their skill at reaching into my heart and extracting the emotion within it through melody.

This album also attracts me because of the atmospheric quality within the music. I deeply appreciate the way in which each track generates diverse feelings and moods in me. Without any vocals or lyrics, Broken Videos are able to evoke the whole range of different states and environments through music alone.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Broken Videos” comes to life as tensely trembling, metallic synth moves with a swirling background. Solid bass rumbles as medium-low, rough-edged synth carries a light, melodic note pattern above rapidly twirling, ringing chimes and pounding bass. Higher, trumpeting notes flare in as the drums and bass pulsate.

The resonant lead synth carries a wandering pattern above the tightly structured arpeggios. Roughly glowing notes pulse steadily as higher, more radiant synth calls out with a wonderfully majestic feeling. The bass’ heavy heartbeat throbs and tense arpeggios add nervousness as chimes ring out before silence falls.

Drums create a steady heartbeat and widely sweeping arpeggios slip through the music as “A.I. Awakening” starts. The arpeggios grow in volume as luminescent notes spin through and the drums and bass create motion. A bass oscillation adds propulsion as brilliantly glowing chimes ring out carrying an elegiac, peaceful melody.

Twinkling notes flit through the background as ringing, metallic synth trips through the music and the arpeggios swirl out, galactic arms swinging through space. The steady low end pulse keeps flowing out with even motion as arpeggios spin. The way in which the chiming melody calls out draws me in with its wistful emotion.

Now bass pulses in throbbing motion and metallic notes unfurl with glistening light. Drums flourish and the undulating bass and twirling arpeggios come together to shape the music. The track launches forward with energetic strength, as radiant and tender chimes move over top of the drums and bass before silence falls.

“A New View” begins as driving percussion pushes into the music and fragile chimes with rounded tones ring out. In the background, softly glistening notes climb. After the chimes ring out, a warmly singing synth carries a melody rich with tender emotion and a sense of potential.

Widely caressing notes sing behind it as the enfolding, trumpeting synth carries the encouraging melody as soft edged chimes flicker through. I can't help but love the melody’s heartwarming quality, creating a childlike sense of future possibilities. Underneath all of the other musical elements, the drums and bass add shape.

Flickering, string-like synth twines through the music while brightly shimmering notes fill my heart with gentle emotion. Medium-low, reverberating synth dances along with chiming notes that blossom with solar light. The track ends as the main melody fades out.

Rapidly splashing, woodsy notes move along with flaring, round sounding chords to start “Memories Of Tomorrow.” Rapidly twinkling notes tumble through the music as powerful, sharp-edged chords cut in. Frolicking synth descends as the drums flourish.

Xylophone-like sounds move past before climbing notes add pleasing, positive emotion. The heavily pulsating, dark bass contrasts with the xylophone as it creates dynamic motion. There's a quick rush of glittering notes before a medium-low synth swirls. Slightly muffled background chords flare into full life and reach a crescendo.

The rippling main melody spins out through the music, keeping the track flowing forward. Solid, punchy drums push the music forward as brassy notes ring out above them as the bass creates a rich well. After a crescendo, the xylophone trembles into silence.

“Radio Days” opens as softly swelling, sunny synth glows along with solidly throbbing drums and bass. Now the chimes ring out behind a widely gleaming synth, carrying a melody rich with summer feeling. Trickling notes descend into a tranquil melody, nostalgic and tinged with aching emotion.

Smoothly tumbling synth spins through the music as the drums and bass throb and a twisting, nasal sound rings out. I am warmed and touched by the melody's reflection on days gone by. Quickly sparkling synth twirls past as open-voiced, gentle notes spin in the distance.

Xylophone-like notes mingle with glistening chimes before the main melody calls out again, full of wistful feelings and hopeful tenderness. The drums keep pulsing, mixing with the chimes as the main melody closes the song out.

Breathy, galactic notes move behind a quickly pulsating, taut synth to open “The Golden Hour.” Solid drums and bass shape the music as brilliantly shimmering synth sings out in an ethereal melody. In the distance, interwoven notes trip past with a string-like sound. Uniquely reverberating synth trips as luminous notes call out.

Expansive, flanging notes flow before the drums and bass add form. The main melody drifts with gently melancholy emotion, creating an orange sunset radiance. Tripping, intertwining notes descend as unctuous bass complements flaring chimes and caressing synth.

The track's gentle sunset light fills me with relaxed joy. Tumbling synth drops through the music in an entangling pattern. Chimes sparkle as they carry a melody with a laid-back quality to it before the music ends on rippling notes.

“Drive The Stars” begins with a quick drum flourish before lightly glowing notes float out with a softly touching feeling. There's a relaxed quality to them above the propulsive low end. After shining notes descend, the dreamy melody calls out on a radiant synth with a nasal sound.

The drums and bass undulate as a tightly wound synth skips past. The main melody cries out with yearning emotion, bringing me a sense of contented warmth. The soft-edged, effulgent lead synth deepens the sense of wonder exuded by the main melody.

Chimes ring with delicate illumination as the drums and bass press the music forward. The track slips into a segment in which airy sounds float above rapidly trickling, starry notes and warmer, round-toned synth.

The drum beat launches again, adding a sense of journeying excitement, as the main melody sings out affection and nostalgia. The track ends on shimmering notes dancing out with the flaring synth and pulsing drums.

Gossamer synth flickers along with pink clouds and guiding drums to commence “The Last Ride.” A laser-like sound briefly shifts before a glockenspiel carries a tender melody above the pulsing drums and bass. Lustrous synth carries a melody mingling melancholy and caring.

The glockenspiel trembles with fragile light as quickly trickling arpeggios softly move in the distance. Medium-high, glimmering synth calls out with longing to deepen the melody’s emotional qualities. Flitting notes slowly cascade in the background as a broadly luminous synth calls out.

Bright arpeggios rapidly curl through the music before the drums punch in with more power. Glockenspiel infuses the music with a charming lightness that I find appealing. Nasal-sounding synth calls out with sympathetic feeling as the low end presses forward. Arpeggios scintillate as the gently caressing glockenspiel carries the song to an end.

Conclusion

Memories Of Tomorrow takes listeners on an emotive, touching synth journey as it evolves. I am drawn to the richness, depth and complexity of the music and the emotional core of the album.

HeartBeatHero - Timeless

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

HeartBeatHero’s Timeless paints beautiful, emotionally engaging imagery with well-crafted melodies and intriguingly layered synth sounds. I am struck by the way in which HeartbeatHero skillfully uses synthesized soundscapes to convey deeply personal, emotional content. I enjoy all of the richness and depth that this album radiates as it unfolds.

One of the most engaging parts of Timeless is the melodic writing on the album. There is an evocative quality to the melodies which HeartBeatHero has crafted. I find myself touched and affected by the emotional depth of the melodic content on this album. The melodies engage me and compel me as they evolve throughout the music.

Timeless also features HeartBeatHero’s creative and painterly use of synths. I enjoy the variety of tonal and textural combinations that he uses in his music. I also appreciate the way in which HeartBeatHero is able to further convey feelings using his synth palette. He chooses the right sounds to capture the emotions he's going for in his tracks.

I always appreciate it when artists share their thoughts and impressions of the world through music. HeartBeatHero opens up a pathway to understanding his emotions and feelings on this album. I find the way in which he uses his musical abilities to paint pictures of his worldview quite charming.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Timeless” comes to life as the evenly pulsing bass moves beneath brilliant notes flowing out. Snare drum bursts along with the steadily throbbing kick drum as radiant arpeggios spin. Softly glowing synth carries a melody bursting with hope and encouragement out above oscillating bass and shaping drums.

I enjoy the way in which the melody combines positive emotions with dreaminess. The bass continues to add shape and weight as slowly washing notes gleam delicately. A sharp-edged, luminous synth sings a touching melody, full of gentleness and aspiration.

The cutting notes are clean as they slip through the music. Echoing, clapping sounds ring out along with evenly pulsing drums as nasal-sounding, scintillating notes carry a triumphant melody above the shaping low end. The song slowly slips off into quiet as it ends.

Delicately wandering, digital-sounding notes float out into open space to start “Summer Heart 1984.” They grow in strength as chimes sparkle with metallic light to punctuate more rounded notes. The chimes glimmer as softly touching drums shape the music.

Ethereal notes drift through in the distance as the chimes echo with a tender melody and the drums and bass move the track forward. The melody's undeniable tenderness charms me.

Saxophone-like synth calls out a melancholy melody, full of dreamy ease. Nasal-sounding, digital notes repeat their caressing pattern as the drums add shape. The song slowly fades into quiet on the digital sounding notes and oscillating bass.

“Into Oblivion” opens as mysteriously drifting synth moves along with clapping throbbing percussion. Gigantic, rough edged bass rumbles out in bursts as the widely whirling arpeggios join a tense, elevated sound. Now the drums and bass slam in ferocious motion as glowing arpeggios swirl enigmatically.

I enjoy the sense of mystery that fills this music. Vocal synth carries a haunting melody as the drums and bass pound and a galactically swirling arpeggio spins out. The arpeggiating pattern has a ghostly, cosmic drift while the drums and bass slam. Vocal synth drifts downward in a spectral melodic pattern as the massive bass snarls.

Towering, smoothly sliding synth creates a gliding, melancholy note pattern in the distance. String-like notes intertwine and an orchestral synth slips through the music. An enigmatic arpeggio spins again and rising, luminous synth flashes as the drums accelerate. The track ends on raging, crushing low end power and a synth full of hollow loss.

Solidly throbbing bass forms a strong pulsation as mysterious, delicate synth swirls in the background along with a thudding kick drum to start “Stranger Things.” A fragile sonic flow softly slips past with an enigmatic quality as snare drum adds form. I enjoy the lurking hint of menace in the background of the track.

Gruffly gleaming synth undulates in a gently glowing and slightly haunting line as widely whirling arpeggios shine and drift past. Bass pulses and snare drum splashes while elevated, slipping synth suffuses the track in trailing illumination. A shimmering synth tenderly carries a melody with a feathery touch.

Elevated notes bend and cry out while drums and bass throb. Taut, ominous sounds twist as bass rumbles distantly while the low end drops away for a moment. Bass oscillates again and worried sounds cry out to add more ghostly feeling as the drums shape the music. Sweeping synth drops through the track as radiant, broad-sounding arpeggios whirl. The massive low end pushes on before silence falls on the music.

“Diamond Roads” commences as sharply crystalline synth intertwines and flows out into open space. There's a rough edge to the brightness as it rings out broadly. Bass undulates as the cleanly slicing notes drift out before the drums begin to throb in shaping motion. Medium-high, glowing synth drifts out before elevated, lambent notes carry a melody with a wistful, journeying feeling.

Brilliant synth sings out in a melody rich with encouragement as the drums flourish. The way in which the melody combines gentleness and positive emotion attracts me strongly. The drums and bass pulsate as distantly drifting panpipes wander with ethereal ease. The panpipes call out with tender delicacy above the heavily throbbing low end before enfolding synth glimmers out.

The main melody floats like dandelion seeds on the wind, in contrast to the low ends' depth and power. Shining notes flash out, creating luscious illumination before nasal-sounding, cleanly calling synth adds an uplifting element to the music. Chiming notes flit past with a lightly touching motion, adding even more light to the proceedings.

Trembling synth vibrates out into space with a tenuous feeling as the drums and bass press on. The echoing synth glides smoothly through the music as the heartbeat below shapes it. The track ends on a shimmering synth as it brushes softly above the low end pulsation and flows into the main melody.

Cosmically wandering synth grows in volume as it entangles to open “Love For My Kids.” The drums rebound with an easygoing feeling as the bass slides out with luscious strength. Intensely luminous synth carries a melody deep with emotion and affection as luscious piano chords swell below.

The drums cascade as a choral synth adds a human element. The piano moves gently now, increasing in strength as it bursts with dynamic feeling. Piano notes tumble energetically in an ever rushing charge above heavily punching drums. Piano chords add power below the right hand’s intensely tangled motion.

The drums and bass add form to the music as piano dances. The main melody comes in again with touching feelings pouring from it, evoking strong emotion. Delicately shiny synth flickers out through the music along with the echoing choral notes. Scintillating notes flash out as a sharply cutting synth descends with active motion before the track comes to an end.

Conclusion

Timeless touches me and engages me with its mixture of emotional depth, melodic beauty and sonic lusciousness. I'm always impressed by music that tells such strong stories through instrumentals alone. I appreciate what HeartbeatHero has done on this album.

JESSY MACH - Asphalt Reapers

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

JESSY MACH’s Asphalt Reapers tells the story of the leader of a rebel group fighting back against the corruption and crime of a dystopian city. Jesse Mach effectively creates an atmosphere full of tension, darkness and moments of defiant hope. He is able to create a gripping level of emotional engagement in this album. Jesse Mach's guitar skills are second to none and his ability to layer synthesizer sounds creates richly detailed soundscapes.

I am especially attracted to the atmosphere that permeates Asphalt Reapers. Jesse Mach paints a picture of a broken, crime infested city and a man intent on pushing back the darkness. all of the various musical components on the album come together to draw me into the story which unfolds throughout. The music's cinematic quality is deeply enjoyable.

The guitar performances on Asphalt Reapers are excellent. I'm impressed by the way in which Jesse Mach can fill his guitar with so much emotional intensity. Of course, he can shred with the best the way in which he expresses himself with his instrument adds another layer to the music. Jesse Mach also uses his guitar to add rhythm and shape to the tracks.

Layers and layers of different synth tones and textures fill this album. The way in which Jesse Mach creates detail, emotion and ear grabbing sonic contrasts engages me even more with this music. Each time I listen to it, I gain new appreciation for the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Asphalt Reapers” comes into being as the narrator speaks about the Asphalt Reapers in the dark city. Aggressive notes slash into the music along with electric bass and slicing,dark synth. Brassy notes trumpet out with intense glow as the slap bass twangs and growling sounds shift far below. The drums flourish and now guitar lacerates the music as shadowed narration echoes out.

A rough-edged, trumpeting synth effectively creates victorious feelings before the music glides into a softly flowing segment as towering, rounded notes float past. Our narrator tells the story of the Asphalt Reapers fighting back against the city's corruption. Smoothly moving, entangling synth calls out as the pounding low end goes on along with the slap bass. A brass section sounds with dark triumph as the guitar cuts in again and the low end presses forward.

The narration continues and a threatening, nervous synth grows in energy as the bass intertwines. Jessy Mach’s churning electric guitar cries out, dramatic and full of fear, before flying into a solo that unfolds with wonderfully engaging motion and intricacy. The gigantic bass keeps throbbing as wild guitar tears into the music. The track ends on a charging, brilliant synth and twanging bass.

Intimidating bass and punching drums join into a powerful flow to open “Eye for an eye.” Radiant synth sings out with a triumphant melody as the drums and bass smoothly throb. Below the lighter elements, slashing weight shifts and distant sounds expand, adding a glowing component. The low end presses forward as oscillating bass wriggles and a luminous synth shines.

Delicate piano trickles out to touch the music with fragility above the expansive bass and ticking drums. Rough-edged, shining synth ripples through the music with a light touch, growing in power. The drums and bass pound while the winding, raised synth shifts in the music.

Ominous sensations pour from the low end as the music moves forward. Tightly gleaming synth flares out with bright light as the drums and bass push on. Drama fills the music as it surges forward and I enjoy the track's cinematic quality. Diamond light permeates the music before the track ends.

“Marie, Sarah and James” commences as a siren howls and towering bass flows beneath delicately drifting, soft-edged synth. Now the drums burst into a steady pulse while the siren keeps howling and the caressing bass glides. Drums continue bursting and the lightly circling arpeggios brush across the music with a calming feeling.

The guitar adds a chugging element and the synth reaches an intense crescendo. Rapidly intertwining notes add a sense of urgency and again the siren cries out above dense bass. Now the narrator reads a poignant letter to his family. In the distance, lightly touching synth flickers through the music as the drums and bass shape the music.

Jessy Mach’s guitar moves through the music with a tangling glow, adding to the track’s melancholy. Medium-high, piano-like synth adds a yearning quality while the powerful low end sweeps past. Sirens cry out again as the low end adds motion to the music. The lead synth bends and cries out with an emotive sensation pouring from it as drums and bass keep pulsating.

The narrator's letter expresses his love for his family and hopes that they can survive the nightmare surrounding them. he leaves each of them a message about how he feels and his affection for all of them. he expresses a wish to hold the ball one final time but says that “fate has other plans for me, I'm trapped in a fight I can't win."

Our storyteller speaks of being surrounded by people who lost their humanity, but in the face of that he refuses to be overtaken by fear. He states that he'll face his end bravely and knows that “my love for you will endure beyond this life.”

The narrator asked his family to remember him as he was not as he's become. he wants them to know that he “fought to my last breath for you, for our family, for everything we hold dear.”

Howling guitar and pounding drums open “Escape to survive.” Angular bass and smoothly bursting drums shape the music. The bass rushes on in the technological sounding tumble as the drums create a heartbeat underneath. Now sparkling synth creates dramatic tension as it twists above the low end’s relentless pulse.

Jessy Mach’s guitar cries out with twisting power, adding momentum as it intertwines. Angular bass presses forward as the guitar roars out with thundering strength. The whole track exudes energy and charges forward unrelentingly.

I enjoy the way in which the guitar wheels through the music with intricate engagement, climbing to the sky. The drums batter as the guitar slashes in between. A guitar solo soars upward with richly intermingling notes creating a need to keep moving with speed and urgency.

“Never Surrender” comes to life as drums flourish and dense bass oscillates with authority. Broadly bursting drums join the throbbing base and cosmic, hazy synth slides past. Medium-high, softly shining synth carries a hopeful melody, tinged with melancholy. The lead synth’s slight roughness emphasizes the melody’s mixed emotions.

I am drawn to the way in which Jessy Mach weaves together aspiration and yearning within this melody. Shimmering guitar intertwines with the glistening lead synth while the drums and bass push forward. softly rounded sounds move as drums flourish and an expansively gleaming synth carries the melody again.

The main melody embodies a sensation of struggling against the odds as it unfolds. Wind sweeps through and the music moves into a segment in which a lambent synth flows along with peaceful ease and bass forms a supporting well. The drums grow in power again before establishing the beat as the expanding, shining synth rises to full strength again.

Jessy Mach plays a solo bursting with expression and wide-ranging emotion. His guitar skills allow him to imbue the music with a plethora of feelings ranging from pain and sorrow to a sense of resolve. After the guitar winds down, the track ends on soothing synth flowing out into silence.

Hectically tumbling synth rushes into open “Glowgutter.” A synth forms a surging pulse along with intimidating drums hitting the music hard. Seething notes fall through the music to increase the intense propulsion. Ghostly, slowly gliding synth floats through above the throbbing drums and gigantic bass.

The way in which this track delivers an unbearable sensation of lurking evil pulls me into it. A broad-sounding, metallic synth flows out with a feeling of looming danger. Now bass cuts with razor edges as the drums keep pounding. In the distance, the tumbling, rounded synth descends again.

Spectrally gliding notes slip as the low end radiates deadly force. Tremendous bass rumbles in a steady heartbeat as twisted, growling noises shift. Flashing synth carries a deadly feeling through the track. Creaking notes cut into the music with serrated edges before the dark lead synth ends the track.

“Abyss” begins as Stygian bass expands beneath crystalline notes shimmering out into space. Tenderness touches the glistening synth as it flickers above the huge shadows heaving far below.

The melody is hopeful in spite of the great darkness below, ringing out to challenge it. The chimes have a piercing luminosity that cuts through the blackness. Warmly rippling arpeggios glide gently through the music in a superb contrast to the ominous bass as the track fades into silence.

Conclusion

Asphalt Reapers takes the listener on an emotive journey through one man's struggle against a city riven by crime and corruption. The way in which Jessy Mach draws me into the world he's created through music keeps me coming back for more.