Diamond Ace - Sunset Highway

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Diamond Ace’s Sunset Highway moves through an exploration of love, loss and human emotion set against the backdrop of swirling synth textures and beautiful melodies. Diamond Ace adds his own skillful guitar work, along with his compositional abilities and is joined by a variety of different guests who each bring their own musical talent to bear on this touching and dreamy journey.

One of the strong factors for my enjoyment of Sunset Highway is the way in which Diamond Ace creates tranquil and achingly beautiful sonic imagery. There's a tenderness and a lush complexity to the musical backdrops that pulls me inward. Luminosity and smoothness fill the music and a sense of peaceful, sometimes pained emotion permeates the album.

Sunset Highway also draws me in thanks to Diamond Ace’s melody writing abilities. His melodies are enchanting and expressive, transmitting all of the emotional depth within the tracks. The songs with vocals are full of the feeling embodied by the lyrics and the artist captures the essence of the different guest performances with his melodic approach.

Of course, no Diamond Ace album would be complete without his superb guitar playing. He weaves together emotion and intricate skill to convey the full range of human experience. Not only does he write lyrics that are engaging, but he accompanies them with guitar playing that punches home their message and adds compelling sensations to the end product.

I also want to mention all of the musical guests on Sunset Highway. Each of them brings their own vocal ability or production skills to bear on the music and in so doing, intensify and add to the expressive power and engagement on the album as a whole.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Intro” starts as faraway, glassy arpeggios whirl and diamond chimes flicker. The musical elements shine with tranquility and blue light while the heavy bass forms a luscious flow beneath their glittering luminance. Arpeggios swirl faster and faster, accelerating into a rush as the looming bass rumbles. The shining sounds all mingle into a wildly spinning whole, galactic arms whirling at an impossible speed. I enjoy the way in which the musical flow forms a glow while the chimes twinkle and a distantly floating sound fades to silence.

Trumpeting synth swirls out in bold lines to kick off “The Unknown.” The incandescent synth moves with brightly lit background notes that sparkle brilliantly. The bass undulates heavily as the kick drum begins to thump, while lush light pours from the lead synth, motion and strength growing above the surging low end.

Now the crisp snare drum joins the other percussive elements on the creaking bass to propel the music with active power. Hovering sounds rise in the distance with a diaphanous gleam, while the bass oscillates and the drums flourish. Ethereal chimes float past, carrying a melody full of mystery and gentleness.

The jumping low end and pulsing drums move with the steadily whirling notes. Now Diamond Ace’s guitar leaps into action with a melody that is free and wild, adventurous and exploratory as it wheels above the smoothly guiding drums and bass. The guitar solo then drifts away into a much more silky, soothing guitar melody before the track ends.

Gigantic drums and a quickly oscillating synth that emanates luminescence to begin “Night Drive”. The low end pulses heavily, while smooth sounds shine out and glide like streetlights on asphalt. A powerful sense of rolling down a road at night fills me with adventurous sensations, while tenuous chimes exude silky light.

The low end continues to throb deeply as the synth pulsates. Worshipful sound sweeps from a softly lit synth as the chimes sparkle with delicacy. The artist's guitar flies now, feeling like a powerful motor driving into the night. I enjoy the bluesy sensation of the solo as it flows smoothly from the artist’s talented fingers.

Underneath, the drums and bass drive like a car through the night. Chimes glimmer while the guitar snarls like a powerful V8 and twists in intricate motion. As the guitar cries out, the low end continues to pulse and fades into silence.

“Thing About Love” opens with gossamer, gliding synth slipping in with luscious bass as worshipful notes shine. A steadily pulsing drum beat creates a hollow, guiding feeling as Mayah Camara’s lush and expressive vocals cry out, carrying a melody full of passion and love.

As the drums and heavy bass shape the music, Mayah Camara’s soulful voice transmits the feeling within the lyrics powerfully. I am always drawn to the strength of her performances as she captures my emotions with her beautiful voice.

As the gliding music slips and entangles, peaceful desire moves through the song. The vocals are smooth and full of sensation as they drive the entire piece. The drums burst in tumbling motion as Diamond Ace’s guitar adds fragile incandescence in the distance. The low end continues to turn over with Mayah Camara’s voice reaching out and touching my soul. As the track slips by in an easy-going flow, tranquility and affection permeate before silence falls.

Our storyteller feels her heart beating and butterflies fluttering when the song's subject calls her name. She points out that “in your hands, I melt like butter.” She goes on to say that they're more than lovers “when we're alone, under covers” because in the “heat of flames, it'll never be the same again.”

The narrator adds that the funny thing about love is that she wants to give everything to the other person. She adds, “I’d tear down the stars in the sky for you, I’d give you it all.” One touch from the song's subject and she fell apart because “I'm addicted to all of the things you do, so addicted I can't get enough of you.”

When she and the song’s subject have a “rendezvous, a sweet encounter,” she finds herself getting lost because the other person makes her “flounder,” as she points out that they are “really something else.” The way the situation makes her feel is “so transcending,” and she's become dependent on the other person as she concludes, “I need your touch. I shouldn’t need it all this much.”

Slowly twinkling synth moves in the distance to commence “Never Lose.” Bass rumbles massively as Lisa Marie Perkins' voiceover expresses individuality and resilience. The bass continues to throb and heavy drums drive as the Diamond Ace's guitar carries a caressing and hurting melody above panpipes which levitate in silken motion.

Lisa Marie Perkins' voice is floating and full of emotional depth, carrying the melody which hurts and dreams. The drums flourish as the echoing vocals add an aching feeling while the background trembles with fragile luminosity. The guitar flows again, capturing thoughtful rumination, deepening the sensation of loss with affecting beauty.

The guitar tangles with graceful tranquility and Lisa Marie Perkins' performance is touching and draws me in while the drums continue to pulsate. The panpipes glide past with breathy relaxation as the guitar floats out into silence.

The narrator “woke up today feeling hopeless inside,” adding that she doesn't know. The other person's “words come through, it’s like a vortex reaching for the signs.” She’s going crazy “against all odds when the battle is at hand” and wants to start again. Now she says every chance taken is always worth it, adding a reminder that she should never lose herself or her mind - against all odds.

“Our Sunrise” starts off as limpid notes drift off into open space. Deep peace fills the music as the fragile notes are supported by hugely rumbling bass, moving below with supporting strength. As the track grows in power, the drums and bass begin to pulsate richly, swelling to full energy.

The track becomes smoothly propulsive as the serene notes flow past in a gliding river of sound. Soft affection fills the music with a wonderful sense of caring and love. I am touched by the emotion on display here, an artist's homage to one he truly loves. The drums continue to punch hard while intermingled notes shimmer with solar brightness.

A scintillating synth spills warm light across the throbbing low end, capturing undying commitment. The drums continue to hit hard while the gleaming synth glides. The drums drop and the bass undulates with muscled support as azure feelings fill me. Tightly wound notes continue to vibrate as the bass moves below.

Silence falls briefly before wind sweeps in and a piercing synth moves with resonating bass as smooth arpeggios wriggle. All of the clarity of a summer’s day fills the synth as it pours through the music and the low end continues to add shape.

Smoothly gliding notes gain strength while feeling contemplative to open "Sunset Highway." Arpeggios intertwine as they fill the background with a filigreed glint. Bass moves in hollow lines with great weight as the tremulous arpeggios all swirl into a powerful whole. Laser-like sounds move through the dense blanket of intermingled sound before the powerful kick drum and sharp snare form a steady heartbeat.

The surging notes all tumble together in an urgent, complex pattern as the drums continue to hit hard above the thick bass. The feeling of irrepressible energy is joined by serene chimes which levitate in laid-back motion, cruising along with a soothing insouciance which I enjoy. The massive size of the music behind the mellow melody is an interesting contrast. The low end ripples in silk and motion as the bass continues to rumble and ghostly sounds float past.

Once again, peace permeates the music as the drums return with the quickly spinning arpeggios all woven into a tapestry of sound. The thumping drum moves with a heartbeat as the drums flourish and again the elevated notes slip out in the tranquil melody which drifts in elegant tendrils above the sonic richness around it. The drums drive on to guide the music to an end above the powerful intertwining synth sound bath.

"I Wish You the Best" starts as deeply powerful drums pound and erupt as a phone rings. Tom hits add their distinctive sound above the crisp snare drum and swelling notes flare delicately. The floating sounds move with every grace as the unctuous bass moves below. Diamond Ace’s guitar smoothly unwinds in a hypnotic pattern that is soothing and tenderly warming.

In the distance, the synths grow into dense, glistening clouds as the heavy drums bounce. The guitar hovers with soft, touching sensations as the vocals move again, full of loss and caring. Radiant synth cries out above the tumbling low end with piercing light as the low end continues to pulsate. Flooding light moves through every part of the music as the guitar leaps again, slightly rough-edged and passionate, carrying me above it with ardent emotion.

The drums continue to throb as the scintillating synth shines fiercely behind the emotive guitar. The low end cruises on as the tom hits reverberate again and the track slips into silence.

Conclusion

Sunset Highway is an exquisite sonic journey permeated by emotional strength and touching tenderness. When one adds the depth of musical talent which Diamond Ace has included along with his own guitar playing and songwriting skills, the end result is an album which gives me a great deal of listening pleasure.

LOVELORN DOLLS - Deadtime Stories

Written by Chris Magdalenski

Dark Stories and the Black Dreams That Follow: A Review of Deadtime Stories by Lovelorn Dolls

Brussels-based gothic metal act Lovelorn Dolls have highly polished, yet unique sound that instantly evokes feelings of being lost inside a haunted Victorian era dollhouse. This is in no small part due to Kristell Lowagie’s beautifully subdued vocals which she seasons with just a hint of an off-kilter delivery. 

Paired with guitarist Bernard Daubresse’s heavy riffs and catchy melodies, as well as darkly epic synth lines, the duo crafts a brand of goth rock that is deep and heavy with just enough pop sensibility to make for songs that beg for repeated listens.

Having discovered this band only recently I was happy to find that they’ve been around for over a decade, with quite a few albums and EP’s under their belt. There’s no doubt that I’m looking forward to fully diving into their back catalog in the coming days!

For more Lovelorn Dolls, visit https://lovelorndolls.bandcamp.com/

GammaFlow - Twin Palms

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

GammaFlow’s Twin Palms is a sun-soaked, pastel-filled sonic journey that reflects a “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” aesthetic. I enjoy the combination of laid-back soundscapes with a definitive 1980s conception of luxury living, which results in an album full of chilled-out moments and cool blue water sounds. The plethora of talented guest artists only deepens the appeal and engagement of this album.

Atmosphere plays a significant role in the overall feel of Twin Palms. I enjoy the way in which the artist and his fellow music makers are able to draw imagery of a lifestyle full of luxury and indulgence. It evokes white suits, big hair and classic 1980s supercars cruising down palm-lined streets. The way in which these images and sounds combine tickles my unashamed love of 1980s aesthetics.

The way that GammaFlow and his fellow musical contributors use their guitars, synths and voices deepens Twin Palms’ auditory experience. They create tracks that glide and glow, drenched in tropical sunlight and cool swimming pool water. The music evokes ultra-cool atmospheres with smoothness and ease, layering synths in lush waves to create depth and feelings of tranquility and peace.

I also want to mention all of the musical guests who feature on Twin Palms. Each of them brings their unique sonic signature and musical feeling to add to the cohesive and well-conceived emotional tenor of the album. They are all immensely talented and their contributions only increase the listening pleasure of the music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Ocean Breeze” comes to life as a spangling synth smoothly expands and pure, clear sounds slide while solid bass pounds softly. Orion’s satiny smooth voice slides with affectionate, dreaming emotion as crystal chimes flash delicately. Orion speaks the next line, then Lemon mixes in her voice to create a warming harmony.

Clarity fills the radiant synth as it floats limpidly, while the resonant vocals echo with deep feeling. The summer sun is reflected in the sparkling synth while the percussion adds a heartbeat. Both singers' voices mix with passionate feeling, Lemon’s voice adding a softer touch to Orion’s vocals. Brilliant synth flows with easy motion above the continually throbbing bass.

Pastel notes become a luscious flow before the gleaming synth spills out more radiance. Orion’s calming vocals drift and caress before the chorus slips in again, permeating me with peace. The synth doubles the vocals, suffusing the music with lucid life before the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the subject that he can’t ignore all the signs—“the moment you explore all the good times.” He speaks of "riding by the shore, floating on the sea, coasting on the wind" in the ocean breeze.

The narrator talks about holding his arms wide open "in place of the sun" as they embrace the night and dance. They are surrounded by street lights and “all of the glowing signs flow into the night.”

With “every moment, every winding road to the sunlight,” our storyteller reflects. He adds, “we can’t forget all the wrong times, the ones we regret.” However, in the end, there’s still a recollection of the good times.

A full synth rises with a rich, slightly gruff sound as “Promenade” starts . The synth creates tranquility as it moves with fragility. Clean notes move along with an active slap bassline that wanders in bursts. The percussion forms a dynamic, swinging pulse as slightly nasal-sounding notes intertwine and a reverberant keyboard carries a gently encouraging melody above the shaping percussion and dense bass.

Twinkling notes sing out with an uplifting feeling as they are joined by a bending, wistful synth that winds while the funky slap bass locks with the drumbeat. The brightly nasal synth calmly hovers as a fluting note pattern carries my relaxed mind with it. The slap bass is fat and guiding as the percussion continues to pulse.

The polished synth lambently floats past and the bending notes have a soothing effect as they hover. The funky bass and steady percussion create a lush bed for the elevated synth to roam and the track trembles into silence on flaring notes.

“Waterfront” commences as an effulgent, widely sweeping synth fills the music with serenity. The bass is massive and supportive as the drums pulsate and pan pipes flow past with relaxed gentleness, exhaling and spreading calm to me. Round-sounding, open synth flickers as twisting notes cry out with a tranquil touch above the smoothly guiding low end.

The drums rebound and the bass throbs as reverent sounds mix with easy motion. The bass continues to quickly pulsate and the drums guide while the shiny synth irradiates the music. The bass intermingles as the pan pipes continue to slide with laid-back emotion and the tightly flickering notes jump out above the continually guiding low end.

Once again, the synth slowly expands, carrying a slightly wistful but chilled-out melody. Vocal-sounding synth forms a luscious sound bed before the track ends on glimmering notes.

Densely glittering synth clouds swell upward as “Business Casual” opens \. Luminosity spills out as the thick slap bass intertwines and moves in gnarly lines. Dan Mason’s voice echoes as the bass interlocks and the drums pulsate. The delicacy of the vocals carries out as he speaks of wanting to be sent away, while the percussion ticks easily.

Dan Mason’s vocals are soft as he speaks about catching love and dreaming about it, tenderly unfolding as the lucid synth spills out. Nasally bending notes float with gossamer delicacy while the slap bass intertwines.

Dan Mason says he’s got nothing to hold and love. The shiny notes tremble with delicacy as he adds aching emotion, wishing for missing love. shimmery notes sing out with a floating melody that I find touching as the gnarly bass joins a synth wave.

The vocals are spaced out and full of nostalgic desire as a softly illuminating synth drifts and the fat bass tumbles. Xylophone reverberates with calm before the track ends.

“Open Spaces” starts off as vibrating notes move and the voice-over shifts. The voice-over adds a sensual and passionate feeling as the chimes sparkle and heavy percussion forms a shaping influence. The dreamy guitar drifts with tranquility as heavily rebounding notes pulsate. Disembodied vocals wander, adding a disconnected feeling.

The chimes are glassy as the guitar floats past, chilled out and full of warmth. The drums patter as the vocals echo in drifting waves. The continually vibrating drums and bass add form while the trickling chimes create a filigree of light. I am enamored of the untethered feeling which fills the track as it glides past. The guitar shines lusciously to balance the roaming vocals before the track comes to an end.

A tremulous synth moves in fragile and haunted lines to begin "Midnight Heat". Fat bass intertwines below intensely illuminating chimes as a hang drum synth rings with metallic resonance. Chopped-up lyrics speak of midnight heat as panpipes drift and drums bounce. The hang drum adds dynamically dancing, yet gentle sounds while the explosive drums continue.

A sax planes through with minor-key elegance, twisting through the music to create a feeling of uncertain emotion as the rebounding low end shifts. I enjoy the sneaky feeling of the sax as it unwinds and the broken vocal echoes. Panpipes levitate with trailing, breathy feelings as the vocals echo again. The drums and bass are thick and heavy, while the bright hang drum and flashing chimes intermingle. The feeling of weightless drifting fills the music before the track ends on the sax.

"Dream Sequence" starts off as creamy, massive bass forms a rich flow in the distance as muffled drums throb and entangling notes glide together. The sound grows clearer as crisp drums add shape. Bell-like synth carries a calming melody, reminding me of blue water and sunlight. Metallic percussion ticks as azure synth clouds rise and twangy bass flows while sparkling chimes flutter.

Rounded, breezy synth slips past in soothing motion while the huge low end adds form to the track. The drums create a clean pulse as bending, pastel notes slide and chimes flit as sunlight glints from them.

The chiming synth melody is easygoing while the drums and bass add motion underneath it. Bass tumbles past and intermingling synth slides back into indistinct haze before silence falls. My mind fills with deep relaxation as the music enfolds me like warm water in this track.

Blaring synth heats like the summer sun to commence "White Sands." A solidly throbbing kick drum moves underneath the chimes, which have a string-like quality and metallic brightness as they flutter above the funky low end. The drums groove along with the slap bass as distant notes fill with early morning sunlight.

The chimes have an effervescent sensation as the slap bass moves with a steady groove. Trickling notes move with aquatic feelings as the blaring notes spill out with brilliance. The sensation of cooling in the midst of the ocean and sun draws me in. Flitting notes slip past as the bass rumbles. Hollow percussion pulsates as the open-voice synth drifts in a soothing and slightly broken melody before the music ends.

“World Class” opens as resonating bells flare brightly and a restful bass flow moves. Distant drums softly touch the music, adding form while the brilliant bells flash. Slap bass moves with a twangy feeling as a vocal-sounding synth carries a soothing melodic pattern.

Elevated notes glint with crystalline luminosity as the low end offers guidance. Tropical light suffuses the music as the chimes ring softly and the percussion continues to tick with an easy motion. Breathiness spills as the music is pierced by bells, and the slap bass adds a funky quality while the flowing notes intermingle. Glittering sounds drift past and the drums add shape.

Now the electric guitar moves with jazzy energy, flicking and singing as it skips through the music. Underneath, the low end continues to move forward as the chimes sparkle on. The guitar flies to the sky with leaping dynamism. I enjoy the freeness and easy-going nature of the music as the track ends on bright notes.

Traffic sounds and rapidly glimmering synth sparks move above slowly pulsing drums to open “Big City Lights”. The thick, rounded bass adds support to the notes which dance like lights at night. A hollow-sounding panpipe trickles in a melody that’s mellow and chill, like an apartment above the city skyline.

The xylophone-like notes are joined by coruscating sounds that wash and flow above the steadily moving low end. Tightly wound synth wriggles with a calm flow as the percussion moves with the dense bass. Shiny sounds float with starlet illumination, and I imagine myself watching the view from the penthouse, far above the hustle and bustle of the street.

“Willow” comes alive as bending notes slowly tremble and rebound. Drums add a strong pulse as lustrous-sounding synth intermingles with impassioned sax, crying out with reedy density.

Ethereally drifting notes form a luscious flow as the widely throbbing drums move with electric bass. Elevated, burnished notes shimmer past the steadily pulsing low end while the sax adds a chilled-out and cool emotional change. Chimes radiate a polished feeling as the drums move with solid propulsion.

As the sax unwinds, it carries me to a place of sophisticated relaxation while the bright notes permeate the music. The splashy percussion interlocks with the bass as a tumbling curtain of synth and glamorous, spreading chords move around before the track ends on the sax.

Conclusion

Twin Palms transports me to a retro fantasy world full of ultra-luxurious decadence. It has a serene beauty mixed with dynamic energy and is full of well-drawn imagery that carries my imagination with aplomb. When one adds the skillful guest contributions, the end result is a highly enjoyable listening experience.

HeartBeatHero - Rise to the Stars

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

HeartBeatHero’s Rise to the Stars carries listeners on a diverse synth journey across fascinating soundscapes and a multiplicity of moods and atmospheres. I enjoy the way in which each track is quite individual, but the unifying themes of strong melodies, emotional depth and a masterful use of synth sounds link them all together.

One of the standout features for me on Rise to the Stars is the way in which it transports me through mood and emotion. Some tracks burst with exuberance and others ache with sorrow, while moments of explosive power mingle with quiet contemplation. The end result is a sonic journey that is exciting and engaging as it unfolds.

Another way in which Rise to the Stars draws me in is related to HeartBeatHero’s ability to write excellent melodies. For those of you who have read my work for a while, you know that I am a sucker for a well-composed melody. This album is brimming over with ear-catching, heart-grabbing melodies that are memorable and convey the mood of each track effectively.

I'm enamoured of the way in which HeartBeatHero is able to weave together all of Rise to the Stars’ different auditory elements to create an intricate tapestry. He skillfully takes the different textures, tones and timbres of the various synth sounds and carefully curates them to produce a layered, aurally intriguing musical experience that continues to move and please me.

I also want to observe that while I enjoy the way in which the artwork fits the album, it would be good to see the talents of a visual artist used rather than AI generated images.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Rise to the Stars” commences as broadly slicing synth rings out in a leaping pattern to create motion. The melodic pattern varies as luminous notes cut in while colossal bass and punchy drums slam in a driving heartbeat.

Angular sounds slash through the music and the drums rebound while brilliant notes cry out with dramatic majesty. Slowly floating, sharply shining synth arpeggios revolve while the drums flourish. The pumping percussive heartbeat reestablishes itself as medium-high, gleaming synth carries the victorious melody high above the hard-edged low end.

I enjoy the sensations of soaring triumph that permeate the melody as it unfolds. Glistening, flashing arpeggios continue to undulate as string-like synth intertwines with intense illumination. Gigantic drums and bass batter again, adding dynamic energy as reverent notes glow in the background and the track slowly fades to silence.

Cosmic sounds zap as slowly throbbing bass comes in to open "When I was just a kid." As the bass continues to throb, softly swirly pastel sounds move along with Daniel Barton's dynamic voice. He delivers the lyrics as delicate notes spread outward. Now a brilliant synth leaps with optimism above the vocals as they echo with joyful, uplifting emotion.

Daniel Barton's voice is warm and delivers a hit of nostalgia with a sweet touch that I enjoy. Deep emotion fills the vocals as the positive melodic energy seeps through the music above the throbbing low end. Gem-like notes softly tremble while Daniel Barton’s voice swells with happy feelings. As the different vocal layers intermingle, a blazing synth jumps as the words capture memory and youthful freedom. The glistening notes shimmer until the track ends.

The narrator talks about the excitement he felt as a child, hitting a home run or kicking a football. He was always ready to give it his all, saying, “I gave it my soul.” He recalls everyone gathering around the radio as the “awesome music” brought them together.

Our storyteller describes diving into the pool, slipping and sliding. He remembers riding his BMX bike with his "hat pulled back," riding into the sunset with "the wind in my face, bobbing my head to the sound of the bass."

To conclude, the narrator shares how he loves thinking about all the things that happened when he was just a kid. He remembers not having responsibilities and being free to live his life.

“God of Fire” breathes to life as a choral synth creates dark drama and trumpeting notes flash with burning light. The choir creates a timeless feeling as the blaring, brassy synth is joined by a churning guitar that thunders with raging muscle. The melody generates imagery of terrifying power before mellow notes hover and arpeggiate.

The guitar cuts again, radiance pouring out as the drums burst in short explosions. Snarling guitar notes crash with threatening, rapid force and the low end pounds with unstoppable energy. The track is full of a resonant xylophone now, trembling as peaceful sounds unfold.

Arpeggios spin again as the choir adds depth. I am compelled by the contrast and auditory richness of this track. Bright synth calls out with a towering melody that exudes a sense of triumphal energy before the track ends.

Threatening bass trembles as terrifying exhalations move to start "Friday the 13th." Now the drums crash with massive force and the threatening bass batters with a sense of impending doom. Tensely wound, oscillating synth adds to the feelings of creeping danger that permeate the music.

As sweeping sound rushes and the drums rebound, the bass tangles to add to the urgency of the track. As the nervous arpeggios undulate, a delicious shiver travels down my spine. Twisted sounds howl into the music with tortured terror, feeling worried as the feverish synth writhes in spectral motion and the shuddering bass rumbles.

Slowly bending notes melt through the music with ectoplasmic sensations while the tightly twirling synth shifts. Grating notes wriggle with uncomfortable feelings as a distant synth knots through the music in unsettling lines. The brightly gnarled synth moves with contorted sensations before the track falls silent on unsettling bass.

“Neon Nitro” starts off as elevated, glittering synth trickles out into echoing space as bass touches the other sounds. Jagged synth cuts in sharp lines as colossal bass sweeps with shadowed import. A beaming synth rings out in an elegiac melody as the drums and bass form a slamming, ferociously moving beat below.

Hollow sounding arpeggios spin in continual motion above the propulsive low end. Raised, flashing sounds leap outwards as the drums fade and shadowy voices chant while the bass flows. Rough-edged synth calls out in bursts as gigantic bass slices in growling lines.

The melody glistens and yearns as it glides through the track. Drums and bass pound with forceful speed and entangling arpeggios twirl through the music with unstoppable dynamism. I can picture myself blurring past a landscape of neon lit buildings in a city from an alternate future as the track unfolds.

Bells ring, chimes sparkle and a quickly ticking hi-hat guides the music to open “The Main Theme.” A slightly twisting, ringing synth bends before triumphantly trumpeting notes cry out, full of majesty and colossal strength.

Military drums throb as the victorious synth rises, projecting ancient nobility and a sense of perseverance. A raised synth shines and rippling arpeggios cut with gruff edges while the bass undulates and the drums hit hard.

A vocal synth trembles with full-sounding notes as the low end continues to smoothly undulate. Raised, dancing notes flash and a glimmering, string-like synth calls out with a feeling of strength as the drums add military precision. Once again, the rapidly undulating, gliding low end shifts as the choral synth trembles. The drums cascade while the majestic melody calls out, lifting my heart with it.

“Cats Forever” begins as colossally heaving bass moves with the sound of cats meowing in the background. The bass is solid and dark as it throbs heavily and the cat sounds add a unique quality. Metallic, bright sounds tremble and rapid lines add tension to the deeply pounding low end.

A sweeping sound winds through and the drums rebound as medium-high, enigmatically swirling notes drift above the cat sounds. A bell rings and tumbling noises move with fragile chime in the distance. A broadly echoing synth dances in shimmering lines, full of acrobatic energy like the cats of the song's title.

The drums continue to punch as sharp notes slice with keen edges. All of the cats mew n the distance as the deeply vibrating, actively shifting synth is cut by a steady high pulse.

Strings flow with elegant motion and the low end launches in a dynamically, angularly leaping line as the bass rises and the drums hit hard with clapping percussion. Depth fills the background as ticking drums move along with sweeping, twirling notes and the track ends.

Rapidly cascading, sharp synth falls through the music to kick off “Not Forgotten.” Lambent notes form a hypnotic pulse, as they tumble over and over. Now the rebounding kick drum throbs as the flashing notes continue to hypnotically pulsate. The drum pounds hard to create a massive heartbeat while the repeating notes entrance me.

The notes are joined by fat bass that thuds with muscled weight, further driving the music. As the slicing notes interlock, feelings of mechanical processes fill my mind. The melody that comes in on a trembling synth is affectionate and full of hopeful emotion, filling me with warming sensations.

As the melodic pattern repeats, the trance-inducing low end continues to pulsate. Luscious chords fill the distance as the shining notes trip in repetitive motion. The low end continues to chug forward with powerful motion as the enfolding chords float.

A computerized-sounding synth dances in uplifting motion as the thundering low end continues to drive. The way in which all of these different layers intermingle is ear-pleasing and compelling for me.

Now a clean snare drum adds a ticking feeling as the dense low end continues to push. The repeating pattern tumbles with meditative brightness. As the track drives toward the end, the celebratory melody sings out again above the thudding low end.

Conclusion

Rise To The Stars is a thoroughly pleasing listening experience. I enjoy the wide variety of emotional states and powerfully drawn imagery which fills the music and showcases HeartBeatHero’s ability to compose and create first-rate synth-based music.