Galaxy Racer - The Searching

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Galaxy Racer’s The Searching has cosmic power and beauty along with intricately interwoven guitar performances, memorable melodies that are emotionally engaging and a feeling of ethereal delicacy that balances out the massive low-end power. The end result is an album that carries me on a journey through sparkling stars and deep emotion.

One of the first factors that draws me to The Searching is the way in which Galaxy Racer’s use of synths and guitar paints strongly evocative, galactic imagery. There are sparkling lights and undeniably powerful moments of darkness as the album evolves. I enjoy the way in which all of the different colors, tones and textures become one intertwining, image-rich voyage.

Another intensely engaging element of The Searching is the way in which the melodies move through the music. Many of them are elegiac and moving, full of wistful emotion and a sense of melancholy. There are also moments of uplifting energy and dark drama to be found here. Each of these melodies helps tell the story of the broader album.

I also want to mention the superb guitar performances by Galaxy Racer and some of his guests on The Searching. Each melody and solo is skillfully played, full of emotive expression and strength. The guitar further intensifies the imagery and beauty of the music, helping carry me along as the sonic tapestry unfolds.

All of the guest artists on The Searching bring their own unique musical styles, each contributing to its richness. Their performances only serve to increase the meaning and power of the music. I especially enjoy Eric Krolak’s vocal performances on the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Embrace The Galaxy” comes into being as slowly throbbing drums move with a lusciously entangling synth that swells outward. Rippling notes dance broadly through the music as the drums burst and the background is full of misty light. The smoothly flickering synth shimmers like distant moonlight flashing on a spaceship’s hull, flowing out with easy motion.

Full, glistening chords are joined by a guitar that sings with dramatic power and the low end pulses with surging dynamism. The guitar twists through the music, glowing with cosmic luminosity as it cries out. The piano adds a rich underpinning as chimes shimmer in the distance and the guitar leaps forward, driven by the powerful drum and bass heartbeat.

The drums rebound and the track launches, pushing forward as the guitar unfolds with an arcing, adventurous melody that reaches for the stars. There’s precision and poise in the way this music moves, drawing me into it. The chiming notes tremble with a delicate touch above the colossal low-end pulse. The drums flare and the synth flies again, soloing in twisting lines and creating thrilling motion.

A choral synth moves with orchestral strings, generating a sense of majesty above the continually throbbing low end. The strings add an elegant touch to the music, which I enjoy. As the synth intertwines, dark chords add shadow and the guitar shines again, extending through the music with the brightness of a supernova. The drums tumble and the track throbs on to a conclusion.

A propulsive and deeply muscled drum and bass flow moves with glittering, interlocking synth to kick off "Far Beyond Illusion". Oscillating, slicing notes flare out as the cascading drums pound hard, launching the track with massive strength. The bright synth adds a refulgent counterpoint, while a rounded synth carries a melody full of dynamic excitement as the gigantic bass pounds.

Rapidly entangling synth cascades as brighter notes add a lustrous gleam. The relentless vigor is joined by a guitar as it erupts into an enigmatic melody that twines through the music with wild complexity. SIXMIXSIX’s solo is full of a sense of free flight in space, wheeling and spinning as the guitar rises.

The drums punch hard as the guitar howls with passion, while the bass surges below. The track ends on a melody that speaks of soaring far beyond the edges of the galaxy. Piano notes add a warmer quality as the track comes to an end.

"Fly Away [Eternity Version]" starts with a galactically swirling, lambent synth above a steadily undulating bassline. Sweeping sounds flow with laid-back smoothness as the gigantic bass continues to pulse. An elevated synth cries out as Eric Krolak’s synth vocals fill the track with delicate emotion.

A broadly twirling, glimmering synth spills out light as Eric Krolak captures the fragility and need in the lyrics. The drums pound and the bass accelerates. The drums explode as the chorus’ radiance fills the background, while the lead singer wrings out deep emotion. The low end presses forward as the caressing melody flows outward.

A synth rings with a gem-like quality, slowly undulating as the guitar punches forward along with Eric Krolak’s strong, affecting voice. Warmth washes through the music as the vocals carry the softly brushing melody. The guitar rises as the impassioned chorus leaps and the drums throb.

Soothing sounds pour from the pulsing low end as Eric Krolak emotes with deep feeling. The drums continue to punch onward, the vocals carrying on above the cascading drums as a guitar carries the yearning melody before the song fades into silence.

Our narrator asks, "What's my life and what's my name?" He wants to "fly higher through this pain" because the time is right for him to see that he'll "want for endless dreams," although he knows that journey can never happen.

The storyteller says that he'll "fade away under the starlit sky" to fall in love in space and time. He talks about being "safe away, right on the endless line." He adds that the time is right for him to see "what I saw every night in all my dreams" as he rises to the stars to fly away.

Now, the narrator reaches out for something he'll never have, adding that "time has changed our lives day by day." He asks to be taken to places he's never seen, "somewhere out in the galaxy." He wants to "fly to a world so far away, to the right I see every day."

He concludes by pointing out that another day is drifting by and adds, "I cried a million tears time after time, our bodies left behind."

Powerful, emotive piano and smoothly rippling, widely sweeping arpeggios open "In This Place [Radio Edit]." Eric Krolak's ethereal voice carries the surrounding melody, tender and full of softness.

The huge drums rebound as the synth moves in slowly slicing lines and the vocals reach out with heartfelt feeling, carrying the dreaming and aching melody. I find Eric Krolak's performance intensely engaging as he fills the song with emotion.

The drums continue to pulsate as the synth undulates with rippling smoothness while the vocals soar. The synth moves in quickly twirling motion as the song fills me with deep melancholy. A shining synth suffuses the music with sharp-edged luminosity before the electric guitar climbs, full of yearning, as the drums pulsate.

Mournful need and intensely complex sounds fill the guitar solo. The chorus floats out on Eric Krolak's deeply sensitive voice while the huge percussion continues to throb. As the song comes to an end, emotion is joined by flickering light and the guitar's gripping voice before the music fades.

The storyteller says that there's a world that nobody's seen before "under the starlight, far beyond the stars." He talks about how "millions of pieces stay close to me," but as he travels, he feels "lost and out of time." He adds that somewhere along the way, time and space have changed his life.

Our narrator says he's a million miles from home, seeking something out there. He says that "on my way into the unknown, a voice is calling me." He asks if this is a place he's been before and wonders, "what's left for me to see" in a place full of bright lights.

Now the storyteller says that as he is "fading away so far, time is gone but something's left behind." He concludes that he's going nowhere in this place he's in and "staying the night, I feel lost and lonely."

"The Searching" begins as a kick drum pounds and a dramatically tumbling synth shines with cosmic light. The drums begin to tick more quickly as the synth cascades with a minor-key glow, feeling intensely powerful.

Sharp chimes glitter with cold light as the drums heave and the shadowed notes below interweave. A guitar cries out in rapidly rippling motion, twirling out in a tension-filled melodic line. The drums launch as the darkly ominous, brassy synth calls out and a heavy percussion pulse moves in half-time. I enjoy the music’s mysterious sensation as the spinning synth ramps up a nervous feeling.

The drums continue to slam hard as the brightly flickering synth continues to swirl with live-wire energy, while smoother notes in the distance interlock and drift. The drums are truly colossal as the piano dances with elegant motion and strings move in the distance. The electric guitar calls again, bending with emotional force as it leaps upwards and gleams.

The drums rush, rebounding with weight as the guitar flies. The melody has a ghostly, wildly shredding feeling as a choral synth echoes in the distance. The guitar is a primal force here as the drums continue to throb. The bursting percussion is joined by a string-like synth that adds dark shadings, while the sparkling chimes flicker before the track comes to an end.

A slowly revolving arpeggio spins as the drums throb heavily to kick off "Supernova." The track begins to grow in momentum as the arpeggio swirls and a powerful depth fills the distance. The guitar churns with raging power as the drums batter in even pulses and a true brassy synth carries a victorious and ominous melody. The powerful percussion shapes the music as the spacey synth flows outward in graceful motion.

The rounded synth notes spread with warmth as the glittering arpeggio spins and the low end throbs. I enjoy the dreamy quality of the floating synth and the contrast with the track's massive strength. The guitar slashes with inspirational and uplifting life, the low end leaping forward as the arpeggio continues to dance.

A feeling of vastness permeates the music and the beat drives it onward. The guitar tangles in bright lines above the steadily chugging low end, adding a peaceful quality as the synth continues to swirl in the distance. The track ends with the floating synth dropping away and the guitar flashing.

“Terminal Earth” opens as a softly shifting acoustic guitar carries a gently caressing melody, while the electric guitar moves above it in a melody that is tender and tinged with pain. The drums and bass are heavy and powerful as a majestically gliding synth moves above them. The feeling of a vast star field opening in front of me is beautiful and moving as the synth slips past.

The drums burst and cascade as orchestral strings move behind the singing guitar. The melody, carried on the beautifully toned guitar, is full of hope and a sense of contemplation, while chimes sparkle and the drums rebound. The continuing entanglement of acoustic guitar is full of soothing feelings as a shaker percussion sound moves.

The electric guitar adds radiance as the melody drifts with mournful grace above the steady drumbeat. The track sings out with uplifting emotion as the strings in the distance add lusciousness and the drums pulse to an end along with chiming notes.

Conclusion

The Searching is a deeply affecting and enjoyable journey across space and time. Each of the different elements come together into one whole that draws me in and keeps me listening over and over again.

LACUNA COIL - Sleepless Empire

Written by Chris Magdalenski

In Praise of Relentless Reliability:

A Review of Sleepless Empire by Lacuna Coil

At this point Lacuna Coil has been around long enough for them to have appeared on and fallen off my musical radar a number of times. That said, having returned to them for their recent release Sleepless Empire I’m forced to ask myself why Milan’s preeminent goth metal band ever fell out of my rotation at all. 

From the hammer-drop opening of the album’s first track, The Siege, everything I love about this band came crashing back into focus. Brutal riffs are the burning soul of each offering — the dark engine that propels the epic song craft and provides a dense foundation for the ever-present push and pull of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro’s vocals.

For me, it’s this vocal dynamic that has me coming back to Lacuna Coil again and again. The combination of Ferro’s raw rumbling fury playing off of Scabbia’s urgently operatic war cries imbue each song with a whirlwind-like quality — a ride on a pitch black roller coaster of rage to redemption, along with every other emotion in between. Not that this is anything new. It’s a style that’s been happening in metal for quite sometime now, but after a 30 year career I think it’s safe to say there are few bands that do it quite as well.

Rediscovering Lacuna once again has me going back through some of the albums I’ve missed, more than happy to bring this band back into the soundtrack of my life. And for those of you who never strayed from the Cult Of The Coil… 

I know… I know… What took me so long?

For more Lacuna Coil, visit their Bandcamp

Alpha Chrome Yayo - Dream Chaser

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Alpha Chrome Yayo’s Dream Chaser exudes feelings of pure happiness and boundless encouragement. Not only is the music highly entertaining and energetic, but it also showcases Alpha Chrome Yayo’s skill and musical ear to great effect. The dynamic tracks weave together jazz influences and melodies worthy of the best Japanese game composers out there. Along with fascinating and funky synth sounds and some first-rate melodies, *Dream Chaser* includes songs that are uplifting and emphasize living life to the max and enjoying the ride. Alpha Chrome Yayo shows off his immense musical skill and personality to the fullest here.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Dream Chaser is the sheer sense of uplifting encouragement that fills the music. Alpha Chrome Yayo conveys a message of living life to the fullest and not letting anything hold you back. The combination of upbeat vocals and the overall dynamic liveliness of the music creates a sensation of happiness and the desire to never quit. I find myself lifted up by this music, especially during these difficult times in the world.

As for the melodies, Alpha Chrome Yayo has written some real gems on Dream Chaser. There’s a barely contained exuberance to the melodic content that grabs hold of me and carries me away. The music’s volcanic power, along with its speeding energy, supports the celebratory and joyful melodies. I also find myself reminiscing about the days of playing Dance Dance Revolution as the Eurobeat influences erupt throughout the album.

Of course, Dream Chaser is a great deal of fun, but one can never forget the musical talent behind it all. Alpha Chrome Yayo has a knack for combining superbly composed music with his own unique, quirky personality, creating harmonically and melodically complex tracks that still feel playful and energetic as they weave through the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Get In The Car (Make Some Dreams Come True)" comes into being as explosive drums join a piano that cascades and flies soloistically. The bright piano gives way to a sexy sax calling out in intricate patterns. In a robotic voice, the rap unfolds, full of lively emotion. The drums burst and cascade as a piano trickles in radiant lines, adding jazz-fusion cool.

The rap continues to stutter through the music as the drums explode. The piano climbs in flashing lines, pulling me along with it as it swirls through the music. The sax adds full-voiced lushness as it calls out again with a sensual feeling while the broken beat continues to stutter. The piano adds extra luminosity and carries the song to an end.

The narrator announces he's back on our stereos as he's "pumping out beats for every scenario," encouraging the audience to never slow down "with the dreams you’re chasing."

Our storyteller urges the audience to never quit and says he won’t either, adding that he’ll go "a million miles an hour ‘til the day that I die." He reminds them that they can do anything and that he believes in them, saying, "Get in the car, make some dreams come true."

He compares the experience to "Initial D with a party philosophy," telling the audience that if they bring the fuel, he’ll bring the sound. He acknowledges that life can feel unjust but reassures them, "We outrun the dickheads and we leave ‘em in the dust." He continues, urging everyone to fire up their engines because "it’s time to chase dreams and you got the thrust."

Our storyteller emphasizes that he knows what matters to him and, even if it’s a "hard road to drive," at least he’s free. He encourages the audience to "put your foot to the floor and hear the engine scream," reminding them to always hold on to their dreams.

The narrator talks about turning up the music and driving to survive, adding, "Flip off the bullshit, make life feel alive." He concludes by reminding the audience once again that they can do anything and that he believes in them—"Get in the car, make some dreams come true."

The beat rockets ahead with a fun, dancing feeling as the glistening guitar cries out in rapidly unfolding lines to kick off "Just Beginning." The drums and bass pump as an angular synth flies in energizing lines. A guitar dances with slicing life, pouring out brilliance into the track. The low end sends dancing feelings through me.

Now the vocals come in with a robotic sound as the synth blasts out luminosity and the hi-hat rushes in a shaping line. The swirling notes entangle with intense shine as the low end throbs and flies forward. A bending synth calls out, full of ecstatic liveliness and the robotic vocals jump with joy. I enjoy how this entire song exudes optimism and freedom as it evolves. The guitar swirls through the music again with an intense sheen, full of celebratory abandon before the song ends.

The storyteller tells the song’s subject that he has a feeling they’re winning. He asks the other person to hold on tight because "it’s just beginning." He adds, "We’re going faster, you’re getting stronger," and assures them that he’ll be there until the end.

Our narrator repeats that he thinks they are winning and asks the other person to hold on tight again. He concludes, "I’m fast as life, you’re strong as hell," adding that they’ll be there until the end.

"Forget the Brakes" begins with thundering bass exploding into excited motion, with light pouring from quickly tripping synth as piano notes flit out underneath. Kasane Teto's voice is slightly distorted as the leaping beat creates dynamic bliss, while a synth quickly rushes with bursting light.

The Eurobeat underpinnings launch the track forward with unstoppable energy as the vocals are joined by a rapidly flying electric guitar that spins through the music with contentment and uplift. The low end is endlessly propulsive as a guitar soars above it.

A sax calls out again with celebratory energy as the low end surges forward on the bass tide. The track drives to an end rapidly, with pure liveliness pouring from it.

Our narrator tells us to "forget the brakes, you're never slowing," adding that we don't need them where we're going. She asks the audience to listen up to what she's saying because "it's never too late until you are dead."

After repeating that we need to forget the brakes, the narrator tells us we're going at speed, so "just cut the goddamn cable and race for what you know you need."

Our storyteller tells us to fuel up and hit the gas because "it's your own sweet life, just kick it in the fuckin' ass." She goes on to say that we don't need the brakes because "we'll smash the competition and leave them bleeding."

As the song concludes, the storyteller says, "so buckle up, my sweetest friends. There are no brakes; the race never ends."

The drums scatter and rebound rapidly as the sax cries out with a slowly drifting melody to start "Asphalt Brain Frenzy." The sax wriggles as the drums shatter behind it and the bass is a steady flow. The sax solo unwinds with smooth, intricately interwoven notes floating as the dense electric bass throbs underneath. The sax moves through complex patterns, crying out as the drums break and erupt.

Now the track distorts and writhes, the drums thundering as the sax crackles. The track clears again as the sax wanders in a free-flowing solo that expresses a sense of unhinged emotion. The cascading percussion has its own wild patterns before the sax glides again, airy sounds hovering behind it as the cymbals burst. I enjoy the unfettered sounds of the sax as it contributes an uncertain feeling to the music. The drums continue to cascade before the track ends, with the sax diffusing into notes that move into silence.

"Kill Your Doubts" begins with a voiceover talking about taking care of a problem. Now the sharp hip-hop beat moves as the rap is carried on by a robotic voice, adding a clean quality as Kasane Teto’s softly drifting voice wanders with warm encouragement. The drums and bass keep popping along as the rap unfolds, crisp and cool, carrying the emotional weight of the music.

An elastic sound shifts in the distance, climbing in stuttering lines. The female vocalist sings the uplifting chorus while the piano dances in the background. The robotic rap is enjoyable and carries a message that I adore as the drums pop and snap. The sung part slips through again as the piano moves in minor key, dynamic lines before the song ends.

The storyteller speaks to the listeners, telling us to "kill our doubts and stab them dead." He urges us to "grab anxiety by the throat and put a slug in its goddamn head." He talks about how sometimes one tries to make magic and give it their all but "that shit don't fly when your brain won't play ball." He describes this as a meditation on what it's all about, saying "I don't believe in violence, but you gotta kill your doubt."

In the chorus, the female narrator says that killing our doubts is the only way to survive and that "when you kill your doubts, you can feel alive."

"Negative thought processes," the storyteller explains, "create stresses." He reminds us not to get obsessed but "instead address, make ‘em regress, express success." He adds that this is progress. He encourages the listener to look into their own minds, "pluck out all the hurt," and find their doubts, saying "Bam bam, put them in the dirt."

Our narrator urges the listeners to set their minds free, look up to the sky and shout, "I'm a bad bitch and tonight I'm killing doubt." He continues by adding that some things can't be repaired by positive thinking, but he still believes that "those doubts ought to be taught a lesson from Misters Smith and Wesson."

The storyteller affirms that the listener deserves "expression, progression, decompression." He reminds us to never hurt ourselves but "when it comes to those doubts, show no remorse." He tells the listeners that he wants us to thrive and concludes, "show me your drive, kill off your doubts, live life alive."

The drums rebound with massive power as glimmering notes tremble above them to start off “Watashi no Yume.” The vocals chant smoothly, drifting above shimmering notes that walk through the music with luminosity. As the distorted chorus slides along, the huge drums hit hard and the bass thunders. Slowly distorting, sharp notes cut through as the drums tick and tap. A chanted chorus adds to the hypnotic quality as a gleaming synth ripples through the track.

As the distorted chorus sails past, the drums add gigantic propulsion as they burst. Digital-sounding notes with jagged edges introduce another element as the colossal drumbeat pounds. Now, the sax leaps through the music with controlled madness. Gigantic, angular bass thunders as the shining notes vibrate, adding blinding light. The vocals are unique and a guitar flies outward, exuding fierce illumination as the lush drums continue to throb. Kasane Teto chants as the bright light of the high notes cascades. The distinctive sound of this track keeps my ears entertained as it unfolds. The drumbeat is heavy as it continues to shape the music before the song comes to an end.

Our narrator asks the song's subject to share their desires without fear. They go on to say that "there's more chance of a dream coming true when a dream is shared." The narrator adds that they both need this because "your dreams are mine and my dreams are yours," saying that they just want the other person.

In the chorus, the storyteller points out that they had no dream until they met the song's subject, who opened their eyes. In Japanese, the storyteller says, "my dream." They add that "there's nothing that can't be done, not a thing that we can't outrun."

Our narrator points out that the song's subject is "tired of feeling sick and sick of feeling tired." They tell the other person that it's time to reach out and take hold of everything they've wanted. They add that the other person owes it to themselves as well as to each other. They conclude, "Hold on tight, we know how to fight—let's give them hell."

“No Headlights” starts off as the low end rushes forward with extreme speed and the glimmering synth joyfully leaps. The guitar cries out with animated liveliness as Kasane Teto’s celebratory vocals soar. Her voice creates a great vibe and the low end pounds as a tambourine adds metallic luminosity.

The guitar slices through and a robotic, British-accented voice chants as the guitar spins out cascading lines, feeling incredibly uplifting. Kasane Teto spills out the words with encouragement. I enjoy the way this entire song explodes with massive speed as the glittering chimes add wonderful luminosity. The lyrics move along with the slashing guitar before silence falls.

The storyteller says that the song’s subject takes her there, pointing out that "with you, it's a race we've already won." She talks about the wind in her hair as the beats throb in the warm sun. She adds that she has the other person and he has her, so they ought to run away together.

Our narrator says that they don’t need any headlights where they're going because "the future’s bright and the road is glowing." She tells the song's subject to "hit the turbo," and she’ll be there to see them win. As they rush through the dark at light speed, they don't need headlights because "the future is so bright."

"Nobody can know what is hidden 'round the bend," and the storyteller says that the song’s subject should just "smack it head-on, this ain't no dead end." She adds that they're going faster than a speeding bullet, so "just hold my hand and we can reach the stars."

The storyteller concludes, "I've got you, boy and you've got me, so let's fly away forever."

A smoothly gliding organ intertwines with the clean drums to create a slow groove in “GP YES.” The voiceover flows with a laid-back feeling as the saxophone wriggles and smoothly moves past. The rap throughout the music is entertaining, while the chilled saxophone wends its way with effortless emotion. The robotic voices add to the track's engaging nature as the verses lay out an interesting tale.

The hard-hitting beat moves along with the drifting synth, which sails through the music. The sax slips in with a sexy slither and the rapping enhances the overall sense of fun. The sax is so sensual and caressing, while the clever puns add to the track’s highly entertaining vibe before the song winds down.

This passage is a playful and flirtatious dialogue between a male and female vocalist, using driving, navigation, and mapping as metaphors for romance and attraction.

The male vocalist begins by comparing his energy to an empty fuel tank. She says they should relax and enjoy a “saxophone sensation” while heading toward a "filling station." The conversation quickly takes a turn when the male character asks if she’s using GPS, excited to follow her coordinates. She talks about how erotic she finds navigation.

She playfully mocks him for using Google Maps, calling him a "basic bitch" while he finds her alternative choices—such as MapQuest—oddly attractive. She prefers using a Garmin, which thrills him. They soon face a challenge when the Garmin runs out of battery but the male narrator suggests using an Ordnance Survey map, which pushes all of the female character’s buttons.

I dig all of the double entendres about maps, compasses and topography. The female character notices his “compass” pointing north, hinting at physical attraction, while he mentions his "magnetic pole." She hopes he doesn’t mind "detours" as long as he takes time to "explore her contours."

“Touge Buster (The Final Race)” begins with a voiceover congratulating the racer before the slowly pulsing drums suddenly erupt into a battering rush, while the intensely flashing synth explodes in endless motion. The voiceover speaks about life’s complications and challenges but also delivers an encouraging message.

The synth is rapid and full of brilliance as it speeds forward. Bells and a pipe organ move alongside a vocal track that spills out a message of perseverance and success. Brightly leaping notes are joined by electric guitar cries filled with deep passion as the drums rebound and snap. The cascading sound rockets through and the guitar entangles itself in wild motion. The charging low end goes into overdrive before the final winning fanfare flashes out, bringing the song to an epic close.

Conclusion  

Dream Chaser has become one of my favourite albums to have reviewed so far this year due to its unstoppable energy and upbeat message. Combined with the jazzy feeling of the music and the entertaining lyrics, the overall spirit of the album carries me away and makes me feel as if anything is still possible. 

OSC - Sunrise Express

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

OSC’s Sunrise Express is an upbeat, jazz fusion-influenced, charming journey across Japan by rail. The feelings of classic Japanese jazz fusion, with its easygoing emotional flow and laid-back attitude, are present, along with influences from beautifully melodic anime themes and a dash of video game-like playfulness. I enjoy the way OSC weaves together all of these elements to create happiness and positivity as the album unfolds.

The first element I find deeply pleasing about Sunrise Express is the way OSC utilizes a liberal dollop of superb Japanese jazz fusion style. The melodies are fresh and lively, with good use of sax, piano and jazz organ. They feature soloistic passages that are free-flowing and ear-pleasing. The way the album tells its tale is cool and ultra-smooth.

Another aspect of Sunrise Express that I enjoy is how OSC’s melodies resonate with me. His melodic sense is inventive and full of playful touches, channeling some of the excellent Japanese composers of video game music. The melodies have an earnestness and emotional expression that are crucial to how they move through this album. I am both touched and charmed by the gentleness and joy that permeate the music.

For me, the atmosphere OSC creates on Sunrise Express is another reason for my enjoyment. It moves through funk and jazz to disco influences while creating a sense of travel and adventure. I love how each track takes me on a small journey, moving through interwoven sounds to transport me to a new place as it unfolds.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Sunrise Express" comes to life as hollow drums echo in the distance and a snapping percussive sound floats, growing in strength along with broadly flaring synth. The low end has a funky groove to it as the chimes above pour out celebratory light and the bass throbs. The electric bass adds a funky flow to the music and the higher notes are full of sunlight.

After a brief muffled moment, the drums come in and the slap bass intertwines as scintillating notes carry the joyful melody. I enjoy the way the entire track explodes with happy and warming vibes. The thudding bass moves as string-like notes swirl and intertwine, bright and full of life. The dancefloor-friendly beat drives on as the raised notes imbue the track with a rich glow.

A crying synth bends through the music, feeling energizing before an organ solo wriggles with dynamic emotion, shimmying and leaping. The low end fades and the slap bass moves again to add a deeper groove. The entangled notes that shine through only contribute to the feeling of the dawning day and the possibilities that come with the sunlight. The low end continues to thud with a hip-shaking feeling as the elevated notes spin out through the music with flashing motion before the track fades to quiet.

The solidly pulsing low end is joined by a sax that winds through the music with gentle smoothness to open "Futari-bun No Kippu." The bass has density as percussion ticks and slipping sounds rise through the music. Now the heavily throbbing low end is guided by lusciously intertwining electric bass and elevated, lambent string-like sounds.

The melody has an easy-going feeling, drifting through with peaceful chill as the sax adds expressive warmth and heartfelt emotion. The low end drives the track forward as varied percussion shimmers. The slap bass is fat and the raised notes drift past with delicate lightness. The low end continues to pulsate with locked-in drums and bass as the sax winds through the music with sensual motion. I quite enjoy this track's smooth vibes.

The track moves and bursts as the sax flies and spins out through the music, capturing every scintilla of coolness. The sax cries out again as the drums and bass hit with full weight. Chimes flicker in the background and the reedy sax skips through the music with irrepressible emotion before the track begins to fall silent.

“Doki Doki Densha” starts with the sound of a train on the tracks before the steady pulse of the drums swells with strength and launches the track. The slap bass moves through as the lower-end pulse is joined by notes that float with metallic sharpness. The percussion is active as the ringing notes add bell-like light and carry a melody that shimmies and twists above the steadily throbbing low end. The metallic notes have a minor-key quality as they glitter.

A piano moves with a melody that skips through the music with a Latin flavor, enhanced by the sound of the timbales. The low end has a dancing feeling as the train sounds drift past. I enjoy the disco vibes here as the track progresses, the percussion clear and sharp. The groovy little synth figure that makes its way through the track has a shimmy that's a lot of fun.

The piano slips past again, full of a relaxed vibe, as the dancing drums and bass keep pushing forward. The rattle of the timbales adds a unique quality and the bass continues to thump as intense flashes illuminate the track. Again, the disco-flavored melody and beat fill the music with fun and positive sensations. The metallic notes flash again as the beat moves actively and the percussion snaps. The drums rebound and the minor-key notes shine until silence falls on the sound of train tracks rattling.

Broadly glowing keyboard notes rise into the music along with a smoothly sliding beat to start “Kikansha No Yokubou.” The piano chords are expansive and slip by with ease before a sharper, brighter synth glows. The slap bass moves as horns call out with a catchy melodic lick and the synth radiates feelings of relaxation.

The drums collide as a popping, percussive synth bubbles through the music. A bending synth sails past with chocolatey, velvety tones. The synth bops through the music with lively energy as the slap bass adds a gnarly element. The strings glisten as a distant-sounding, elevated synth drifts through the music with a calming melody. The horns burst with more strength as the dancing synth line bounces before the track fades to silence.

“Ugoite Iru Yume” opens as the drums thud heavily and the crystalline notes above them undulate slowly, rocking back and forth. The drums are slow and weighty as extended notes float past and the piano trickles in silken motion. Now, the guitar echoes with an intense glow, carrying a tranquil melody that glides with a Japanese flair. Sparkling notes descend as the guitar echoes, the melody peaceful and reminiscent of a train’s gentle rocking. The bright notes drift in smooth motion as tiny lights flicker in the distance. The guitar melody wraps me up, full of dreamy sensations.

A jazz organ moves in now, sharper and fuller in tone, roaming through a lushly interwoven melodic pattern. Each sonic element contributes to the feeling of summer relaxation as the track unfolds. The drums and bass are a steady heartbeat as the glittering notes slip past. The lead synth radiates hazy light as it carries the wistful melody above the steady drumbeat. lustrous notes cascade and the drums rebound heavily before the song comes to an end.

Flaring synth with clean, sharp edges moves in quick bursts to kick off “Nana to Yon.” The drums begin to slowly tick as 8-bit sounds flit through the music and the ragged-edge synths glow. As the 8-bit sounds skip past, the drums stutter and break above the dense bass. Slap bass adds another element of low-end richness as the leaping notes continue to emit sunlight. The drums rebound as a twisting synth frolics through the music with abandoned joy.

The varied percussion fascinates my ears as it throbs and shapes the music while madly whirling notes dance. Floating notes trip to the rhythm with a chilled-out smoothness as computerized notes glimmer. A synth with a vocal quality drifts through with elevated warmth as the drums rebound. The slap bass dances and there's a segment where the track hovers before the explosive drums jump again and the track pulses to an end.

“Akarui Hoshi” starts off with an extremely funky guitar and solidly thudding drums and bass. The guitar has a sensual and smooth quality as it unfolds with laid-back motion. Exhaling sounds move along with quickly flickering, aquatic noises as the drums continue to pulse with a melted chocolate quality swirling around them. The guitar moves in the distance as ethereally fluting notes hover and sparkling chimes ripple past. I enjoy the way the entire track breathes and fills me with a deep sense of peaceful relaxation.

Brighter notes flare with a metallic ring as the sharp percussion snaps and the bass moves below. The exhalations continue as a bell-like synth sings out with easygoing, blissed-out feelings. That funky guitar continues to intertwine as the drums punch. The track drifts into a segment in which misty sound flows before the drum and bass heartbeat begins again. Chiming notes add a delicate, glittering quality as the drums continue to rebound cleanly and the bass undulates.

Quick-bending sounds float past and the chimes continue to exude illumination.The keyboard spills out notes that add an element of affectionate feeling as the trickling notes tumble past. The track pulses on in mingled richness and glow before coming to an end.

The piano loops in and the bass glides as the percussion begins to dance to open “Ikisaki Funku.” A minor-key, Japanese-influenced melody moves in on the piano with an excited feeling as the low end throbs. Bright notes descend through the music with intense shine as roundly glimmering sounds rapidly descend.

Sharp-edged notes pulse as the gleaming synth melody flies and fills me with thrilling energy that continues to unfold. The guitar strums in a tight figure and the timbales move through the music.

The synth has a string-like ring to it as it fills the music with a luminous sensation. The drums and bass have a disco vibe, which I enjoy as they press on. Elevated noises skip past with smooth light radiating from them and the main melody calls out again, full of an undeniable groove and celebratory energy.

A sense of dynamism and irrepressible energy fills the music as it evolves. The entangling notes fly past with shimmering light and the booty-shaking low end continues to throb. brilliant notes jump out again and cascade through the music along with a twisting synth that wriggles in smooth motion. The low end drives on unstoppably as the main melody spins out and fades away.

Conclusion

Sunrise Express is an album that bursts with positivity and melodic beauty. The way OSC mixes all of his different influences creates music that is ear-pleasing and extremely entertaining. This album will definitely go on my list for music to improve my mood if I feel a bit down.