Coleurs - Everything's Temporary

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Coleurs’ Everything's Temporary drifts through dreaming soundscapes, full of longing and ache, but still tinged by hopeful moments. Coleurs captures the deep emotional content of his lyrics with a vocal performance that is full of delicacy and pain. The album’s atmosphere is luminous and fragile, contrasted by the powerful percussion and luscious bass. I am transported on a sonic journey as Everything’s Temporary unfolds.

Coleurs’ vocals are at the heart of Everything's Temporary. His voice is tender and full of heartstring tugging emotion with its ethereal qualities. I find that his manner of expressing his lyrics drives them home with gentle, but intense feeling. his voice can capture heartbreak and desolation in a way that is difficult to ignore. I think Coleurs’ vocals are the perfect compliment to this album's mood.

The songwriting on Everything's Temporary possesses expressive power. The lyrics push right into the heart of pain and wistful longing with clarity. The way in which Coleurs and his guest’s words lay bare raw emotion touches me and affects me strongly. I find that being drawn into the album’s feelings and expression brings me closer to the album’s mood and tenor.

As for Everything's Temporary’s atmosphere, the way in which Coleurs utilizes synth tones, timbres and textures increases the emotional impact created by the vocals and the lyrics. There is fragile beauty within the synth parts, punctuated by powerful bass and guiding percussion. The melodic writing on the album is also beautiful and the synth sounds chosen Coleurs match each song's melodic content.

I also want to acknowledge the guest artists (Joslynn Cortes, Parallels and Observer Drift) who contributed to the album. They each brought their own unique skills and sensibilities to bear while allowing Coleurs’ unique expression to shine. The balance they found is deeply pleasing.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Away” comes into life as luscious bass growls below sparkling notes that shimmer with delicate light. There's a peaceful flow as distant, soft-edged synth floats while the bass moves with tidal weight. Tranquility fills the higher notes as they swirl before beaming synth planes out in sharp-edged lines that expand above the delicately shifting low end.

Flickering notes are joined by a flourishing snare drum but cut in and fade as the bass washes. Now a labment arpeggio quarrels dynamically above the pounding kick drum, and the snare drum flourishes again.

Ragged edged, glistening chords leap out with an energizing force in a way I find thrilling as the exciting kick drum continues to pound. The twirling arpeggio imbues the music with motion as the rising notes add brilliant light, and the drums accelerate before silence falls.

Warmly glimmering synth moves in steady waves as bright notes add further illumination to open "Closer." The bass and kick drum throb as Joslynn Cortes’ voice carries hope and strength while the low end throbs and a ticking percussive sound adds more shape.

The bass rumbles as far away, flashing synth spins. Joslynn Cortes’ voice jumps into the chorus with lively joy and surrounding warmth as the drums and bass kick in. There's a throbbing heartbeat to the low end as the vocals call out with heartfelt emotion. Glowing synth carries a serene melodic pattern as the drums thump.

Now the track drives forward with conviction and motion. I enjoy the depth of feeling within Joslynn Cortes’ performance as the drumbeat trembles and gentle notes twirl. The vocals capture the emotion within the lyrics as a shimmering synth moves with the beat. The song ends on the shuddering drums and emotive vocals.

The storyteller sees the song’s subject from across the room, staring at her, and she says, "Your smile resonates within." They begin moving closer to one another, little by little. There's something she has to confess: "I just want to dance with you, just a little bit closer." She asks the song’s subject to run away with her, "where no one else can see, in a kaleidoscope of colour."

"This Life" starts off with gently drifting synths as soothing bass drops in below, washing over waves. The solidly pounding kick drum is joined by luminous synths that carry a caressing and expressive melody. Coleurs' airy, fragile voice carries the dreamy melody as the drums and bass heartbeat continue.

The chorus is delicate and hopeful, with medium-high synths adding solid support while twinkling notes shimmer. The track glides as the affectionately touching vocals move above the driving low end. I am drawn to the deep feeling within Coleurs' voice as he delivers the lyrics. Now, deep bass pulses and climbs as chimes glimmer, and the drumbeat adds a guiding feeling.

Medium-high, round-toned synths carry a warm-sounding pattern as the lead singer offers his hand to the song's subject. The big drums rebound, and Coleurs enfolds me in his softly emotive voice. The chorus flows out as the chiming notes glitter and the lower synth intertwines before the song comes to an end.

The narrator has found a new path to take by himself, but he says, "I'd rather not go it alone." He tells the song subject that they only have this life and "you got to find your way." He tells the other person to stay close, that he'll keep them safe, and "I'm not going away."

Our storyteller says that now that he's returned to his journey, "my life feels like it is turning; I'm drifting far away." All he can hear the song subject asking him is, "Why won't you just come back to me?" He says it isn't too late and that they can go back. He concludes, "I'll be right here; got a lot to learn."

Calming bass waves ripple as a distant circling synth and pounding drums swell to full strength to open "Lonely Night." Coleurs' ethereal voice hovers above the music with mournful, hopeful emotion as the drums and bass vibrate, and wide-sounding, gleaming synth moves with a throbbing beat above the massive bass.

Gossamer notes extend in long lines as the lead singer's vocals reach out with tremulous gentleness. Coleurs' voice touches my soul with its emotional power. Shining synth fills the music with radiance, softly intertwining as the drums and bass maintain their smooth heartbeat. Full-sounding synth intertwines as chiming notes flicker lightly and the low end motion continues.

Delicate, glistening notes carry a diaphanous, lightly touching melodic line. String-like synth reverberates into openness as the tidal bass glides. Sharper notes move along with angular sounds as the string-like synth twinkles. The drums rebound as the softly entangled, glinting synth mingles with Coleurs' heartfelt expression, illuminating all of the musical elements. The track ends with tenderness and a trembling touch.

The narrator has found his place but asks, "Is it too late?" He wonders if he can change the song subject's mind and says, "I know it's gonna take some time."

Our storyteller falls victim to the song subject. He finds himself on "another lonely night" and wants to make things right. He wonders, "Why can't I get you out of my mind?” Now he says, "It's been too long since we spoke," and he finds himself there all alone.

"Solace" begins with slowly turning, sweeping arpeggios and lush bass that begins to pulsate steadily below the galactically spinning arpeggios. A swelling, surrounding synth expands as ringing notes resonate with delicacy, and the colossal bass adds solidity and weight.

Bell-like notes tremble with tenderness as the arpeggios and bass create motion. Glittering notes flash with gem-like luminosity above the continually revolving arpeggios and bass depths. I pause and breathe, held within the music, as the arpeggios spin alone into silence.

Lustrous, floating synth glides with a gauzy flow before huge bass rumbles in to open "Empty." Gently lambent chimes shift above the massive bass, and the rebounding drums pound as Coleurs' voice flows through the music with soft expression.

The vocal melody radiates pain as the drums throb in an echoing pulse while the scintillating synth traces through the music. The underpinnings add shape to the music, the gigantic bass providing a rich background. Coleurs' vocals reach out with affecting emotion in a way that draws me in.

Now, the hovering notes trickle through the music with a light touch, and the bass fills the low end. The vocals are trembling with loss and longing as the flaring notes add diffuse illumination while the drums and bass throb. Coleurs' vocals are full of regret and yearning as elevated, sweeping notes shine with luscious light before the song ends.

Our storyteller feels empty as he lays on the grass, "watchin’ all the time pass." He says he doesn't want to give up and has to try to keep living. He adds that there isn't much left for him to do because "I played the game; you played it too." He says that they just keep running on empty.

The narrator points out that he watched the world change in front of his eyes. He says, "I feel like a slave to this economy." He adds that he hasn't got a car, so if he tries to leave, he won't get very far; they just keep running on empty. He concludes, "We’ll wash our lives away; we’ll watch our lives fade away."

"Growth" comes into being as bass vibrates underneath swelling, luminous synth notes. Broadly gleaming, slightly gruff synth chords shine as the background grows in power. The ringing notes are joined by quickly spinning piano-like arpeggios as string-like notes intertwine. The drums and bass drive forward with twirling synth, and Observer Drift carries the wistful melody in his expressive voice.

The lead singer mingles his own voice with Observer Drift’s, creating a layered harmony that I find ear-pleasing. The drums and bass press forward as shimmering arpeggios spin, and Observer Drift's vocals deepen the song’s emotional strength.

Gigantic bass swells as sharp-edged, crystalline synth contributes a sheen, while the full-sounding, glittering notes carry a melody that is hope-tinged, despite the empty feeling within the lyrics. Guitar rings out with a majestic and touching melody before the track ends.

The narrator says, "I need closure like I need air," but he can't find it anywhere. He notes, "There's a heavy fog still in my mind," and asks how he can rewind the experience.

Our storyteller asks to have everything he's got taken from him so that "there's nothing left to make this last." He needs his heart to let go of the song subject so that he can "face the pain to see the growth."

Life continues for the narrator, but it's a struggle. He says that he plays "your stories when I close my eyes." As he sits there, he runs back through his memories yet another time. He concludes that he needs his heart to let the other person go.

Brightly glittering chimes intertwine above slowly shifting bass to begin "Everything's Temporary." The chimes ripple as Coleurs' trembling vocals delicately carry a meditative melody, tinged with sadness. The sparkling synth washes over sunlit motes dancing as the bass moves below.

I enjoy the thoughtful, dreamy element of this track, emphasized by Coleurs' vulnerable vocals. The chorus adds an element of brightness and starry light, with the melody becoming more uplifting. Coleurs' voice trails through the music with deeply affecting emotion as string-like notes carry a slightly hurting melody.

The entangling notes ring out with vibrant illumination to support Coleurs' heartstring-tugging vocals above the steadily pulsing drums and bass. The percussion drops away as the guitar and the chimes create flickering light, and Coleurs' voice returns in his expressive tones.

Guitar notes move slowly and with soothing energy as the drums and bass add shape. The guitar cries out in a solo full of mournful emotion as the vocals convey the emotional sense within the lyrics. The track ends on a crying guitar and elevated notes calling out into silence.

Our storyteller says that "time's a tickin' clock" that moves on like a thought. He says as we age, our "hearts grow colder." He can see the end coming and feel "the disconnect." As the days pass by, he tries to make things last, but "everything's temporary."

The narrator only knows that he has to let go of things as "life drifts away." He adds that his material possessions tend to fade. He speaks of days passing that he tries to make last, but he adds that everything is still temporary. He says that he is "here all alone, nowhere to go," and asks what will become of him.

Now our storyteller says that his time has run out and he thought he’d be enough. He concludes that everything he knows is just a memory of which he has to let go.

Conclusion

Everything's Temporary carries listeners on an emotional exploration that is musically entrancing and full of expression. It's an album that I find moving and deeply relatable.

Arkavoid - A New Era

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Arkavoid’s A New Era carries listeners on a journey from death to victory through the eyes of a sophisticated android named Rebecca W-26 as she struggles against the corporation by which she was created. Arkavoid layers together intriguing synth sounds to build imagery and emotion. The way in which seething darkness mixes with growing triumph adds to the narrative aspects of this album. I enjoy the sonic adventure upon which I am taken by *A New Era.

One aspect of A New Era that initially drew me in was the atmospheric nature of Arkavoid’s musical creation. He skillfully weaves together varied synth sounds and textures to paint images that are vivid and engaging. The album is filled with pervasive shadows through which moments of melancholy or triumph shine. The artist has used his musical palette to tell the story he lays out for the album in tone, texture, and timbre.

Another element ofA New Era that I enjoyed was the richly built-up auditory layers. Arkavoid carefully considered all the different musical elements required to tell the tale of Rebecca W-26 and the Arkavoid Corporation. The result is music that has depth, emotional impact, and energy. There are always intriguing auditory moments as the different synth sounds interact, adding richness to the music.

The idea of contrast also attracts me to A New Era. Arkavoid has the ability to create strongly contrasting effects within his music. For instance, he can weave together threatening darkness with mournful emotion in a way that further drives home the album's story. I like the way in which all of these sonic explorations keep me engaged with the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Under the Sleeping Sun" begins as ringing, droning notes join the sound of rain and ravens calling. The steady drone has an ominous touch as brassy synth tumbles through the music with portentous tension, flashing out above the sounds of the carrion birds. I enjoy this track’s powerful atmosphere as it unfolds.

A harsh threat fills the blaring notes that add blinding light as a dynamic pulse moves in. Tightly woven arpeggios distantly twirl as the trumpeting notes ring out with more propulsive liveliness. The music grows stronger as trumpet-like notes fill it, and the distant arpeggio slowly spins. Now, a mad laugh calls out, and silence falls.

Gigantic, echoing bass moves along with nervous, elevated synth that sparkles with soft light to start "Alive". An agitated low-end rush is joined by fragile chimes descending above the pounding kick drum as the maelstrom of notes cascades.

The drums flourish, and the dynamic beat charges forward as triumphant, shadowy notes climb with unstoppable energy above the seething low end that roils below. The tumbling notes move beneath the worried, tension-filled lead synth melody that chimes out above the explosive low end.

I am pulled in by the powerful, mournful guitar that fills the music with melancholy pain, while still bringing energy. Now luminous synth jumps through the music as electric bass snarls and the drums explode forward again.

The lead synth adds motion and pain as it gleams, and the relentless drums and bass shove the track forward. The main melody unfurls with worried radiance as the drums fade away into dark rumbles while the arpeggios agitate.

"Free Hands" commences as massive drums rebound and an angularly tumbling synth wriggles through the music. Majestic, trumpeting notes rise in the distance to create an elegiac feeling as a panpipe-like synth calls out in extended, mournful notes. The drums continue to pulsate as the drifting, fluting synth planes out with pained emotion.

A taut synth pulses evenly as the big drums explode. A digital-sounding, medium-high synth melody adds more tension while the wobbling pan pipes have a deep, unsettling quality to them. I find this track’s drama quite compelling. Haunted, high notes shiver with spectral fear as a dramatically driving series of synth chords tremble, adding nervous energy. The colossal drums continue to move in the distance as the high notes howl out with worry and a sense of impending action.

Threatening notes rumble to open "Night Hunt", creating a driving pattern. The music surges forward as darkly swirling notes coalesce into a tensely twirling melodic pattern. Fear emanates from the twisting sounds as the kick drum punches hard and the snare drums rebound with sharp clarity.

Slowly undulating, shadowy synth swirls with reaching tendrils as string-like notes cry out to create drama. Elevated, nervous notes cascade together and paint superb images of a desperate rush through darkness to escape. The drums are a ferocious force as the rising synth turns the screws, creating an atmosphere that bursts with danger leaping from behind every obstacle.

The track rushes onward with rising terror as the fulminating notes fall over each other while the kick drum hits hard. Sharp-edged, string-like synth vibrates above the worried sounds in the distance as the track comes to an end.

"Memories from Nothing" starts as deeply resonant, rapidly vibrating synth cascades and ragged notes match the pattern with cutting weight. Delicate chimes, ghostly and haunting, drift through the music with a lonely melodic pattern to which I am drawn. The background has a steady pulse as twinkling notes chime out, creating stress.

Rounded notes call out with melancholy depth as a guitar calls out with aching drama. The drums punch as the guitar rumbles in urgent lines while the gentler background floats and the strings cry out with mournful emotion. A sharply grinding sound moves in the distance as the chimes sparkle and then fall quiet.

A threatening, relentless pounding metallic beat starts "Worms March". Rapidly lacerating sounds slice through with deadly intent as the pounding in the distance tramps on. The shadowy notes cry out as the thumping is unstoppable.

Quick bursts of metallic notes effectively add a sense of impending doom as the drums and bass relentlessly slam. The ominous sounds increase in power as they shift, and now raised, shining synth carries a minor key melodic pattern that drives home the energetic yet dangerous feeling of the track.

Quickly swirling, hollow synth notes and a rapidly smashing drumbeat that coalesce into a madly rushing whole as "Red Dead Dance" commences. The snare drum kicks in with fearful energy as the unstoppable drums are joined by darkly twisting synth as bass throbs.

The track is propelled forward with seemingly boundless strength. The melody that floats in creates terrified, spectral sensations that I find engaging. The drums strike hard as laser-like sounds slice.

Deep breaths are taken, and again the track leaps forward with massive motion, charging onward without any sense of obstacles. The raised notes descend with a lost feeling, and the raging storm below continues until the track ends.

Colossal background synth intertwines as a bouncing drum and bass pulse opens "New Era". There's a swinging quality to the low end as the medium-high, unsettled synth spins in a steadily revolving pattern and the bass descends with twilit energy. A steadily twirling synth pattern creates motion as the deadly serious darkness descends in the distance.

Now the percussion drops out as an electric bass wall entwines. A broad-sounding, glimmering synth carries a melody mingling yearning and uplifting emotion in a way that draws me in. Glistening notes add illumination and further lift the music’s mood.

A sense of possibility and triumph emanates as the guitar joins the synths. A feeling of victory permeates the track now, contrasting with the darkness of earlier moments. Trumpeting notes ring out, evoking achievement and progress as the drums batter. The track ends with a sense of nobility.

Conclusion

A New Era is a darkly powerful, ultimately uplifting auditory adventure that transports listeners through bleak landscapes to rebirth and victory as it unfolds.

Manhatten - Descent

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Manhatten’s Descent is a journey through the depths of space, full of intense power and intricately intertwining synth sounds. The atmosphere, melodies, and overall feel of the album draw me into the shadowy, sharp-headed world created by Manhattan. I enjoy the complexity and depth on display as the music unfolds.

One of the more compelling elements of Descent is the atmosphere that Manhatten creates on the album. There is threatening, ominous darkness broken by moments of brighter, more energetic feelings that provide interesting contrast. Overall, however, there is a desolation and danger that pervades the music in a way that pulls me in.

I also enjoy the melodic writing on Descent. There's a good mixture of melancholy, motion, and expression scattered throughout the different tracks. I appreciate the way Manhatten uses his synth palette to emphasize the melodies and imbue them with more feeling as the music evolves.

The way in which all of the different musical elements work together creates both complexity and cohesion. I enjoy how I can delve into the many layers on Descent while still feeling that the journey on which I am being taken is the same one throughout the album. I am enamored of Manhatten's approach to creation and sound design.

I also want to mention Nikoletta Winters’ (Lacrimorta) and Alpha Chrome Yayo’s contributions to the album. Nikoletta Winters’ powerful vocal performance and lyrical writing deepen and strengthen the title track “Descent.” Alpha Chrome Yayo brings his own unique musical voice to “World Without Sound,” which further adds richness to the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Descent” begins with huge piano chords, and Nikoletta Winters’ voice which is full of pained darkness as the round-sounding, pulsing notes move along with massive piano chords. The drums and bass throb while Nikoletta Winters’ voice wanders through shadowy depths as the music circles. Rapidly spinning, arpeggiating notes move along with the Nikoletta Winters’ aching vocal performance.

Arpeggios whirl with brilliant light as the vocals tremble and ache with emotive strength. The drums flourish, and tranquil, floating notes tumble through the background before the drums pound again. Nikoletta Winters captures the lyrics’ dark complexity as full sounding-notes pulse in an energizing motion and the low end shapes the music.

Angular sounds flare as the gleaming arpeggios entangle and fall through the music, while the thudding drums drive the track forward. The vocals slide through the music with a gentle threat as the intertwining notes fade to silence.

The storyteller talks about what happens when the world falls and "the rain turns to ash," as the song's subject's smile "turns to pain." She speaks of what happens when the other person's love is distant and "the last note is played."

Our narrator says she'll send them all straight back to hell as they dance to "romantic songs of lust and lost innocence," as she asks the song’s subject not to try to hide the hurt they feel inside.

The storyteller asks the song's subject for one reason why their heart belongs to someone else, though she wishes it would be hers. She goes on to say that there should be no more talk as she asks the other person, "Do you remember the time?"

Our narrator assures the song's subject that they are safe and asks them to hang on to her, adding, "Let's get you out of here." She asks the other person to look down and see "above the falling neon sky." She tells the song's subject to stay close to her because "there's so much to fear of breaking through."

The storyteller says she's just as scared as the song's subject to take a chance that "romantic songs of love and lost innocence will take us back."

The sound of throbbing computers joins with a robotic voice as a rapidly slamming drum and bass pulse opens "Scanning for Life Forms." Sharp, cutting dances and active motion emerge as the gruffly bursting notes above create a dynamically moving synth melody. The drums and bass are solid as the juddering, powerfully leaping synth propels the music with conviction.

Electric sounds curl out through the music as the low end pulses heavily. Digital-sounding, broadly leaping notes intertwine with massive strength. Vocal messages cut through as the lacerating synth slices before wide-sounding, open-voiced notes quickly tumble together. The track drifts into a floating segment in which elevated sounds flicker and insectile notes shift.

The drums return as medium-high notes fall through the track with unfolding motion. The energizing, digital synth leaps through the music with motivating strength as round-sounding notes entangle and silence falls.

“Run” kicks off as flashing notes call out a warning as a dark voice says “run!” The low end throbs with propulsive weight and drives the track forward as the flaring notes leap up words. A hollow, repeating sound undulates with tension and a haunting feeling as a melody unfurls on an echoing, medium-high synth.

The melody is gentle and traces through the music with a light touch, softly glowing despite the crushing weight of the drums and bass snarling below. Swirling, radiant notes leap out and twist through the track with dynamic speed. The low end stutters as it erupts forward and ethereal, open-sounding notes above it cry out.

Heaving, lacerating bass snarls as the drums pound. The main synth melody returns, gliding through the music in a peaceful contrast to the darker, harder elements. The chimes that come in glimmer with gentle illumination in a way that I find beautiful. The low end slams onwards below the drifting melody, and the track comes to an end.

The sound of footsteps across a desolate landscape starts "World Without Sound." Wind sweeps in the background and a voice shouts, “Stop! Who dares to disturb my peace? You noise makers are all the same! You had your chance in the Before Time! Soon as I shall create a new world, a world without sound!” Now the pumping low end moves with angular, widely bursting synth as the kick drum thuds.

A hi-hat adds a ticking quality as bouncing, alien-sounding notes flit through the distance. After a drum flourish, a synth explodes with luminous motion in a melody that carries propulsive life. Trumpeting notes leap and sharp-edged, minor-key sounds march through the music with dramatic power. The rebounding low end undulates as clapping percussion moves along with darkly slicing bass.

I enjoy the way in which the effulgent synth melody dances with motivating liveliness and the drums flourish again. The whole track unfurls with bright light pouring from it. A secondary, quickly flickering series of notes moves behind the main melody as it suffuses the music with active movement and forward acceleration.

The drums and bass are solidly propulsive as the ringing notes above them fly out with unbounded strength. The round-sounding, popping notes move in the distance as the flashing melody jumps before the track ends on a heavily pounding kick drum and manic laughter.

“Survivor's Guilt” commences with widely rebounding, shining synth that moves expansively across a bass background as softly caressing notes glide out. The bass undulates, and now the sharp drums rebound as the drifting synth slips past with a melody that carries tenderness within it.

The low end has a pulsing power as the illuminating synth bounces through the track. The low end has deep power as a nasal-sounding synth pops into the music. I find the main melody calming while still expressing sadness. A lustrous synth now moves along in a settling slide as the contrastingly hard-hitting drums shape the music.

The shimmering synth moves in a steadily angular pattern before the soothing main melody sails out above the throbbing low end. This track provides a breath in the midst of the album’s intensity and shadow. Starry lights illuminate the track as the steadily repeating, brightly glowing synth moves above the solid bass and punchy drums. The track comes to an end with the lightly touching melody exuding melancholy.

A slicing sound flashes as the pounding kick drum and elevated, pulsing synth cry out to bring “You’re Going Down (Album Edit)” to life. The drums and bass provide an oscillating heartbeat as the brassy synth is suffused with light, sliding through the music with silken motion.

The low end continues to throb as a tense arpeggio carried on a hollow-sounding synth shifts. Open, panpipe-like synth undulates in steady motion, and the voiceover repeats “you're going down” as the low end pushes forward. The glimmering main melody dances with surprising gentleness despite the ferocious rush of the track. I enjoy the balance within this track.

Raised notes cry out as a warning sound rises, and laser-like sounds cut through. The high notes contain tightly wound energy as the low end becomes a slower pulse. The whole track pours light before ending on a high sound crying out and the drums pulsating weightily.

Conclusion

I enjoy the journey on which Descent takes me. The album moves across richly varied emotional landscapes and explores darkness, light, and many gradations in between. I feel as though I'm being taken through time and space as the music unfolds.

Beckett - Soft City Glow

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Beckett’s Soft City Glow evokes images of living in a cool, cosmopolitan city and enjoying the ambience of city lights and jazzy sounds. Beckett combines jazz fusion with synthesizer sounds and Japanese city pop to draw images of a laid-back yet urbane lifestyle. The way in which he mixes soloistic jazz elements with an intriguing synthesizer palette and chilled-out vibes carries me on an auditory journey.

I've always enjoyed Japanese jazz fusion and city pop, so Soft City Glow is a treat for me. The jazz elements are well done and full of entertaining, catchy solos, while the relaxed feeling of city pop permeates the album, creating rich imagery of a bustling city cooling down at night. The music is an ideal accompaniment to the journey on which the album takes me.

Atmosphere is an integral part of Soft City Glow. Beckett combines all of his musical elements, especially his synthesizer palette, to paint pictures of high-end apartments where people live sophisticated lives as they sip cocktails and mingle with their cosmopolitan friends. I enjoy the retro cool within the music that allows me to indulge in fantasies of a lifestyle and a place that never really existed but feels nostalgic to me.

I also want to mention Luca Ricardo's guitar work on the album. He captures the sensibilities with which Beckett has infused the music, and his skillful soloing adds to the jazz part of the music. I enjoy the tones and feeling he gets out of his guitar as it unfolds on the tracks on which he is featured.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“City Skyline” comes to life as glistening chords played on a jazz organ add soft luminosity as a hi-hat ticks. A kick drum begins to rebound as the gleaming chords flare out. Bending synth carries a silky smooth melody above throbbing drums and flashing notes. The lead synth twists through the music with a laid-back melody, drawing images of city lights sparkling against the twilight.

Ringing synth accents add a bright glow while the drums trip along easily. I enjoy the mingled warmth and chilled-out vibe of the music here. A slap bass adds a touch of funk while the lead synth's melody sails along with elegance and style above the guiding drums and lush bass. The jazz organ’s round tones carry the slick melody that creates lush relaxation.

Now the drums tick as chimes flash out, the slap bass sits in the groove and the jazz organ dances. The funky bass is joined by the drum beat and an open-voiced synth dancing above the jazz organ as it drifts with peaceful, cool lightness, and silence falls on the ringing chimes.

Sparkling chimes leap in a pattern that invokes drama as bass rumbles underneath to open “The Dockyard.” Howling synth cries out as a metallic keyboard carries a descending line and the drums throb. I enjoy the way in which excitement and uplifting energy fill the gleaming synth, as Luca Ricardo’s guitar cuts through with wild strength, climbing in warm and victorious notes.

The drums and bass are clean and rebound with throbbing motion while the spinning chimes flit past. Now the guitar calls out with intricately interwoven energy, creating propulsion and joy while the funky bass moves below it. The chimes continue to add a sense of anticipation as the rounded notes flow past. The chimes tumble as the guitar also fades out.

“Star Pulse” commences as cymbals flourish and a snare drum pops in sharply. razor-edged synth moves in an active pulse, and clapping sounds burst. Breathily, synth carries an encouraging, gentle melody over the sharply driving low end. Panpipe notes sing out with airy lightness, and a keyboard with full tones carries a positively moving melody.

Playful panpipes flit through the music in easy exhalations, and the guitar carries a hopeful, uplifting melodic line as chimes glimmer with delicate light. The low end propels the track with exuberance as the panpipe dance continues. Luca Ricardo’s guitar has a free and freeing feeling as it carries the interwoven melody on a tide of energy.

The drums and bass throb on as the guitar unfolds in relaxed motion. I find the openness and easygoing nature of the guitar addictive in this track. The melody unfolds with intricacy and joyful life as the pan pipes add glittering accents. The keyboard moves smoothly in the background, and the track comes to an end with happiness and a laid-back feeling.

The slap bass and drum groove create an irresistible pulse to begin "Surappu Fanku." It swings along easily as the bass sits in the pocket and the synth matches it with a bouncing pattern, feeling warm. A flute-like synth dances in a dynamic, leaping pattern that bops along with a playful feeling.

Fluting notes are joined by piano and a medium-high, full-sounding synth that sings out a melody full of enjoyment and chilled-out emotion. The drums and bass are locked together in a funky pulse as the elevated synth swirls past with breathy energy. I enjoy the way in which the mingled piano and flute-like notes create a hopeful feeling in the track.

Slap bass entangles in a pattern that is undeniably cool, as the tripping, raised synth jumps through the track with twirling life. A twisting synth with a trumpeting quality snaps through the music with lively motion before the main melody flies past with positive feelings pouring out of it, and the track ends.

“First Light” kicks off as a rather energetic bassline bounces, with quickly flitting, sparkling notes supporting a flute-like synth melody that sings with comfortable sensations. The drums have a guiding pulse as the flute-like synth unfurls in a cool and relaxing line, and the sparkling notes flicker in the distance as the bass throbs.

The track accelerates with joyful, freewheeling life, and the drums and bass pulse rapidly as the chimes shimmer and flow past. The low end continues to rebound and drive the track forward as the flute-like notes glide past with breathy momentum, and the rapidly shining background notes add twinkling luminosity.

I enjoy the music’s sense of possibility. Bursting notes flash past with a bouncy sensation as the bass cascades. The drums flourish, and the flute floats out again with a feeling of uplifting liveliness, while the glittering notes in the distance add textural delicacy. Now, that breathy synth slides and quarrels in a melodic line full of laid-back emotion.

A groovy, bouncing beat and a voiceover talking about aerobics starts off “Personal Best”. The low end has propulsive, driving energy and climbing, glowing synth that supports the aerobic voiceover. The main melody, carried on a medium-high, sharp-edged synth, dances along with unrestrained happiness, as orchestra hits flash through.

The percussion is energetic and full of elastic life as the melody provides encouragement and positivity. Now, richly toned synth carries a smoothly flowing melody, brimming over with exuberance and vitality. Delicate notes are passionate in the background with light ease as the melody flows forth. I enjoy the pure fun that Beckett has with this track.

A trumpeting synth surges out, providing an energy boost. Now, a jazzy keyboard solo explodes with passionate, speeding motion and interwoven notes before the trumpeting, confidence-boosting melody carries the song to an end.

Conclusion

Soft City Glow is a musically rich, ambience-drenched experience that draws me into a magical urban world of sophisticates, dimly lit jazz clubs, and richly appointed apartments looking out over the glistening lights of a metropolis.