Zak Vortex - Are You Happy Now?

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Zak Vortex’s Are You Happy Now? is a gentle, pained and caring expression of love and loss woven together from a tapestry of synth and guitar. Zak Vortex creates a powerfully emotional atmosphere on the album by combining affecting melodies, expressive guitar performances and well-chosen synth sounds. I have been moved by listening to this album.

Out of the many factors that make Are You Happy Now? enjoyable are the performances that Zak Vortex gives on guitar. He's able to capture the deep emotion within the music and convey it to the listener through his skill with his instrument. The end result is an intensification of the heart of and feeling in the music.

Another reason for the success of Are You Happy Now? is the melodies that Zak Vortex composed for the album. The melodies capture all of the pain, affection and wistful feeling within the music. I find that they draw me deeper into the sort of emotions which Zak Vortex creates on the album. I'm always drawn towards melodies that drive home a piece of music’s atmosphere and this album is full of them..

I also enjoy the use of different synth sounds to evoke atmosphere on the elbow. they're well chosen to compliment the overall tenor of the music and add unique tones and textures. Each element of this musical tapestry comes together in a richly woven whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Are You Happy Now?” begins as smoothly pulsing bass moves with delicately swirling synth notes. The oscillating flow slips out underneath lambent synth chords that run together into one tender motion. a softly whispered voice echoes into the drifting fragility around it, adding to the melancholy ache as metallic chimes ring out.

Vulnerability and delicacy fill the music in a way that I find touching. Softly luminous synth carries a melody which has a light touch while still full of deeply aching emotion. Chimes shimmer with refracted light as the drums and bass add form to the music. The voice-over comes in with an engaging feeling above the drifting low end.

The glowing synth melody is tentative and traces through the music with deep gentleness. Zak Vortex’s electric guitar cries out in a solo brimming over with deeply felt love and a sense of loss. Oscillating bass creates a heartbeat along with the throbbing drums while in the distance, glimmering notes pour out vulnerability. The track ends on the shining synth and soft narration while rain falls and chimes ring out.

Worshipful synth with a vocal quality exhales gentle notes out above gigantic drums to start “No Regrets.” Glimmering, reverberant synth floats out, carrying a yearning melody with a ghostly quality above the bursting drums. Elevated notes shine as the breathy sounds below flow smoothly.

Piercing chimes twinkle as they flash through the music with a sharper feeling. The electric guitar calls out now, full of lustre and shine, unwinding with passion. I enjoy the wistful need within this music.

The drums and bass form a powerful heartbeat that propels the music while intensely refulgent chimes spill through the music. The guitar cries out, carrying a hopeful melody that still embodies ache within it. Chimes flicker past again, spilling luminosity out above the shaping drums and bass before the track ends.

“Are You Lonely Yet?” commences as waves wash against the shore and peacefully flowing synth swells into the music. Bass tides float underneath a delicately luminous synth as it drifts through the music. The voice-over has a poetic and lost quality to it as it unfolds above the track.

The main melody is carried on a synth with a warming sheen as it pours out mournful, gentle emotion. Trickling, sparkling notes softly drop through the music above the slowly pulsing bass. Washing waves contribute tranquility and the voice-over adds to the track's longing.

Coruscating synth entangles with a more hopeful feeling, sparkling out like sunlight on water above the shaping drums and bass. I am transported into a world of dreamy melancholy as that journey unfolds. Radiant notes swell with affectionate and aching emotion as the main melody flows past with mingled feelings of love and loss before the track ends.

Diaphanous, sparkling notes flow out along with lush piano chords to open “London Nights (8am Mix).” Misty light permeates the background and powerfully rushing bass moves below uplifting piano notes. The slowly punching drums add shape to the music as the piano sings out with encouragement.

Gossamer synth carries a melodic pattern that overflows with joy. I enjoy this track’s lightness and ease as the piano moves into open space. A melody comes in, carried on a silken synth with tenderness and caressing emotion. Bright notes add glassy accents above the heartbeat far below them. Zak Vortex's guitar calls out, carrying a melody which aches with nostalgia, along with heartstring tugging emotion.

The guitar's smoothness integrates well with flowering synth chords and the piano. Palpable affection fills the main melody and thundering bass adds power to the gentleness. The track ends with the main melody enfolding all of the other elements as sparkling notes shine out above the low end and silence falls.

“In My Dreams (8am Mix)” opens as jumping synth sparks float out above majestic bass. Broadly flowing chords add tender luminance before a saxophone cries out in an emotional melody, flowing through the music with touching strength. Chimes with a metallic sheen float as the drums and bass shape the music.

I enjoy the chimes’ scintillating light and the saxophone's depth of feeling as it cries out with a yearning melody above caressing chords. Effulgent synth tangles together as cutting notes with intense brightness move through. The drums and bass have muscled power in them, contrasting with the higher synth’s tentative and soothing nature.

Chimes shimmer with starry light and the low end pulses onwards with more emotive strength. The track ends with the passionate saxophone melody, conveying love and calming emotion before the track ends on metallic chimes.

Ethereal synth glows behind sharply flashing notes that descend in a staccato pattern to open “Is This Goodbye?” The guitar echoes out with deeply embedded emotion as a fragile synth sings out with calming light. The drums and bass form a steady heartbeat underneath the floating synth that drifts out above.

Lustrous notes softly touch the music as the worshipful sound in the distance swells around it. Glassy chimes flicker out with clean light as the drifting background swirls. The bass is a steady flow underneath and the guitar cries out again, in a solo capturing nostalgic pain. Medium-high, brightly sparkling notes move in an even pattern as the drums and bass propel the music forward.

A lithe synth conveys affection as it flickers out with encompassing light. Touching, melancholy emotion washes over me on this track. The music ends on flickering chimes and the throbbing low end as the guitar flies out above all of the other elements.

“Are You Leaving Now?” comes into life as a billowing synth flows up above luscious bass. Burnished synth clouds climb as the guitar calls out with intensely felt, mingled emotion in a way that moves me.

Drums and bass keep shaping the music as they pulsate. Broadly slipping synth moves in waves as scintillating notes flash out, carrying a melody that mixes hope and pain. Resonant bells intertwine above the pink light that suffuses the background.

The guitar moves with poignant emotion as the raised, shiny notes above it trail with tenderness. Bells ring with spreading light as the drums and bass bring the song to a conclusion.

Conclusion

Are You Happy Now? explores the more melancholy side of being human in a way that is charming, gentle and knowing. Zak Vortex has produced an album which dives deep into emotion through instrumental expression.

Andromeda Dreams - Hyperion

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Andromeda Dreams’ Hyperion is a luscious and complex slice of musical space exploration. Andromeda Dreams weaves together an interlocking tapestry of synth sounds, beautiful melodies and an atmosphere of cosmic mystery that creates an engaging and intoxicating listening experience. I am impressed by the way in which this album is able to evoke emotion through instrumental expression alone.

One of Hyperion’s strongest features is the depth and layering of Andromeda Dreams’ synth sounds. Like a work of orchestral music, the different tone colors and sonic textures that Andromeda Dreams mingles together become a harmonious whole. There is nuance, expression and beauty within the interactions between all of the different musical layers that I find deeply enjoyable.

Another standout on Hyperion is Andromeda Dreams’ melodic writing. He has a skill for writing melodies that are emotionally connected and expressive. I enjoy the way in which he can convey a wide variety of states of mind and feelings within one melody. There's something deeply evocative in his melodies that brings to mind works of classical music.

I also find the atmosphere of this album quite intriguing. Andromeda Dreams does a superb job of capturing the feeling of a space journey. The way in which he can conjure up imagery allows the music to capture and hold my attention as it unfolds. I find myself carried away by the journey on which I am being taken.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Intro” comes to life as huge, rumbling bass moves below ethereally circling, peaceful arpeggios. The track grows in strength as the arpeggios add starry brightness and the bass swells with crushing power. The arpeggios are fiercely radiant now, while haunting and fragile sounds glide in the background. Bass adds a rising darkness to contrast with the piercing illumination of the metallic synth. This track lays a cosmic sounding foundation to set the mood for this album.

Slamming drums and oscillating, flatly bursting bass open “Beyond The Galaxy.” Now smoothly sailing, medium-high synth slides through the music with tranquil ease above the punchy drums and solid bass. A chiming synth carries the main melody out through the music. The melody has an uplifting quality, touched by pain.

A sense of forward motion fills the melody as the chimes shimmer with supernova radiance. A higher, more fragile series of notes floats past and planing, trumpeting synth carries a melody that radiates yearning as the drums and bass relentlessly propel the music.

Darkness fills the low end in contrast to the chimes’ gleaming luminosity, carrying the mournful and dreamy melody as entangling, smoothly shining synth flows underneath. I feel a sense of hope tempered by an aching quality that draws me into this track.

Triumphant notes call out to add nobility as the twinkling synth is delicate. Arpeggios twirl along with the drums and bass as the low end shapes the music. The track ends as swirling synth accents the needy, gentle main melody and the drums and bass drive on.

“Supernova” opens as glimmering, razor-edged notes burst along with full sounding bass. The effulgent lead synth carries a melody full of excitement and victorious energy as it resounds above the driving drum beat and thick bass. After a series of tom hits, the drums and bass push hard again as the snare drum explodes with energy.

A softly glowing secondary synth carries a melody that is heartwarming and uplifting, putting a smile on my face as it cries out above the propulsive low end. The luminous melody unfolds with just a mournful tinge that tempers the positive feelings it exudes. A dazzling synth comes in, feeling hopeful as it reaches out for the stars.

Below the other musical elements, the bass is a heartbeat and the drums add guiding motion. Radiant synth flashes in now, climbing up high and permeating the music with solar light, contrasting with the weight and depth throbbing far below. Arpeggios dance and ripple with sparkling light as they extend through the track while sharp-edged bass trembles below as the drums fade away. A steady, reverent sonic flow exhales behind the other musical elements to add a calming breath.

Bell-like synth wanders through the music above the arpeggios, ringing out with resonant light above the softer flow behind it. Once again, the encouraging and joyful main melody calls out on the shining lead synth, suffusing the music with illumination. There's an epic quality to this track that carries me on a complex musical journey into the mysteries of the universe. The track ends on ethereal notes that float out into deep bass and fall silent.

Smoothly flowing notes echo out into open space to start “Obsidian.” Widely trumpeting notes grow in volume and strength as the bass rises underneath them. There's a sense of immense power held in check as the kick drum begins to propel the music forward. Sharply clarion notes call out in a melody that speaks of motion and progress above the driving drums and bass.

A shimmering synth carries a melody that leaps forward with flaring brightness and continual motion. Chimes shine out with glassy light above the echoing melody. Guitar howls with passionate life in a solo that flies above the pulsating low end with intense feeling pouring from it. The low end presses on as glistening chimes flicker out above rich bass.

The low end forms a pounding heartbeat now as the lead synth creates more dynamism and a broadly drifting sound flows through the music, calling out in a more melancholy melodic pattern. Chimes shine again as the drums and bass drive on with relentless motion. The guitar adds a sharper, slicing feeling to the music.

The track glides into an oscillating bass section in which string-like synth climbs to add encouragement to the music. There's a drum flourish and the guitar cries out again, lending power and emotion to the music. I enjoy the way the track moves between hope and pained emotion. As the track comes to an end, the guitar wheels out above it with soaring life while the drums and bass press on and silence falls.

“Hyperion” opens as powerful bass moves below darkly shaded synth that carries a melody with a cosmic quality that floats out into openness. flaring synth entangles with metallic luminosity above the wandering synth that tumbles through the music. Rough, massive bass snarls and an arpeggio twirls to add rushing energy to the track.

The main melody combines pained emotion and majesty as it moves on gleaming notes. The main melody has a wide open feeling as the radiant notes float past. There is a nobility to the main melody along with the emotive ache that fills it. In the distance, swelling bass moves with muscled power as fluting notes float.

A brassy synth flashes into the music, echoing out with more brightness. it adds a tinge of Hope to the track above the darkly moving low end. Glimmering light slips outwards into the music from a more delicate synth that moves behind the intense glow emanating from the background. Arpeggiating notes drift out into space to add expansive power before the track comes to an end.

A steady flow of warm synth adds a rich background sheen and the drums throb slowly to start “Air.” The glimmering notes rise and billow in waves as softly tapping percussion echoes into the background. The drum heartbeat is joined by a bursting snare drum as the slowly shifting bass flows smoothly underneath. Peaceful and tender emotion fills the music as widely gliding, digital sounding notes ring out.

The melody wraps around me like a warm blanket, leaving me feeling settled and calm. The drums and bass create motion as tremulous, shimmering notes dance out in the background. delicate radiance fills the lead synth as it carries the melody out, full of hope and peace. The oscillating synth entangles as the bass moves with a laid-back feeling.

I relax more as the music unfolds and a secondary lucent synth sings out, gently floating above the smoothly undulating notes that support it as the drums rebound. Relaxation permeates this music as it takes on a more majestic quality, a secondary series of notes soaring behind it to add expansive sensations. The track comes to an end on rippling notes sparkling out above the oscillating low end.

“Ganymede” starts off as intensely rushing percussion and cutting bass move along with explosive chords that exude overwhelming brightness. The bass oscillates with muscled strength as shining notes fly out. A string-like synth carries a melody that is full of dynamism and triumph.

Chimes flicker in the background with metallic luminosity and the rushing low end pushes forward. A sense of achievement fills the main melody in a way that I find compelling.The track exudes a sense of free and easy flight as the lead synth adds a glowing sheen.

Chimes ring out again with delicate light to accent the rushing drums and bass. Drums flourish again the track returns to the “A” section, the rough edged synth dancing out above the pulsating low end.

Flaring chords and support and now a medium-high, glimmering synth calls out in the melody with a sense of progress tinged with a hint of more challenging emotion. A sense of energy and kinetic speed permeates every element of the music. in the distance, chimes dance and the relentless low end curious this track to a conclusion.

Distant, razor sharp notes flash out into open space to start “Mirage.” Medium-low, unevenly bouncing synth moves below the leaping, radiant chords. Drums and bass rebound in a smooth heartbeat below the metallic light above them.

A medium-high, brightly shimmering synth carries a meandering melody with a cosmic quality. The drums and bass throb as the slowly swirling lead synth carries the drifting melody with ease. Drums flourish and steadily flashing chords illuminate the music. The track moves into a segment in which an elevated, howling synth carries a solo with a rather haunting quality, roaming out above the even low end.

The xylophone adds a unique quality in the distance as elevated synth cries out with mysterious and tender feeling. I enjoy the atmosphere created in this track as it does indeed reflect the sense of a mirage. Ethereally pulsing notes flicker in the distance before the song comes to an end.

“Genesis” begins as a galactically gliding synth sweeps through above a slowly oscillating bassline. The sweeping sounds have a ghostly elegance to them as they float out above the deeply resonating bass. The music embodies flowing weightlessness, touched by a glowing synth. The bass pulse creates steady motion as sliding chords add starry brightness.

A snare drum ticks as crystal chimes cry out with fragile luminosity. The drums add more shape to the music as the extended, galactic chords float out. Chimes carry a melody with a tentative and tender quality that attracts me to it. The entire track is haunted by melancholy as it unfolds. Chimes resonate with pure light above the ominous bass.

The sensation of floating in open space is clear in this track. Now the gigantic base pulses alone momentarily before the sweeping chords flow again and broad, medium-high synth twists. This music conjures images of huge space objects.

Gruff, sharply cutting notes flash out as intertwining notes behind them extend outward. Underneath all of the other elements, the low end creates heavy propulsion. The track ends on the shadowed melody and chimes ringing out with a distorted quality before the track ends.

Conclusion

Hyperion is a beautifully crafted work of instrumental synth music that transcends the genre to explore new worlds through intensely interlocking sonic complexity. This is an album that demands a lot of attention and time from the listener and keeps one engaged for the entirety of its length.

Electron Odyssey - Citizen Generator

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Electron Odyssey’s Citizen Generator is an instrumental journey characterized by beautifully layered synth colours, tones and textures and Electron Odyssey’s skillfully played guitar. The album is enhanced by engaging melodies, thought provoking ideas and a sense of sophistication that permeates every element.

Citizen Generator showcases Electron Odyssey’s skill in integrating many unique synth sounds into a cohesive whole. I find my ears constantly intrigued by the ways in which all of the different synth tones, timbres and textures are combined. There's layering and lusciousness in this music that keeps me listening, always drawn back by another fascinating auditory exploration.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Electron Odyssey’s guitar skills as they are demonstrated so well on Citizen Generator. He has fluidity and facility in his playing along with the ability to choose the correct guitar tone to weave into the other musical elements on the album. I enjoy the way in which the guitar solos accent and enhance the synth palette, adding another rich layer to the auditory tapestry.

The ideas that Electron Odyssey explores on the album also drew me in. The song “Technology” is a summation of his thematic approach to this album in the way in which it mingled addictive musical qualities with a questioning of the current moment in humanity's relationship to technology. I enjoy being made to think while still enjoying the listening experience.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Singularity” comes to life as a sharply entangling, powerful synth moves below flickering chimes. massive drums flourish as the radiant synthechoes out, carrying a repeating melodic pattern with dynamic propulsion and contained within it. The bass towers far below as the flashing notes add intense luminosity in their hypnotic pattern.

A howling, twisting synth carries a mysterious melody with a haunting sound to it. Bass rebounds unevenly as trickling, solar notes tumble through the music. Gigantic drums and colossal bass contribute intense forward motion. A repeating, glistening synth pattern breaks into a darkly slicing motion as the drums and bass shape the music.

Widely sweeping notes float through and the bursting drums and oscillating base keep the motion going. A broadly leaping synth moves in choppy bursts as wildly singing, medium-high notes wriggle through the music. I enjoy the wobbling, crying synth solo’s abandoned madness.

Minor key bells descend and the drums charge again as sweeping noises bend through. Effulgent notes sing out from the main melodic pattern creating a steady flow. Wildly writhing synth cries out and the drums continue to throb. Shining notes flow again as they descend and the song ends on the energizing main melody.

Ominous bass rumbles as rapidly tripping, feverishly bright notes tangle start “Technology.” A robotic voice speaks as flashing, brassy synth rings out and huge drums smack into the music. Flickering, shimmering notes dance through before panpipes move with breathy light and the drums form a smoothly rebounding beat.

A flute-like synth cries out and now the robotic vocals carry a positive feeling melody, in spite of the darkness of the lyrics. The drums burst broadly as the digital voice rings out. In the background, brassy notes with a rough edge call out. I enjoy the way in which the robotic voice emphasizes the lyrics. Glowing chimes ring out brightly to accent the chorus.

Now the drums batter again and the panpipes swirl before a bending, howling guitar twists through. The robotic voice echoes again, as the low end shapes the music. Glistening chimes sparkle out above the hard-hitting low end as the song progresses. Delicate notes flutter and now the wobbling, leaping synth cries out again.

The drums have real weight and strength to them as they propel the music. Chimes dance with metallic precision as the drums hit hard. Now the guitar solo comes in, flying out with explosive life as it cascades and whirls. The guitar solo lends energetic dynamism to the music. The song ends on bursting drums, trumpeting synth and entangling base as the panpipes cry out.

The narrator says that we're standing on the razor edge of a new digital existence. She adds that we're “hoping for a miracle, children of bits and bytes.” She goes on to say that people stare at glowing screens, their heads bowed down. She points out that “endless comforts await for those who can't let go. "

Our storyteller says that technology is both our friend and our enemy. It is “a helping hand feeding our vanity.” She continues by asking if we really need technology and reminds people to hold on to their humanity. Now she points out that the people we aspired to be are “purchased with new machinery." Our dreams remain unseen and we're trapped between ourselves and technology.

The narrator continues by saying that technology doesn't love us. It is something in which “our fears and dreams become reality." She concludes that technology is the God we need as we “pray to our deity” with screens in our hands.

“Elastic Holographic” commences as punchy, elevated synth moves in quick bursts and rounded base moves with a bouncing quality. The flashing notes keep dancing out in a hypnotic pattern as smoother, lambent notes glide in contrast. Sunny chimes drop through in glowing motion as the drums rebound.

Waves wash and slowly echoing notes with a luminous quality flare out add more brightness. The drums batter as laser-like sounds briefly move and the rounded bass wobbles. Broadly sweeping, medium-high notes play out through the music with a tranquil quality. The track slides into muffled motion as extending chords and fragile, tender notes caress the music.

Deep peace surrounds me as the segment unfolds and the track begins to swell to full volume again. Glimmering notes flash out with sparkling light and bursting synth notes flash out above the fat low end. Chimes descend with radiance as quickly dancing chords shine out into the music. Chiming notes arpeggiate before the song track ends on peaceful and caressing notes.

Trembling, widely floating synth falls through the music in a peaceful flow to commence “With You.” In the distance, one elevated note extends outwards with an oboe-like sound as a broadly glowing synth with rough edges towers massively into the music. Metallic drums tick and then burst into shaping motion as soft-edged notes dance while the oboe-like sound glides in the distance.

A mournful, gentle synth carries a melody that captures yearning and dreams as it unfolds. The lead synth melody slips through the music with warmth and a caressing sensation as the drums throb. Bass slips out underneath the gruffly gleaming synth as it flows through the music. The drums and bass form a guiding pulse as the lead synth touches me with its soothing emotion.

Chimes flicker and the powerful bass and strong drums move the track forward. Brassy notes trumpet out with intense light and the chimes ring delicately. Percussion ticks in the distance and sunlit notes slip out. The bass has weight and shaping flow.

The track fades into a segment in which all of the sounds drift together, growing in volume as the drums move in again along with solid bass. The way in which the melody wraps around me and fills my heart with aching emotion is compelling. The track ends on drifting bass and the elevated woodwind sound before silence falls.

“Analog Nights” begins with a bending, flanging sound and hissing static in the distance. Muffled drums tap in uneven motion as a distorted, swirling synth twists. The drums and bass rebound as a steady pulse fills them and a scintillating, string-like synth cries out with wonderfully touching emotion as it drifts above the surging low end.

The drums flourish and Electron Odyssey’s guitar cries out in an active, swirling solo with a bluesy element. Fiercely glinting synth twists through the music with a flashing brightness. Digital-sounding notes descend with twinkling light and the bass pulsates as metallic noises ring out. Computerized notes carry a melody with an energetic, wandering feeling.

The drums and echoing, ringing percussion float out Into open space as bell-like notes chime. The bass comes in to add form again and the guitar has an unsettled, roaming quality as it moves through the music. The track slips into a segment in which easily flowing notes move like azure water and elevated, sparkling synth trickles through the music.

The bass pulsates to add motion and wobbling sounds above it tremble through the music. The string section returns with its radiance and lightness as the guitar howls with impassioned feeling. Drums and bass keep supporting the solo as the luminous synth cries out again and the track ends.

A soft rumble moves along with rushing air and a brilliantly flashing synth to open “Super Living.” The guitar slashes into the music as the drums and bass form a deeply rebounding beat while radiant, piercing synth also cuts in. A bending, twisting synth vibrates out with energetic life as it spins out and the bass rebounds as sparkling notes flicker through the music.

The guitar slices in with sharp notes and a positive feeling as the solo spins out above the hard-hitting drums. There's a flying ease about the solo as it unfolds above the shaping low end. I enjoy the exuberance of Electron Odyssey’s guitar playing as it flies out above the other musical elements. Flaring chimes gleam above the punching drums and dense bass with bouncing life.

The guitar soars out through the music with encouragement and joy. Now the lead synth flips and flies with wild abandon above the solid low end along with the guitar. The track grows muffled and gigantic bass bounces through before the clean drums return.

Vibrancy and joy erupt from the synth and now chimes shimmer with delicate light as the active drums and solid base continue to shape the music. A trumpeting synth calls out to add even more illumination as the guitar jumps in with hard-edged energy before the track ends on shining chimes and the wildly trembling synth leaping out above the drums.

“Artifact” opens as elevated, slowly sweeping chords move along with a medium-low, resonant synth above a gruff background. Synth notes flash out like chips of reflecting crystal above the powerful drums and richly flaring background synth. Sharp, high notes cut through the music with piercing luminosity as tenderly descending synth drifts in the distance.

The drums pulse along with rough-edged bass as fluting notes glide past. The bass flows smoothly as ethereal notes float by, carried on a glowing synth. The brightly scintillating synth in the background sparkles as powerful chords surge along with bursting drums and pulsing bass. The chiming melody has a delicate quality as it slips into a segment in which slowly gliding bass is joined by rippling, tumbling notes with an open-voiced sound.

Galactically vibrating synth moves around the jumping, entangled notes as they dance out. A hi-hat begins to tick and a gigantic, medium high synth moves out with yearning. I am pleased by the richly interacting synth elements that come together in this track. The music ends on shining high notes and towering chords before silence falls

Chimes flash out along with oscillating bass and guiding drums to start “Our Time.” A chiming synth dances through as bass undulates and drums pound while extended, cutting chords move past. Trickling notes tremble as Electron Odyssey’s guitar calls out into the music with warm radiance.

The low end creates propulsive motion as it drives the song onward. The guitar calls out again with a wonderfully luscious sound as the bass drifts smoothly in an oscillating motion while muffled drums keep moving in the distance. Brightly glimmering notes tremble into the music, carried on an echoing synth.

Smooth light drifts out from the sweeping synth as the bass slowly pulsates like a heartbeat. String-like notes trickle rapidly through the music in an increasingly rapid pulse as bass rumbles below. A hi hat adds a metallic element as gleaming chimes leap into the music. Bass throbs as flitting notes slip past and the drums kick in again. The high notes add glassy brightness and the guitar shines as a trembling synth drops through the music and the track ends.

Conclusion

Citizen Generator evokes the complex and fraught world of technology through skillfully composed music. The way in which Electron Odyssey combines and contrasts different sounds along with his compositional abilities makes for deeply enjoyable and interesting listening.

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.