Shades of Thunder - Big Break

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Shades of Thunder’s Big Break is an ear pleasing journey through nostalgic landscapes woven in a tapestry of fascinating synth sounds, intricate guitar and melodic beauty. Shades of Thunder creates a host of charming sketches of the sense of wonder and carefree youth that we all either wish we had or want to look back on with this album.

One of the big draws for me on Big Break is the way in which Shades Of Thunder utilizes synth sounds. It's clear to me that they took their time in choosing the best synth tones, textures and timbres to suit each track. Their care results in music that unfolds with beauty as it holds my attention. Each sound weaves with the others to create an auditory journey.

I'd also like to cite the guitar work on Big Break for the strong way in which it shapes the album. The guitar is characterful and played with panache as it moves through the tracks. Again I feel that care was taken to ensure that the guitar tones match the emotional tenor of the tracks on which it appears. The feelings expressed are deepened by the guitar performances.

The melodic writing on Big Break is another strong element in my view. The melodies are wonderfully composed and carry the feelings of nostalgia and positive remembrance out through the album. I enjoy the memorable nature of the melodies, steeped as they are in deeply expressive feelings. I am carried away by them.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“School’s Out” kicks off with cleanly rebounding drums and the sound of school hallways. The drum beat is crisp and adds dynamic motion. a solid bass pulse Rumbles in undulating lines as a steady glow fills the background. round sounding notes with an uplifting quality climb into the music has the drums rebound and throb.

The brilliant guitar captures delight and tenderness as the low end shapes the music. A glistening synth spins out with warmth as the sound of children’s laughter moves through the music. Rippling panpipes float in arpeggiating lines that add a delicate quality. The sound of a game system starting comes in as the drums are muted in the background.

After a flourish, the drums and bass return to full strength and the melody is encouraging along with lightly touching, breathy synth. I find myself harking back to the days of blissful relaxation after school is over for the summer as the melody unfolds. The track ends on the drums throbbing out of the silence.

Solidly pounding drums and ethereal, metallic notes ring to start “Airborne.” The drums and bass become more insistent while richly flaring notes fill the track with a floating, light quality. The drums rebound and gigantic bass undulates through the music as freely turning, medium-high notes spin out.

Broadly swelling chords playing through the music with incandescence filling them. An announcement welcomes us to New Retrowave Airlines and bids us to enjoy a return to our youth. The drums and bass are matched with worshipful chords flowing into the track before an electric guitar unfolds in a melody that touches me with its nostalgic dreaming quality.

Chimes touch the music with tentative lightness as the bass oscillates with a laid-back quality. The guitar carries deep expression as it leaps out, painting a picture of energetic positivity. The track ends on a unctuous tide of lambent synth.

“Shoreline” opens as the waves wash and a distant bass throb floats while seabirds call. The track swells into clarity on a glittering synth that hovers before a freely cruising drum beat comes in to guide the music.

The drums are sharp and clean as distantly diaphanous notes slide with a peaceful, relaxing feeling. Gleaming notes flutter through the music as the low end pulses. A vocal synth sings out with a caressing quality before the celebratory, playful guitar comes in.

I find the effervescence and ear pleasing fun in the music infectious here. Flaring synth leaps as the background choir adds uplift. Hints of a saxophone glide through the music while sonic layers swirl together in an easy motion before the track ends.

Water splashes and a steady background sound adds soft-edged luminosity to start “Dancing in the Tide.” Lush bass undulates as echoing guitar floats out in a gossamer wash as the shaping drums come in. Pipi Gogerl has a soothing delivery, her voice carrying a melody full of rose-tinted remembrance. Pipi Gogerl’s vocals have a wonderfully sensual feeling as they unfold, carrying a gracefully drifting melody.

The chorus glows with enfolding tenderness as the drums and bass add form to the music. Pipi Gogerl captures summer feelings and youthful affection within her voice. Seagulls cry as the ever so lightly touching synth slips through the background. The twanging guitar flows with consummate tranquility as the bass continues to oscillate.

Pipi Gogerl has an easygoing feeling in her delivery that adds to the dreamy quality within this song. The track comes to an end with a feeling of total peace.The narrator talks about how she will "cool my feet and sit still" on the first day of a vacation. She sighs with enjoyment at the feeling that comes over her. The sun will fall across her face and "the worries of the past shall be erased."

Our storyteller speaks of two gazes meeting across the room as she and the song's subject coyly glance at each other while knowing that "they wanna be caught." Despite seeming shy, they both know that they’ll "dance in the tide tonight."

The narrator points out that she's found herself in a different world free of worry. There's nothing for her to change now so she can enjoy "enchanted nights, where there is no hurry" and she and the other person have time to embrace one another.

A week has passed for the storyteller and she doesn't know why she feels so ecstatic as she and the song's subject spend time together "in the moonshine, late at night, trying to collect the pieces of our souls. "

“Snuggle Up!” commences with gossamer synth moving in slow waves as a rich bass pulse moves below. The snare drum and kick drum come in and propel the track forward with a strong heartbeat as the pastel hued synth undulates. Now radiant synth flickers in briefly as the steady pattern oscillates underneath.

Leaping notes twirl through the music as the low end keeps up a shaping motion and the echoing notes flow past. Sweeping winds slide along with broadly washing bass while rounded, expansive notes shine out. Affection bursts from every musical pore of this track and draws me in with its touching elation.

The drums and bass guide the music forward as vibrating synth frolics through the music and glittering notes intertwine. Computerized sounds flit past while open percussion dances along with the drum beat. The track ends on a soothing drift into silence.

“Childhood Dreams” opens with a lustrous, luscious synth carrying a tender melody full of wide-eyed optimism. The hollow percussion moves with an easy flow and the bass laps against it in smooth waves.

The melody unfolds as it carries with it wishes for a return to simpler, kinder seeming times. A wide-sounding, bending synth slides with a soothing melody as flashing chimes jump out into the track. The percussion is a fluently guiding pulse underneath the delicately hopeful melody.

I am enamoured of the sensations of being held softly in wistful dreams of the past by this track. The bass glides with silken ease while the melody entangles with a glow before the track ends.

A distant sounding drumbeat smoothly floats as bass drops to kick off “Aegean Sunrise.” Now the drums come in with strength as a scudding, glistening synth pulse moves in a long flow. The drums are powerful as the bass throbs while a fluting synth drifts past.

Now the drums have a martial pulse to them as a wordless voice cries out in a ghostly melodic pattern. Rapidly oscillating synth trickles along with the massively pounding drums as the dramatic expression of majesty fills the melody. The drums flourish and launch into a beat that propels the music forward with insistent muscle.

Trickling synth trips through the music and widely echoing, haunting chords add an enigmatic sensation that draws me further into the track. The drums punch with conviction as the track comes to an end on softly echoing notes.

“Forever Tonight” begins with flickering, distant notes drifting out into openness. there's a tentative trailing quality as they float and now a steady bass oscillation moves into the track. I am washed with calm by the lightly touching notes as the drums and bass throb below. There's a propulsive bounce in the low end as scintillating notes flash out in a matching pulse. I am partial to the dancing quality in the music here.

The guitar sings with laid back smoothness, despite the slicing tone. The drums and bass continue to push forward vigorously as the guitar flies out with animate joy. Drums thunder with galvanizing strength as glimmering notes curl together above them. Sunlit brightness flares outwards as quickly tumbling arpeggios fall through the track. The shining synth coruscates as the drums keep up a heartbeat.

I am enamoured of the happily leaping synth as it spins out through the music. After the drums batter and flourish, the guitar melody calls out with consummate exaltation. The drums and bass keep everything moving as the guitar calls out to me with carefree abandon. The track fades on quickly flickering, softly surrounding notes.

Varied, open sounding percussion forms a steadily driving heartbeat as bass towers in the distance to bring “Everlasting Memories” to life. A synth choir slips in the background as ominous bass surges forward and massive drums burst in a slow and intense pulse.

Irradiating notes rise high above the choir and threatening bass. A synth imbued with noble strength climbs above the bursting drums and a continual bass throb. The choir contributes dramatic reverence as shadowed arpeggios spin. I am pulled in by the incredible intensity and surging darkness here.

The drums form a colossal beat as the guitar carries a melody climbing to the stars with orchestral nobility and deep power as strings dance in angular lines. Higher and higher the track arcs as all of the elements loom with tremendous muscle before silence falls.

Conclusion

Big Break is full of entertainment, auditory storytelling and melodic richness. It is a slice of classic retrowave that grabs me by the lapels and won't let go. It is one of those albums that I could go back and listen to over and over again and never get bored.

Aeronexus - Fusion Break

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Aeronexus’ Fusion Break is a synthesized journey through galactic high adventure and compelling emotion. Energy and life pours forth from the music here as it unfolds in richly intertwining layers. Aeronexus has tremendous ability when it comes to telling stories and sound. I enjoy the excitement and galvanizing musical moments that fill Fusion Break as the album progresses.

I enjoy the knack that Aeronexus has for painting pictures in my mind. Fusion Break showcases the way in which he combines a beautifully woven synth palette with composition that is lively and engaging as it draws images of adventure and danger across the vast breadth of space. I can shut my eyes and let the music carry me away.

Another aspect of the music on Fusion Break that draws me in is the sheer dynamism that it radiates. Aeronexus doesn't hold back in his combination of propulsive drums, towering base and madly dancing synthesizers. The end result is music that takes hold of me and launches me into hyperspace in one powerful leap.

Melody fills the music on the album in a way that I find deeply engaging. I enjoy the way in which Aeronexus creates melodies that effectively capture emotion. Whether it is soaring triumph or pained tragedy, the artist is able to write melodies that convey those feelings right into my heart. I find myself drawn deeper into the music as a result.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Fusion Break” comes to life as arpeggios gently riffle in a steady pattern as luminosity swells in a continual flow. rebounding synth pulses in with great weight as bright arpeggios continue to flicker. The drums and bass launch in slightly broken pulses while exhilarating synth leaps through the music with glowing life. Delicately glistening synth carries the melody that speaks of reaching for the stars with joyful energy.

Explosive drums and bass help me feel like I'm being propelled through space. The main melody gleams with hopeful light as the snare drum throbs and the kick drum pulsates. A whirling synth solo flies out, full of dynamic power as it breaks in quick bursts. Now chiming arpeggios sparkle easily through the slipping background as it radiates warming light, giving me an impression of restful ease.

The pounding drums launch again as the background adds a worshipful quality along with string-like synths fluttering through the music in the distance. The main melody sings out again with encouraging joy, the lead synth spinning wildly with ever growing motion. The track ends on rising light and pulsing percussion.

Smoothly dancing, open-sounding synth with a vocal quality comes in before xylophone twinkles with high pitched light to open “Northstar.” Sharp-edged bass growls and the xylophone shines with refulgent light. The snare drum explodes with energy and frolicking high synth sings out as bass rumbles far below.

Rapidly shimmering synth exudes a celebratory quality as brassy sounding notes carry the melody above the solid low end. Sunlight glistens from the main melody as it unfolds. Aquatic sounding arpeggios wriggle through the music as luminous notes flash above. I enjoy the expansive nature of the bass and the xylophone’s contrasting delicacy on this track.

Reverent voices call out in a peaceful flow as the bass swells underneath. The track moves in tidal motion as a glimmering synth tumbles through the music in slow lines. Power grows in the music again as the sound of an engine ramping up again.

Now the drums come in quick bursts and then pound hard to launch as the flaring melody dances through the music with encouragement and easy-going motion. A synth solo cries out with freewheeling dynamism, spiralling through open space with incredible speed before the track punches to an end on the big drums.

“Lost World" begins as panpipes move into space with an ethereal sound as the trembling background shifts. Slowly descending, glittering synth slowly descends as the explosive drums and bass send the song into the stratosphere. arpeggios spit out with full notes twirling as open-sounding, slightly nasal synth carries them.

A feeling of regal achievement permeates the main melody in a way that I find uplifting. The panpipes carry the melody which is tinged with something more painful now as the digital sounds in the background wobble. In spite of the triumphant qualities, there's heartache in the melody. Majestic notes sail out above the rounded sounds below, again tinged with hints of mournful emotion. The arpeggios continue to twirl actively as the main melody sings out.

Cosmic sounds float while the panpipes sing the main melody with dreamy emotion. slowly sparkling notes trip through the music as brassy chords flare. A yearning melody comes in above the rocketing drums and bass. Arpeggios add texture as they dance and the track ends on a noble melody and madly spinning synth notes as the drums burst before closing out on twinkling notes.

Rapidly rushing chip arpeggios dance above smoothly pulsating drums and radiant illumination pours from full-sounding synth chords above rich bass to start “Strike Force Omega.” Quick, angular synth cuts in and growling bass flows out. Trumpeting synth sings a triumphant and exciting melody, evoking victorious combat and thrilling adventure.

Drums erupt in dynamic motion as a taut, elevated synth arcs wildly and digital-sounding arpeggios whirl. The flaring lead synth is full of lively motion and gives the impression of interstellar battle while twirling notes reach a fever pitch. Now the track moves into a segment in which brassy synth rushes in shivering lines and a snapping percussive pulse joins rushing drums above oscillating bass.

The main melody flies in again, giving me the sensation of a fleet of spacecraft destroying opposing forces, starlight glinting off of their metallic skins as they rocket off to a new mission. The music flickers and ends on rising, majestic synth and heavily throbbing drums.

“New Gen” begins with the intimidating bass moving below a gleaming, rough-edged synth. Reverent notes swell out with dramatic luminosity as the drums rock it into an active beat above the colossal bass. Actively spinning arpeggios move along with the punching drums and darkly powerful chords that burst in.

The melody leaps out on a piercing synth that speeds through the music in exciting motion. Brightly entangling, digital-sounding notes flash with clean light as the low end prices forward. the rising tides of effulgent synth climb to give a feeling of something new and powerful. I enjoy the sense of soaring energy here.

Now the track drifts through a segment in which smoothly glistening synth floats out with starlit ease. The drum beat slows to half time and gritty synth glitters as it climbs with noble emotion. The main melody flies upwards with resolve before the track comes to an end in an energetic flourish.

Cosmic sounds flow through the music as the static crackle in the background continues to open “Planetarium.” Deep peace fills the luminous background as the main melody shines forth with ancient strength while the drums create a powerful low-end pulse.

Chiming arpeggios twirl with starry light as the bass below glides. I enjoy the melody’s timelessness, spinning out images of the heavens as they turn in constant motion. The low end heartbeat adds shape to the music as the aching, fond melody flows out. Now metallic arpeggios ring in rapid motion as the bass surges with rough strength.

The drums flourish and launch again as the melody sails out, creating imagery of planetary beauty. The drums slow for a moment and explode again as the orchestral synth carries a melody full of wonder and hope. The growling background adds more power before the track ends.

“Lightyears Away” commences as tightly skipping synth forms an even pulse along with sailing notes that flow outward. The main melody is full of yearning emotion. A whistling synth carries a gentle melody with a needy feeling. The main melody enraptures me with its dreaming melancholy.

Digital sounding notes with a wide quality to them shift in the background as the drums and bass punch. There's a flourish of snare drum and creaking bass growls as the caressing melody sings out. A pipe-like synth calls out again, creating feelings of loss and remembrance. The drums and bass drop away now as piano echoes behind glimmering synth carrying a mournful melody.

Flaring notes add profound luminance as the delicate melody unfolds. taught arpeggios at a textural feeling as the bass undulates. The melody becomes more uplifting as the drums begin to accelerate and wide-sounding digital notes cascade. The drums flourish and slicing bass cuts in below the melody capturing something wistful. arpeggios twirl and dance to guide the track to an end.

Brightly cascading synth pierces the deep bass below it to open “True Hero.” A resonant woodwind synth carries a melody embodying tenderness. Massive bass and drums collide as fiery synth bathes the music in a rich glow. An elevated, radiant synth sings out in a hurting melody that is full of nobility.

A glockenspiel shines with fragile light as the drums rebound. Gleaming notes carry a melody that intermingles hope and hurt. In the background, the drums shape the music. Now the track glides into a segment in which delicate notes slowly shift before the huge bass grows again.

The contrasts within this music are ear pleasing to me. The main melody brings out affecting emotion and arpeggios wildly leap before the music closes out on a softer, calmer note.

Conclusion

Fusion Break continues Aeronexus’ run of strong albums that unfurl a tale of action and adventure spread across a starry canvas. With each release, this artist seems to get better and better. I can't wait to hear what auditory magic he'll come up with next.

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.