Hotel Pools - Nature

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hotel Pools’ Nature is a skillfully crafted, ambient synth voyage through tranquil soundscapes and meditative moments. This album has a quiet beauty to it that permeates each sonic element, carrying the listener through moods of deep peace and gentleness. This is music for quiet contemplation and restful moments. I can imagine laying in the grass as a summer breeze caresses me while I listen to this album.

I am taken by the atmosphere that is created on Nature. Hotel Pools weaves together well-selected synth sounds to generate calm and relaxation, touched with a hint of melancholy. While the tracks are short, each interweaves into the other to paint luscious and textured imagery. Soothing emotions mingle with nostalgia for summers past with hints of melancholy in a way that I find intensely pleasing.

The way in which Nature unfolds keeps me engaged despite the music's ambient qualities. This is music with many layers and engaging auditory interactions within the flowing ease embodied within each track. Hotel Pools has lavished care and attention on the music and the end result is a gorgeous musical exploration of the more tender side of the natural world.

I'd also like to acknowledge the guest artists who contributed to this album. They seamlessly integrate their own unique styles with Hotel Pools’ sound to add depth and richness. Collaborative efforts in music are something that I find absolutely pleasing and that holds true here too.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Stay Awhile" starts as a Illuminating, broadly swelling synth grows into the music with a steady background hiss. rounded, calming notes float out through the intensely trembling, gleaming cloud of synth that rises around them.

The hissing background adds a steady sonic flow as the trembling synth glides through the music with luscious tones. The background is full of breathy exhalation as the lambent, full sounding notes drift into the static. I feel the stage being set for this album's tranquility and beauty with this track.

Smoothly vibrating synth shifts below ethereal notes that move above with tentative delicacy to open “Only An Hour Away.” A breeze slips through the soft background sound as tranquil synth notes ripple out like waves on a still pond.

A vocal sounding synth drifts like a floating leaf, cradling me and filling me with restful peace. Broadly radiant notes call out in a soothing motion that brings to mind a sun dappled grove of trees. the synth waves become an insulating blanket that soothes me as the song fades to quiet.

“Into The Stars” starts off as sweeping wind drifts through the music along with a shadowed synth. Warmly shimmering notes descend in a pacific pattern that shifts like undulating leaves in a soft breeze. A lucent synth smoothly sends curling tendrils out through the other musical elements.

The glimmering lead synth has a tranquil sensation as open sounding notes slowly descend around it. Chiming, glistening synth planes through the music in sparkling motion. In the background, bass fills out the music. There's a meditative melancholy in this track that I find hard to resist as the full sounding notes grow silent.

Reverent synth with a tremulous feeling swells into the music along with slowly sweeping air to commence “Zigzag.” Distant sounding, glockenspiel like synth touches the music with tenderness and ease.

A tide of cloudy warmth caresses me as the fragile, breathy sounds in the distance unfurl. The diaphanous background surrounds the rounded, ringing synth as it trickles through the music with melancholy gentleness before the track fades away

“The Moon Looks Pretty Tonight” begins as crickets chirp and a lustrous ambience flows from an elevated synth with a haunted feeling. Full sounding, rounded synth notes float out, carrying a melody with a wistful emotional backing. Chiming synth glimmers with gentle illumination as bass forms a washing tide below.

This piece of music beautifully evokes a full moon shining out over a lush landscape. The nasal sounding, slowly vibrating synth imbues the music with a ghostly feeling while the sounds of nature create softly touching soundscapes and the track comes to an end.

Glistening synth floats out with an uncertain feeling as Lush bass rumbles underneath to open “Falling Horizon.” Metallic, chiming notes drift out into the music with the incredibly rich, interwoven background sounds flowing together.

A swirling mist suffuses the music, broken by twinkling synth in the background and long sonic washes that unfurl smoothly. There's a silken motion to this music that draws me in as it wraps around me.

I can take an easy breath as slowly descending, gently shining synth is carried away on a tapestry heartbreakingly caressing notes above the continual tape hiss.

“Give Me More Time Begins” with a resonating synth echoing into open space. Deeply reverberant notes trail along with smooth motion as they tremble. Rising lustre swells through the music as rounded notes move with a steady flow.

I find myself drifting along in a peaceful haze as the warmth suffuses me. A broadly spreading sonic pool fills the music below slipping notes that carry on into space. Bubbling sounds flow with aquatic smoothness before the track ends.

Hollow, ringing notes shiver through the music as fuller sounds grow to start off “Thinking Of You.” Strings intertwine with muted light as deeper sounds plane outwards. Piano notes softly touch the music as the background expands with tentative weight.

The piano has a tender touch as aching emotion permeates it. The piano’s utter delicacy is something I find beautiful here. Breathy sounds slip past as the track comes to a quiet conclusion.

“We Will Make A Song Someday” begins as birdsong moves along with a glockenspiel that shines with tremulous light, flowing out to open space as airy sounds move in a smooth tide.

Brightness flares from the background as the sounds of nature move gently. The xylophone-like instrument’s open sound is joined by a choral synth that exhales with soothing motion. This track's lushness is an ideal way to close out the album.

Conclusion

There are albums which transport me to other places and Nature is one such album. As the waves of enfolding sound wrap around me, I am carried on their tide through soundscapes of meditative calm and continual ease. Hotel Pools takes me past the heartache of a broken world and into pure, unadulterated harmony.

Temporal Waves

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Temporal Waves' self-titled album is a fascinating auditory exploration combining richly textured, nuanced synth sounds with the tabla’s unmistakable percussive qualities. The complexity and depth that Temporal Waves brings to bear on this album makes it an intriguing sonic journey as it unfolds.

The first element that catches my attention on this album is Temporal Waves’ skill with the tabla. He clearly demonstrates a refined sense of timing and the skill to manipulate the drum in interesting ways. The organic component provided by his tabla combines with layered synth sounds to create varied and innovative music. There's a pleasant contrast between digital and human-made sounds here.

I am also drawn to the sonic tapestry woven by Temporal Waves’ synth choices. His musical instincts make for engaging timbres and refreshing auditory colours in all of the soundscapes on the album. He seamlessly mingles mesmerizing percussive sounds with the atmospheric synth palette. The end result is music that carries my mind on an auditory journey across wide-ranging vistas.

Special mention should also be given to the “interludes” that Temporal Waves sprinkles throughout the album. The short ambient pieces allow the listener time to absorb and contemplate what Temporal Waves is doing on the album. I enjoy the ability to take a break and reset for the next musical journey to come.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“I Remember" comes into being as a broadly expanding, rumbling bass synth trembles through the music in swirling motion. There's a darkly heaving quality to the bass and now the drums punch into the music with a unique sound as sinister bass slices. beaming, layered synth climbs above the snarling bass as the drums throb. The tabla swirls and throbs with active motion, the beat rustling as shattering synth slices and glowing chords climb above the dangerous sounding bass.

The tabla flourishes as delicate strings float out through the music above the threatening bass. Elevated sounds are open and tender, full of peaceful motion. I enjoy the unique quality that the tabla gives the music. The bass has raging power in it well that percussion is rich and layered. The descending notes radiate peace through the music as the ringing sound of the tabla forms luscious layers beneath the lambent synth.

The bass’ intimidating nature is contrasted with the luscious sound of the elevated notes and the continual complexity of the tabla drum. Open sounding, slowly floating notes drop through the music as a flanging, lucent synth continues to delicately flow in the background. The tabla bubbles and throbs before the track comes to an end along with radiant notes and deep bass.

Soothing waves of synth sound are joined by quickly rushing percussion to open “Sprawl Twilight.” Now the tabla with its slightly metallic ring ripples through the music as the rising waves of synth climb over top with peaceful calm. The tabla vibrates and thumps underneath Temporal Waves’ skilled fingers as it begins to shape the music with throbbing pulses.

Washing synth curls around the throbbing tabla with a hypnotic beat. I enjoy the tabla pulse’s meditative quality as it moves below undulating synth. The drum’s organic sound adds an interesting balance to the synthetic sounds moving around it. Gruff waves of synth expand through the music as the drum takes up a slightly limping beat.

A bass wave adds a menacing element as it swells and flows. The tabla has an unmistakable quality, vibrant and propulsive, as a widely gliding synth moves through the music. There's triumph embodied in the synths as they sweep past. Drama fills this music as the synth layers with the percussion to create a blending of the organic and the digital.

Muscled strength emanates from the oscillating bass and the tabla continues to twine through the music in a trance inducing beat. There's the metallic ring of the drums which mingles with looming notes that expand and contract in the music. The drum beat guides and drives the music, giving it a unique personality.

Images of a dark city haunted by the spectres of urban decay are evoked within this music. The flanging, bending synth is balanced by the unrelenting tabla beat that weaves like a thread through all of the other musical elements. Strength, shadow and intensity characterize this track as it pushes relentlessly on to a conclusion.

“Eclipse Of An Urban Dystopia” commences as threatening bass climbs in broken pulses, full of danger and lurking menace. The way in which the tabla’s tone can vary adds interest and texture to the music as a refulgent synth flows gently. The low sound’s intense weight fills the music with a steady heartbeat.

Bass and low synth become a wave of rough sound as flaring notes drift out into the darkness around them. The sound of Temporal Waves’ fingers brushing and tapping on the drum adds a fascinating sonic character to the music. Sweeping power radiates from all of the synth sounds. A medium high, luminous synth carries a majestic melodic pattern that is tinged by melancholy and pain as it bends above the guiding drum beat.

The imagery conjured by this music seizes hold of me with its darkness. Now the tabla becomes an insistent beat that propels the music forward with round toned resonance. energy imbues the music as it presses on with the tabla flourishing. The track slows and calms, the soft sounds of the tabla and its deep register filling the music as the long synth chords slip out with a gentle feeling. Silence falls as the track comes to an end on warmer notes.

Growling, expansive bass lurks below slowly shifting, haunted synth to start “Cortical Network Oscillations.” The tabla thumps into the music with dramatic power and noble, luminous synth with sharp edges floats out. A gleaming synth adds growing uplift as it cuts into the music while rounded notes delicately interlock and slip through the music. Now Temporal Waves’ tabla flourishes and flutters as the blade-like synth slices.

The track slips into a segment in which arpeggiating notes flare with gentle light and sharp sounds cut through in contrast. The tabla rattles and bubbles again as Temporal Waves’ clever fingers dance. I enjoy the shaping influence and fresh sound of the tabla in this track. Background sounds begin to swell and rise, intense illumination suffusing the track as the tabla drum trembles.

Something foreboding hides in the distance, balanced with the tender nature of the smoothly swirling synth. Temporal Waves makes the tabla leap and call out. The track slips into a segment in which deeply reverberant notes flow out above brightly bending synth and lush bass. the tabla flits past in the distance as the flickering synth moves with a nasal twist. An airy and paint to the music before the song ends on an intimidating, razor-sharp bass and the tabla smoothly echoing through the music.

“Cyclotron” opens with thumping electronic drums and digitally glistening synth moving slowly in caressing chords. Chiming notes ripple with sparkling luminosity as a melody carried on a tenderly touching synth glides through. The main melody is dreamy and has a feeling of drifting lightness within it as it moves above the guiding beat.

The drums are gently touching and the melody slips out above them with ease. The tabla comes in now to add dynamically popping motion and its ear-grabbing sound. Now a radiant synth sings the main melody with nobility and energetic life.

I enjoy the intricate swirling patterns of the tabla under Temporal Waves’ clever fingers as the drums and bass drive onwards. The drum beat exudes explosive energy as it rushes on and the snare drum has an additional element. The song ends with the majestic melody flowing out while the tabla’s deep vibrations come to an end.

Deeply resonating bass moves in slow waves to start “Water Temple.” There is a lurking shadow in the bass and a hauntingly floating synth glides out with a digital sound. The bass continues to flow far below as the meditative and graceful melody slips out. The tabla now throbs with a bright sound in contrast to the rounded, low element in the beat.

Ethereal chimes flicker with ghostly light as sharp edged notes cut into the music wow the tabla trembles and flicks under Temporal Waves’ fingers. Powerful, illuminating chords flash out and elevated, more delicate notes trickle through the music. Individual synth pulses are split by the wildly wheeling tabla as it intricately intertwines.

Spectral chords move with edged brightness as they slip into the music. The tabla is slipping and tapping rapidly underneath Temporal Waves’ dancing hands to create fascinating textures. The background synth has a misty, umbral quality as it curls above the luscious bass and tabla. Digital sounds ring out with misty light and the bass pulses far below. again the tabla becomes an integral part of the music as it brushes and thuds.

There is something wistful and lost about the main melody as it floats out through the music. Underneath the other elements, the rough bass is a continuous pulse. Cosmic synth glides with spaced out tranquility as the tabla rushes and flits through the music. The track ends on a slowly slipping, open voiced synth that wanders into peaceful openness before silence falls.

“Luminous Objects” begins as slowly slipping bass drifts out into openness with a gently touching sound of a richly gleaming synth curling through the music. Arpeggios exude serenity alongside the tabla’s delicacy and its lower register’s deep roundness. The arpeggios continue to undulate like wind through leaves as the tabla rustles.

The tabla's heartbeat has a shaping influence as the arpeggios continue to move with easily sliding motion. Uncertainty touches the arpeggios as they move to a minor key while the bass growls underneath. Now the tabla begins to pick up tempo and flicker through the music with rapid sounds. The track moves into contemplative floating and then silence.

Roughly trembling notes descend above a static background, tinged by shadow to commence “Data Cassette Sunrise.” There's an uncertain quality before gigantic bass sweets and the rapidly pulsating tabla moves through the music with active energy. A hard-edged synth slices through the music above the driving tabla beat. Bass insistently throbs as the tabla rushes through with an almost metallic sound.

The slicing notes have an aggressive feeling as the unrelenting bass pulse continues. The tabla raps and flurries as the bass continues to pulse. A snare drum and a hi hat add another percussive element above the flurrying tabla. I am drawn to the active nature of the drum playing here. Brooding bass rumbles with threatening strength as the drums batter and the high hat steadily ticks.

The low end is filled with the tabla’s hurried sound. An threatening shadow permeates the music as the bass heaves and synth sounds grumble. The percussion is a living thing in the music as the battering drums rush. The tabla’s deep vibrations add to the weight of the music as Temporal Waves’ fingertips dance. Now flaring illumination feels the background as the percussion charges to the end of the track.

“Awakening” opens as rapidly tumbling tabla thumps and echoes above jagged synth. The tabla has a heaving weight as it punches into the music with cascading motion while jagged synth snarls. Now a gleaming synth melody sings out, carrying a mixture of tentative feeling and something more hopeful.

A snare drum snaps into the music while the tabla thumps and throbs. Intricately intertwining synth arpeggios flicker through the music with a starry luminosity radiating from them. I enjoy the mixture of textured sounds and sheer power within this track.

The tabla stutters forward with intense motion while the computerized arpeggios sparkling shimmer leaps through the music. An incandescent synth shifts slowly with melodic aching before the track comes to an end on the tabla’s resonant voice.

Gigantic, wobbling bass pulsates as the tabla rings out along with an airy sound to commence “Postlude.” The tabla’s depth supports delicately shivering, mournful notes that sweep through the music in an undulating tide. The music has a haunting drift as gleaming synth sparkles.

Extended chords slip out underneath with melancholy emotion as the tabla rings and echoes. I find it hard to disregard this track’s meditative quality. This final track aches and shines with fragile light as it slips to an end.

Conclusion

Temporal Waves’ self-titled album is a listening experience that rewards a curious mind. The way in which it layers sounds and combines the organic nature of the tabla drum with synthetic elements results in music that is intriguing, beautiful and continually enjoyable.

CONNÖR + JNNY COBRA - The Red Stuff

Review by Atomic Robo-Kid

When I heard that CONNÖR and JNNY COBRA were releasing a collaborative track I knew it was going to be epic! “The Red Stuff” is indeed an epic track! But, I didn't know what to expect, given the rich and diverse discography of CONNÖR and the multi skilled talent of JNNY COBRA. So, in eager anticipation, I press play and to the delight of my charred, darkened soul the styles of these two are encapsulated in an attention-grabbing, sharp, quirky and punchy multi genre track that leaves you thirsty for more! 

Before I listen again - and you'll also want to, as this is one catchy earworm - I pour myself a nice warm, freshly squeezed, pint of "The Red Stuff.” Right from the opening notes that rise from the sombre abyss and intriguing vocal samples the track quickly establishes a unique juxtaposition of apocalyptic atmospheres and explosive beats with crisp sparkly vocoded rhyme and a helping of twisted humour. The composition of "The Red Stuff" is delightfully quirky, balancing intensity with unexpected sonic twists. Amidst the driving beats and sinister synth sounds, there are moments of surprising melodic shifts and out of the ordinary samples. This is not an ordinary track and neither is drinking blood 'it tastes like iron, a little rough, the red stuff!” Yet, i guzzle it down!

The vocal samples ooze JNNY COBRA's musical signature and have an almost hip hop styling, that's if hip hop artists were blood drinking robots! These quirky elements inject a sense of playful unpredictability into the deathstep soundscape. The Red Stuff presents us with a hybrid that fuses the aggressive, heavy elements of Deathstep and Darksynth with the rhythmic and lyrical aspects of hip hop. 

The production is crisp, which is what I've become accustomed to with CONNÖR's work, with layers of synths interweaving seamlessly to build a catchy rhythm that hooks you into the energy of the track. The electronic distortions and perfectly timed beat create a feeling of pent up aggression.

Overall, “The Red Stuff” is a masterful example of Dark Electronic Music. In my mind, this is what a collaborative track should sound like, a careful collection of the artists' trademarks where musical mutations are brought to life! To me, at least, this is an alternative 'Got Milk?' or 'The White Stuff' campaigns that the US and UK witnessed respectively in the 00's. This alternative commercial jingle promoting 'The Red Stuff' is a powerful message that will, once more, see the drinking of blood fashionable. You will be greeted at your local coffee shop with AB Positive Sangue, the frotthier the better right? Or, sports personalities will proudly pose for promotional photos with a crimson moustache pushing the question: 'Got Blood?' This is just the start. Pour yourself a nice warm glass and sip down the sounds of CONNÖR and JNNY COBRA. Catch the track 'The Red Stuff' on all good music streaming services. 

For More CONNÖR and JNNY COBRA:

CONNÖR: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WFKMDluecw7Yy9PS4t0lI

JNNY COBRA: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UfObc7u4oRranjfVOQPEC

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.