Eden Future - Danger Driver

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Eden Future’s Danger Driver lays out a neon-soaked, grimy and thoroughly exciting cyberpunk world. The way in which the artist's guitar skills mix with atmospheric synthesizers and a knack for melodic storytelling creates powerful imagery in the mind's eye. The intensity and strength of the music are undeniable and the way in which it transports me is deeply pleasing as the album unfolds.

First and foremost, I have to credit Eden Future’s guitar abilities. This cat is one slick player with a bag of tricks and an ear for what sounds good. The way in which he chooses his guitar tones and combines them with soloistic playing that is free and powerful results in a sound that is unique and fresh. He's virtuosic but keeps an ear out for balance in what he plays and the end result is impressive.

I also enjoy the different synthesizer choices that Eden Future makes on Danger Driver. He uses synthesizers to create different textures and tones, which in turn help paint the album's imagery more clearly. I enjoy the balance of different sounds—between darkness and light, between energy and calm—as he intertwines all of the different sonic possibilities provided by the synthesizers.

Another reason why I'm drawn to Danger Driver is the melodies that Eden Future crafts. He manages to draw out the imagination with his melodic writing, evoking broad emotional states and animating the world he envisions. Each track functions as a cinematic image, pulling me into the gritty and violent world he has created.

I also enjoy Marlon Audiot’s cover art, which creates a sense of what's to come on Danger Driver. It further evokes the world that Eden Future has built and there's something about the human touch that is encouraging to see in artwork for synth-based albums.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Danger Driver" climbs ominously, the guitar pouring out luminosity above the heavy bass. The brooding bass fades away and the track rushes forward, the dramatic melody unfurling on the guitar as it flashes with brilliance while the bass and drums pound. The main melody is full of charging force, combining energy and tension, gripping me and yanking me along for the ride.

The drums cascade and the guitar howls a lush melody, conveying a sense of acceleration and abandon. Eden Future’s talented hands wring every ounce of expression out of the guitar, filling me with a feeling of speeding through the night, running from danger behind me.

The guitar rings out as the bass entwines with it and the accelerating drums pulse on. The guitar fills the music with fiery brightness and the drums are unstoppable, interlocking with the gnarly bass. A sense of freedom, in spite of the lurking threat, fills the guitar before the song comes to an end.

Huge bass tumbles as razor-edged, scintillating synth calls out with a dominating and dramatic melody to kick off "Eternal Star." Eden Future's guitar leaps out in a triumphant and dynamic melody, rocketing through the music like a comet as the drums and bass explode below. Radiance pours from the guitar as it twists through the music above the unrelenting low end. I enjoy the sheer energy of the guitar as it carries the victorious melodic line.

The bass pulsates rapidly while the guitar melody conveys a sense of adventure and cosmic flight as it charges forward. The bass entwines as Eden Future's guitar flashes and flies above the unstoppable drums. The piano chords add another flavour while the low end adds shape. Now, a gruff synth moves beneath the guitar as it jumps through the music in sharp-edged lines. Massive weight fills the music as the huge bass rumbles out and the guitar shines with galactic light.

The guitar dances with a slightly melancholic feel, shadowed before it climbs with complex muscle, while the low end continues to pound. As the guitar twirls and spins, the mad rush of faster-than-light travel is evoked. The drums and bass rebound in broken pulses before Eden Future's guitar gleams again, full of the glinting light of a starship in hyperspace. The drums explode along with the bass as the track charges forward, darkness moving below the radiant guitar before the track ends.

"Hover Racer" starts with the sound of a machine revving and a race countdown, followed by bending, richly rippling synths as the electric guitar cries out. Now, the driving low end moves. Eden Future’s electric guitar carries a dramatically shadowy melody, generating a sense of speed and uninterrupted energy.

The guitar spills through the music with power, propelled forward by the steady low-end beat. Now, a computerized-sounding, shimmering synth trembles with tensely wound energy above the drums and bass. Eden Future’s guitar spins out with finger-bendingly complexity, wildly climbing notes that flash through the music.

I enjoy the continual sense of forward motion and rushing scenery generated within the guitar solo as Eden Future plays. Now, a glinting synth with a twisting sound descends, full of strange energy. The guitar soars again as wheeling, intricately interwoven notes fade to silence.

Brilliantly glowing synth with a sharp edge echoes out into openness to kick off "Lovers Dare." Now, Eden Future’s guitar grows with polished, gruff light and carries a melody that is impassioned and full of yearning while the bass and drums lock into a solid heartbeat.

The guitar bursts with luscious illumination, carrying a melody tinged with ache as the gigantic low end keeps driving and a ferociously shimmering synth moves and bursts. Fervent bass growls as the brassy synth leaps with galvanizing motion and the drums continue to pulsate.

Eden Future's guitar slashes in the background as the flashing synth exudes dazzling light. Now, the synth undulates slowly as the guitar flies in again, majestic and full of melancholy, while the low end continues to surge unstoppably. The way in which bright luminosity mingles with deep emotion draws me to this track.

“Shadow Caster” begins with an intensely beaming synth that trembles high above the track. Eden Future’s guitar snarls with raging energy as the elevated synth cries out with piercing light. The drums and bass drive as the guitar adds gigantic rough-edged propulsion to the music. The colossal bass rumbles as the guitar cries out and the drums erupt. Now, the soaring guitar leaps with all the energy of a powerful V8, sending a car rocketing down the road.

Notes shine with radiance as they spill and the bass rumbles. Once again, the blinding synth repeats its hypnotic pattern and the fierce guitar flies forward while the low end propels the music. I enjoy the way in which the guitar transports me to the world created by the album—all darkness and power. Now, the rising guitar screams and the low end batters as intricate notes wind out underneath Eden Future’s fingers.An image of rushing through neon-lit streets permeates the music while the guitar goes wild.

The lead synth quickly undulates as the drums hammer and the guitar shreds with unstoppable force as the arpeggios behind it leap. The low end slams on with intimidating mass as the guitar entangles with angry energy. Now, the synth spills incandescent light while the guitars reach for the sky and the drums punch. The track drives to an end with the low end continually moving as the guitar soars and fades.

Shining notes burst out above the rapidly pulsing bass to bring “True Love” to life. Weight spills from the chiming notes above the rumbling low end as rising chords add hopeful light. The artist's guitar calls out with an aching melody, full of affection and passion, above the pulsating drums and bass. The guitar radiates pure, glowing emotion, touching me as it moves through the music.

The drums throb as the guitar floats with intense shine, exuding longing. The drums rebound while the bass undulates and the heartfelt guitar performance flows. A soulful ache fills the music while fragile chimes glitter softly and the gigantic bass shifts.

Brilliant chords add support as the guitar moves with deep emotion, Eden Future capturing a feeling of love and joy. The guitar reaches for the sky, filling the track with uplifting feelings, carrying me with it. Now, as the song comes to an end, the guitar tugs at my heartstrings.

“Violet Sun” starts as a minor-key, brilliantly flashing synth moves above deep bass while an electric guitar howls. The guitar carries a melody that is explosive and conveys a victorious sensation as it climbs above the throbbing drums and bass. The bass is driven as the drums pound and the guitar cries out, carrying a yearning melody that moves me with its depth of feeling.

The drums rebound and the oscillating bass is cut by trumpeting synth that leaps in thrilling bursts. The guitar cascades through the music, flying with freedom and a sense of unbound joy as the low end continues to pulse. The drums batter again and the lustrous synth leaps with lucent light as the guitar climbs and dances above it. The background chords add richness as the effulgent guitar pierces the music.

A sleek synth carries the melody with a hopeful sensation, swirling in intricately interlocking lines. The drums continue to undulate with the bass as the crying guitar unwinds with detailed complexity and undeniable passion that draws me in. The low end shapes the track as the guitar fades and the broadly ringing synth fills the music with excitement.

Once again, the guitar rings out with the melody, conveying majesty and fulfillment, as the drums and bass guide the music. The track ends as the guitar fades away.

Conclusion

Danger Driver is an atmospheric and guitar-rich exploration of a neon-soaked, corporate-ruled cyberpunk world. Eden Future uses his musical talent to draw me into his world and carry me along as the album unfolds.

Synth Single Review: Starlust by Neon Highway

Review by Karl Magi

Neon Highway’s Starlust is an exploration across the stars. The track starts as a match is lit and ethereal sounds trickle past while a swelling bass pulse rumbles below. Distant, metallic sounds slowly circle as a piano trembles with a melancholy, shadowy melody into the vast depths.

Smoother, lighter synthesizer twinkles and rebounds as the drums shape the music. The synthesizer has a serenity and delicacy that I feel contrasts well with the mournful piano. I also want to add that I like the cover artwork’s theme and it’d be great to see a collaboration with an artist to further develop it.

A string-like synthesizer slips past, carrying a melody that aches and caresses, while the drums continue shaping the track. Filigreed chimes spill out starry illumination as they twist and the piano chords add strength and darker emotion.

A feeling of loss tinged with sadness fills the piano, while the synthesizer strings emanate gossamer sensations and the drums and bass keep pulsing. As the track ends, notes that glitter like far-off stars move above the bass, which adds a void-deep sensation.

Synth Single Review: “The King of Miami’’ by LAU

Review by Karl Magi

LAU’s The King of Miami hints at an inevitable downfall, with retribution looming. An acoustic guitar strums as the giant bass surges and flashing chords fly past. LAU speaks the Spanish opening and the English lyrics emphasize that darkness. A siren howls as the leaping low end moves with sharp chimes and LAU’s powerful, expressive voice captures the shadow and threat in the lyrics.

Brassy notes trumpet out as metallic chimes ring while the undulating bass growls. LAU captures all of the story’s power with her luscious voice while the drums keep guiding the music. A Spanish guitar twinkles and the chorus erupts with strength and shadow while the bass heaves and the chimes flicker. The horn section has a bright retort while the drums and bass press on.

I enjoy the way in which LAU delivers her performance, while the spoken-word part is touched by Spanish guitar. The bass thuds and Brian Skeel’s electric guitar solo flies, dynamic and intricate, as the low end pushes forward. Again, the chorus explodes, climbing above the brassy notes and chimes as the track’s heartbeat throbs. As the song comes to an end, the passion reaches a fever pitch before silence falls.

The narrator says in Spanish, "This business has no name. Killing your own men—blood is on your hands. You feel cornered." She adds that the song's subject wouldn't tell his mother, "how you're killing for power," as she points out that he's the king of Miami and "you're burning it with fire."

Our storyteller says that the song's subject has a "power addiction, like a game of cards," as he chooses who lives and who dies. She adds that "private jets and ammunition really can't take you that far."

Now, the narrator says that the main character buys politicians and pays off the police. She adds that "a little immunity can't help a god," as she points out that he'll get retribution "but for now, you gotta try to hide the cash in offshore accounts." She concludes by saying that the song's subject has "no remorse," while he creates enormous pain that keeps getting worse and worse.

Synth Single Review: Dead Serious by Magic Sword

Review by Karl Magi

Magic Sword’s Dead Serious radiates victorious menace as it unfolds. The track begins as the intimidating bass rises and expands outward into echoing space. A rapidly exploding, bursting drum beat shatters as the colossal bass moves. Arpeggios with slicing edges trickle as the tremendously heaving low end presses on. Brass-like synth rises with triumphant strength, towering above the pulsing drums and dense bass.

Dark nobility pours from the brass section as arpeggios flicker past. The delicately shimmering notes rush as the slashing bass thunders and trumpeting notes call out and fade. The low end is ferocious as laser-like warning sounds leap in rhythmic motion, the drums and bass bursting with each quick pulse while the nervous arpeggios spin. Now the track glides into a segment in which a gently glimmering synth cries out with dramatic strength as a rising howl echoes.

The massive drums rebound while the dramatic, string-like flashes intertwine. I enjoy this track's weight and shadowy majesty as the brass section rises with victorious luminosity while the low end shatters below. I also want to comment on the artwork, which fits the track's theme well, but it’d be cool to see a collaboration with an artist. As the track draws to a close, elevated sounds scream and fragile notes trickle with crystalline light.

A quickly sweeping sound moves before a violin winds out, carrying a rapidly dancing, intense melody to commence Dead Serious (MALO Remix). The colossal bass is still apparent from the original, but now a full choir cries out with dramatic energy while the string section arcs with brilliance.

A rough-edged, towering and effulgent synth shines above the reverent choir as the violin continues to move in angular lines. Ferociously gleaming synth and a rapidly ramping-up, warning sound now move above the threatening bass that heaves with tectonic power as the drums collide.

Wind sweeps and the string section calls out with melancholy and grace while the violin continues to slice in sharp-edged lines.The massive weight of the orchestra cries out, creating cinematic drama that draws me in. Brassy notes move above the crushing bass weight and now the choir lets loose with a chanting pulse that matches the battering drums.

A tightly winding sound rockets forward as the apocalyptic choir screams a warning. Wobbling sounds move as the broken beats and ominous bass thunder. Unstoppable strength fills this remix as it hits hard and the strings add underlying warmth to the churning muscle around them. The track ends on a piano carrying a fragile melody out into silence.