The Blue Book Project - Almost Human

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

The Blue Book Project’s Almost Human is a rich mixture of layered textures with well-crafted melodies, thoughtful songwriting and excellent guest performances. As a whole, it is a beautiful instrumental and lyrical exploration of the human condition and experiences we all share.

One of the stronger aspects of Almost Human is the melodic writing that The Blue Book Project demonstrates throughout. He crafts nuanced and touching melodies that are full of emotion—sometimes bright and encouraging, other times dark and melancholy. Either way, the melodies draw me in and capture me with their expressive and direct feelings, adding to a fuller listening experience.

I also enjoy the songwriting that The Blue Book Project brings to Almost Human. The lyrics are full of nostalgia, memory and a mingling of hope and melancholy. I appreciate the way the artist captures emotion and transmits it to me through his words. The songs are filled with strong imagery and emotional clarity, creating a deeper attachment to the album.

Another strong aspect of Almost Human are the guest performances featured on it. Each guest brings a unique vision to the music, adding their own touch to the overall approach the artist takes. Whether it’s the vocals on “Castle in the Sky” or “Dreamers in the Night”, the performances are heartwarming and deeply touching.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Midnight Drives” comes into being as an easily spinning, intensely luminous synth twirls out alongside a warmly energizing arpeggio while the thudding kick drum pulses. A dreamy quality fills the smoothly levitating synth as it dances through the music while the snare drum kicks.

Undulating notes exude luxurious brightness as the drums flourish and reverberant chimes ring out with a celebratory melody. A sense of freedom and the open road under the wheels of a beautiful sports car pervades the music as the tensely leaping notes with a metallic ring skip along.

The drums continue to punch and flourish while the trumpeting notes carry a melody that fills me with an easy-going lightness and a sense of adventure. The chimes ring ethereally again, spreading their graceful luminosity. Now the twisting, nasal-sounding synth carries a noble melody with a slightly distorted feeling before the song drives to an end.

Solidly pumping drums and hollow percussion move with a distantly surging bass pulse to start “Overload”. Now the computerized-sounding synth shifts in towering walls of energetic sound as the drums and bass continue to pulsate. A robotic-sounding noise moves in the distance as the steady pulse oscillates. Gliding notes intertwine in the distance as a happily glistening melody sings an encouraging tune above the steadily bursting low end.

Hollow percussion pops as the brightly dancing notes interlock with flaring liveliness. The melody that slides in grabs hold of me and pulls me along, eager and joyous, moving through the music with glowing ease. The drums continue to add shape while the melody sings with an affectionate feeling. A darkly angular pulsation rises and falls rapidly, sharp edges cutting as the digital-sounding pulse continues to move, while the brighter notes glitter before the continual pulse fades.

A razor-sharp, medium-high synth carries an enigmatic melody out above sweeping winds as “Almost Human” starts. The kick drum begins to pulsate in a steady beat as the sharp-edged synth repeats the melodic pattern with hypnotic energy.

The snare drum comes in and bursts now as chimes ring out with a ghostly melody and the kick drum is joined by the solid bass. A broadly intertwining synth shifts with cosmic delicacy as the low end pushes the music forward. The chimes flash as the melody slips past on a drifting synth. A robotic voice comes in now as the drums and bass accelerate, with hollow percussion adding an additional element.

The lead synth has a clean, metallic sound as it rings out, carrying the mystical melody. A bending, twisting synth solos with a wildly arcing feeling as crystalline chimes call out with a gentler and more aching melody. Underneath it all, the drums and bass continue to launch forward with driving energy before the track falls silent.

“Dreamers In The Night” commences as shimmering, resonant bells ring out along with rich bass as a firm kick drum pulses. Alex from eLxAr’s voice is full of abiding gentleness and a light, airy quality.

Shimmering chimes dance with flaring radiance as a brassy synth calls out with encouraging energy. The drums burst along with the vocals which ache with a nostalgia that permeates the music. The chorus soars up with Alex’s voice brimming with expressive energy. Widely glistening bells ring out with gentle luminosity as drums and bass shape the music.

The chorus rises up with positivity and warmth as a broadly gleaming synth fills the background. Bells tremble with brightness as Alex's delicate voice captures the music's dreamy quality. A disco section with flashing string-like synth leaps out before the chorus lifts up with joy and guitar sings out with dynamic life. The vocals mix with the other musical elements before silence falls.

The storyteller talks about having a flashback of the days when they were young and could be “chasing dreams under the stars." They were living their lives and enjoying themselves under the city lights “where freedom never dies." They wore leather jackets and kept their sunglasses on at night as they felt “wild in the neon light." It was all about vintage cars and late night drives where it felt so good to break the rules.

Our narrator talks about him and his friends being "dreamers in the night" as they danced all night long and played music to feel alive. He goes on to say that the night air was full of disco beats. There were “midnight tales in every street” along with their echoing heart beats. He talks about how "synth notes and electric guitars resonate in our hearts.”

The storyteller and his friends left “footprints on the vinyl floor.” They were full of vitality and feeling “lost in time” as they stayed living through the night. He concludes that they were "wild hearts of the night “ as they danced under neon lights and dreamed, lived and loved.

Warmly intertwining, smooth synth tumbles as a solid drum and bass pulse shifts as “Castle in the Sky” begins. Piano chords are gentle and aching as Nicolas’ softly touching vocals carry the delicately caressing melody.

Arpeggios with a shining radiance leap and Nicolas captures melancholy and wistful thought in his lyrical voice.

Bell-like synth carries the main melody, caressing me with painful tenderness. The softly affecting vocals slip past as the drums and bass add shape. Glistening arpeggios wash through and the chorus fills me with deep emotion as the track progresses.

Now the softly twirling synths and bell-like keyboard move as the drum beat changes tempo, while Nicolas' voice and the backing vocals create a dreamy, hurt atmosphere. Chimes ring with soft luminosity and the chorus arcs upward as the guitar cuts in. The arpeggios undulate and the track comes to an end on the expressive vocals.

Our narrator is turning "a blaze into a haze of half-remembered days" as he brings what's "retrograde into the future." As he builds a sky castle, he burns his bridges.

The songwriter adds that "it's something nobody can see, nobody else but me." He says that he cannot keep his friendships safe "from turning black and white." He says that he conceals them in his pocket, just in case they start to fade away.

Our narrator’s burning bridges remain unseen to others, but when he glances around, realizing that everything has changed, he wonders, "What was really true?" As he searches for an unchanging thing, he discovers that he is starting to change himself.

Fascinating, open-voiced percussion rebounds as clapping and seeking sounds add to the variety of percussive effects to open “Life's a Beach”. Sharp-edged, shifting rhythms move as the hollow drums float out to create a groove. Trumpeting shimmies with a hip-shaking motion as the drums move around one another. A panpipe-like melody skips out in a chilled-out and playful tune, wriggling through the music with a laid-back sensation. The tropical vibes that emanate from the track draw me in with their fun and easygoing nature.

Undulating bass is joined by quickly trickling notes that shimmer past as the clapping percussion adds a steady heartbeat. Brassy tones move with a shuffling, cool energy and a melody that has a summery vibe. A xylophone flickers in the background before the active bass cascades and throbs. The glowing sound has a groovy swing to it while nasal-sounding notes wind out with relaxation. A steady, warm glow suffuses the background as the bright shuffle is joined by bubbling pipes that cruise to a conclusion.

Conclusion

Almost Human is an emotional and musical journey that carries me through lusciously layered sounds and melodic beauty while capturing deep emotion and a sense of dreamy hope and remembrance. I could listen to this album many times and always find it enjoyable.

Exorcisor - Divine Justice

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Divine Justice is a potent evocation of demonic forces locked in battle with one who seeks to destroy them. The album roars and tears, smashing with unrelenting ferocity and hellish panic. Exorcisor weaves an intoxicatingly dark atmosphere and tells his tale of battles against the forces of evil with musical imagery. The addition of his formidable guitar playing and the blood-spattered rage of the album only add to the shadowy strength pouring from it.

Atmosphere is key to Divine Justice and Exorcisor does an excellent job of creating it. The entire album is a wedge of screaming, howling and seething energy that tears at me in a way I find enjoyable for its uncompromising sound. The way in which Exorcisor explores his ragged, viciously attacking material fills me with feelings of foreboding and outright danger as the music unfolds.

I'd also like to mention Exorcisor’s guitar skills, which are showcased on Divine Justice. He makes the instrument shred and rip, a wall of unstoppable anger and righteousness. I can picture the conflict between the demon within and the exorcist without, through the guitar. The battling impression of Exorcisor's guitar playing here only adds to the horror exuded by the music.

The album is full of incandescent ferocity and a sense of dark threat that doesn't diminish. I appreciate Exorcisor’s skill in conveying massive energy and continual spiritual conflict throughout the tracks without becoming repetitive. Feelings of bitter darkness permeate every pore of the music and pull me inward into a twisted world.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Call of Duty" comes into being as monastic chanting floats ethereally and bells ring with an ominous clang. Dark piano surges in a tumbling rush, shadows rise against sharp-edged synth that calls out in the background. The piano carries a classically inspired melody as strange whispers move around it.

Haunting noises shift as the piano thunders and a phone rings. The background begins to agitate as a phone conversation unfolds, razor-sharp edges slashing and drums pounding. The piano carries an unearthly melody as Exorcisor's guitar cries out, swirling with wraith-like tendrils, while the low end batters. The piano slips past in a silky flow as the synth pulse creates a counterpoint.

The guitar entangles with urgent energy as someone begs for help and horrifying feelings fill the music. Now, the drums and bass move with the flitting piano notes as they intermingle with a slashing synth. A sense of growing tension fills the music as Exorcisor's guitar fades into the shadowy piano. Tensely wound synth trembles and rapidly moving lines as the drums continue to pulsate and the piano dances in a surprisingly mournful melody, which I find touching before the song ends.

Intensely cascading, nervous notes vibrate rapidly as murky sounds move in the distance to open “Another Nightmare.” A solid drum begins to punch as the rapid notes twirl and the track surges forward with foreboding arpeggios whirling as a guitar twists in the distance. Exorcisor's guitar’s cadaverous quality makes it loom over the track, full of portentous feeling.

Open-voiced, trembling synth howls with unsettled sound as tense noises spin. A high-pitched note cries out and trickling sounds rush as the drums explode. A vocal synth adds a ghostly, trailing sound as the kick drum keeps throbbing hard. As the guitar slashes into the music with wild madness, I feel danger approaching through the shadows, jagged claws reaching for me.

The drums continue to rocket forward as the minor-key solo writhes with evil hunger. A nasal-sounding, bending synth adds a misty feeling to the music as the pounding kick drum continues to drive. The spinning arpeggios only add to the nervousness of the music as the drums burst again. Exorcisor's guitar slices with precise, angry power as the drums collide. I enjoy the way in which the whole track exudes menace and impending doom while the tautly wound arpeggios spin past and the track drives to an end with the elevated notes crying out above the fiercely slamming low end.

“Contact With Beyond” begins with rumbling bass and descending, terrified notes. Glimmering synth intertwines above a roiling low end as the drums begin to charge forward. The guitar is full of jagged edges while the chimes add a spectral quality as the bass pulses. The elevated synth melody is elegant, but now the track rages with diabolical intent, a twisted voice crying out in the distance as the drums attack.

Brightly shining notes flash as the drums batter and now a smoothly gliding, rather caressing melody slips out on an open-sounding synth. An uncomfortable buzzing sound moves in the distance as the lightly swirling synth creates an ethereally surrounding sensation. A choir calls out in the distance as the drums rush and batter.

Now, a distorted vocal sound carries the melody, unsettling and otherworldly, as the growling vocals move below. A sense of impending doom fills me as this haunted track unfolds, charging and jumping onward. Exorcisor's guitar has a blade-like quality as it carries a minor-key melodic pattern, full of lurking shadows. The drums are a hard force as chimes flicker and move with silky motion. The raging voice below haunts me as it growls.

The drums pound again and an oscillating, lacerating bassline moves with the gently floating melody, imbued with a sense of sadness, while the guitar has a razor-edged aggression. Elevated, nervous sounds ring out and the track pounds to an end.

Roughly pulsating, huge bass moves with terrifying, elevated sounds to kick off “The Invader.” Horrible voices drift distantly as the drums collide and mysterious swirling synth floats above glittering chimes that shine with eldritch light, forming an actively jumping melody.

Choral voices cry out above the unrelenting drum beat while the flickering notes dance with will-o’-the-wisp light. Warmly progressing chords contrast with the heavy weight beneath as the delicate chimes shine above while the low end thuds. The choir cries out with dark import as the shimmering chimes add a surprisingly fragile luminosity to the music.

Ghastly vocal sounds move far away as the chimes continue to exude flashing brightness. The undulating low end and pounding drums are cut by quickly rippling notes as the choir cries out again as the drums continue to pound. Darkness pours out in inky black waves, flowing all around me and adding to the sense of danger that echoes out.

The choir is powerful and creates an ancient-sounding impression as the chimes pour out light. The track ends with the brightly cutting synth fading out above the undulating low end.

"Sent by the Vatican" commences as a deeply descending sound moves with melancholy piano and a growl that trembles in the distance. The drums form a steady heartbeat as the fragile piano shivers and tortured sounds twist. A demonic voice calls out and now the shadowy, wriggling synth twists through the music in a tortured motion as the drums slam. In the distance, terrified chords add dangerous import as the descending notes flow past.

Tightly wound sounds move in a cavernous rush, like air from a tomb flowing out. The thundering low end rumbles as a steady sweeping noise lifts. Jagged notes move along with a screaming synth that increases the pressure as steady sounds snarl. The bassline undulates as the massively explosive drums are joined by a chiming synth carrying minor-key notes that add creeping worry. I enjoy the smashing weight of the track and its oppressive darkness.

Exorcisor's guitar screams in agony, writhing and twitching as the drums continue to slam hard. The guitar has an otherworldly quality as whispered, terrifying voices move past. Looming chords add to the feeling of an imminent attack while the explosive low end pushes forward. Delicate chimes sparkle with ghostly echoes as the endlessly pressing low end moves. The drums rush and the flaring synth slices with swift, sharp edges before the track closes.

A fear-filled synth cries out as rapidly flashing notes tremble past, adding terror to start "Interview with the Dead." The drums erupt into an unrelenting pulse as elevated notes sparkle with eldritch light. The bass is a fulminating wall as broadly howling notes float past. The drums are unstoppable as a string-like synth is joined by elevated synth’s fell sound.

The bass wanders as the raised synth shines with the light of a mysterious orb. Warmer notes add a tragic tinge as the broadly echoing synth intermingles while the low-end maelstrom continues. Elevated sounds add tension while the low end seems unstoppable. The string-like notes create an aching feeling while the warmer synth carries out, leavening the nightmarish sensations with tenderness. The arpeggios spin in manic waves and the drums collide. I enjoy the way this track creates a mixture of gentle emotion and tension as it evolves.

“Novus Macula” starts with a guitar storm along with a surging drum beat that leaps in. The drums have a churning power as Exorcisor's guitar cries out with sinister muscle above them. The drum pulse punches forward as the guitar roars and intertwines.

A melancholy synth calls out, contrasting sadness with the dreadful power that batters below it, carrying a melody that might even be considered wistful as it floats past. The drums have a pounding weight as the guitar tears with razor-sharp claws and the broadly trumpeting synth adds a majestic element.

I enjoy the way in which the track mingles nobility and darkness, driven by the unrelenting low-end attack. The main melody is full of pain but remains noble as the drums strike with metallic force and the bass rumbles. The sadness-filled main melody calls out with a touching quality before the guitar howls like the souls of the damned and the low end batters before silence falls.

Feverishly bright bells ring with intense motion to open “The Exorcist.” A void-deep rush of air moves along with rapidly slicing guitar. Exorcisor's vocals scream with fiendish ferocity as Exorcisor's guitar storms and the chimes flicker while the drums slam hard. Rage and danger pour from the music as a distorted voice contorts and the churning guitar rips through the music.

The vocals are serrated and snarling while the rebounding drums punch and the bass charges. The chimes are full of worry as the guitar lacerates the music and the elevated synth chords keen in the distance. The music’s sheer violence undeniably pulls me in. The slamming low end continues to batter as the vocals tear roughly and the low end attacks. The scream of a tormented synth is joined by the shredding lyrics and the storming guitar to bring the track to an end.

“Transgressor” commences with dungeon sounds and a chanting voice calls out in Latin. Power radiates from the words as a howling sound is joined by broadly explosive drums and a rapidly tumbling synth moves with strings that cry out in horror before the screaming vocals are cut by harpsichord-like notes.

The low end is gigantic and churning as minor-key, bright notes scream and Exorcisor's vocals rip through the music above the threatening low end as a hellish choir wails. A glistening synth flashes rapidly as the drums burst into half-time, massive beneath the wildly chanting lyrics as vibrating notes shriek in a tortured line.

A Theremin-like synth twists with a spectral tone as agitated sounds move underneath, while the drums continue to chatter. The darkness is palpable and draws me in while the gruff edges of Exorcisor’s voice sound raw and harsh. Strings wind up with fearful intensity and the track slams to an end.

Laser-like sounds flash through shadowy chanting and now the drums and guitar charge forward with unrelenting speed to kick off “Divine Justice.” Intensely intertwining, horrified notes move along with the rampaging vocals and the ferociously assaulting drums and bass. Exorcisor's guitar shreds as the drums batter rapidly and the strings intertwine dramatically.

Exorcisor's guttural vocals lacerate the music and the guitar has a terrible force, ripping through it. The main melody exudes absolute fright. I enjoy the music’s wicked atmosphere as the chanting vocals are cut into by a jabbing synth and the guitar’s sharp edges.

The track speeds forward at breakneck pace as Exorcisor's blood-spattered vocals reach a fever pitch while the drums stutter. Twisting notes wander as the hammering percussion assaults my ears before the song ends.

Conclusion

Divine Justice is an atmospheric evocation of evil, darkness and the eternal struggle to defeat those forces. Shadows fill every corner and ferociously surging energy erupts through the music as the album unfolds. I enjoy the way in which Exorcisor has created a terror-filled atmosphere and carried me through it.

Hollywood Brown - Reverberator

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hollywood Brown’s Reverberator is a classic slice of authentic '80s synth rock brought to exciting life. His dedication to ensuring that as many elements as possible are created with original equipment from that era gives the music authenticity, but it is his enthusiasm and ability that truly animates the album. Between his galvanizing vocal abilities, guitar talent and unstoppable energy, he weaves an intoxicating, nostalgic musical journey.

One of the elements I enjoy about Reverberator is the way Hollywood Brown uncompromisingly recreates the sound of the 1980s. His desire to produce music using original, period equipment gives it an unmistakable sound and deepens the feeling of immersion in that era. It is always compelling when an artist works so hard to evoke a particular sound—and succeeds.

Another factor that draws me to Reverberator is the combination of songwriting and vocal ability displayed by Hollywood Brown. He writes songs that tell tales of love, loss and desire under the summer sun, capturing the emotions and dynamism of those experiences with his unmistakable and thrilling voice. The result is music that reaches out, grabs me by the scruff of the neck and pulls me in, immersing me completely in his world.

Hollywood Brown’s guitar playing is another strong draw for me. His skills are undeniable and he imbues his guitar work with the same level of energetic freedom that fills his voice. The guitar solos are intricate and well-considered, while the overall sound of the instrument brings rocking power and a joyous wildness to the music.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Heartbreaker” starts with sharp drums moving along with bell-like synth ringing out. The drums help guide the bright bells as Hollywood Brown dynamically delivers the lyrics. The drums and bass form a steady retort beneath the glowing synth as Hollywood Brown’s voice calls out.

His guitar twists with vigorous life as the vocals jump with lively motion. A fragile synth contrasts with the dancing guitar as Hollywood Brown captures the lyrics' emotion. A metallic synth adds illumination as the low end pushes the music forward.

I enjoy Hollywood Brown’s emotive performance here. His guitar slices through with flying energy and a glassy synth floats in the distance as the drums add a clean edge. Now a guitar solo slices out with a bluesy sound. The chorus comes in with addictive energy as the song ends on a flaring synth.

As the sun comes up, the narrator lies awake and when he closes his eyes, all he can see is the song subject’s face. He says that she is "the habit that I'm trying to break" because she turns him on and drives him insane. He has to get up for work but still has "your makeup and your smell on my shirt." Even though he doesn't have the other person saved in his phone, he still ends up taking her home.

Our storyteller says that "this is the last night" because they both know it doesn't feel right. He adds that he doesn't want her to be his but "I am outta time." He calls her a heartbreaker and doesn't know why he's falling for her. He adds that she is "the mistake that I can't undo."

At 4 AM, the narrator is up walking the streets. He adds that "the bars are empty and the city's asleep." He asks if anyone can hear him when he calls for help but ends up saying that "I'll just try saving myself."

Our storyteller is awake and "my head is a mess." He says he's got a burning ache in his chest. He adds that she tries to take everything from him because "someday you know I'm gonna be free."

Electrifying drums burst, a synth rings and Hollywood Brown’s guitar whips in a rocking riff as “Miami Beach” begins. The drums are steady and the glittering synth flies past with an energizing melody. The vocals are carried by Hollywood Brown’s uplifting, powerful voice with a propulsive melody. The drums cascade and the guitar forms an angular pulsation as the synth shimmers.

An electric guitar carries the melody with exciting, dynamic life as the low end continues to throb. Bell-like notes shine and the drums and bass launch the music forward. The vocals are strong and capture a 1980s synth-rock sound. The guitar slices again, roaming with compelling power that grabs my ears.

The bass continues to dance with unstoppable power and Hollywood Brown’s guitar rings out in a clean solo that rocks hard, flying through the music. The vocals leap out again as the drums continue to pulse and the track comes to an end on the guitar.

The narrator tells the song's subject that he's going to take her back with "one less road to choose." He says it doesn't matter what the odds are because they haven't got anything left to lose. He wishes that he "could take you far away from here," and as they run away together, he would also take away her fear.

Our storyteller asks the other person to take him down to Miami Beach, "towards the place where lovers meet." He tells the song's subject that he'll always love her and says that under the sun she can "come feel the heat."

Now the narrator tells the song's subject that it's just them against the world, adding that he'll be a shoulder for her to cry on. He reminds her that their love is all they need, like a "beacon in the sky." He asks her to drive into the sunset with him, pointing out that "we'll make it if we try."

Our storyteller concludes that they'll dance every day and every night "until the feeling’s right." They'll dance until the morning light as he can't take any more lonely nights.

“Heaven Help Me” kicks off as twanging electric guitar tumbles in a funky pulse above the bursting drums. Groovy guitar entangles as sparkling, xylophone-like notes ring out along with brassy sounds. Hollywood Brown's voice carries the tumbling, bouncing melody above the hard-hitting low end.

Guitar leaps out with dynamic flair as the incredibly catchy chorus dances . Shiny synth floats out with a flickering light as the song drives on. I enjoy the slap bass’ undeniable propulsion as the drums fly out along with solid bass. Hollywood Brown’s vocals have a charming, ‘80’s quality that suits the music well.

The ear-catching chorus jumps out as the drums and bass explode with motion. Glistening, chiming synth adds more sparkle. Now Hollywood Brown’s guitar unwinds in a bluesy, energetic solo. The song ends on the chorus and rebounding drums and bass, along with gleaming synth and Hollywood Brown's wildly flickering guitar.

The narrator wonders whether the other person's attraction came from nowhere or from deep inside them. He asks, "Did you have those feelings that you just can't hide?" He questions if he was desperate and if he allowed the other person to lie. On the other hand, he asks, "Did I break the system? Did I let it die?"

Our storyteller says that the song's subject broke his heart and tore him apart. He continues by saying that “I can't be stronger any longer. My heaven help me." He is left wondering if the other person ever loved him or if they were just pretending

The narrator questions whether or not he's got the strength to stand up again. He concludes by saying he knows that the song’s subject is thinking they might just be friends. He disabuses them of that notion by saying “I have to leave you, this is where it ends. "

An echoing, disembodied guitar rings out and ethereal notes float in the distance as "Made 4 Me" commences. The guitar has a haunting, bluesy feeling as it calls out above the smoothly pulsing drums. Glittering synth infuses the music with brightness as Hollywood Brown’s fervent voice calls out, backed by the shiny synth and the drums explode.

Hollywood Brown sings with intensity and emotive expression, carrying the drifting melody. The guitar has a metallic quality as it winds above the hard-hitting low end. The guitar cries out with ardent feelings, shimmering and dancing, as the vocals add yearning weight. The drums snap like a gunshot and Hollywood Brown captures the desire in the lyrics. I enjoy the fiery need in the vocal performance.

The guitar solo is engaging as it adds a fervent feeling. The guitar entangles as the drums press on and the vocals call out with longing before the song comes to an end.

The narrator met the song’s subject when he least expected his life to keep going the way it was. He points out that the other person found him and "gave me a reason to keep on moving." He says that now he's got her by his side and looking into her eyes he sees "dreams I can't describe."

Our storyteller has given the song's subject his heart and he'll make her see that "this is a sign, I guess you're made for me." He tells the other person not to worry about what came before them because "these old memories, ain’t nothin’ but stardust."

Now, the narrator tells the song’s subject that if they "stumble or get lost in the rain," they'll be guided by their love’s flame. He adds, "You have my heart and you make it glow." He concludes, "Take my hand and our love will flow, what do you know?"

"Dance Til We Die" starts as a xylophone trickles percussively and the guitar snarls. A charging drumbeat moves with the aggressively slashing guitar and the chiming synth sparkles with exciting liveliness.

Hollywood Brown's voice erupts with heat and desire, the drums pulsing in a rushing line as the bass descends. The xylophone continues to ripple in the distance as the vocals fly with intensity while the drums burst. The guitar unfurls with irrepressible speed and the vocals are full of unbridled energy.

The shining synth bursts out with dynamic liveliness as the xylophone moves with the explosive drums. The song's energy is something I find most enjoyable. The active drum beat creates a bopping feeling. There's need within Hollywood Brown's voice as the guitar flies out again, driven by the low end.

The chorus is encouraging and full of intense emotion. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo exudes unstoppable strength, carrying a sense of dancing. The main melody returns to move the music forward as the vocals echo one more time and the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her dress and "the way it glitters on the dance floor." He’s impressed even though he doesn't know what he's letting himself in for. He says that he likes "your moves, the way you're busting to the beat," as he asks the song's subject to show him more because he can't wait any longer or "take the heat."

The narrator tells the song's subject that they can make it if they try and says, "So get up on the floor and we will dance till we die." He asks the song's subject what she's drinking because "a girl like you should only have champagne." He asks if it's his round because "you’d know if I had my way in this game."

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her eyes and asks what he can get her from the bar. As the song concludes, he asks if the car outside is hers and says, "Go on and take the wheel, we won't get very far."

Drums erupt into a muscled beat as a delicately shining synth moves along with quick, hard edged surges as “Hold On” opens. The drums are gigantic and propulsive as the synth shifts darkly. Hollywood Brown's voice flies with wild abandon as the drums and entangling guitar skip through the music.

Hollywood Brown's vocals have an irrepressible power that I find compelling while his guitar charges with bright liveliness. The chorus is full of encouragement and strength as the bursting guitar cries out. The vocals seize hold of the lyrics and propel them with conviction.

The drums continue to punch hard as the guitar unfolds in electrifying motion. Hollywood Brown fills the song with impassioned strength while the guitar adds a brilliant shine. The drums erupt again and the vocals fly out with characteristic expression before the song comes to an end.

The narrator says, "There's a snake in the grass round every door," but notes that the song's subject is still there, "begging for more." He wishes that they could find a better way but believes, "We'll get there no matter what they say. There's a universe for us to explore," along with so many opportunities they can't neglect.

Our storyteller knows that it's easy to be scared because "your doubts will drive you insane," so he plays his guitar and tries to create a better life. He adds, "Someday I'll be a star, I know I'll get it right," and asks the song's subject to hold on.

Now the narrator says, "You gotta work it if you're going to make it, you got the rhythm so you better shake it." He adds that if they stick together, they'll make it and when he sees the record, he's going to break it. He continues, "We gave our lives to rock 'n' roll."

Life is compared to a stage on which they're going to put on a show and the storyteller says, "Ignore the needles that they insert," pointing out that you can't go as far as you need to without getting hurt. He goes on to say, "We're making plans and we're making dough."

“Lost My Heart on the Dancefloor” begins as an intensely uplifting guitar riff slashes in along with bursting drums. Chimes sparkle and Hollywood Brown's voice explodes with desire as the drums launch forward again. A trumpeting synth flashes out with dynamism as Hollywood Brown's vocals capture all of the need bursting from the lyrics.

The drums and bass have a steady heartbeat while the guitar slices in, its sharp edges driving with undeniable strength as the vocals catch the emotional intensity radiating from the lyrics. Chimes flicker as the drums continue to pulsate, moving with raging energy.

I find Hollywood Brown’s voice engaging and thrilling as he delivers all of the emotional impact of the lyrics. Now, shiny notes ring out above an energetically driving beat while radiance continues to fill the music. The bass riff is catchy and the track keeps moving unrelentingly forward before ending.

The narrator concludes, "If you get down, you better get down low," stating that one needs to "quit lying face down in the dirt" so they can face the crowd and get working. The narrator talks about keeping his eyes wide open, adding that he couldn't resist even if he wanted to.

He continues, "You could make black holes collide, the way you move makes me lose my mind." He wishes the song's subject would quit "messing with my head" because she shakes him up like a heart attack while he tries to stay on track.

Our storyteller has tried to turn the song's subject away, but she keeps coming back and he "gave it all, but you wanted more." He hopes that she's gotten what she wanted as she forced her way through the door he left open while "I lost my heart on the dance floor."

Now the narrator says that when she asked him if he wanted to dance, he didn't want to leave anything to chance. He "did not refuse when you took my hands, I was drawn to your strange romance." He kept waiting for a sign but asks, "Was I just stupid, or was it the wine?" concluding that he was a "hot mess under a moonlit sky."

Hollow percussion and a kick drum movie into space as a tenderly levitating synth descends along with a glimmering chime to open “Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right.” The percussion continues to throb as a twisting synth moves before Hollywood Brown’s vocals caress my ears, aching with loss and betrayal.

Drums continue to guide the music as Hollywood Brown captures the mixed hurt and anger in the vocals. Ethereally chiming notes shimmer as the drum beat continues to pulse and the guitar wriggles. The vocal performance is full of depth and emotion while a jazz organ is touched by the softly floating guitar. Hollywood Brown’s voice carries a mysterious melody as the bright notes glitter while the pulsing drum beat continues to move.

The guitar has a haunting feeling as it slips in—easygoing but enigmatic. As the chorus calls out, breathy synth gleams delicately, moving along with the steady drums. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo is yearning and wistful, roaming out with a blues-inflected feeling. The drums continue to shape the music as the guitar howls before the track ends.

Our storyteller speaks to the song’s subject, saying that they "saw the shadows through a rainstorm, followed the light that showed you the way." He trusted the other person when they opened the door, knowing that "things would never be the same."

The other person sometimes asked what they were doing it for and "wrote down the things that you couldn't say" as they promised themselves they couldn't take it anymore and "kept on singing every single day."

The narrator points out that two wrongs don't make a right, but "the world seems brighter in the morning light." He repeats that two wrongs don't make a right, "turning tricks in the dead of night." He tells the other person that he'll let them know when he finds them, asking, "Do broken stars find their other half?"

Now our storyteller says that "every waking moment is the time to make other plans, find a second chance." He asks if the other person will be true or "left speaking in tongues?" as he wonders if they can just let things pass them by. He concludes, "Will you be ready when the time comes to look yourself in the eye?"

Conclusion

Reverberator is a truly enjoyable journey through the world of '80s synth rock. The album avoids becoming clichéd while still diving deep into the signature sound of the era. I believe this is largely due to the sheer musical skill and enthusiasm of Hollywood Brown, along with his ability to belt out a tune. The end result is a compulsively listenable album.

SINA MATIX - Cursed

Review by Chris Magdalenski

I just got the news

You’re in the place I feared

Pushing the words away

That I don’t want to hear

Emotions, Raw and Red.

It’s those foreboding words, accompanied by bouncing synth stabs and adrenaline fueled drum and bass lines that open Sina Matix’s latest release Cursed. Titled “Where Did It Go Wrong”, the first track serves as a signpost, a warning that we are about to embark on a very personal dark electro journey.

Themes of loss, loneliness and despair are on full display throughout the work. Each track offers a richly dramatic soundscape drenched in an unsettled dread. While some tracks utilize forlorn vocals, executed with a soulful listlessness, others forgo those, relying instead on menacing samples of lines from film and television. 

It’s a highly effective technique, further giving the album a darkly unique feel, one that alternates between seething rage and spiraling depression at the drop of a hat. I could feel the raw emotions Sina Matix poured into every track. A true work of an artist grappling with the demons of choices both made and not made. Like all good art, I saw bits of my own existence in Cursed, and I highly recommend giving it a listen yourself.

For more SINA MATIX, visit https://sinamatix.bandcamp.com