Hirobleep - My Own Reality

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hirobleep’s My Own Reality transports listeners through a completely calming, simply beautiful synthesized soundscape. Hirobleep wraps his listeners in warmth and gentleness as he takes us on a journey through nuanced and caressing auditory relaxation. The way in which he mingles varied synthesizer textures with exquisite melodies and meditative states creates an ideal album for engaged but serene listening.

All of the synth sounds chosen by Hirobleep on My Own Reality seem calculated to create a peaceable, pleasurable mental state. The sounds brush and slide, enfold and stroke with consummate gentleness and cotton candy clouds. Along with the classic jazz organ and piano tones, the album's entire effect is to lift us away from the pain and darkness of the world.

Another standout feature of My Own Reality is the melodic writing on it. Hirobleep composes ephemeral and utterly hypnotizing melodies that reach out with tender hands to soothe our worries. I feel tension leave my body each time this music plays. I also appreciate the fact that while the music is relaxing, it is never boring. My mind stays engaged while my body drifts on silk and tides.

I also find myself sinking into a meditative reverie as I listen to My Own Reality. The cradling musical qualities allow me to release stress while still feeling focused. In that state, I'm able to let my thoughts roam freely without anxiety or distraction. This album has proven a boon to me in dealing with the everyday troubles of life.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed 

“Virginia” comes into being as pink and blue synth washes flow past while fragile chimes flicker. An effortlessly inhaling and exhaling pattern fills the warm synth as a glimmering, string-like synth floats past with caressing lightness. The drums form a smooth heartbeat as the fluidly touching, shining notes are joined by a diamond arpeggio that flickers with benevolent luminosity.

Easily breathing, floating sensations take me away on a pastel cloud as the chimes flit past. Peace flows through this music in a glossy ribbon that wraps around me and takes me away from the mundanity of life. The luminescent lead synth carries an achingly gentle melody with laidback feelings.

Misty tendrils extend to touch my ears as the arpeggios ripple delicately and the drums continue to throb. The high notes have a breathy, levitating quality, and flowing synth sails past. Chiming notes ring out with crystalline light, and the track draws to a close in a single outward breath.

Massive drums slowly thud with a reverberating echo as a ticking hi-hat moves and fat bass bubbles to commence “In the Clouds.” Waves of lush, glistening bass glide gracefully above the unctuous, rounded sounds supporting them. The drumbeat has an even pulse as ethereal piano calls out with a comforting melodic pattern and air sweeps in the distance.

I can picture cotton candy clouds in a glowing sky, illuminated by a warm sun, as they float past overhead. Percussion vibrates outward with a metallic quality as the dense bass rumbles. The piano wraps around me in a luxurious cloud above the steadily shaping low end, and the fragile breeze breathes past me.

Hollow percussion continues to tremble and echo as the piano reaches out with dreamy hands to hold me and carry me. The music has a fluffy, billowing quality that reflects the title as the track slowly comes to an end on the gossamer piano.

“In Venus Veritas” opens as bells ring and climb with soft emotion, and a hi-hat ticks lightly as the bass wanders and a breeze sweeps. A steadily guiding percussion pulsation is underpinned by the active bass as every note swirls around.

The piano hovers in the distance, unfurling with an easy motion. The drums and bass form a ticking, guiding heartbeat as the shifting notes flow past with affectionate feelings. I can feel the tension flood from me as the piano levitates with a tentative touch, and now the silken bass is joined by hollow percussion that pulses while the bass roams.

The way in which this track unfurls and glistens with lustrous illumination pulls me into the music. The swirling notes intertwine with misty lightness, and the open-sounding percussion taps off into silence.

Powerfully pulsing drums and a ticking hi-hat move with ethereally swirling synth and funky bass to start “Silent Moon”. The drums and bass form a locked-in heartbeat as diaphanous synth intertwines with soft motion, and echoing, medium-high synth reverberates and trembles, carrying a ghostly pattern.

Richly rippling, string-like notes wiggle through the music with clean light. The drums and bass continue to build in the even beat as tightly wound synth matches the pulse, unfurling breezily. Jazz organ chords add a minor-key hint of darkness, while wobbling noises wriggle in the background.

I enjoy the mysterious atmosphere created by the artist in this track as it floats past. The music forms images of bright moonlight slanting through my window, touching my face with enigmatic illumination, before a shadow passes over the surface.

“Open Your Mind" begins as a spaced-out, beaming synth wanders through open space. Rich bass and slowly pulsing drums underpin a ringing, radiant synth carrying a melody that slips with gossamer smoothness and lulling delicacy.

The drums form a steady beat as the lost-sounding synth drifts with dandelion-seed lightness. Ringing, bright notes float with a tremulous sensation and lift me up. I enjoy the way in which the entire track exudes openness and airiness, causing me to fall into a meditative state.

Arpeggios trickle quickly as the drums burst, and washes of synth slide through the music with a silken touch. The bell-like jazz organ carries the melody now, air currents wafting me along as I am lulled into a restful state of mind as the track comes to an end.

Melting synth flows down in extended lines as the drums and bass shape the track as "Worlds Apart” opens. A wandering, settling keyboard melody cruises as the drums and bass rebound.

Xylophone-like synth trembles out as sunlit notes illuminate the background. The easy-going percussion moves below the synth waves as they brush with unctuous tenderness.

The drums and bass continue to rebound as shimmery notes carry a gliding melody that slowly glimmers out into the smoothness around it. Rounded, soothing notes reach out through the music. I am put in a state of relaxation and peace as the song ends.

“Just a Dream” kicks off as a bell-like jazz organ moves into an expansive, misty landscape. Subtle hi-hat ticks and now dense bass begin to move in a lissome river below the billowing synth whorls. A delicately luminous synth carries a fragile flow with gossamer balmy.

Silky sonic tides intertwine and drift out as a full-sounding synth glimmers. The way in which the main synth melody gently wraps me up in a sonic blanket and soothes my soul is deeply pleasing. The tentative, settled synth moves through the music with complete ease.

I can breathe again after the day's tension lifts from me, and I am transported to a realm of muted colours and pillowy sensations. A river of auditory serenity continues to carry me on its tides before the track falls silent.

A xylophone shifts in slow pulses and electric bass strums before a laid-back beat comes in to commence “Nothing is Real”. The fragile, spaced-out synth wanders with a xylophone-like sound as an oscillating, shimmering note pattern flows in the distance.

The music is suffused with tranquility and sorrow here. The xylophone melody is delicate and diaphanous as it drifts through the music above the shaping beat. The subtle drum beat is as silken as the other sonic elements. Organ-like synth shifts with diffuse light and the electric bass twines through the music.

A tentative, lost feeling permeates the main melody and draws me in as it unfolds. Glittering notes trickle while rounded, breathy synth carries caressing chords that wrap around my ears. Pure peace drifts through the music as the lightly touching beat guides the track into silence

"Remember Eden" commences as a resonant jazz organ moves into a deep well, and tremulous percussion moves through the music and waves. The drums and bass tick in a steady heartbeat as the peacefully levitating jazz organ unfolds in lithe lines. Intense comfort fills the music with lush, full-sounding synth that reaches out to cocoon me in a fuzzy blanket.

The trembling synth continues to wander as the rich bass supports the other musical elements. As the jazz organ moves, it is exceedingly serene and relaxing. Once again, the artist removes me from the broken world in which we live and takes me to a place of centred, meditative total peace. The track ends with the melody cradling me in its embrace, and I can feel the tension fade.

Jazz organ notes move in a delicately filigreed pattern above richly flowing bass while gossamer synth flutters down to open “Zero Gravity.” Chimes spill out light, carrying a melody that transports me on a gently embracing sonic cloud as the drums provide a brushing, guiding accompaniment.

The chime melody is full of a deep ache as it flows through the music. A string section carries tremulous notes out above jazz organ chords. Chimes levitate above the other musical elements, carrying me on a sonic cradle through a pastel mist.

I am able to let go of the stresses of the day as the music wraps around me. An open-sounding, digital synth slips through the music, pouring out peaceful feelings. A tentative, gliding quality permeates all of the musical elements here. The track ends as softly and easily as it started.

“Lazy Days” starts as chimes hover above unctuously gliding synth and widely bursting drums that slowly shape the music. A piano carries a melody that speaks of relaxing in languorous ease under the shade of rustling leaves on a long summer day.

A sun-dappled feeling fills this music as the drums add shape and broad chimes glow with soothing light. The melody carries me away on a cloud of serenity, full of warm emotion and laid-back feelings. Floating notes glide easily as tremulous, bending synth shivers through the music.

The drums add form to the gliding sounds as the chimes contribute radiance. Peace spreads through me as the music unfolds, wrapping me in a tranquil sonic blanket. Chimes sparkle with delicate illumination, like diffuse sun through morning mist. The background swirls and drifts with tentative ease before the track ends.

A delicately shimmering synth moves above freely sweeping chords as “Welcome to the Beach” begins. A piano melody skims with dreamy elegance above guiding drums and luscious bass.

The melody is mournful while round-sounding, bell-like notes trickle in lucent lines with a digital tinge. Xylophone slides with organic fullness, adding more depth as the piano hovers. Piano notes carry a hurting melody that is full of wistful remembrance.

I lean back and let the music take me away, carrying me past the day’s stresses and holding me in a soft, sonic blanket. A hi-hat ticks as the piano continues to flow while rich-sounding, deep xylophone notes ripple with ease and waves wash in the distance. The xylophone fades out as the track gently drifts to an end.

Conclusion 

When one wants music with which to take a contemplative, relaxing journey while listening to well-crafted and beautifully produced sounds, I would recommend My Own Reality. Hirobleep reaches out to us with open arms and takes us into his scintillating auditory world. Whether you want to simply drift or roam the corridors of your mind, this album can help you do so.

BLACK ANGEL - Elektra

Written by Chris Magdalenski

A Studded Ear to the Past. A Smoky Eye to the Future:

A review of Elektra by Black Angel

Opening with spectral vocals accompanied by a quietly intense tribal beat, goth rockers Black Angel invite you to stand at their alter in worship to the dark-draped gods of the past. The song is Serpent’s Kiss. Twenty-eight seconds in a sinewy guitar riff slithers into my ears. It twists and turns, calling to the dark quiet places in my mind. 

The service has begun. The Word reflects those of the giants that came before. Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, The Damned. All their voices and more can be heard influencing the hymns Elektra has to offer — head musician and producer Matt Vowles has ensured that. There’s a smooth confidence in both the songwriting and production that projects a deep love for, and knowledge of 80’s goth at the height of its power. 

That said, Black Angel brings much more to the table than mimicry. Songs like Awaken Me and In Shadows have an intensity driven by express-train beats and heavy guitars. Layers of rich reverb and echo further tie everything together alongside the cool swagger of Corey Landis’ vocals. They’re great songs, and like many of the others on the album, I find myself almost instinctually compelled to groove along with them.

For me, the standouts on the album are two of the more eclectic tracks on the list. Title track Elektra and penultimate Marie present a more nuanced, storyteller approach to their gothic song craft. Elektra plays like an epic poem. Lush exotic vocals drift in and out of the composition, gradually building to a grandly orchestrated crescendo. The entire piece tells the tale of a mythic dessert queen.

Marie, on the other hand, trades goth grandeur for something more bare bones. A beautifully bittersweet piano line provides the backbone for a darkly soul stirring lament of a love lost. 

It’s an excellent piece that truly shows this band's depth.

With six prior albums to date, it’s no surprise just how accomplished these songs are. Up until recently, Black Angel had somehow escaped my attention, though I am more than happy to say I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears on them from now on.

For more Black Angel, visit https://blackangelmusic.bandcamp.com

PALINDRONES - Sùil Nan Diathan

Written by Vero Kitsuné

One of my favorite things to see is when artists go above and beyond expectations, having the bravery to go outside norms and push the envelope to take their art to new territories. There’s beautiful magic in effort and exploring a new vision that only a few artists truly understand. UK-based Palindrones definitely belong to that small group of artists. I have been following them for quite some time, and the one thing that sets them apart is not only their prolific touring schedule, but their dreamy brand of industrial synthpop that often touches on themes of mythology accompanied by stunning visuals they create themselves. I’m a fan of thoroughly DIY projects - actually much more so than ones that had an actual budget. And combined with their stellar soundscape, mystical themes, with thoughtfully perceptive, poetic lyricism, there is a wonderful, doe-eyed sorcery in the character of their music and art.

Inspired by classic sci-fi horror scores, Palindrone’s Samhain offering and latest single “Sùil Nan Diathan” is an experimental and atmospheric synth soundtrack that follows the tale of two travelers' journey through the vastly liminal, apocalyptic tundra under the watchful eye of the ancient Eldritch Gods. The accompanying theatrical video plays like a retro-nostalgic storybook treated with effervescent, lo-fi special effects reminiscent of ‘80s movies like Neverending Story or Legend. The video is narrated in dramatic prose written in old English, followed by images of the two travelers and their pet wolf grappling with the freeze of the harsh, cold winter under the glittering dance of flickering Auroras, with the gates of a lost kingdom in sight. Then the music breaks into dramatic, massive modern drum and bass beats and giant washes of haunting wails as they approach their destination - a star gate portal to a different dimension - before ending the journey with a mysterious final message of “The two become the many become the one.”

Palindrone’s creativity and the treatment of their vision carry a certain charm and wonder that are distinctively theirs. Under the blankets of edgy soundscapes, enchanting atmospheric textures and drives of techno beats, there is a very earnest and sincere heart beating throughout their work that is truly refreshing and a delight to experience.

Check out the video and for more Palindrones, visit https://www.palindrones.co.uk

Damokles - Wondrous Things

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Damokles’ Wondrous Things is a showcase for the artist's ability to create fascinating and enjoyable synthscapes, along with his melodic abilities and blistering keytar solos. I've always appreciated his fresh approach to classic synths and his willingness to get playful and funky. Damokles has been making music since the '80s, and while he keeps that classic vibe, he continues to move forward with a sound that I respect.

One of the aspects of Wondrous Things that I particularly enjoy is the rich layers of synth sound that Damokles puts together. His inventiveness and joy in using various synth tones, timbres, and textures draw me into his music. The way in which the different layers interact continually pleases and teases my ears. I always enjoy seeing where Damokles takes the music.

Another strong and consistent element of Damokles’ music, which is also present on Wondrous Things, is his skill as a melodist. Damokles writes engaging, dynamic, and sometimes touching melodies that are full of heartfelt emotion. He captures a mood and a spirit in a melody and conveys it to the listener in a deeply satisfying way.

I always enjoy hearing Damokles’ keytar solos, and there are some scorching ones on Wondrous Things. I love the speed and skill with which he delivers the solos, along with the playful and energetic nature of his performance. It's always a great pleasure to listen to him let rip on his keytar. It never really gets old!

One further thing I want to note is Damokles’ ability to bring the funk when necessary. He has a great affinity for funky, groovy music that really makes me want to move. I enjoy the way his basslines sit down in the pocket while some great funky melodies unfold above them.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Wondrous Things" comes into being as a hollow synth with sharp edges slices, and majestic notes rise with ominous intent. Colossal bass bursts with explosive strength, echoing out into openness as it descends. Guitar-like notes tremble as flashing synth moves into the music, and flaring chords with minor key shadings drop down. The bass surges as the razor-edged, guitar-like synth cuts past, and brightly gleaming chords leap.

A nasal-sounding synth wriggles as the drums and bass explosively move the music forward. A nasal sound is now joined by a soaring, glimmering synth that carries a mysterious melody. I enjoy the enigmatic qualities that Damokles weaves into this melody. The percussion rebounds and the bass drives on as the melody moves past with sensations of adventure and mystery.

Trumpeting notes gleam, and the luminosity they create pours through the music. Bass echoes out with gigantic strength as the drums burst, adding even more dynamism. The main melody climbs again, crying out with an ancient sounding feeling as it glides past.

The track creates images of incredible discoveries and ancient secrets revealed. The minor key synth that flows out now has a ghostly feeling before the rounded, glistening main melody moves above the rich drumbeat and reaches a crescendo with the bass pounding hard and the surging synth slashing in before the track ends.

Punchy drums drive a solidly pulsating beat as clear sounds sweep to open "Dragonfly." The bass drives on with propulsive energy as a brassy synth carries a melody brimming over with victory and joy as the drums burst. Ringing notes call out in the background, and the main melody takes hold of me, making my heart soar as it unfolds.

Classic '80s tom hits jump in, and luminous, string-like synth sings a celebratory, encouraging melody. The bass pulsates with dynamic energy as the lead synth calls out again while xylophone-like notes float in the background. The main melody explodes with lively motion and positive sensations while the drums shape the music.

The toms call out again, and the driving low end dances above the glimmering synth as it flies through the track with unbridled contentment. The track presses on with unstoppable bass and percussion, which undulates as robotic vocal sounds move in the distance. The drums flourish once more, and the computerized voice moves through the track before it ends.

“Turn Around” starts with colossal, rapidly bursting bass that slashes with sharp edges. The drums begin to burst in a slowly pulsing motion, the hi-hat ticking, and now funky, angular synth bends through the music with scintillating energy. It carries a hip-swaying, back-bending melody that threatens to send me into groove overdrive above the hard-hitting drums and gigantic bass.

I find the slow, rhythmic ride within the melody that is guided by the low end to be deeply satisfying. Radiant synth moves funkily above the locked-in drums and bass. Quickly flickering, wriggling notes speed through the music above the low end.

The melody pops and locks, shimmying in a leaping motion. Trumpeting notes carry the main melody, blasting out with brassy illumination as the low end sways. This is music to hit the dance floor and get funky with. All that energizing sound moves with the low end’s easy roll before the track ends.

Bass pulses tightly, moving in short bursts to kick off “Who We Really Are" A hissing sound moves along with the dynamic bass and drums as echoing, floating synth glides past. Pumping percussion adds shape as bells ring out and trumpets explode with flashing energy. The bells reverberate, and nasal-sounding synth spins out in a wildly dancing melody.

The bells double the synth and leap with shimmering luminosity. The drums cascade, and the melody becomes slightly minor key and quizzical. The many layers interacting in this track as it unfolds are ear pleasing for me. The bells have a depth and richness to them as the glimmering synth moves with lively speed and the drums and bass guide the music.

Brassy notes climb again as the bells add their own resonances. The melody descends and creates a dramatic sensation as it does so. The drums flourish, and both the rounded and bell-like synths tumble down simultaneously. Each layer interacts with the others to create fascinating combinations.

Now the drums move alone with a digital-sounding pulse before full-sounding, medium-high synth carries a warm melody. The bells ring and cascade again as trumpeting notes keep leaping out. The low end drives the track forward as the bells tremble. Now the bells become deep and almost computerized sounding as they flash out along with the drums before the track fades to silence.

“Free Again” begins with a water droplet sound and rapidly jumping drums and bass. The snare drum creates a sharply rebounding motion as the synth flies out with explosive motion and uplifting strength. Laser-like sounds flash through as the scintillating melody skips through the music with easy liveliness.

Roundly shining notes pop up with playful life as the low end pushes on. I enjoy this track’s dynamism and excitement. The laser-like sounds flash again as the main melody wheels through with positive, hopeful power, and the percussion throbs. The lead synth sings higher and higher with effulgent light as the sharply pulsing percussion presses on.

Chiming notes move the distance as the main melody rises with sunlight and a sense of freedom. This track feels anthemic and supportive as it unfolds. Now clean, sharp synth slices, and varied percussion explodes along with water droplet sounds.

Cutting, climbing synths are joined by a funky slap bass and a piano groove to kick off “Tell Me Now.” The drum beat sits right in the groovy pocket and slips along with the fat electric bass as flaring synths illuminate the track. Bending, brassy synths leap with a jazz-inflected melody that jumps along above the steadily driving drum beat and funkified bass.

The trumpeting notes blast out with fierce illumination, spinning a melody that makes me want to shake my booty. The piano skips through with quickly flying notes as the horn-like synth wriggles through the music. The whole track brims over with enjoyment and energetic motion as the bass brings some grit and grease to the music.

Now, a signature Damokles keytar solo flies through the music with intricacy and irrepressible life, soaring high and cascading down as the drums and bass punch hard. An electric bass solo moves with intense cool, thick and fat. A whole plethora of fascinating percussion pumps through the music now, cascading and dancing. The horns reach a crescendo again as a swirling synth twirls out the dynamic melody above the low end. The slap continues to flow with easy motion before the track comes to an end.

“Come Out from the Shadows” commences with gigantic bass rumbles in heavy walls. Now a kick drum thuds in, and the drums begin to pulse as rising, scintillating synth chords permeate the music with bright light. Chimes flicker, and a medium-high, positive-feeling synth carries a melody that is glowing and encouraging.

Chords shimmer intensely as the hollow percussion pulses and bass rumbles. The main melody unfolds with a happy, relaxed quality, lifting me above the world’s petty cares. The drums and bass form an undulating heartbeat as the gleaming main synth sings out with uplifting energy and a sense of forward progress. The drums cascade in huge pulses before the hollow percussion moves through and flaring notes tumble, blazing with a glowing light.

The drums and bass press on with celebratory energy as the main synth cries out with hopeful affection, supported by the dense low end. I enjoy the way in which the music frolics and sings as we move into a segment in which the razor-edged synth slices and the drums throb. The drums are powerful and rhythmic as they carry the track to an end.

A metallic, brightly uplifting melody sings out above galloping drums and bass to commence “Time Is Kind.” Broadly gleaming synth leaps upward, carrying a melody that is pure freedom and happiness, allowing me to release my tension and breathe. Delicately flickering notes skip through the music as the melody frolics and flies, exuding sunny optimism and joyful energy while the low end pulsates strongly.

Chimes flicker as the bending, lambent synth carries a melody forward with pleasure and ease. I appreciate the positive and encouraging emotions that Damokles creates in this track. The chimes float past again as the broadly warm melody calls out. The main melody unfolds with freedom and light, pouring out unalloyed happiness as the bass undulates in a bouncing pattern.

The main melody shines and dances, sparkling and free, as it unfurls through the music. Below, the powerful drums and bass continue to drive on, and the galloping low end starts again. The track gives off a sense of the loosening of chains and the freeing of burdens as it comes to an end.

Conclusion

Wondrous Things fills me with energy and listening pleasure as it unfolds. I've always enjoyed the approach that the artist takes to creating synth-based music and this album continues to showcase his talent and sheer joy in making music.