THE OLD DEAD TREE - Second Thoughts

Review by Chris Magdalenski

28 Years and Still Raging Forward

I think it’s safe to say that one of the best things about music writing in the social media age is that it has motivated me to actually go out and search for interesting new music rather than passively wait for some intriguing new track to grace my ears.

While France’s The Old Dead Tree are new to my ears, they certainly aren’t new to making progressive heavy music. Spanning a 28 year career that brought six albums, two break-ups, and the tragic loss of a founding member by suicide, the band undoubtedly has had an experience that comes across in their music.

It’s clear the band knows how to craft a song. From track one I was drawn in. Epic guitar riffs play in tandem with vocals that switch from soulful and melancholy to a raging growl at the drop of a beat. Skillful use of orchestration like the addition of stringed instruments, layered vocal harmonies, and field recordings really add depth and interest to the music, giving the whole album a polished quality that works well.

Overall, the thing that impressed me the most about Second Thoughts is the variety of song craft on display. Each track feels very different from one another while still clearly working in service to the band’s sound and vision. Song like “Without a Second Thought” and “The Worst is Yet to Come” are all out gravel-voiced grinding intensity, while “Better Off Dead” and “Solastalgia” showcase a softer, more composed side that very much reminds me of Queen.

Without a doubt this album is a welcome discovery. I’m currently making my way though the rest of bands discography and would encourage everyone to do the same!

For more visit: https://theolddeadtree.bandcamp.com/

Neon Shards - ELKTRO

By Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Neon Shards’ ELKTRO paints retro-futuristic streetscapes with beautifully complex synth layering and skillful guitar playing. This album's imagery is rich and detailed, drawing me into the world the artist seeks to create. His melodic compositions are emotive and the way he uses synth sounds creates ear-grabbing soundscapes. In combination with the music’s atmosphere, all of these elements make for an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.

The way in which Neon Shards creates atmosphere on ELKTRO is powerfully cinematic. The alchemical mixture of different synth tones, timbres and textures draws out the mental and emotional imagery within the music. It conjures up a futuristic city, washed in neon light and full of rushing traffic and waiting darkness. The guitar sounds also deepen the powerful painting of this dangerous and beautiful place.

I also have to mention how ELKTRO showcases Neon Shards’ guitar abilities. He's a talented player who is able to convey intense feelings through his guitar. He takes the melodies he’s written and uses his guitar to generate strong expression and engagement. His solos are intricately woven and played with confidence and ability, but more importantly, they also pull emotions out of the music and deliver them straight to my heart.

Layered synth sounds emphasize the melodies written by Neon Shards on ELKTRO. Each tonal and textural element helps evoke the moods he seeks to draw forth. The way he has carefully selected the synth sounds complements the superb melodic writing. His melodies are memorable and compelling, taking me on a journey as they move through the music and between tracks.

I'd also like to mention Anthony Hawkins' vocal performance and songwriting on “A Shot For Dreams.” He has a voice that reaches out and pulls me into the emotions of his lyrics. The lyrics themselves are well-written and considered, fitting nicely with the other sounds on the album to complete the package.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"In Contact" comes into being as huge, rough-edged bass moves beneath a smoothly sliding melody. The drums and bass begin to throb as the chimes flash scintillating light. Neon Shards’ guitar howls in passionate motion, carrying a melody that aches with need above the hard-hitting low end. The chimes continue to sparkle with tender light as the guitar twirls and climbs heavenward while the drums and bass throb onward.

The chimes carry a delicate, caressing melody as the guitar unfolds with intensity. Flickering notes gently illuminate the music before the growling guitar cuts in again, fierce and full of heart as it jumps through the music. The drums and bass continue to pulsate as the blues-inflected guitar cries out, tugging at my heartstrings as it does so.

The drums flourish, and the undulating bass continues to move as broadly incandescent synth spills out luminosity. The guitar reaches for the heavens again, bursting with emotion as the low end drives on. The yearning melody flies through the track as quickly rippling notes arpeggiate in the distance, and the guitar finishes the song with wildly expressive emotion.

Gently floating synth moves with an easily pulsating drum beat and intensely luminous notes to begin “Ocean Drive.” The bass is a groovy pulse as the elevated, effulgent synth carries a wistfully dreaming melody. This track exudes calm and soothing feelings while the dynamic drum beat keeps it moving. Gem-like synth shimmers as delicately twirling arpeggios flicker past above the steady low end.

The melody is tender as it glows on the lead synth, creating imagery of a moonlit road and gentle driving. Neon Shards’ guitar comes in, gruff-edged and bursting with expression, carrying a melody that further evokes a midnight drive by the ocean. String-like sounds ripple and dance above the massive drums and bass. The shining lead synth carries the thoughtful, dreaming melody with grace above the solid low end.

The scintillating notes are joined by the leaping guitar, imbuing the music with intense emotion. Neon Shards’ skillful playing only increases my engagement with the track, the solo arcing skyward with poignant emotion as the arpeggios in the distance twirl.

“Summer ‘83” starts as intensely glistening chimes ring out and a smooth drumbeat rebounds. Flaring synth chords climb and the drums throb. The synth chords create a luscious backdrop for the passionate saxophone that cries out, embodying dreams of nostalgia and a past that is imagined but never really existed.

The saxophone melody is heartfelt and richly reedy as it captures hope and a yearning for youthful feeling again. The drums and bass provide a guiding pulse as the saxophone pours out poignant emotion that seizes me. Neon Shards’ guitar cuts in now, full of ardent feelings and a heartwarming sensation.

The steady drumbeat guides the track forward as the saxophone again cries with unbridled, affecting emotion and is answered by Neon Shards’ guitar as it spills out deeply touching sensations. The two instruments move together now, locked into a melodic moment that conveys all of the longing for a return to a time lost in dreams before the track ends.

Smoothly sparkling notes intertwine as the background fills with cloudy light to commence “Helpless Nights.” The steadily throbbing drums and bass accompany a lithely unwinding melody, tinged with melancholy as it slips through the music. The low end acts as a heartbeat that guides the music, while the melody roams above it with gleaming ease. The lead synth radiates a soft glow as trickling notes spin out in the distance and the low end pulsates.

The lush and layered nature of the track attracts me as it unfolds. A glittering synth moves in shimmering waves before the guitar slices into the music with gruff-edged, deeply affecting emotion. Neon Shards pulls out intense heartache from the guitar, his skillful fingers extracting feeling from every note. A scintillating synth rises to carry the tragedy-tinged melody above the punchy drums before the track comes to an end.

“A Step Ahead” opens as raised, frolicking synth intertwines with flashing chords add gruff-edged light above huge bass. A kick drum begins to pulsate as the intensely intermingling synth jumps through the music with encouraging energy. The drums and bass form a smooth heartbeat as a warmly string-like synth twirls with uplifting exuberance, the melody calming and full of happy emotion.

The percussion continues to easily shape the music as the string-like synth weaves a tenderly hopeful melody. The track’s mood draws me in, capturing a sense of forward progress and the bright future that lies ahead. The string-like notes have an orchestral quality that is compelling.

A trickling synth in the distance is cut by Neon Shards’ guitar, arcing outward with muscled but joyful energy as it cries out into the music. The guitar solo is soulful and skillfully played, animating the track with further upbeat feelings before the track comes to an end.

A broadly expanding synth flowing as a kick drum thuds and softly gleaming notes move below the more sharply defined synth that spins out with bright light to begin “Twilight”. Now the main melody is carried on a shiny synth that sings out with glistening delicacy, embodying gentle emotion as it slips through the music.

I enjoy the melody’s majestic quality as it carries out over the continually pulsing low end. Its lightness lifts me above the depths, floating me away from the world’s hardness. Neon Shards’ guitar leaps forth and intricately sings a melody that captures my heart and soul.

The glimmering synth continues this peaceful and affectionate melody, doubled by the guitar, which adds a sharper edge. Underneath it all, the drums and bass groove with loose-limbed ease before the track ends.

“A Shot For Dreams” kicks off with sweeping synth that is joined by a steady low-end pulse. The snare drum punches in as the ethereally wandering synth drifts past. Dreamy hope fills the background as Anthony Hawkins’ expressive, touching voice carries a trembling, deeply felt melody above the gigantic low end. The synth has a gossamer fragility to it as it glides and chimes ring out with filigreed light.

Anthony Hawkins delivers the heart-hurting emotions in his lyrics with sensitivity as the drums rebound. I enjoy the touching depths of the vocals as the haunting melody floats free. Neon Shards’ guitar leaps and cascades, capturing the same piercing emotion as the vocals. The intricate performance again showcases Neon Shards’ talent well.

An oscillating synthesizer moves with the gruffer guitar as it cries out with powerful feeling, pushing home the mood of the song. The drums rebound again, and Anthony Hawkins’ breathily heartfelt vocals rise before the song falls silent.

The storyteller reflects that in this life, there’s only one shot and “just one dream within.” He reminds us we have only one life and “just a second to be free.” He pleads to be freed from “this dream within a dream” while also asking to see that dream. He encourages the listener to look beside them and embrace their fears to “find your way on path and pier.”

Conclusion

ELKTRO carries me away on a tide of engaging, emotionally rich sound, across the bright lights and dark alleys of the futuristic city captured within the music. I enjoy taking a vacation to a new place and time with Neon Shards.

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