The Endearing -Internet Friends
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
The Endearing's Internet Friends is a deeply emotional, affecting, and beautifully neon-lit exploration of humanity, encompassing all of the joy and pain within that experience. The inclusion of a talented list of guest performers only intensifies and amplifies the musical power contained within this album. I enjoy the layered, melodic listening experience, along with the richly harmonic nature of the vocal performances.
The intense complexity of the synth layers on Internet Friends creates a series of different textures, tones, and timbres. The Endearing enfolds all of the strong vocal performances on the album in glimmering, flashing neon light and powerfully propulsive percussion. The end result is music with lush sonic enjoyment captured within every track.
All of the guest performers included on Internet Friends contribute to the high musical quality demonstrated on the album. Each guest has a distinctive vocal signature and performance profile that mingles with The Endearing’s softly touching, affecting vocal style. The end result is music with harmonic and melodic beauty flowing into the listeners' ears.
I am also drawn to the songwriting on Internet Friends. Each song delves into the vulnerability and emotional toll taken by life on all of us. I appreciate how the songs touch something within each of us, speaking to the experiences that shape our lives. The way in which those feelings and moods are expressed increases the album's appeal for me.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
"Internet Friends" commences as soothing arpeggios swirl in the distance, while lush bass floats out. Ethereally ringing notes hover above the broadly twirling arpeggios before shimmering synth carries a melody that mingles wistful sentiment with brilliant illumination.
The bass flows underneath with powerful uplift, tidal energy filling it, while the tranquil synth pulses in calming chords. Chimes ring with fragility and a tremulous touch as the bass continues to undulate. I find myself breathing in deeply and exhaling with peace as the drums punch in now, providing guiding power above the colossal bass.
The percussion cascades, and the effulgent synth gleams with sunlight positivity above the guiding low end. A sense of victorious light permeates the music before the track slips back into contemplative quiet, ending softly.
Delicately glimmering synth swells and entwined voices move in a beautiful, lush melody to commence "Picture Perfect". Guitar sings out with reverberant energy as The Endearing’s effortlessly touching voice carries the softly caressing lyrics, intertwining with Kinnie Lane, who adds her own gentle voice. Both singers mingle their emotive voices to create intense expression, the melody soothing and full of affection.
The powerful drums guide the music as a silken guitar slips out, carrying a freewheeling melody that glides through the music in a lustrous rush. The two singers bring their voices together into harmonic depth that draws me in. Now Kinnie Lane’s voice drifts, followed by The Endearing’s, backed by rounded synth chords that create rich support.
The drums pound like a heartbeat, and the harmonic voices mingle into one ethereal whole. Now Kinnie Lane’s voice slips out with heartfelt expression, and the massive bass guides the track. Both singers capture the lyrics' passion, their voices mixing into a beautiful sound. The drums and bass drive on as the vocals slowly slip into silence.
Our storyteller says that the song's subject is "picture perfect," and her love for them is like an ocean pearl, "so endless." She adds that the other person is "the one, the only one for me," and she loves them like "the sun in the sky." Their love blazes, and she knows that "our love goes on and on and on."
Chimes flicker with lambent luminosity above a steadily pulsating low end to commence "Loose Ends". The drums and bass punch onwards as the chimes shimmer and trumpeting synth calls out with a dynamically bursting melody. The Endearing’s resonant voice is full of deep sensitivity, expressing melancholy and wistful dreaming.
A trumpeting synth shines as the chorus creates dark import. A saxophone howls out in radiant motion as Young Empress and The Endearing bring their voices together. There is power and majesty in the melody, tinged by threat. The saxophone cries, and now a ferociously battering drumbeat and massive synths leap out.
A jagged bassline slashes as the chimes glitter above it while the drums flourish. Crushing power fills the low end before The Endearing’s vocals express danger. The saxophone adds an impassioned element to which I am strongly drawn.
The low end is raging as the chorus floats, and the two singers’ voices soar with intense expression above the charging low end. The chimes glint, and the saxophone leaps before the track ends on wandering, pained notes and minor-key chimes.
The narrator speaks of how "we're only human, pieces of the stars. She adds that "we are born into a universe, a never-ending galaxy of art." She adds that, like everything that came before us, "we all fall apart," and as history repeats, going "on and on… round and round" as it spirals.
Now the storyteller speaks of outside forces who are gods "in a place that you call home." They are strangers from unknown places who are to be feared. These outside forces say, "we are not your friends, you are just a loose end."
Ethereally drifting notes introduce "Blue Lagoon", as bass slowly slips underneath in a soft tie.The Endearing’s voice climbs with ardent strength, rising over the hard-hitting drums and bass with one expressive sound. Now he shares vocal duties with Glass Heart, whose voice adds more depth. The drums and bass rapidly rush as guitar curls around the other sounds, and the synth swells with starry warmth.
Both singers mingle their unique voices to create a melody that bursts with yearning and bright light. The Endearing’s vocals capture all of the feeling in the song as Glass Heart’s vocals follow, delicate in the distance. Now refulgent synth trembles above the punchy drums, adding a note of victory and hope that I find pleasing.
The brilliant synth layers shift around the vocals, which rise with ethereal lightness. Glass Heart lets go with vocals that explode with passion as the drums rebound and halftime while the bass adds muscled weight. The song ends with both singers in a harmonic duo, and synth slipping out into silence.
The narrator talks about a "blue lagoon" that is paradise for both of them in the afterlife. They go on to say that after everything's said and done, "you were not the only one." They wonder who could ask for more, and the answer is, "I want more from this; I'm crazy for you." They say that from the "abyss," they'll rise together and surface.
"Take Me Away" starts with gently flowing synth, and The Endearing’s powerfully expressive vocals capture the freely gliding melody. Shining synth with a hollow sound echoes out in a brightly pulsing pattern above the throbbing drums. Arch Envy and The Endearing bring their lush voices together, gossamer and tenderly caressing as the low end rebounds.
I am drawn to the aching feeling within each vocalist's voice. The chorus climbs with more uncertainty as the two singers' mixed voices create powerful sensations. The background synth flares with piercing light as a synthesized choir calls out. The lucent main melody floats past with delicacy as the singers’ voices brim with heartfelt emotion.
The chorus arcs upward with sunlit brightness, and the drums batter. Elevated synth radiates light as the bass undulates and the drums pound. The song ends with The Endearing and Arch Envy again bringing the lyrics to life above the driving low end.
The narrator asks if he and the song's subject can take everything back, if they can "paste over the cracks and start again?" He says that he has to move on and "bite my tongue" as life continues. He continues by saying that they should prove other people are right. He reminds himself to remain strong: "as our song sounds so wrong when you're not in sight." He says that cracks are beginning to form as his vision is obscured.
Our storyteller talks about taking deep breaths as the world is asleep, and it seems as if he's walking by himself. He says that he is "concealing the feeling that you gave me when you left our home." His heart continues to beat faster as he asks the song's subject to take him away because "I don't think these feelings will pay off for me." He adds that as heavily as his heart sinks: "my demons know how to swim."
The narrator again asks to be taken away because he doesn't think that his current feelings will benefit him. He adds that "the burden is mine to bear," so he asks the person to again take him away from the situation in which he finds himself.
Calming synth waves wash underneath glimmering notes to begin "Crystal Eyes". Melancholy peace flows as sparkling notes flit past and the drums flourish. Now the bass interlocks with the punching drums and the gleaming synth, carrying a yearning, soothing melody above the depths. The Endearing’s affectionate vocals ache as they carry the wistful melody, full of wishful rumination.
The drums and bass throb easily, and the vocals rise with resonant expression above the shining synth that floats in between the words and the colossal percussion and bass. The Endearing’s soft, tremulous vocals carry the melody above the trickling, luminous notes and washing bass.
A computerized distortion in the vocals adds an interesting touch before The Endearing’s touching performance draws me inward. The lyrics slip out again with mournful need as the glittering synth flashes. The vocals are full and affecting as they unfold, and the drums and bass guide the music to a conclusion.
Our storyteller says that he has many things he'd like to say to the song’s subject. For instance, he never got "a chance to tell you that I love you." He adds that he's had enough of sleeping with the lights on, but "without you here, I live in fear." When he shuts his eyes, "the light shines on me," and he recognizes the other person's "crystal eyes," which "crystallized before they hit the sky, intensified in my mind."
"Low" opens with the sound of a cassette tape clicking into place and playing, underpinned by massive bass and slowly undulating, luminous notes. When sweeps and now Bethany Munroe captures all of the lyrical feeling in her evocative and powerful voice. The drums and bass throb with guiding strength and launch an active beat as Bethany Munroe’s emotive vocals take hold of my heart and run with it.
The glimmering synth frolics as the vocals climb with warmth. Now Bethany Munroe’s voice drifts with a subtly shining accompaniment as the earnest vocals ring out in uplifting and hopeful life. Synth fills the music with filigreed illumination as Bethany Munroe’s voice climbs with power and feeling. The track glides into a peacefully delicate segment in which the drums rebound and the vocals cascade. All of the various parts intertwine to create one richly satisfying whole.
The narrator asks the song's subject to tell her that it's okay. She says that she realizes she shouldn't be depressed today, but "it's just what I got in my brain." She adds that her "devils are such good dancers," and as they pull her in, she spins faster and goes "spiraling into disaster."
Our storyteller asks the song's subject if they'll swear she isn't too sad for them. She also asks, "will you say it's okay in the way you do?" because she keeps showing her true self, and the other person keeps coming back. She asks, "is this what it means to be loved for who I am?"
"All the graves I dig are so comfortable," according to the narrator. She concludes that the ending is easier than the middle, as she is "trying to be loved just a little."
Dense bass flows, and a glistening synth cascades to kick off "What a Time to Be Alive". The bass undulates, and now propulsive drums launch a steady heartbeat as the limpid synth carries an uplifting melody that intertwines richly. Synth with smooth illumination spreads glowing chords above the smoothly oscillating bass pulse and punching drums.
The lead synth pours out scintillating brightness, carrying an encouraging melody. The sense of motion and uplift carries me into a positive mood. Now the drums and bass explode into a rapid rush as the medium-high, shiny synth suffuses the music with luminosity. The glittering synth spins out in motivational melodic life as the low end accelerates.
The drums flourish, and the tempo slows again as the piercing brightness flares through the music. The drums become slightly more uneven above the steadily throbbing bass as the synth moves with majestic strength, full of shine. There is nobility and strength as the drifting synth hovers, and then the drums erupt again with towering muscle as open-sounding arpeggios rush past. The track grows in victorious power before coming to an end.
Conclusion
Internet Friends is an atmospheric, passionately expressed exploration of human emotion, combining the talents of many different performers with The Endearing's approach to creating synth-based music. It's an album I could listen to many times and still derive the same pleasure from the experience.
Cat Temper - Still Just a Cat in a Rage
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
Cat Temper’s Still Just a Cat in a Rage is innovative, playful, and full of prog influences. The way in which the artist combines auditory layering, fascinating and even bizarre synth sounds, and wildly exploratory musical expression comes together into one of his most fascinating and experimental albums yet.
There's a complexity and intelligence to the way in which Cat Temper puts together Still Just a Cat in a Rage’s synthesized soundscape. Cat Temper manages to interweave constantly shifting sonic textures, stacking synth sound on synth sound in order to bring aural interest into his music. The way in which he constantly surprises and delights with his synth combinations pulls me further into the music.
I am also drawn to Still Just a Cat in a Rage by the fascinating array of different sounds Cat Temper uses. There's everything from sparkling delicacy to bending, squelching oddness woven into a compelling tapestry. Once again, I find the playful nature of this artist's music charming. He isn't afraid to suddenly throw in a sound that generates joy or a smile along with the clearly carefully worked-out sound design.
The way in which Cat Temper moves between stylistic and emotional states is another strong aspect of this album. One track can embody gentleness, explosive energy, and intriguing sounds while changing tempo and direction. Cat Temper keeps the music enjoyable and under control. He knows just when to let go and when to pull back in order to create the mood or feeling at which he aims.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
“The World Is a Vampurr” opens with violently rushing bass that undulates as a snare drum rapidly accelerates, and the low end batters ferociously. Unrelenting anger pours from the charging drums and bass as roaring guitar bursts in raging pulses. Roundly flanging notes wobble into the track as the guitar continues to growl.
Now the drums cascade and rebound as distant, metallic-sounding notes echo and sharply spinning, string-like synth twirls past. The track then floats through a faraway section in which a broadly sweeping synth slowly vibrates and shifts, creating an unsettling auditory atmosphere. I feel compelled by this music's complexity.
The track transitions to a quickly driving, angular drum and bass pulse, while nasal-sounding, dark-edged synth beams through the music with a haunting energy. Chimes echo with ominous import as the towering low end shoves the music forward aggressively. Now digital-sounding, medium-high synth creates a reverberating pattern as the gigantic drums shatter the music.
Razor-edged chimes ring with threatening notes, and now a quickly tumbling, slashing synth falls through the music as the drums smash hard. Elevated, nervous notes fulminate the music with agitated discomfort, and the guitar growls in the background while the drums attack and the bass surges. Hectic notes spin, and the track ends.
Colossal, resounding synth oscillates with a feeling of lurking danger to commence “We Only Meow at Night”. The shadowy bass matches the synth undulations, and a bell-like synth waltzes through the music with rough-edged elegance as the snare drums rattle.
The wide-sounding, digitally glowing synth sways back and forth with a sense of something hidden. Organ-like notes churn through the music in a wandering, discomforting pattern as the broad lead synth melody roams with haunting, minor key emotion that shifts to major with a warm chord. Background notes expand and contract as the wobbling synth, tinged with a Theremin-like sound, continues to add spectral sounds.
Elevated notes briefly scream as the continually active background shifts. Taut, slightly atonal synth stumbles through the music before digital-sounding notes cut in. All of the interlocking synths wander and float with more ghostly emotion before the track ends on rapidly twirling bits of sound.
"Hissed and Gone" opens with a rapidly rushing, flat bass and hissing sounds. Guitar slashes with ferocious energy, and a steadily flashing pulse moves in between the hard-hitting guitar. Heavily punching synth growls with bursting energy, and the guitar cuts in with slashing claws. Full-sounding, digital synth skips and calls out with echoing energy, carrying a wandering pattern.
The drums and bass punch hard, and active bass undulates as the drums accelerate again. Twisting, floating synth carries a dramatic melody with a mysterious quality, which I enjoy. The round-sounding synth notes rise as expansive, medium-high synth with a rough edge dances, and the bass punches in with massive strength.
Wildly wandering sounds shiver for the music, and the drums flourish as the guitar batters into the music again, while metallic synth shimmers with enigmatic light, and the drums and bass continue to shove the track forward. There's darkly propulsive motion in this track as it comes to an end on raging guitar and laser-like sounds zapping into the music as angular notes fade.
"Howligan" kicks off as threatening bass descends and a rising sound cries out. Now the drums and bass create a rapidly driving pulse that leaps forward with galvanizing energy. In between, the massive bass towers, and we move into a swinging section in which the bass bounces and the drums create an easy-flowing beat.
The brass moves in with an almost ska-like feeling, swinging and jumping through the music like the big band era just moved in. I enjoy the eclecticism on display here. Now the track returns to its snarling, roaring self with churning energy as it blasts forward. The fierce energy is split by shining synth that slides with a blast of luminous strength as a haunting choir floats.
The swing section returns again, only slashed by the hard-hitting guitar that tears its way into the music. A glimmering synth dances through an active and slightly nervous melody as the brass synth blasts out. Again, the ferocious bass roars with unbridled energy before flickering notes fade.
"The Celestails" kicks off with bouncy, crushing bass swinging along with hard-hitting drums. Angular, minor key arpeggios leap with blaring light as the drums thunder. The swinging beat punches forward with thick strength and undeniable energy as bell-like synth echoes and dramatic lines undulate.
The minor key notes have a playful, sneaky feeling about them as they creep through the music. Rounded sounds echo, and again the hard-hitting drums and dense bass press the music forward. Shadowy notes climb dramatically before intensely brilliant synth cries out with a propulsive melody.
Gleaming arpeggios rapidly rotate, and the drums and bass move forward with unstoppable energy. Now medium-high, shining synth twists in a minor key dance that I find teasing and a great deal of fun. Towering, bending synth flows through the music with a steadily uplifting sensation as the gigantic low end thunders into silence.
"Furwell and Goodnight" comes into being with fat-sounding, reverberant synth throbbing out. It expands and contracts unctuously before a kick drum smacks into the track hard. Now a digital-sounding, warmly surrounding synth carries a melody full of gentleness and a feeling of tender emotion. Flashing notes with a metallic ring punctuate the steadily moving snare drum and hard-hitting low end.
The enfolding chords rise upwards on a full-sounding synth before growling, lacerating bass snarls and the steady pulse. The drums rebound, and now a crystalline synth sings an uplifting melody that is full of joy and encouragement. The bass is massive and active as the drums continue to shape the music. Twisting, harsh sounds move in contrast to the shining synth creating fascinating interactions that I enjoy.
From this aggressive, howling background, sharper-edged chords emerge with fierce illumination. A choir chants, and slowly rising lines intertwine, while clearer notes call out with positive emotion as the kick drum continues to throb. The snare drum comes in again as the dancing melody moves to a conclusion.
Conclusion
Still Just a Cat in a Rage takes Cat Temper into new sonic territory. I feel that this album exceeds his previous efforts in terms of experimental sounds, fascinating melodic moments and a genuine sense of play. Still Just a Cat in a Rage is perhaps one of the most interesting albums that Cat Temper has ever created.
ODDER - At The Pace Of Death
Review by Atomic Robo-Kid | Album Art by Thierry Parrot
I have been following Odder's work closely, immensely enjoying his single releases and therefore have been long anticipating a multi track release. Well, finally that anticipation is over and my darkened soul is full of blood soaked joy at Odder's very first EP 'At The Pace of Death'. It was well worth the wait and my desire to plunge deeper into the soundscapes of atmospheric darkness, horror fuelled panic and uptempo aggression is well and truly satisfied, 'At The Pace of Death' pulls at your fears and delivers soul crushing intensity with well composed and intelligent use of never before heard glitches and bass lines! This packs one hell of a punch and will launch you into dark realms where dark pleasure awaits! You won't want to leave, so you better press play, hold on tight and enjoy the ride! Odder has such sights to show us!
The sights are of a shadowy, pulsating world where Darksynth and Horrorsynth, glitch sounds and dark orchestra seamlessly intertwine. This EP is masterfully produced, bringing us deep inside atmospheric worlds that evoke a sense of unease whilst simultaneously solidifing a heart pounding darkened euphoria that will captivate yet panic the listener.
The opening track, 'At the Pace of Death', sets the tone with layers of menacing synths that build a sense of impending doom, while glitchy percussive elements add a disorienting edge. Fast paced and meticulous deathly church organ rings out, as if played by death himself as you are plunged into the fast paced melodic synthwork. The track's progression is relentless, dragging you deeper into Odder's nightmarish vision. The host of well-positioned pauses and twisted church organ sounds fuel the adrenaline soaked fear and build a solid track structure.
The introduction to 'I Am Error' is Intense, broken samples are stitched together creating an uncomfortable and uncontrollable sense of fear. An electrical interference summons an overworldly spirit from the electromagnetic alternative realm. Full of glitchy sounds and bass, bass with a ton of real character, depth, movement and face melting harshness. The interplay between melody and this electrifying bass creates a hypnotic effect that you won't be able to stop yourself moving to!
'ecleaning' provides us with an amuse-bouche, cleansing our auditory palette before moving onto the next main course. At 1.05 minutes this short track sequences a diverse range of mechanical sounds, analogue TV feedback and well... distant screams and torment! Odder creates a feeling of malfunctioning machinery amidst an eerie, ambient backdrop. It's equally beautiful and unsettling at the same time! A collection of sounds that you would hear if your VHS head cleaning tape was possessed by a cursed spirit or had been recorded over by a crazed sadist capturing their criminal acts of torture. Either way, I'm not sure I feel cleansed. But, you know actually perhaps I like that feeling of loosing control.
'Pagan Incantation for No Tomorrow' ramps up the intensity with aggressive synth leads and rapid-fire glitch effects. The relentless pace and abrasive textures create a sense of frantic urgency, like a chase scene in a dystopian nightmare. This track is sure to get pulses racing and hearts pounding.Towards the end of the track those high octave accent sounds and the chants of the believers are at the forefront of this rich sonic tapestry creating a clear sense of an approaching cataclysmic climax. The layering of vocal elements, with the illegible chanting, adds a welcome extra. I'm keen to join them and see what malevolent monster we can conjure up together! This is definitely a track that lingers long after it ends.
'The Clock Master' is an incredibly complex track that has taken a lot of skill to pull together and make work. Believe me Odder has done just that in this finely tuned production! All engulfing eerie clock noises create a sense that you are being controlled by a supreme being that can transport you to different realms and different times. Controlling you, making you relive difficult times and preventing any goodness that may lay in your destiny. A difficult entity to say the least! Torturous screams echo through spine breaking, explosive kicks which are ushered down by periods of creepy chanting. 'The Clock Master' is on the cusp of bringing armageddon to all of mankind and we are all his slave! If armageddon sounds this good, I'll confess to cheering on the end of mankind.
'Sinister Ghost Postlude' is the closing track in the EP. A slower tempo, but don't worry it continues to uphold that tension the rest of this EP is so damn good at! The haunting synths, samples and subtle glitches create an atmosphere of eerie desolation. There's plenty to keep you on the edge of your seats, and you don't quite know which direction the track will follow. In fact, that's pretty mainstay for Odder's work, the twists and turns and gripping suspense is just one of many reasons I'm a big fan! It's a fitting end, leaving the listener with a profound sense of terror. It's not for the faint hearted and I enjoy those heart stopping moments before the plummet into the unknown abyss. The glitches here act like digital spectres, haunting the intricate synth lines resulting in a very fine soundtrack to a terrifying horror movie.
Overall Impressions:
Odder has crafted a compelling journey through dark and desolate soundscapes, with heaps of heart stopping action, powerful percussion, glitched sounds and twisted bass lines. Intertwined within each track you'll uncover layers of unpredictability, complexity and an adrenaline fuelled thirst for blood. The perfectly composed orchestral moments and horror movie sounds cause sheer physcological torture that pin point your inner fears with clinical precision. All poised to hammer home a package of traumatic panicked terror to the forefront of the listening experience. This is a collection of tracks that could equally stand as soundtracks for the most chilling cinematic encounters as they could the darkest moments on a Dark Clubbing dance floor.
Each track stands strong on its own, but together they form a cohesive and immersive experience that is as engaging as it is unsettling. For fans of Darksynth, Horrorsynth and the darkest of electronic music, this EP is a must-listen. Odder's innovative approach to music making and terror manifestation ensures that 'At The Pace of Death' will not only satisfy but also haunt its listeners and may even spark a dangerous interest in summoning evil spirits! Prepare to be scared, open the box and succumb to the powerful sounds. Check out the links to listen to 'At The Pace of Death'.
For more Odder, visit oddersound.bandcamp.com
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.
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