The Pyramid - The Tannhäuser Gate

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Pyramid’s The Tannhäuser Gate is a sumptuous, detailed, emotionally impactful and image-rich evocation of the incredible scale and unbelievable beauty of stellar space. The artist creates deeply moving music that paints rich imagery and takes hold of my emotions, filling me with a myriad of sensations and feelings. I am drawn into the amazing creation this album represents as it unfolds.

Melody is at the heart of The Tannhäuser Gate. The Pyramid is a masterful composer of melodic lines and this mastery allows him to grip me and fill my heart as each track evolves. These are melodies that are instantly memorable with an immediacy and impact that is hard to overstate. The way in which the artist’s melodic writing transports me to colossal star fields, weaving through melancholy, triumph and aspiration is a testament to his exceptional ability.

Another crucial element of The Tannhäuser Gate is the way that The Pyramid utilizes his array of synthesizer elements. This music is a feast of tonal colors, textural complexity and a plethora of luscious timbres. On top of this, the synthesizer instrument choices enhance the melodic writing’s impact. The interaction of all these sounds carries me away to far-flung worlds and awe-inspiring galactic vistas.

The mood and atmosphere that permeate The Tannhäuser Gate are evocative and undeniably touching. I actually find it difficult to articulate the way this music impacts me, which, as my readers know, is not a common issue for me. There is something profoundly affecting and ardently emotive in the sensations of grandeur and the way that The Pyramid conveys the scale of the universe alongside the fragility of our ephemeral lives.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Overture” starts as a desolate wind blows and softly glistening synth flashes out with increasing strength. The melody it carries is heroic and bursts with motivation as it unfurls above the slowly ticking drums. The drums and bass now guide the music as the glimmering notes dance in noble lines.

A sense of forward progress and life fills the main melody as chimes ring out with fragile luminosity and the bass and drums throb in guiding motion. The main melody is carried on a refulgent synth that sings with gentle majesty above the low end. I am drawn to the way ethereal light pours from the melody, adding inspiration to the track.

The metallic chimes flicker delicately as the smoothly tumbling synth is joined by the desolate wind. Illumination fills the synth as it descends in cascades, doubled by the chimes as they entangle. In the distance, solar brightness swells from the lead synth as the victorious notes cry out, carrying me away on a wave of thrilling, uplifting energy. The track fills with ancient power and fades into quiet.

Reverent, delicately washing notes open “At The Tannhäuser Gate.” Hollow, echoing synth calls out above a solidly pulsating low end. A gleaming, brassy synth sings out in a jubilant and uplifting melody that wafts above cleanly throbbing drums and bass.

There's a wonderful energy and positivity in the melody which draws me in. Choral-sounding notes move below the majestically inspirational melody as twinkling chimes dance above propulsive drums and bass. A robotic voice moves in the distance and the drums pulse along briefly before the throbbing bass returns.

Now the melody is carried on a blissfully singing, scintillating synth. The track moves into a minor key section in which fragile synth gently flits through as drums tap. The main melody soars in again, rich with uplifting sensations and encouragement while the percussion and bass shape the music. Hope fills the music and my heart swells with it as glistening notes add sunlight. A shaping pulsation moves below before the song ends.

“Into the Unknown” commences with a ringing, bell-like sound and a sweeping flow. A tightly wound, slowly moving synth carries a touching and heartbroken melody. The bass descends with rumbling weight as the slowly unfolding melody echoes through the music with a profound sense of loss.

The bass adds an ominous quality, while reverent notes shimmer in the distance and the main melody calls out with paind. A worshipful light in the distance creates a more meditative feeling as the main melody carries with it a melancholy tinge. Warmer chords add roundness and the main melody captures me, carrying me across a vast expanse of twinkling stars—still painful but limned with a sense of possibility.

As the track unfolds, a growing feeling of potential change moves through the music. I find myself drawn to this mingled set of emotions, enjoying how the artist evokes them. A softly gleaming sound in the distance touches the brightly flaring lead synth, carrying the melody that reaches for the stars while still capturing mournful feelings within it.

There’s a positive twist to the sound now as it sings with more encouragement. A shadow falls over the melody as the bass descends further into the depths and a ringing sound trembles before the lead melody flickers briefly. Computerized sounds roam above the truly gigantic bass and the track ends.

Dramatically sweeping synth moves as metallic noises bubble out and chiming notes flash, while wobbling sounds wriggle to kick off “Starlight.” Strangely bending sounds move with galactic echoes, while surrounding, gliding notes cry out above the alien sounds flipping through the background. Chimes sparkle with luscious luminosity and the gliding lead synth carries a gently touching melody, weaving images of stars twinkling far away.

A sense of tranquility permeates my being as the bass rumbles and the oddly wandering sounds writhe. The main melody holds a melancholic sensation, intertwined with something more triumphant. The overall impression left by this music is one of sadness—witnessing worlds fade and lives disappear as the stars continue to glitter, aloof and unconcerned. The floating sounds tremble and the luminous main melody carries me along, dreaming and full of contemplation, transporting me.

The chimes exude cosmic light while worshipful sounds hover in the distance. I am deeply moved by the sensations within the music, filling me with an ineffable sense of loss and longing. The alien sounds continue to roll until silence falls.

“Gravity Waves” begins with a tumbling bass pulse and slipping synth that rises with a steady glow, like a distant star cluster. The bass trembles and ripples outward in easy motion, while the raised notes shimmer like distant light, flowing as the bass continues to undulate and glide like a rushing current. The elevated, glittering synth carries a thoughtful and calming melody.

This music, filled with the vastness and nobility of galactic vistas, draws me inward. Sparkling notes in the distance flicker as the broadly illuminating synth carries the pensive, dreamy melody above the hugely revolving low end. Visions of distant nebulae dance in my mind as I am transported through the universe, guided by the artist’s musical expression.

The main melody is simultaneously yearning and serene, enveloping me in its depth and intensity. The bass continues to rumble as the smoothly sliding melody sings out with deep spiritual feeling, evoking a profound sense of wonder at the unimaginable scale of the universe. An epic quality, in the best sense of the word, fills the track with strength as it unfolds and fades into quiet.

Serenity emanates from the massive notes as a drum heartbeat opens “Cosmic Journey.” The sweeping synth carries a melody that evokes images of starships glinting in the light of unknown galaxies, drifting through starfields as they venture across the universe.

Panpipes breathe out with airy energy, while the melody calls out, bursting with heart-lifting sensations and carrying my mind away to mysterious planets and ancient civilizations. As the panpipes exhale, the drums and bass propel the music forward, the main melody climbing on victorious wings and gliding outward with nobility and pride.

A choral synth adds a compelling feeling, while windy sounds sweep past. The main melody grabs me by the heart and refuses to let go, filling my mind with dreams of exploration across strange worlds and stunning planetary vistas. The entire track explodes with sensations of adventure, journeying and boundless excitement.

There’s also a tremulous gentleness to the music, balancing its feelings of majesty and power. The slightly bending lead synth carries tremendous strength, transporting the listener to the bridge of a massive space cruiser, watching the spiral arms of a timeless galaxy appear on the horizon.

“Intergalactic” begins with a distantly metallic sound that hangs above colossal chords, opening into a vast, empty void. Strange, bending tones move through the mix as a thudding kick drum echoes. A steadily shivering synth weaves its way through the music, medium-high rebounding notes wandering as breathy sounds drift into lambent chords that arise like celestial phenomena.

A solar wind drifts past, accompanied by roaming, tremulous sounds that flit and shimmer. An airily beaming synth carries a delicately twirling arpeggio, while broader notes ascend into a triumphantly majestic melody. The feelings of excitement and victory that rise within me are deeply moving, drawing me into the song’s immersive atmosphere.

A sharp-edged, gleaming synth evokes massive galactic vistas opening before me. The snare drum adds another layer of energy, shaping the music as a widely turning arpeggio shines with cosmic luminosity. The main melody climbs on a synth that sweeps with magisterial strength, its warmth enveloping me.

Drums and bass provide structure as the slightly melancholic but adventurous melody calls out, evoking images of planetary rings and distantly twinkling nebulae. Nobility and a sense of wonder permeate the music, carrying the song to its stirring conclusion.

Tranquility pours from a widely glowing synth as breathy sounds infuse the music to begin “Between Stars.” The main melody is carried on a synth that bursts with brilliance, aching and full of affecting sentiments. Gigantic percussion collides as a slowly ticking drum moves beneath the melody, which reaches out to me with its intensely yearning and aspiring sensations, invoking visions of distant stars twinkling with ancient light.

There’s a melancholic quality, despite the rising strength and nobility of the melody, reflecting the lonely emptiness surrounding the stars. A soaring feeling grows in my chest as the melody unfolds, lifting me up and transporting me across the measureless distances of space. The low-end pulsation adds to the exultant feeling within the music, while exhaling sounds wander as the track unfolds. I am imbued with a sense of joy and tenderness as the music transmits intense emotions to me.

As the melody rises above the propulsive percussion, my heart lifts and my soul flies free. This music is anthemic and carries me away from the brokenness of this world.

“Black Hole” begins as a solar wind flows and a lightly flashing synth carries a tragic melody above a looming bass. The melody is tentative, exuding hurt and wistful imaginings, as whispering sounds trickle in the distance. The bass towers beneath, while lightly trickling notes trip past with gossamer fragility and the main melody calls out with aching sensations. Hollow sounds add a gem-like quality, while the tightly wound synth carries the main melody—desolate and distant—above the immense bass.

Warmth begins to creep into the melody now, adding a more reassuring sensation. The melody captures me with its incredible depth of expression, while the hollow notes hover far off as the bass glides. Trembling sounds slip past and the lead synth melody swells, expressing calming yet mournful feelings as it moves forward.

Like many tracks on this album, this music is deeply full of mingled impressions, weaving between tragedy and triumph. As the song ends, I continue to ride its rich tides.

Rain falls and haunting sounds wander as a massive bass flow begins “Like Tears In Rain.” Tragically drifting notes tremble out into the rain as the bass rumbles slowly. The melody is full of pain and sadness as a string-like sound rises, while the bass continues to plane out beneath the other elements.

Fragile notes sparkle into the vastness around them. Chords in the background add a pained warmth. The strings cry out again and the slowly roaming melody captures loss and tentative hope in a way that moves me deeply as the bass shifts powerfully.

The melody’s tiny motes of light are overwhelmed by the washing bass as it flows like a galactic tide. The synth chords are melancholy and massive, while glittering notes shine through the music as the rain continues to fall. The track concludes as the shimmering notes fade into the distance.

“So Long!” begins as metallic sounds echo and a piano carries a gossamer melody, soothing and mild as it slips above the slowly undulating bass. The piano is full of affection and grace. Soft sounds roll in the distance as the solar wind blows and the piano conveys feelings that make my heart ache and soar simultaneously.

Sharp-edged, glowing synth now joins with the melody, imbued with feelings that bring tears to my eyes. There’s something heartfelt and pure in the music, drawing me inward. In the background, shiny synth rises as the melody unfolds, carrying me along through wistful memory and gentle caring. All of the sonic elements create a caressing environment that cradles me and brings me tranquility.

Like all the most beautiful things in life, there is a mixture of yearning and joy as the string-like sounds shiver and the main melody floats out into the vastness around it, full of that strange thing we call humanity. The track concludes, leaving me deeply touched.

Conclusion

The Tannhäuser Gate, in my opinion, is the apotheosis of The Pyramid’s work, drawing together all the elements I’ve enjoyed over the years and adding an extraordinary dimension of emotional depth and power. Each time I listen to The Tannhauser Gate, I am transported across the unfathomable depths and unimaginably beautiful expanses of this remarkable universe in which we are privileged to exist.

Zak Vortex - Mistakes & Heartbreaks

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Zak Vortex’s Mistakes & Heartbreaks conveys deeply touching emotion and sorrow tinged with hope for the future. In a tapestry of layered synths, expressive guitar and beautifully written melodies, Zak Vortex carries us through an emotional journey that simultaneously hurts and dreams. There’s an undeniably poignant strength to the music, making for a powerful listening experience.

One of the more compelling aspects of Mistakes & Heartbreaks is the overall atmosphere and mood created by Zak Vortex. Each track adds to the potent mixture of pain, loss, longing and glimmers of hope that permeate the music. I find myself contemplating my own personal experiences with all of those feelings and that reflection draws me deeper into the music as it unfolds.

Zak Vortex’s synth choices on Mistakes & Heartbreaks deepen the sensations and feelings he transmits to the listener. The way in which he mingles bright, radiant tones and textures with more sorrowful and lugubrious tones weaves together a deeply touching environment. The layers of sound come together to create an intensely moving elixir that drives right into the heart of me.

Another strong element of Mistakes & Heartbreaks is Zak Vortex’s melodic writing. His melodies are full of heartfelt expression, filling me with conflicting yet wonderful sensations. Zak Vortex skillfully captures the complexity of human feelings and thoughts within his melodies, moving seamlessly between loss and love. I can shut my eyes and let the waves of pure feeling wash over me.

I also have to mention Zak Vortex’s guitar performance on the album. His choice of guitar sounds and his skillful playing add depth and engagement to the music. The guitar is a crucial part of conveying all the feelings that suffuse the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Nobody Wants to Be Lonely” begins with oscillating, lucid synth waves, full of calm and pain. Colossal drums pulse as the bass grows in strength, while the synth washes smoothly through the music, adding luminosity. Wordless female vocals carry a dreamy melody tinged with ache as the gigantic bass moves with rolling pulses.

The vocals repeat that “nobody wants to be lonely” as glistening notes delicately move past. The drums and bass return, slipping beneath the raised, softly lit synth as metallic chimes flicker through the music, adding brightness. Shining chords climb while the low end continues to guide the track. The chimes sparkle, and the drums and bass shift, shaping the music.

The female voice cries out again, filled with grief, as the bells echo and brilliantly gleaming chords rise. The track ends with tranquil, levitating synth fading into silence.

Tender but massive bass, accompanied by emotive, caressing synth carrying a melody exuding mournful nostalgia opens “Mistakes & Heartbreaks”. The bass undulates as twinkling notes in the distance fill the music with introspective quiet. Drums enter along with the solid bass pulse, while higher notes spin and shimmer.

The main melody shines on a lambent synth, radiating need and loss. A voiceover speaks about how it isn’t anyone’s fault, offering reassurance and confidence. Dazzling notes flicker through the music as a silky arpeggio twirls. The drums and bass add their smooth presence, guiding the track forward as sunlit notes shine hazily above.

I’m drawn in by the feeling of being held and comforted, as if hands lightly touch my back, calming me. The main melody is full of powerful loss and need, tugging at my heartstrings before the song fades away.

“Just One More Day” comes to life with broadly drifting synth glimmers, paired with a sparkling note pattern oscillating above. The powerful throb of drums and bass guides the music, while crystalline arpeggios flicker in lighter contrast.

The low end carries a dark weight as the main melody emerges on a gently glowing synth, transmitting aching loss and a haunted feeling. The ringing chimes suffuse the higher notes with brilliant light, while the lower synth creates melancholy tones as the drums rebound.

An electric guitar enters, carrying a melody, riven with a palpable longing. The dark low end adds an ominous sensation, contrasting with the scintillating chimes. The main melody drifts out again, capturing me with its desolation as the drums and bass shape the music. The track concludes with fading chimes and an undulating synth that slowly disappears.

A bell-like jazz organ carries a thoughtful, placid melodic pattern as piano notes dance between to start “People of the Night”. The ringing synth carries the smoothly flickering melody, full of aching tenderness, above the solidly pulsing low end.

The piano skips in between, adding a second line of meditative sounds. In the distance, full notes spread outwards in unctuous chords, while a wordless female voice drifts with delicate sensations.

Flitting, raised notes slowly dance as the jazz organ rings out again, carrying a supporting melody in the background. The main melody slowly undulates, waving like undersea fronds as the bass sails out underneath. I am both soothed and touched by this track before it slips to an end.

“Broken Neon Heart” commences as a lustrous synth delicately seeps through the music. An iridescent shimmer fills the entangling notes as the solidly pulsing drums and surrounding bass guide the music. A broadly flowing synth carries a sadness-filled melody above the solidly pulsing low end. Notes that exude cosmic brightness slowly twinkle as the track shifts.

Worshipful vocals exhale peacefully as the background glittering notes float like feathers on the breeze. The drums and bass pulse again as the plaintive melody expresses a palpable sensation of loss. The way in which this track expresses complex feelings is something I find strongly affecting. The fragile melody fills the music with trembling sensations before the track ends.

Slowly pulsing drums and bass move along with a twinkling synth that slowly flashes through the track to open “Back From the Dead’. The drum heartbeat is solid as the bass oscillates, and the shining synthesizer carries a meditative, hopeful melody that radiates more uplifting sensations.

Zak Vortex’s guitar cries out, filling the music with a mixture of positivity and nostalgic memory. The bass undulates as the sleek synth slowly carries a dreaming sensation. Flaring notes gleam as the drums and bass continue to pulse. Now, the scintillating notes intertwine and fall silent.

Conclusion

Mistakes & Heartbreaks takes hold of me with its depth and intensity of feeling. This is music that truly fills my heart with emotion and melancholy. I am moved by the way Zak Vortex expresses his sadness, sense of loss, and lingering hope on the album.

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.