Everdune - The Aces Strike Back

by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Everdune’s (a project of Lightracer) The Aces Strike Back is an explosive, thrilling science fiction tale told through sweeping spacesynth soundscapes. Everdune imbues his music with planetary vistas, dramatic action and auditory storytelling, carrying his audience away on a grand adventure through space and across the surface of a far away planet. The added narrative segments enhance the music, transporting me to this realm of scintillating excitement and an engaging storyline.

One of the first elements that attracts me to The Aces Strike Back is the way that Everdune employs a broad range of synthesizers to help paint the imagery that defines this album. His textural and tonal palette allows him to create cinematic visions of a desolate but beautiful planet and the action that unfolds across the breadth of his story. The album is filled with moments of intense beauty, heart-pounding action and vast landscapes over which we travel with him. The way he weaves together different sounds is deeply pleasing and engaging.

Another quality that draws me into The Aces Strike Back is the narrative that exists in the vocals and spoken word parts. The different fragments of the story unfold across the tracks as the vocal elements outline the story without overshadowing the music. Each segment of vocal performance allows Everdune to elucidate and expand on the tale of galactic battles and a triumphant fight. I find it enjoyable to be given small glimpses of the world being drawn for me through the music.

I am also enamoured with the way Everdune pulls his listeners along with him. The music is bursting with detail and melodic beauty as it reveals ancient conflicts, exotic alien landscapes and a story that spans galaxies and strange worlds. The Aces Strike Back is an album that took hold of me and wouldn't let go, carrying me along as we flew across the stars and charged our enemies in a struggle for victory.

One final factor I'd like to mention is the quality of the guitar work on the album. Everdune uses the guitar to intensify and expand on the musical journey he carries us on. The way the guitar drives home the musical and melodic ideas makes it an integral part of this album's success.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“The Aces Strike Back” begins with ferocious winds whipping across a desolate landscape. The sound of running feet rushes in as thunder cracks and a richly resonant synth carries a slightly haunting melody while the drums begin to throb and a countdown starts. The drums and bass leap into an aggressively driving pulse as bells ring and sharp noises slash through the track.

A brightly leaping synth carries an inspirational and adventurous melody that transitions to a lushly calling guitar, imbuing the music with nobility and a sense of victory. The compelling melody, full of encouraging energy, charges forward. A spoken word segment echoes, telling the first part of the tale, while the drums and bass rocket forward and a brassy synth flashes with exciting light.

The guitar unfolds again, singing out with majestic liveliness as the drums and bass pulsate, evoking the sensation of embarking on an edge-of-your-seat adventure. The track flows into a segment where a slicing pulse underlies a smoothly drifting synth. A snare drum rattles, and kettle drums boom, adding a martial air as the countdown resumes.

The synth, tinged with a minor key, calls out and the melody grows more dramatic and slightly darker while the relentless low end charges forward. The main melody exudes brilliant light as the track crescendos and comes to an end.

The narrator describes the Aces striking back in a "sci-fi attack" declaring that for these galactic warriors, there's no turning back. She proclaims "Through supernovas we soar on a mission to restore the balance in the universe." She urges everyone to hear the "cosmic roar!"

Pipe organ-like sounds, cosmic echoes and a steadily throbbing drum and bass pulse start “Riders of the Void”. Worshipful sounds float outward as the low end punches hard, and a melody with a bouncy, angular quality sings out in a dynamic line. Flashing, keyboard-like synth dances with the melody, bursting with a feeling of questing and vibrant life above the steadily throbbing drums and bass.

The melody charges forward, loping across vast distances as trumpeting notes with a cutting edge sing above the battering drums. The drums and bass undulate and the vocals growl in a chant as the main melody frolics. The flaring keyboard twists out with an ancient melody as the towering drums rebound.

Chimes sparkle and the main melody calls out, filled with a sense of soaring across vast voids. The trumpeting notes leap with luminous energy and the truly massive drums impact as the drums and bass thunder on. Strength pours out from the music as the track comes to an end on brilliantly gleaming, victorious piano notes that move along with the catchy beat before the track falls silent.

Our storyteller talks about navigating silence with the universe in tow. He describes how they go into "warp speed; we don't stop, let the stars freely flow." He speaks of taking a "quantum leap through the dark, where no light reaches." He concludes "We are the kings of the unknown and the skies are our beach."

“Starlight Siege” commences as orchestra hits burst forth and a warning radio message crackles over the air. After more massive orchestra hits, the drums and bass erupt forward in a speeding motion, as synth chords create dramatic tension. The drums rebound as a radiant synth jumps out, carrying a melody full of all the wild action of a space battle.

The drums and bass heave as the brass howls with noble, unbowed strength above the unrelenting low end. The bass is thick and heavy as the drums pound, while the brass section flashes defiance. Images of spaceships glinting in starlight, firing bright lasers through the void, fill my mind as the trumpeting synth climbs with spinning strength.

The low end propels the music forward as a majestic melody unwinds, bursting with battling power and victorious intent. The bass has a heavy density to it, while the lead synth fills the music with luminosity. Delicate chimes add a lighter and gentler contrast while the main melody flies through the music with unstoppable dynamism.

The orchestra hits deepen the drama as the minor-key synth part writhes through the music with brilliant light, creating tension and release as the low end continues on. The vocals echo out as the drums tick, while arpeggios add more speed. The brassy synth cries out again, carrying me away to a great battle in planetary space.

I am immersed in the strength and wildness, picturing missiles streaking across the void and great plumes of silent flame filling space’s vacuum. The song ends on a smoother background while the trumpeting notes continue to climb before fading out.

The narrator calls for the attention of his pilots as a "new threat looms across the starlit skies." He reminds them to power up and get ready for impact as they prepare for the starlight siege.

Our storyteller orders the shields to be raised and the engines kept steady as the starlight siege continues. He adds "The darkness is relentless, but so are we," as he calls for them to push forward and claim victory.

A sharp sound shifts as lush bass and rising, swirling synth begin "Crimson Sky." The track has an initial tranquility, but varied percussion begins to burst as scintillating metallic sounds skip and the low end pulses. The guitar slips through quickly and the vocals are distorted as they carry the spectral melody. The guitar twangs out with dark expression and the drums touch softly as the bass flows.

A brilliantly illuminating synth carries a drama-filled melody that speaks of action and adventure. Once again, the ominous lyrics, tinged with painful feelings, drift through as metallic noises sparkle. A flaring synth carries the adventurous melody, painting pictures of a low flight over a red planet with its canyons and plains. Descending, razor-edged pulses are cut by the echoing guitar and a minor-key synth drifts with ghostly tendrils above the pumping low end.

The guitar dances now, its slightly gruff tone matched by the female vocals as the drums and bass drive on. A string-like synth carries a melody that fills me with the thrill of discovery as it rises. A medium-high, shining synth skips out in a jaunty pattern before the track ends.

Our storyteller describes a desolate planet under a crimson sky. He mentions that amidst the ruins, something rises that "the ancient tales foretold." The storyteller speaks of the "whispers of the void" in the remnants of the past and a "cosmic requiem in a desolation vast."

"Arcane City" starts as slowly descending, clear notes are cut by a voiceover with a robotic quality. Rising, massive chords fill the distance with richly rounded sound and the hard-charging low end propels the music as the snare drum begins to tick. Robotic noises wobble and a gruffly glimmering synth flies out in an energetic, grabbing melody.

A medium-high, sharply cutting synth carries an adventurous and inspirational melody, rising like the spires of a technologically advanced city from the desert surface of the planet. A softer, smoother synth lifts my heart with a melody that speaks of hope and something full of majesty as it drives on. The low end continues to throb like a heartbeat and the jagged edges of the slightly distorted synth flicker out with inspiring motion.

The main melody returns, towering on an effulgent synth as it invokes feelings of a vast metropolis, reaching out toward the stars. The smoother secondary melody slides in, lifting my heart with its feelings of joyous exploration as the drums and bass continue to press on. The guitar sweeps, climbing and bending with a tinge of wistful emotion.

A broadly crying synth shines and reaches upward again. Another vocal moment comes through before the guitar spins and jumps, twisting and dodging through thrilling musical twists and turns. The brilliant synth climbs with intense luminosity, and the track ends on the chords that fly out.

The voiceover welcomes everyone to Arcane City, which is "a dazzling metropolis where the future unfolds before your eyes." The narrator goes on to say that the city is a place where all extraterrestrial beings can exist harmoniously, adding that the city stands as "a beacon of advanced technology.”

A robotic voice speaks before the drums and bass come in on a slamming beat as the rising and falling synth flits through the music with electrifying life to start "Game Changer." The robotic vocals carry a slightly enigmatic melody as the drums and bass punch and the orchestra hit leaps in. The beat has an addictive quality as the brilliant synth carries a galvanizing melody. I am compelled by this music’s dynamism and continual motion.

The robotic voice comes in again as the hard-hitting drums and heavy bass throb. The narration has a digitized coldness as it moves with the snarling guitar. The drums drive forward with an intoxicating rhythm as the vocals carry a minor key, slightly haunting melody. Brassy synth soars through the music and imbues it with thrilling motion as the drums rattle.

After an orchestra hit, a worshipful choir moves behind the spoken word part. The poetic darkness continues as the choir climbs with spiritual energy before a trickling sound runs through. Another orchestral hit on the endlessly pulsing low end propels the track as the reverent chorus moves with the robotic voice. The track pushes on to the end with unstoppable motion and the swirling melody along with diamond chimes.

The storyteller starts by talking about the Game Changer changing the game while pointing out that "the Game Changer is not a gamer." He also adds that the Game Changer isn't a player.

Our narrator talks about riding a "starlight wave" in a cosmic dance as we travel through "the astral realms where dreams and visions pave." Galaxies sweep before us with untold mysteries in the "neon void where destinies unfold."

The storyteller mentions a holy power pulsating in the void as "binary worlds collide in this game of time." It goes on to speak of synthetic melodies "in the cosmic range," adding that in this universe, we are the "Game Changer's change."

In a spoken part, our narrator describes the lights fading and circuits humming as "a shadow rises where the void is from." It hasn’t got any hands to gamble with or dice to throw but it "shifts the rules in the undertow." Our narrator speaks of "a whisper carried on the machine's breath" and asks if it's a savior or the master of the quest.

The storyteller concludes that this force isn’t "bound by players" as it "bends the frame," remaining invisible in this never-ending game.

“The Aftermath” erupts into life in one explosive burst as a funky pulse skips through the music. The drums and bass are groovy, and the trumpeting notes fly out with joyful liveliness. Orchestral synths with a string-like quality slide out in warmly caressing notes as the main melody cuts in on the noble and broadly sweeping synth.

The melody is full of triumphant positivity as it slides through the music with powerful emotion, while the low end continues to shape the music. Glistening synth climbs in the distance as the main melody calls out with ancient strength. A keyboard rings out with an exciting and encouraging melody, filling me with rising hope. I enjoy the imagery of victorious flight that fills this track as it unfolds.

The narrator's voice echoes as the drums continue to throb while the orchestral synth entwines. The keyboard melody is full of powerful, inspirational emotion, and the orchestra hits add even more muscle. The low end lopes onward, and the percussion fades as brightly coruscating synth carries a melody that paints images of dust trailing from a spacecraft as it flashes over the surface of the planet.

The voiceover moves past with a robotic sound as the synth chords undulate again. The keyboard melody lances through the music with thrilling life before the track ends.

Our storyteller talks about how the Aces will rise again after the dust settles. They'll be “stronger together, beyond the pain,” adding that in tomorrow's light, they'll make it through. He concludes that “the future is bright, it's waiting for you.”

Extended, slowly washing synthesizer waves are joined by an ancient-sounding string instrument that rings out into openness to begin “Eonscape”. The melody that cries out on the ringing strings has an epic quality. Now flaring, brightly shining synthesizer flies outward.

Dynamic motion permeates the ever-climbing, gleaming synthesizer as the drums and bass launch rapidly. Ethereal chimes flicker out and an orchestra hit blasts into the music above the driving low end as the distant sounds intertwine. A nasal-sounding, flashing synthesizer carries a melody reflecting timeless, legendary sensations.

I imagine warriors charging forward across the sands of the planet, ready to defend what they believe in as this song unfolds. The trumpeting notes arc outward and give the track a sense of promise and achievement. Delicate chimes dance through the music with minor key elegance as the drums and bass punch forward.

In the distance, a haunting keyboard hovers and a blazing, elevated synth cries out with a sense of indomitable strength. The ancient strings ripple again, and after orchestra hits explode, the chimes trickle while richly glistening synthesizer slowly, sinuously shifts.

Brilliant notes flash outward and imbue the music with unquenchable power as the nasal-sounding synthesizer carries a more wistful melody and the low end pumps. I imagine the Aces charging on to victory as the song comes to an end.

Conclusion

The Aces Strike Back is a musical quest through Everdune’s cinematic vision of a space opera. The way layered, complex synthesizer soundscapes are painted and a story unfurls with each track makes this album deeply engaging and entertaining.

EUTANÁSIA

Review by Chris Magdalenski

Understated, Quiet, Cool and Unexpected

The album’s opening bars languidly flow into my ears. A low-key drum beat sets the stage. Sharp-edged, with a digital crispness, it offers a brisk but comforting repetition as the deep warmth of the pads glide in around me. Already the album’s vibe is unmistakeable - a mellow drifting, occasionally broken by the grinding groove of an electric guitar. Everything is sparsely constructed with moments of richness peppered throughout. 

This is lounge music for the dark at heart.

The vocals merge perfectly with music. Deep and melancholy, they lead me on a grey-tinged journey through each track. Dipped in in varying levels of reverb and echo, they shift from distant and haunting to layered and urgent depending on the song.

As the album progresses the depth of the musicianship reveals itself. Tracks like “Staring Away” and “Outside” are imbued with the DNA of Ennio Morricone’s Spaghetti Western scores. I can almost hear them play as the background to some sun-scorched gothic western, or burned out Neo-noir. Movies that exist in my imagination everyday of the week — ones that I would definitely watch over and over again.

Eutanásia is the solo project and first full album of Brazilian musician and producer Pedro Werner. It’s an accomplished effort well worth the listen, and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.

For more, visit https://eu-tanasia.bandcamp.com/album/eutan-sia

The Future Kids - Moonlight

By Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Future Kids’ “Moonlight” sweeps me along on a soothing, nostalgic synth tide. The entire album is suffused with delicate luminosity and tender emotion, conveyed through beautifully layered synthesizer textures. The melodies are calming and tranquil, while the entire soundscape radiates an ethereal quality. This is music that will take you away from the dullness and stress of daily life and transport you to a place and time that never really existed, but for which we all yearn. I am happy to be able to travel along with The Future Kids on this album.

The melodies on Moonlight are one strong draw for me. They elicit feelings of warmth, longing, and emotional uplift as they unfold. The Future Kids infuse the melodies with tranquil feelings and an all-pervasive sensation of meditative contemplation. I find myself drawn along by the emotionally engaging feelings created by the melodic writing on this album.

Another aspect of Moonlight that attracts me is the sense of longing for simpler times and emotional connection. The powerful nostalgia that fills the album is never overdone or full of clichés but brings up a deep sense of yearning for a time that was full of peace and ease. There is an ache within the music that touches me to the core as it unfolds.

The way The Future Kids use synths on Moonlight foregrounds effulgent, diaphanous sounds that surround me in a halo of light. The way the textural and tonal elements come together creates lushly interwoven, ear-catching soundscapes. There is a depth and richness to the musical palette on this album that furthers its ability to transport me to a special place and time in which utter tranquility abounds.

One other element of the music that I find enjoyable is the sense of dynamic contrast The Future Kids create. There are moments in which propulsive energy meets serene elegance and the way those elements contrast is powerfully engaging, keeping me listening as the sonic exploration unfolds.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“When the Stars Align” comes to life as a softly sparkling synth quickly riffles through the music and swells in strength. Scintillating notes dance quickly as a rich bass well undulates slowly and spinning notes tumble through the music. The bass adds a fullness to the music as the wistfully calming melody drifts out and evokes quiet nights full of gently twinkling stars.

The low end’s deep sound is balmy and provides a luscious underpinning as the arpeggios continue to sparkle with brilliant luminosity. I am carried by the music, cradled and guided to a warm place in the past. This is honey-colored nostalgia that wraps me in a blanket of good memories. The bass fades out and the tender melody wanders with graceful delicacy until it falls into silence.

Richly slipping bass and a steady pulse wash with silken energy through the music as shiny notes begin to flow, marking the commencement of “Moonlight”. The drums and bass form a gently guiding pulse as the melody trails through the music with a sense of utter calm. The refulgent notes bathe me in gossamer sounds and erase my stress.

The drums and bass act as a reassuring heartbeat while the sparkling arpeggio casts cosmic luminosity across the bass depths. A slowly oscillating synth glows with soft light as the dense bass flows in liquid motion. The continual oscillation carries a meditative quality, helping my thoughts focus and my body relax.

The bass provides a steady force, while the drums add shape and the synth drifts through the music like a single leaf on a current. The shimmering background pours out all-encompassing luminosity as rippling synths fill the soundscape and the low end pulses. This music makes me dream, lifting me to a place that feels hidden, safe and tranquil.

"Don't Let Go" begins with a tentatively hovering, rounded synth that moves into a melody full of encouraging but pained emotion as the solid drums punch forward and the lush bass moves. The lead synth intertwines in deeply soothing motion as the low end keeps shaping the music.

Now the lightly shining lead synth carries a tenderly enfolding melody as a slowly entangling, string-like synth fills the music with melancholy. The background trembles tenuously as the solid bass continues to oscillate. Breathy sounds shift, and the drums and bass press forward again.

I feel uplifted and held with affection by the music as effulgent notes shimmer with a gentle touch and a feeling of positive affirmation. Delicate notes continue to float in the distance before drifting out into quiet.

Broadly resonating synth mingles into one intensely intertwining pulse to start "Alone." The pulse slowly oscillates with a metallic quality as full-sounding notes shift in the distance. The bass rumbles with gigantic weight, descending as a steadily vibrating, bright note fills the background. The bass is truly colossal and a slowly trembling synth drifts out as the drums and bass form a driving pulse.

The track gains power and speed as the low end throbs and a steady drone continues to flash light off in the distance. The snare drum adds a sharp quality, while the bass undulates and the synth chords in the distance are smooth and easily gliding. The bass continues to oscillate in unctuous motion as the shining notes tumble one over the other.

A raised, sunlit synth fills the music with deep lustre as the bass continues to tumble. The snare drum taps as the bass entangles and floats. Trumpeting notes ring out with laid-back tranquility and I enjoy the way in which the track mingles a lighter touch with the low end’s crisp weight. The brassy notes shimmer out and flick past as the bass rumbles. The droning note keeps crying out as the song slowly comes to an end.

“One Night” begins as rapidly whirling arpeggios flicker elegantly and round sounding, all encompassing synth chords reverberate. Arpeggios keep twirling crystalline light out into the music as the synth chords spread with sunset tranquility.

The bass is strong and easily supports the other sonic elements as the softly shining synth chords are joined by chimes that move into the music with bright clarity, drifting into a repeating pattern. The entire track creates an interlude of peaceful contemplation as it soothes my soul.

Tentative notes hover in the distance as a smoothly flowing bass pulse moves to begin “Journey.” The steady sound in the background adds a rosy luminosity to the track as the crisp drums move along with washing synth chords. The drum and bass heartbeat creates a steadying feeling as a radiant synth carries a melody that conveys deep longing as it reaches out.

The drums throb in the distance and the bass provides solid, supportive propulsion as a vocal-sounding synth exhales gently. Cleanly glimmering notes spin out as the drums rebound and I am transported to a realm of pastel contemplation while lithe notes intertwine and sharper-edged synth slices past.

The drums and bass continue a driving heartbeat while the revolving synth pattern lulls me into a thoughtful pause. The low end contrasts dynamically with the higher notes’ floating delicacy to form an ear-pleasing whole. As the track concludes, I allow myself to fly above the day-to-day grind.

Gently powerful synth moves with a graceful flow and a slightly muffled sound to kick off “Lost Times.” The drums grow in power, and rippling notes in the distance caress the ears as an arpeggio, like tiny jewel chips, dances and the bass moves below it. A nasal-sounding synth with a comforting quality carries a melody that conveys dreamy and thoughtful moments.

I get the impression of sitting in a sunbeam with this melody and it leaves me at ease as the solid bass pulsation continues with guiding weight. The trickling arpeggio twirls with a flickering filigree as it gains strength again. Now, a melodic pattern undulates with a rocking motion, adding more shape to the music as the big drums rebound and the bass continually oscillates.

I am carried this track’s breezy nature, lofted along past memories that leave me full of pleasant nostalgia. This track relaxes me as the trumpeting synth calls out with a silky, laid-back feeling while the drums continue to beat before the track ends.

"Forever" comes into being as intensely trembling bass moves with slowly waving synth notes. The lead synth drifts serenely as the massive bass pulsates steadily and Oceanide’s guitar carries a melody full of blue illumination and calming feelings. A luminescent synth adds another layer of shine and delicacy.

A snare drum contributes a sharp backbeat as the smoothly shivering synth slides past, trailing fragile tendrils. The huge bass smoothly undulates as the elevated synth carries the majestically calming melody, moving like a slow ocean current. The drums cut in crisply again while the background synth wraps itself around me like a pastel cloud.

Oceanide’s guitar calls out again with a melody that is energizing, wistful and touching in a way that draws me in. The drums continue to shape the music, while the bass provides a reassuring presence. Hope seizes my soul as the track unfolds, letting me believe that perhaps things won’t be so bad after all.

The glittering synth spins through the music with crystalline clarity, while the broad-sounding drums and luscious bass give form to the track. There is a quality of persistence and resilience in the rhythm, while the higher notes speak of dreams fulfilled before the song comes to an end.

Conclusion

“Moonlight” is one of those albums I can rely on when things get tough. It is music that frees me from the stresses and worries of life. I’m carried away to a place of tranquility and safety, reminded that in this dark world, there can still be moments of light and precious memory.

5 Year Honourable Mentions - Part Two

by Karl Magi

Here’s the second part of my honourable mentions for you all!

2022

Hypervinylator - Human Wreck

I highly appreciate the way in which Hypervinylator (Simo Sainio) blends emotional songwriting, expressive melodies and a stellar lineup of guest vocalists on Human Wreck. I am attracted to the way that the album explores the complexities of love, loss and human existence with heartfelt sincerity and a retro touch.

I enjoy the way in which the album's guest vocalists each bring individuality and emotional depth that enhances the album’s earnest tone. Their expressive voices, paired with Simo Sainio’s emotive lyrics, create a moving experience that resonates with me.

Simo Sainio’s songwriting skillfully weaves image-rich stories that capture feelings including nostalgia, disappointment and beauty. His ability to pour raw emotion into his words gives Human Wreck a powerful and personal edge.

The artist’s melodic writing fills the album with beauty, amplified by an excellent synth palette that draws inspiration from the ‘80s. All of these elements create a superb listening experience.

Novablood - Pretty Disco Lights

Pretty Disco Lights explores a spectrum of human emotions—life, loss, and passion—through a layered soundscape that I find ear pleasing. Novablood combines heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals and interesting musical textures here.

Dave Beattie’s strong vocal performance is central to the album’s impact. His voice is both expressive and versatile, moving between tender vulnerability and commanding power. This flexibility allows him to match the emotional peaks and valleys of each songIn a way which creates a powerful connection for me.

The lyrics on Pretty Disco Lights are another highlight, offering clear and engaging storytelling that paints powerful imagery and explores complex, intertwined emotions.

I am also enamoured of the way in which Pretty Disco Lights intermingles intriguing synth layers, dynamic textures and solid rhythms. The melodic writing is memorable while the driving bass and drums provide a compelling backbone. All the elements work together harmoniously, providing me with a moving and enjoyable listening experience.

RAN - Exopolis

I am pulled in by the powerful journey on which RAN’s Exopolis takes me into a dystopian city, blending impressive guitar mastery with intricately woven synths. Exopolis is bursting with energy, evocative imagery that expresses darkness, hope and a strange futuristic beauty.

RAN’s exceptional guitar work is another draw for me. He blends life and presence, as he balances raw shredding with musicality. The guitar feels alive, full of character and emotion, as it adds immense power to the album.

I enjoy the way in which RAN’s skillful use of synths creates a cinematic backdrop that complements the guitar. These textured layers conjure intensely emotional images—ranging from moments of beauty and sorrow to surges of high-energy drama.

The album’s cohesion ties it all together for me. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, forming a unified, immersive experience. Exopolis creates a sonic tapestry that holds my attention from start to finish.

Manhatten - Specific State

Manhatten’s Specific State carries me along on a layered and airy musical Voyage that combines flowing melodies, intricate synth textures and a strong rhythmic foundation. Manhatten creates a relaxing yet engaging soundscape that washes over me with a sense of ease and warmth.

I appreciate the way in which Manhatten uses a broad synth palette as he intricate interactions of tones, timbres and textures, much like an artist building a painting from delicate brushstrokes. This sonic depth keeps me immersed and fascinated.

Beneath the summery, gauzy atmosphere, bass and percussion play a vital role. The drums add weight and depth while undulating bass waves anchor the ethereal elements above.

Manhatten’s melodic writing Is something which I enjoy. He writes gem-like, soothing melodies that carry a hint of bittersweet emotion. These melodies weave through Specific State, creating an enchanting experience that touches my heart as it unfolds.

Blue Nagoon - Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons surrounds me in a mixture of first rate guitar work, expressive vocals and genre-spanning songwriting. By fusing layered synths with diverse musical influences, Blue Nagoon (Michael Maas) creates a sonic experience that feels like an adventure across uncharted waters.

I find the album's vocal strength undeniable. With nine talented guest vocalists, Here Be Dragons showcases a stunning variety of styles and flawless performances. Each singer brings their unique emotional depth and interpretation to Maas’ lyrics, adding Interest and nuance to the music.

I am equally compelled by Michael Maas’ guitar work, so full of life and expression. Traversing blues, jazz, metal and prog rock his stylistic choices are impeccable, particularly his solos. I also want to call out Elevate The Sky’s superb solo on “Withernsea.”

I appreciate the artist merging diverse influences with layered synth textures, As a result, Here Be Dragons is a dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable musical voyage.

2023

DASHCAM - Sundown On Volcano Beach

I am charmed by the way in which Sundown On Volcano Beach radiates neon nostalgia and sincere emotion through its interwoven retro-synth soundscapes. DASHCAM put together a plethora of talented collaborators To create an album that mixes ear-pleasing melodies, touching lyrics and synth layers. For me Sundown On Volcano Beach is a deeply resonant, replayable listening experience

The album captures an affecting mix of longing, love and nostalgia. I enjoy the way in which it harks back to a hazy, pastel-drenched past while remaining hopeful. I find that the album’s emotional depth both touches me and helps me to relate to the artists expression as it unfolds

DASHCAM’s musical guests elevate Sundown On Volcano Beach with their Individual contributions, adding novel textures and perspectives to the album. I am attracted to the way in which their performances infuse the songs with more depth and variety, enhancing the album’s emotional resonance.

The skill with which the artist uses his synth palette is another highlight for me. His carefully chosen tones and textures intertwine to create a complex, atmospheric backdrop. The result is a layered, image-rich album that beautifully balances ache and hope.

Coastal - Heartbeats

Heartbeats is an emotionally charged album that teaches out and grabs my soul. I am enamoured of the album's blend of expressive melodies, interlocking synth layers and Aaron Hetherington’s remarkable vocals with impactful songwriting. Heartbeats delivers music that strikes at my heart, melding into a compelling and undeniable listening experience.

I am attracted to the sonic palette that Coastal uses on this album. Varied synth textures provide tonal color and atmosphere, while the addition of the electric guitar and emotive saxophone enhances the music’s emotional weight.

I'm impressed by the melodic craftsmanship on Heartbeats as Coastal weaves complicated emotions into poignant and touching musical tapestries. The melodic richness creates a foundation for the songwriting, as it explores human vulnerability and emotional frailty with nuanced depth.

Heartbeats skillfully fuses exceptional songwriting and Aaron Hetherington’s wide-ranging, expressive voice.The albums emotional core holds me fast, drawing me into its beautifully crafted world.

Neon Vice 83 - Ocean Signals

I am drawn in by the way in which Ocean Signals carries me on an aquatic odyssey, blending soothing melodies, oceanic imagery and a powerful low end pulse into a serene experience. I am enchanted by its sensation of floating on tranquil waters, carried by its beautiful soundscapes.

Neon Vice 83 paints an azure marine atmosphere that I find engaging as shimmering synth textures conjure images of gentle waves, sunlight on the water and swirling currents. This sonic palette creates a meditative and calming listening experience.

I also enjoy the dreamy and melancholic melodies created by Neon Vice 83 as they unfurl like waves, pulling listeners deeper into a reflective state. The melodies intertwine with the surrounding textures, reinforcing the sense of drifting through an expansive, peaceful ocean.

Ocean Signals provides me with a soothing escape from life’s chaos. Its calming beauty transports listeners to a stress-free world of aquatic ease.

Valley Lights - Two Lane Highway

I am captivated by the way in which Valley Lights (Kai Mammoser) delivers a blend of powerful vocals, honest songwriting and dynamic synths on Two Lane Highway. The album takes me on an emotional journey through love, loss and passion.

Kai Mammoser’s vocal performance is one of the strongest parts of the album, He brings clarity, power and emotional range to his performances. The way in which he shifts from tender intimacy to soaring intensity conveys raw emotion well.

The songwriting on Two Lane Highway also pulls me towards the album. Kai Mammoser’s writing balances direct emotional expression with poetic beauty. Each song feels genuine and I connect deeply to them.

I enjoy the intricate melodies, layered synths and driving percussion that Kai Mammoser uses here. The synths create emotional depth while Hugo Lee’s skillful saxophone contributions add another instrumental layer. The high production quality ties everything together and I find Two Lane Highway a moving listening experience.

Airport366 - Broken Nights

Airport366’s Broken Nights is an lyrical exploration of love, loss and complex feelings, set against a vibrant retro synth backdrop. I enjoy the way in which Matteo Bertini’s heartfelt vocals, moving songwriting and layered instrumentation come together into an emotive whole.

I love the way in which Matteo Bertini’s gruff, lived-in voice conveys tenderness, pain and passion, complementing the album's impactful emotions. I'm also impressed by his ability to transition seamlessly between vulnerability and power as he expresses himself.

The lyrics, penned by Fabian Alexis Díaz Acevedo and Matteo Bertini, are a major part of the album's success. They artfully capture a spectrum of emotions—nostalgia, melancholy, and hope—while delivering them with authenticity and impact.

The way in which Broken Nights combines layered synth textures, emotive saxophone lines and propulsive rhythms is a major drawing card for me. Together these elements create an engaging sonic tapestry that underscores the album’s emotional depth.

2024

Shades of Thunder - Big Break

I appreciate the sonic journey on which Shades of Thunder’s Big Break takes me through nostalgic landscapes, blending fascinating synth sounds, intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The album conjures up a sense of wonder and carefree youth in an earnest reflection on cherished memories.

One of my favourite features of Big Break is its use of synth tones. Shades of Thunder demonstrates meticulous care in selecting textures and timbres that complement each track, resulting in a cohesive and mesmerizing auditory experience. The interplay of these synth elements creates an exciting, ear catching soundscape which I enjoy.

I find the guitar work equally impressive, as it’s both expressive and skillfully executed. The thoughtful pairing of guitar tones with the emotional tenor of each track enhances the album’s depth and resonance. Along with the beautifully composed melodies, Big Break delivers an intoxicating blend of nostalgia and emotive storytelling, making it a truly ear-pleasing journey.

Coleurs - Everything's Temporary

Everything's Temporary is an exploration of yearning and hope, set against a dreamy, luminous soundscape. I am attracted to the way in which the album mingles tender vocals, touching lyrics and an atmospheric backdrop of intriguing synths, powerful percussion and resonant bass, expressing intensely felt emotions as it unfolds.

One of the main reasons I enjoy the album is Coleurs’ delicate yet expressive voice, which captures heartbreak and wistful longing with ethereal clarity. His vocal delivery imbues the lyrics with profound emotional depth, drawing me into the album’s fragile beauty. The songwriting further amplifies this effect, offering engaging insights into pain and yearning, balanced by hopeful moments.

The album’s atmosphere is pleasingly enriched by carefully chosen synth tones and textures that deepen the emotions. Contributions from guest artists Joslynn Cortes, Parallels and Observer Drift bring their own unique sounds and complement Coleurs’ artistry. Everything's Temporary is a deeply moving sonic journey for me.

Sixmixsix - Videodrome

I am charmed by Videodrome’s nostalgic tribute to the iconic films of the 1980s, blending superb melodies, skilled guitar playing and expressive vocals into a cinematic musical experience. The collaboration between Fabs and Fludid results in a musical remembrance of beloved movies, turning each track into an entertaining storytelling journey.

The way in which Fludid’s versatile vocals convey the narrative essence of each film with depth and passion draws me in. Paired with Fabs’ songwriting, the album captures the heart of 1980s cinema while adding layers of personal interpretation. Vocal and melodic interplay draws me into the album’s sonically engaging world.

Fabs’ skill as a guitarist Is another reason for my enjoyment of this album with emotive solos and varied tones that evoke a wide range of feelings. His synth playing complements the melodies, creating moods that perfectly match each track's theme. Videodrome is a heartfelt, mesmerizing homage to a treasured cinematic era.

The Endearing - Internet Friends

I'm enamoured by Internet Friends and its deeply emotional exploration of humanity’s joys and sorrows. With a roster of talented guest performers, the album becomes an even more powerful and harmonic experience. I’m enthralled by the layered, melodic arrangements and the vocal performances that touch my heart with their emotional depth.

The synth layers on Internet Friends create a tapestry of tones and textures which attract me to the album. Enveloped in neon-lit synths and driven by propulsive percussion, each track offers a unique sound. The Endearing’s tender, affecting vocal style blends well with the distinctive contributions of the guest artists, resulting in music that combines individuality and unity.

The songwriting on Internet Friends is another crucial component for me, delving into life’s vulnerabilities and emotional tolls. Each song resonates with deep truths, speaking to the experiences that shape us. This thoughtful expression of feelings and moods enhances the album’s emotional impact.

Droid Bishop - Cinema

Droid Bishop’s Cinema captures the drama and excitement of the movies with a retro ‘80s flair. Through skillful guitar work, creative synth use and strong melodic writing, the album effectively conveys cinematic imagery and emotion, taking me on a pleasing musical journey.

The guitar work on Cinema is another major draw for me. Droid Bishop’s nimble playing and melodic sensibility create powerful moods and atmospheres that draw me into the music’s world. Each note feels purposeful, painting detailed scenes with deep resonance.

I also find the synth performances impressive, with carefully chosen tones and textures forming gem-like vignettes. Droid Bishop balances retro sounds with modern intrigue, creating soundscapes that evolve beautifully throughout the album.

His songwriting, particularly on Renegade, showcases his lyrical talent and ability to tell compelling stories. As Cinema unfolds, it stimulates my imagination, drawing clear, emotive imagery that carries me through a series of atmospheric worlds.

Geovarius - Sunset Dreams

I am pulled in by the way in which Sunset Dreams creates vibrant synth rock brimming with style, heart and energy. The interplay between richly layered synths, dynamic guitar playing and a robust low end creates a deeply engaging listening experience for me. Geovarius’ passion for music shines through in every track.

I enjoy the intricate layering of synth textures with carefully selected tones that interact beautifully to create sonic imagery. The different synth elements evoke a sense of adventure, immersing me in the album’s atmosphere.

Geovarius’ guitar playing adds a muscular and electrifying energy to the music. From thundering riffs to intricate interplay, I appreciate the way in which the guitar performances elevate the tracks with dynamic power and precision.

The strong, emotive melodies are another key strength for me as they weave thrilling narratives that inspire. Supported by driving rhythms and a dynamic low end, Sunset Dreams is an electrifying and heartfelt musical odyssey.