Taeha - City Lights

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Taeha’s City Lights - The Mini Album combines her city pop sensibilities with a series of ear catching remixes by some of the modern synth music scene’s luminaries. City Lights combines Taeha’s touching vocal performances with a plethora of intriguing and engaging interpretations of her music by other artists which makes it an enjoyable and engaging listening experience.

I've already spoken of my enjoyment for Taeha’s musical style and vocal performances in my reviews of her singles but I want to reiterate that I like the way in which her approach to making synth-pop music keeps it fresh and lively. I enjoy the gentleness and sincerity of her performances.

Each of the remixers on City Lights brings their own unique approach to synth-based music to the fore. Each different artist takes Taeha’s songs in new directions while keeping their essence at the music’s heart. I enjoy the fact that I can hear the different artist’s originality and vision within the remixes on this album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“City Lights” comes to life as luscious bass moves beneath sparkling synth before the snare drum explodes into motion. The main melody is carried on a soft-focus, radiant synth as Taeha's caressing voice echoes through the music. The drums and bass create rapid motion as Taeha captures the affectionate feelings in the lyrics.

Her voice moves unaccompanied now as the main melody flickers to life again with lively joy. Passion fills Taeha's performance as the drums burst into halftime motion. Elevated, scintillating synth gently entangles, and the vocals slip through the music with touching emotion. Fragile motes of synth float past above Taeha's heartfelt performance. The drums and bass continue to shape the music as the synth sings out above them.

Now Taeha's voice is muffled for a moment as the low end drives on. Luminous notes shimmer together and accent Taeha's voice. The main melody has a celebratory feeling to it as it leaps through the song above the suddenly pulsing low end. Elevated notes glimmer, and the drums rush on before the song ends.

Our narrator talks about the sun sinking beside her as "the night is coming up with a little love.” Everything is neon-lit and shadows surround her as “whispers are echoing in the street.” She and the song’s subject are holding each other close in the dark as they “chase the moon and…touch the sky.”

The storyteller can see the spark in the other person's eyes and they’ll “dance the night away underneath the moonlight” as they glow like city lights. She feels right with the song’s subject, adding that it couldn't be the same way without them.

Our narrator is sweetly dreaming about the song's subject. She can feel what they feel at night under the city lights. She says “everywhere we go, it’s all magical” and everything is brilliant as they hold each other tightly.

The storyteller is blinded by the shining city lights. She wants the other person to hold her close through the night “forever here by my side.” She concludes that “every kiss, every breath, every touch, every night I’ll be with you.”

A solid drum and bass groove supports twinkling, elevated synth as “Slow Motion” opens. Taeha's smooth voice carries a melody that bursts with positive energy above the steadily throbbing low end. There's a strong sense of forward progress in the music as it unfolds.

The chorus flies upwards with brightness and uplifting life as the low end grooves on. The horn section adds more illumination as the shimmering synth echoes with more encouraging emotion. Now the funky bass line moves beneath the silky vocals as the hard-hitting drums throb. I enjoy the depth of feeling that Taeha brings to the music as the horns flash.

The guitar quickly flickers in the background and finger snaps move with the slightly twisting synth. There’s a dramatic flourish, and the groove comes back with a vengeance to drive the song forward. Taeha imbues the music with a vivacious feeling before the song comes to an end.

The storyteller says that if she closes her eyes when she's with the other person, “you can see paradise like a butterfly.” She says it's like walking in the air when she's with the other person. She adds that they're blowing her mind.

When they're together, it's like the whole world has stopped for them and they are in slow motion. She says it's as if "just the two of us" seem to be moving, and she wants it that way. She loves the song’s subject by her side and wants them there constantly.

The storyteller talks about everything being focused on the song’s subject. In those moments, “only the faint sound of my breath exists between you and me.” It’s as if they’re in a movie, just the two of them together. When they look into each other's eyes, “time stops.”

“City Lights (Shadowrunner Remix)” starts with echoing sounds drifting out into open space. Flashing chimes ring out as warm chords rise and Taeha's voice is foregrounded with its heartfelt feeling. Rippling arpeggios quickly flicker through the music as the chimes illuminate the music with delicate light.

Shadowrunner’s fragile and tender touch complements Taeha's voice is as the clear arpeggios shimmer. The chimes ring with surrounding luminosity and Taeha's voice wraps through the music. Drums accelerate into rapid motion, and the jumping beat pushes the track forward. I enjoy the easygoing sensation of the placid, twirling arpeggios here..

Taeha's voice floats into the background now as the radiant chimes glow. Smoothly overlapping waves of synth flow for a moment before the heartbeat of the song continues to sail on. There’s a laid-back feeling in the music that suits Taeha’s delivery. Again, shiny notes dance out, and the drums and bass press on. Arpeggios continue to twirl, and silence falls.

Hollow drums thump and quickly flickering notes dance to begin “Slow Motion (Stilz Remix)”. The groove is even stronger in the remix than the original, adding a deeper level of funk to the music. Taeha’s vocals move along with smooth passion, though the male vocals are more prominent in the remix.

The hard-hitting low end gives more shape as the gliding synth in the distance levitates with silken light. I enjoy the disco vibes of the beat as the unctuous synth intertwines. The groove is undeniable in this track as it sits deep in the pocket.

Taeha’s voice remains front and centre again, now floating through with affecting gentleness as brushing sounds tremble in the background. Again, the low end explodes with a funky flow and vocals wind through with intense emotion. The elevated synth floats with laid-back smoothness above the punchy low end before the song ends.

“Dive in Love (Miami Nights 1984 Remix)” commences with a deep piano chord and pounding kick drum. Taeha's voice expands as the muscled piano adds strength, and the vibrant percussion moves the track forward. Now the track launches with a dance floor-filling beat, giving the disco vibes as the slap bass twangs.

In this track, Taeha's voice is in the background while the low end shimmies and grooves with hard-hitting power. This remix emphasizes the dancey qualities in the track, with the drum beat forming a thudding heartbeat along with the entangled bass guitar. Again, Taeha's voice is muffled and floats distantly as the gigantic low end throbs. Lithe synth wriggles through the music in an intertwining flow, glistening with effulgent illumination.

The synth whirls upwards and flies out as a raised, flaring line while the low end presses forward. I enjoy the propulsion inherent in the percussion and bass in this track. The slap bass twangs and Taeha's voice hovers in the distance, adding flavor. The track is definitely a dance floor anthem as it pulsates to a conclusion.

Massively throbbing bass and gigantic drums pound along with a seething synth to kick off “Satellite (WOLFCLUB Remix)”. This remix transforms the original with a much more ominous emotional tenor. The towering lead synth slices with an angular sound as Taeha's voice echoes ethereally.

The low end is ferocious and seething with darkness, while the vocals move with delicate, tenuous emotion. A heavy weight fills the remix with a threatening feeling as Taeha's voice glides in a gossamer flow. I enjoy the contrast of the heavy low end with the lightness of the vocals in this remix.

Elevated, tensely shining notes sparkle as the heavily surging drums and bass press on. The vocals slip past as elevated, twisting synth flickers through the music, and the low end growls and pulsates. The song ends as a nervously shimmering synth fades into silence.

"Taeha & woob <MISLD>" comes into being with quickly rippling notes tumbling and a heavy kick drum punching. The bass hits with a colossal weight, and Taeha's voice moves in the background. Dynamic energy bursts from the track as Taeha's voice climbs above the weighty low end. A synth trips and trickles as chimes flit past, and we move into echoing space as sharp-edged notes wriggle past.

Deeply growling guitar slashes in the background as the vocals float above the hard-hitting low end. I enjoy the snarling power filling the track as it unfolds. String-like, shining notes move past as Taeha's voice cuts in broken pulses. The music’s chopped-up sound adds to the unsettled quality of this segment of the song.

The track drifts into a glide as Taeha's voice caresses the listener's ears. Aquatic sounds move in the distance, and Taeha's voice comes in again, full of expression. Many different textures and sensations are created by the sonic layers here. In the distance, the arpeggios twirl to add more forward motion. The sound of rain falling and traffic rushing by ends the song.

Conclusion

City Lights - The Mini Album takes listeners on an enjoyable journey through Taeha’s energetic and stylish city pop. When one adds in the remixes, each of which creates its own impression of the lead singer’s music, the end result is fun and eminently listenable.

Midnight Driver - Dreamatik

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Midnight Driver’s Dreamatik combines smoothness and ethereality with dynamism and uplifting spirit. It may be classic synthwave in its overall sound but Midnight Driver’s unique approach adds freshness and interest. The inclusion of superb songs along with the textured, ear-catching synth layers creates a compelling and ear catching album.

The first aspect to Dreamatik that draws me in is the combination of guest vocalists and well written songs on the album. There's a level of engagement and image creation within the songs that catches my attention. The lyrics are expressive and emotive while Max Rivers and Lisa Reed are able to capture and convey those lyrics in strong performances.

Another aspect of Dreamatik to which I'm attracted is the particular way in which Midnight Driver approaches sonic layering. He has chosen a wide variety of ear pleasing and unique synth sounds with which he paints imagery. A mingled sense of delicacy and drive permeates the tracks on the album and draws my attention.

I enjoy the way in which a twist is added to classic synthwave tropes on Dreamatik. The approach that Midnight Driver takes to writing music along with the high production values weave together to create a lightness of touch and irrepressible liveliness throughout all of the tracks.

The final thing I will note that I enjoyed about the album was the spirit with which it was imbued. Strong mental images of neon lit, futuristic cities and the desire to drive until dawn fill the music with an enjoyable sensation..

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Pulse Of The Night" comes into being as unctuous bass moves with a delicately pulsating synth and a gently flowing series of twinkling notes. Fragility fills this track as a glistening, higher synth sails effortlessly. Lightly shaping drums and bass move as the main melody mixes tenderness and vigour.

The bass adds a steady heartbeat as flaring notes carry the softly touching melodic pattern. Warm, angular synth interweaves in a flickering pattern that slides through the track with laid-back ease. I enjoy the looseness and flowy nature of the music. A segment slips through in which luscious bass moves below a sailing synth that caresses the ears as it wanders.

Tightly tapping sounds move out above the deep bass and glassy notes undulate. There is a crescendo as the drums move in again, ticking to guide the music forward as the steadily trembling synth shifts. Now the round toned synth entangles a final time before silence falls.

Glimmering notes echo into open space above richly vibrating bass to start "Electric Avenue". Arpeggios flicker and circle as the drums burst above a bass well. Tightly wound notes twist and broadly chiming synth adds effervescence, carrying a celebratory melody.

Whirling synth is matched by heavily throbbing drums and dense bass before full sounding synth sounds descend. A splashing arpeggio spins out and huge drums burst below. I find the continually undulating synth mesmerizing.

Bell-like, breathy notes carry the uplifting and positive melody that trips above the steady low end heartbeat. Arpeggios twirl with trance-inducing feelings before the track glides to an end on the reverberant bells and slowly spinning arpeggios.

"Memories" begins as sharp-edged synth tumbles with active vitality and a shadowy tinge. Max Rivers' gently expressive voice carries a wistful melody as the drums and bass throb. Shining synth flickers in smooth motion as the low end pulses. Max Rivers' voice effectively captures heartfelt emotion as the ethereal melody slides through the music.

A lapping synth moves before richer, more scintillating sounds dance; the deeply emotive melody flows. The melody's delicacy and tenderness is matched by Max Rivers' soothing vocals. The drums throb again as Max Rivers' voice is wrapped by the lithe, glittering synth.

Now the vocals slip past as slowly twirling arpeggios with a calming quality spin, and the drums are up again along with Max Rivers’ vocals full of warm sincerity. The track ends on calming notes, flitting into silence.

The narrator talks about cruising down the street under neon lights. He says “the city’s alive, we're chasing dreams and shooting stars” The radio plays and “the synths are echoing in our hearts " as they’re surrounded by the city's heat on a night that seems to go on forever.

Our storyteller talks about the summer nights under “electric skies” with the song's subject. They’re living in a dream and won't say goodbye to each other. They’re making “memories in the neon glow (and) we are the heroes of this midnight show.”

The palm trees “sway beneath the silver moonlight” as the narrator and the song’s subject are washed by never-ending waves and their spirits are “soaring in flight.” Time stands still for them “in this endless paradise” as he asks the other person to hold him tightly so they can make the moment last.

Our storyteller and the song's subject are called by synths carried on the breeze. They are “lost in rhythm” and their hearts are at ease. They find peace together in the half light during an eternal summer that seems like it will never end.

As the song concludes, the narrator talks about how they'll still be in “this timeless realm” as the dawn breaks. He talks about how “summer synthwave ( will be) forever near” and ends on the words “in our hearts, this night is clear.”

Dreamily descending, shimmering synth moves smoothly to start “Starlight Streets.” Colossal bass rumbles underneath as the hard-hitting drums propel the track forward and trickling sounds drop through.The drums flourish and a creamy, breathy synth carries a melody full of progress and uplift.

Twinkling notes drift downwards as the bass becomes muffled and fades to near silence. Cosmically gliding notes flow as washing arpeggios spin lightly through the music. the drums throb again, adding dynamism as flashing notes continue to fall.

Powerful bass slowly floats and again the main melody sings out with consummate joy as continually lapping arpeggios flit past. The track ends with massive drums fading out into the towering, glowing synths and scudding notes.

“Neon Odyssey” comes into being as gossamer synth delicately drifts like flower petals on the breeze. I am drawn to the silken notes’ wonderful lightness while they float downwards. Solid bass flows below as an airy breeze glides and softly flickering synth slides past in tender motion.

Now, powerful drums punch the track forward as endlessly twirling notes tumble downwards. The bass rumbles far below as glittering synth continues to cascade, and the drums and bass add shape.

Now, delicate synth flickers alone before the huge bass returns to growl underneath. Massive drums come in again to shape the track, and the beaming synth descends in sparkling motes before silence falls.

Gleaming synth leaps with dynamic positivity above interlocking string-like notes to commence “Running in the City Night.” Lisa Reed’s emotive, smooth vocals carry the dreamy melody above rapidly polished notes as the low end adds propulsion. Lambent synth chords support Lisa Reed's gently caressing voice as the drums and bass undulate.

The chorus exudes lustrous radiance as the string-like synth intermingles. Energetically glimmering synth flicks past with a lively feeling. The vocals have a gentle touch, which I find compelling. Now, full-sounding, laid-back sounds drop through the track as the endlessly propulsive low end goes on.

The rapidly blossoming, string-like notes shine below before luminous synth flies with uplifting emotion. The tautly beaming strings are joined by an airy flow before the song ends on Lisa Reed’s expressive voice.

The storyteller is running in the city at night, surrounded by neon lights. She loses herself in the “rhythm of the street” as she feels the city's beat through the pavement. The crowds buzz and cars speed by “underneath the Urban Sky.” All of it echoes off the walls of buildings as her “heartbeat answers city calls.”

Our narrator is always running and never still as she is “chasing dreams up every hill.” She says that they feel alive with the city's pulse as they try to survive the urban chaos.

She adds that the sidewalks are crammed with people and their loud voices as she tries to find her place within the crowd. She talks about “lights that blur, dreams that shine” as her heart is seized by the city night.

The storyteller is lost in the shadows of towering buildings and she can “hear the whispers, hear the call.” She can feel the city breathe and sigh. The song concludes as the storyteller says that “we are sparks we can't deny.”

“Silver Moon” begins with an optimistic synth that bursts with warmth as the drums and bass pulsate and rich chords slip out. An open-sounding arpeggio ripples as the drums continue to shape the music. The arpeggios create a hypnotic quality as they twirl, and a melody that fills me with a sense of boundless hope and gentleness sails through the music.

The arpeggios add texture as they spin, and the drums create a propulsive beat. A medium-high synth with a full-sounding, almost brassy quality flits through the music. The drums and bass pulse with a steady beat, and the string-like synth frolics.

Now arpeggios circle as ethereal sounds drift through the background, and the drums drop away. The bass undulates as trumpeting notes drift out with a flighty melodic pattern into echoing space. The drums flourish, and shining synth unfurls with sunlit joy as the low end keeps on driving the track forward.

Limpid synth flows out in broad waves to commence “Wandering Heart.” Lisa Reed’s ultra-silky voice wraps around my ears as she carries the yearning melody out above the widely floating synth. The percussion is as gentle as the vocals as they reach out with soothing emotion, and the flowing feeling is joined by the drums in their evenly pulsing heartbeat.

Lisa Reed’s voice captures the emotion of this track perfectly. Strength and serenity combine here to good effect. The drums and bass give the music a pulse that is now joined by rounded synth flashing out airily. Quickly flitting notes slip through in a slowly trickling motion.

The waves of synth continue to wash with meditative calm before the refined synth frolics with a light touch. Lisa Reed’s voice carries the lyrics with touching emotion as they unfold. Now a pattering synth wriggles through the music. The song ends with the vocals moving in a slipping motion before the round notes flicker to a conclusion.

Our narrator has found a distant place where "dreams like waves roll and sway” as birds wheel under a sapphire sky. She walks along the cliffs with the wind tousling her hair, feeling carefree as she leaves “footprints in the sand so fine” as she lets her thoughts drift away.

The storyteller’s “wandering heart” has set her free so she can “sail the world across the sea.” She says that at every turning of each different path, there are no regrets left. Brightly glowing stars guide her through the night “with the moon lighting my way till the break of a new day.” She found herself “lost and found in this place unbound.” While colours dance in the light wind, all of her troubles come to an end.

Conclusion

Dreamatik carries me away on an emotive, dynamic journey through intriguingly layered synth landscapes. This is music for late night driving and relaxation.

Walmind - Past and Future

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Walmind’s Past and Future combines fascinating synth tones, timbres and textures with a sense of adventurous energy and melodic beauty. Walmind weaves together all of the musical elements into an engaging and entertaining journey across time and space.

One of the characteristics I enjoy about Walmind’s work on Past and Future is the way in which he mixes and matches different synth colours and textures. Each track unfolds with ear catching auditory combinations and permutations. Walmind carefully chooses each track's sound palette to ensure that it captures the emotions and sensations which he is seeking to create.

I also enjoy the melodic writing on Past and Future. Walmind crafts beautiful and emotionally engaging melodies that reach out and pull me into the album. There are moments of beauty along with darkness and enthusiastic energy that move throughout the music. I am enamoured of the way in which Walmind is able to carry me along on the journey that unfolds across all of the tracks here.

Past and Future has a fresh and lively quality that I find deeply enjoyable. I get the feeling that Walmind was inspired and energized while making this album which comes through in the life and dynamism of the music. His joy at exploring the soundscapes here is palpable and transfers through to me as a listener. I always feel that an artist's passion for their music kindles my own passion to listen to it, which is definitely the case here.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Eclipse of the Soul” comes into being as sharply beaming notes arpeggiate over crushing bass. The low end lends ominous weight as the electric guitar curls into the music above the spinning arpeggios, and a kick drum shapes the music. Walmind’s enigmatic and drifting guitar slips out above whispering voices in the background.

Drums lend the track an even pulse as the guitar cries out with desolate emotion. Bass swells underneath as the arpeggios twirl in cosmic motion and the guitar captures bluesy loneliness. The arpeggios add texture while the drums guide the music, and the guitar solo expresses mysterious emotion. I enjoy the guitar solo’s ghostly quality as it hovers above the cruising drums.

The bass lends expansive space to the track as guitar unfurls with a wandering feeling. Arpeggios continue to spin; the drums softly touch, and voices in the background form an indistinct whisper. The guitar sails onward with a sense of loss as the drums impact the track. The track ends as the guitar falls silent in open space.

Wide-open, gleaming synth smoothly spins through the track as luscious bass rumbles and flashing notes burst to open “Doicus Dreams.” Massive drums collide as the luminous synth glides, and a digital-sounding, illuminating melodic pattern fills it. The glowing melody mingles with the huge drums and solid bass, creating ear-grabbing contrast.

Extended synth chords glisten, and broadly pulsating notes twirl. A medium-high, digital-sounding synth echoes with a relaxing melody imbued with forward progress as the low end beats on. Now, the melody is full of lingering gentleness, while the powerful drums and bass add propulsion.

Wind flows past, and full synth chords shimmer with lush life before the drums add shape again. I am drawn in by the tenderhearted melody as the hard-hitting drums and bass move the track forward. Airy synth slips through again as the digital notes intertwine, and the track comes to an end.

“Journey to Andromeda” comes to life as immense bass flows and brilliant synth chords add luscious illumination. The drums begin to throb as pearlescent notes hover, radiating warmth and embracing radiance. The drums add weight as the bass glides underneath and shapes the music. Glowing chords spill out into the music with caressing luminescence as the drums gently add form and the bass slips past.

The refulgent chords are rich with subtle brightness, and a reverent synth in the distance adds further gentleness. Now the bass glides alone with the full-sounding synth drifting into space as a slowly sweeping sound swells again. The drums return to their easy-going motion as a glittering synth levitates with enfolding brilliance.

Chimes twinkle out as the drums continue to push the track forward. I enjoy the lead synth’s overwhelming sense of peace as it sails out through the music. Worshipful notes add encouragement as the lusciously full chords move past. incandescent notes add crystal lambency, and the track quietly comes to an end.

Ethereal string-like notes entangle above lush bass with cosmic weight to kick off “Ixo.” A heavy kick drum pounds as gliding notes slip out with calming smoothness, gleaming as they carry a melody capturing yearning emotion.

Dense drums and bass move as the easily flowing melody creates a hopeful feeling as it slips out. The lead synth exudes stellar luminosity as rich bass and throbbing drums shape the music. Serene notes mingle feelings of longing and energy.

The drums and bass continue to drive with a steady beat as lithe, glimmering notes float. I find myself physically relaxing while the track unfolds. The music ends on drifting synth notes fading out into space.

“Japan Walker” opens as bell-like synth chords dance together with intense brightness while the drums and bass rebound underneath. The dazzling, lustrous chords dance together to create uplifting energy, tinged with hints of melancholy. The drums and bass are colossal as they move, adding motion and richness, while echoing notes flare out with surrounding light.

I enjoy the main melody’s sadness as it moves above oscillating, slightly broken bass while ghostly notes trail through. Twinkling synth coruscates as the pounding drums and bass add form. The main melody undulates and illuminates the music with a burnished sheen. Wind sweeps through the track as the synth tumbles with flashing luminosity before silence falls.

Restfully trickling, rounded notes flow through above brightly flashing synth and dreamy bass to start “I See The Sun.” Lustrous arpeggios twirl easily as flaring notes glow underneath and the solid drums provide a heartbeat. Bending, caressing synth carries a melody full of uplift and hopeful joy above the guiding drums and bass.

In the background, a full-toned synth actively dances and the track returns to the calmly flowing notes that ripple past. The drums and bass are punctuated by a leaping synth that adds greater luminosity. Tightly spinning notes intermingle and a meditative melody full of laid-back emotion sings out.

I enjoy the interlude provided by this track as it contrasts with some other tracks' more intense emotions. Drums and bass throb as the main melody carries feelings of summer relaxation through the music. The arpeggios continue to intertwine and flicker out as the low end adds form before the track comes to an end.

“The Color Of Love” begins with a percussion burst and smoothly floating synth spreading out like ripples on a pond. The deliciously warm synth trickles like melted chocolate above the bursting drums and bass. A gleaming synth carries the fond main melody.

A hi-hat keeps time as an entangling synth descends with softly touching feelings. The main melody shines, drawing me into a state of quiet relaxation which leeches my stress away. Rounded notes descend and calming synth shimmers with summer warmth.

The main melody dances again, imbued with loving emotion. Lissome notes in the distance tumble down and the bass adds weight as the song ends on the soothing melody.

Smoothly cutting synth notes flow together in rebounding motion as ethereal sounds swirl together to commence “Past And Future.” The drums and bass push forward in a steady heartbeat and sharp edged synth slices in sweeping motion.

The broadly intertwining synth vibrates outwards as elevated arpeggios spill out delicate illumination. The drums and bass continue to throb with guiding energy as rising, gruff notes climb and raised sounds flit past. Trembling synth moves with a rough edged sound before peaceful chords plane out.

Underneath it all, the drums and bass press the music forward as xylophone-like notes flare. I am enamoured of the way in which gentler and more energetic sounds mix here. A broadly tremulous synth flashes outwards, fading away as the percussion falls silent.

Conclusion

Past and Future is a charming auditory exploration that tells many stories as it unfolds. I find that each time I go back and listen to the tracks, Walmind reveals new facets of his musical creativity and passion. The end result is an album to which I have quite enjoyed listening.

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