NIKK FAIL - End Of The Line

Review by Atomic Robo-Kid | Album Art by Nikk Fail with Assistance of Midjourney AI

Nikk Fail, a relative newcomer to the scene has released his second offering to the world of Dark Synth, 'End of the Line'. The EP is a riveting dive into the artist's complex sonic landscape, blending horror referencing lyricism with an eclectic mix of genres. Across its six tracks, 'End of the Line' showcases Nikk Fail's ability to traverse different moods and sound design whilst maintaining cohesive links to a Dark Synth ethos and a homage to the sounds of 70s and 80s Horror and Sci-fi movies.

'Bugstompers' kicks off 'End of the Line' and sets us up perfectly for the dark ride of the rest of the EP. Analog like bass booms forward, creating an darkened environment. But, glimpses of melodic light interweave through in the sound of high toned bleeps n bloops creating an equally engaging and interesting Sci-fi edge. With unconventional rhythms and atmospheric composition, this track serves well as a concise introduction to the experimental side of Fail's music.

A classic rock style drum sequencing is at the forefront of the introduction to 'End of the Line' (feat. Eleonora Ferrari). Eleonora's vocals melts through the percussion with an amazing voice and melancholic lyrics that builds a bittersweet emotion that brings an end of the world doom feel. There's an impressive range in Eleonora's voice, sometimes angelic, albeit with a sense of menace, and sometimes face melting aggression and all executed effortlessly. Blood has been spilt in Sacrifice for a greater good, aggression grips this track and the story of pain is executed well!

'Living Dead Lights' begins with a pulsating bass, echoes of synth and a creepy melody. All of which creates an interesting uneasiness and intense intrigue. This suits the emotion of the track that manifests a horror atmosphere, taking the listener back in time to the spooky horror greats of the 70's and 80's. It's a dark low tempo track that paints a sonic picture of mystery and darkness.

'Anakin Rampage (The ballad of Vader)', has a very cool retro gaming vibe. This is boss fight, reminding me of some of the video games from back in the day, and you better be ready to take on Vader himself! Inkeeping with the dark theme of this EP, we also hear some nice instrumental changes that work nicely in switching up the pace allowing for a progressive uptempo composition. Synth pads create the atmosphere whilst the electric bass and drum beat propels the action rapidly forward.

'Troma Boy' (feat. BelvaSXE, William Baxter). The track opens with a sequence of rasping bass and punk / metal drums which immediately sets an intense tone of horror. This track is a cool stand out and I particularly like the punk / metal crossover with layers of Horror and even an occasional funky groove! An ambitious mix that seems to just work. Assisted by some amazing guitar work, presented at times as gloriously sinister metal wave that will 'fill your darkest void'. Powerful screamo-esque vocals ensue as the track progresses and the slaughter continues.

Commuting Paradise (feat. Giulia Finazzi, William Baxter) serves as a fitting conclusion to the EP. It's a slow-burning industrial rock track that sways into and out of a very catchy chorus. Again we experience the awesome skills of William Baxter on guitar and are introduced to yet another guest artist, Guilia Finazzi. Guilia does a very fine job on vocals with an emotive delivery backed by a lush orchestration, making for a captivating finale. The guitar riffs and synth lines weave together seamlessly, creating a dynamic soundscape.

Overall Impression:

'End of the Line' is a testament to Nikk Fail's artistic growth and versatility. The EP's production is meticulously crafted, with each track offering something unique and different from each other, whilst contributing to the same darkened narrative. In fact I would say that ability to blend different genres and moods into a coherent and compelling body of work is truly impressive.

The bass lines across the tracks are not merely supportive but add a layer of depth, creating a rich, full-bodied sound that envelops the listener. The collaborative work is spot on and the guest artists build impressively on the foundation of Fail's composition and production. For me, 'End of the Line' and 'Troma Boy' are when this EP is at it's best providing a raw power both musically and vocally. The lyrics and vocal performances carry an emotional weight that complements the dynamics of the instrumentation whilst maintaining a retro horror theme. Lovely stuff!

Whilst, I feel the occasionally experimental sound design may not always be to everyone’s taste. I know Nikk Fail's 'End of the Line' will provide a thought provoking listen for fans of a wide range of genres including: Darkwave, Darksynth, Metal Wave and Rock. So, more a less everyone with a half decent taste in Dark Electronic Music! Head over and listen for yourselves.

For more Nikk Fail, visit https://nikkfail.bandcamp.com/album/end-of-the-line

Geovarius - Sunset Dreams

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Geovarius’ Sunset Dreams is synth rock made with style, heart, and soul. I enjoy the ear-pleasing interactions between richly layered synths, hard-charging guitar, and powerfully supportive drums and bass. When one adds the strong melodies that fill the album along with Geovarius’s clear passion for the music, Sunset Dreams becomes a deeply engaging listening experience as it unfolds.

One of the aspects of Sunset Dreams which truly stands out for me is the intricacy and careful thought that went into the musical layering that permeates the album. There are a multiplicity of fascinating auditory interactions that occur as the different synth tones and textures are combined. Geovarius paints clear mental imagery by the way in which he carefully selects and mixes all of the different sonic elements.

I also enjoy Geovarius’ guitar work on Sunset Dreams. His playing has huge energy and creates a sense of muscular motion. His selection of guitar sounds also adds to the overall quality of his performances. I'm compelled by the hard-rocking energy that the guitar exudes as it leaps out through the tracks. The way in which it can thunder or intricately interweave adds to the overall strength of the music.

The melodies which Geovarius composed for Sunset Dreams are an integral part of this album's success. I am a lover of well-written melodies that can tell a tale, and this music is full of them. There's heart-touching emotional engagement within the melodic writing along with tales of journeying and adventure. As a result, I find myself carried along by the different stories encapsulated in each track of this album.

I want to mention the role that percussion and bass played on this album. I found the dynamic energy that burst from the low end of the tracks gave the music motion and depth. The rhythms on this album keep me excited and listening for what might happen next.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Out Of This World” comes into being as glistening notes tumble through the music and a twinkling flow. Bass throbs rapidly in a charging pulse as the chimes keep flitting. Geovarius’ guitar explodes in a triumphant surge, growling chords moving through the music as iridescent notes cascade. The drums and bass propel the music as sweeping sounds flow.

A guitar growls behind a string-like synth that fills the track with radiant light as the drums add shape. The guitar supports the starry chimes as they descend through the music. Now broadly oscillating, medium-high synth dances in rapid motion to add further energy to the music. Undulating bass supports the main melody, carrying through the music with victorious energy. I feel my soul lift as the melody calls out through the music, inspiring feelings of hope and possibility.

A wide-sounding synth leaps exuberantly above the snarling guitar and charging drums. The entire track exudes exquisite energy as the triumphant melody flies out. I feel the mundane world fall away as the main melody raises me up. Piano-like notes arpeggiate quickly as the melody soars, reaching for the stars. The drums shape the track as the bass moves onwards. Glimmering notes drift past as ethereal sounds flow around them as the guitar cuts again. A solo carried on a medium low, round-sounding synth carries more feelings of joy and uplift as it unfolds with intricate vibrancy before the track ends.

Orchestral synth chords swell into the music with dramatic power, a pipe organ moving beneath them to create even more majesty as "Rising Up" opens. Now bass throbs underneath fragile chimes flashing out in twirling arpeggios. The drums batter onwards rapidly as the main melody climbs above them with noble strength.

The melody’s classical elegance bears me high above the broken world on shining wings. The drums become a rapid charge as the melody twirls with abandon, reaching upward with hopeful energy. Minor key notes have a shadowy tinge that tempers the main melody’s optimistic qualities. The low end’s a snarling rush and the melody speaks of a journey through difficulty towards victory.

I enjoy the contrast between the hard-hitting low end of the aspiring melody as it flies above the other music elements. Geovarius’ guitar is a gigantic force, supporting the arcing melody as it fills me with a sense of progress. The guitar solo continues the uplifting, but still melancholy feeling of the main melody.

Now a brilliant synth provides even more luminosity while the battering low end rushes forward. Quickly intertwining, speeding synth creates a glowing feeling before the main melody comes in again, guiding the track to an end with eyes turned toward the sky.

"Midnight City" starts off as gigantic bass undulates along with hugely bursting drums, while a luminous synth carries a melody exploding with powerful nobility and adventurous emotion. A gruffly sonorous synth takes up the melody, adding longing as the low end shapes the track. The drums and bass undulate as the lambent main melody flows out with graceful power.

Deeply reverberant, medium-low synth adds another moment of melancholy and tranquility above the low end’s unstoppable tide. The drums and bass move alone for a moment before elevated, shimmering synth trembles rapidly and ghostly notes trail in the distance. The percussion adds form underneath the lustrous tide before the main melody slips in again.

Imagery of a futuristic city glowing with neon opens around me as the track unfolds. The surrounding synth adds rich layers, carrying a melody full of yearning and a pervasive ache. Steady, mingled drums and bass move the track forward as a brilliantly shining synth shivers above the massive low end. The track ends on a climbing, radiant synth with a dreaming feeling.

The sound of a jet taking off is joined by fierce guitar lacerating the track to commence “Danger Zone.” Geovarius’ guitar is full of raging energy as aggressively pulsating bass is joined by battering drums to create a charging tide. The hard-rocking guitar snarls and slashes into the music before a massive, gleaming synth climbs, carrying a melody that speaks of freedom and unbridled motion.

I am drawn in by the feelings of airy life that pour from the main synth. A full-toned synth with a luscious quality sings an ardent melody above the hard-charging drums, bass, and guitar as flickering notes dance out around it. The main melody exudes coruscating energy as it unfurls above the growling low end.

The guitar surges in ferocious motion as the drums batter and the sound of a jet engine moves through. The guitar spins out intricately in a solo exuding freedom and excitement. A resonant synth adds more depth as the drums explode. The main melody flies out with thrilling vitality above the continually driving low end.

"Another Dimension" kicks off as piercing chimes flicker in a delicate filigree above a sweeping wind passing through the track. The chimes glitter as rounded, reverent notes swell below them, and colossal bass oscillates smoothly. A burnished synth with creamy tones carries a melody that paints an image of travel across vast and unfathomable distances towards a completely different reality.

The deep, solid lead synth sings the melody full of a journeying feeling out over the drums and bass. The main melody gleams like crystal as it calls out while wind slides past and the low end pushes the music forward. I enjoy the way in which this song creates powerful imagery, unfolding in a cosmic tapestry. Arpeggiating, sparkling notes flit as the lead synth carries the noble melody.

Now the bass oscillates along with rapidly shimmering chimes as the track flows. The drums come in again as worshipful synth chords fill the music with an effulgent glow. Now a full-sounding, rippling synth dances past in intertwining motion, reaching for the stars. An undeniable sense of progress fills the wildly leaping synth solo before the track ends on a dynamic sense of adventure as the majestic lead synth flares.

Broadly floating synth tumbles quickly as an angular sound cuts in to start “Future Waves.” Rough-edged bass pulses massively as gently entangling notes glide out with a soothing but slightly dark feeling. The drums and bass batter at a rapid speed as the arpeggiating synth spins out with dramatic intention.

Geovarius’ guitar lacerates the music with massive energy and staggering power as it unfolds above the rocketing low end. Now a medium-high, luscious synth carries a galloping melody out over the pounding low end. The guitar cuts in again with angry energy, tearing into the track to add more ferocity as the arpeggios add texture.

I find the way in which the main melody weaves images of grand tales told across a galactic canvas deeply pleasing. The track drifts into a more meditative section in which peaceful, shaded synth drifts past and the drums become gentler. Once again, the beat begins to accelerate, the drums

The synth swirls and climbs with full-sounding, slightly distorted motion, and minor key notes spin out in a repetitive pattern. Aggressive strength bursts from every musical element of this song as it rushes on to a crescendo before coming to an end.

Conclusion

Sunset Dreams carries me through imaginative landscapes woven by richly interlinked sonic layers and melodies that take hold of me and transport me to other worlds and emotional states. Geovarius skillfully uses his musical abilities to lift me away from the mundane world on this album.

My Favourite Albums Of 2024…So Far

by Karl Magi

Introduction

Here's a roundup of my favourite albums from the last half year’s reviews. As usual, my reviews yielded an embarrassment of riches but I had to choose the music that most affected me. It was a hard choice and I just want to say that every album I've reviewed has been an enjoyable listening experience But these albums particularly drew me in.

Caspro - Coastal Edge

Coastal Edge painted oceanic imagery through lush, layered synth. I was drawn to its azure tranquility, tidal strength, and sun-dappled sheen. I also appreciated the musical contributions of the guest artists on the album as they wove an auditory tapestry that expressed all of the gradations of aquatic mood and experience.

Caspro impressed me with a confluence of compositional talent, synth selection, and auditory layering. He effortlessly painted images of sun-flooded beaches and sapphire water that carried me away on a meditative current.

I appreciated the depth and complexity that the artist and his guests brought with their well-considered synth layering. They created textural, timbral, and harmonic richness, skillfully interweaving sounds into an ear-pleasing whole.

The melodies on the album drew me in with their beauty and emotive power. I appreciated the nuanced melodic writing and his ability to transport the listener with atmospheric moments and intense elegance.

Hill Valley Hero - Electric Outlands

Electric Outlands took listeners on a cinematic journey through luxuriant synthscapes on a grand adventure, full of action and drama. It combined well-crafted melodies, intricately layered sounds, and talented guests.

Hill Valley Hero told a story through auditory imagery. A tangible sense of opening horizons and adventure filled the music. The album wove together ear-catching, layered synth elements to create compelling filmic landscapes.

The melodies were well-written and drew me in with their beauty. There was an expressive core to the melodies that created a cinematic impression in my mind's eye.

Hill Valley Hero evokes emotion and paints vivid pictures through layered musical elements. I also credit the superb guest performances on the album which contributed to the music’s multifarious nature.

At 1980 - Forget To Remember

Forget To Remember was retrowave with true heart and soul. It captured ‘80s music's earnestness while avoiding clichés. A combination of musicianship, superb vocal performances, and heartfelt emotion made the album stand out.

All of the musicians and singers on Forget to Remember brought high-caliber performances. Josh Daily's deeply felt vocals and intricate guitar, along with Adrián Quesada Michelena’s lushly layered production, were joined by superb contributions from Shadowrunner, Dana Jean Phoenix, Syst3m Glitch, and Camille Gl​é​met.

I felt the music’s depth of commitment to exploring intense emotional states. All of the vocalists were able to capture the different moods and states of mind in the songs and increased their emotional impact. Each different singer created a fresh sound.

Each song's melody allowed the album to beautifully encapsulate feelings and transmit them to the listener. It’s uncommon to find music that cuts right to the heart of things in the way that this album did.

Cat Temper - Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur

Nineteen Eighty​-​Fur brought together a plethora of unique synth textures and colours that mingled in fascinating ways. His individual sonic style along with his compelling compositions made this an album worth replaying.

Cat Temper mixed different synth sounds in an exuberant, inventive way which imbued the music with fresh vitality. Cat Temper created luscious synth layers reminiscent of the way in which a painter's brush strokes become a cohesive whole.

Cat Temper wrote melodies that got inside my mind as they effectively moved between emotional states to create a self-contained world. I enjoyed the music’s richness and complexity.

I'd also like to acknowledge the playful quality in Cat Temper’s music. His joy and inventiveness poured out of every note he wrote. All of the pleasure that he took in his music infused me as I listened.

Full Eclipse - In Place Of Power

In Place Of Power featured intriguing songwriting supported by a unique vocal delivery and a musical backing that had richness, complexity, and depth to it. The album delved into a broad span of human experience that drew listeners into its journey.

I was stimulated by Full Eclipse’s lyrics as they dissected the dichotomies between competing emotions. He didn't shy away from exploring challenging topics, but did so in an engaging way. Full Eclipse’s resonant and expressive voice captured the lyrics’ complex emotions and delivered them in an irresistible way..

All of the musical elements subtly emphasized each song's atmosphere. No one part took over or was obscured and the sonic choices were superb. Michael W. Stuart’s sax work on the album drove home the music’s emotional nature.

JESSY MACH - Asphalt Reapers

Asphalt Reapers created a powerful atmosphere of tension, darkness, and defiant hope. Gripping emotional engagement filled the album as he showcased his intense guitar skill while layering synth sounds to create richly detailed soundscapes.

Jesse Mach painted a picture of a broken, crime-infested city and a man intent on pushing back the darkness on Asphalt Reapers. The album’s various musical components drew me into the story and that cinematic quality was deeply enjoyable.

Jesse Mach filled his guitar with so much emotional intensity on Asphalt Reapers. He can shred with the best, but he adds a layer of expression that takes the music deeper. He created detail, emotion, and ear-grabbing contrasts with intricate sonic layering to engage me even more with this music. Each time I listened to it, I gained new appreciation for the album.

Electron Odyssey - Citizen Generator

Citizen Generator was characterized by beautifully layered synth colours, tones, and timbres and Electron Odyssey’s guitar. Engaging melodies, thought-provoking ideas, and sophistication permeated every element.

My ears were kept constantly intrigued by the ways in which all of the different synth tones, timbres, and textures were combined by Electron Odyssey. The luscious layers kept drawing me back for another fascinating auditory exploration.

Electron Odyssey’s guitar skills were demonstrated so well on Citizen Generator. His playing was fluid and I enjoyed the way in which the guitar solos accentuated the synth palette, adding another rich layer to the auditory tapestry.

Electron Odyssey made me think while I enjoyed the listening experience. The song “Technology” was a summation of his thematic approach as it mingled addictive musical qualities while questioning humanity's relationship to technology.

Andromeda Dreams - Hyperion

Hyperion was a complex musical space exploration. The album wove an atmosphere of cosmic mystery, creating an intoxicating listening experience that evoked emotion through instrumental expression.

Like a work of orchestral music, the different tone colours and sonic textures became a harmonious whole. I found the nuance, expression, and beauty within the different musical layers deeply enjoyable.

Andromeda Dreams’ skill for writing melodies that were emotionally connected and expressive was deeply evocative. He conveyed varied states of mind and feelings within one melody.

Andromeda Dreams did a superb job of capturing the feeling of a space journey. The way in which he conjured up imagery held my attention as it unfolded. I found myself carried away by the journey on which I was being taken.

Hotel Pools - Nature

Nature was a skillfully crafted, ambient synth voyage through tranquil soundscapes and meditative moments. A quiet beauty permeated each sonic element, carrying the listener through moods of deep peace. I imagined laying in the grass as a summer breeze caressed me.

Hotel Pools wove together varied synth sounds to generate calm and relaxation, as soothing emotions mingled with nostalgia for summers past and hints of melancholy. Each track was interwoven into the others to paint luscious imagery.

Nature kept me engaged with fascinating auditory interactions embodied in each track. Hotel Pools lavished care and attention on the music in a gorgeous musical exploration of the natural world’s tender side.

Aeronexus - Fusion Break

Fusion Break was a synthesized journey through galactic high adventure and compelling emotion. Aeronexus has tremendous ability when it comes to telling stories and sound. I enjoyed the galvanizing musical moments that filled Fusion Break as the album progressed.

Aeronexus combined a beautifully woven synth palette with composition that was lively and engaging as it drew images of adventure and danger across the vast breadth of space.

Aeronexus didn't hold back with his combination of propulsive drums, towering bass and madly dancing synths. The end result was music that took hold of me and launched me into hyperspace in one powerful leap.

Aeronexus created melodies that effectively captured emotion. Whether it was soaring triumph or pained tragedy, the artist was able to write melodies that conveyed those feelings right into my heart.

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.