Mission 87 - The Deal III

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Mission 87’s The Deal III is a cinematic exploration of 1980s Miami, full of beauty and danger. The album unfolds in a series of vignettes painted by synth tones, skillful guitar playing and melodies that capture mood and atmosphere. A sense of drama and danger is leavened by tranquility and imagery full of swaying palm trees and tropical water. The balance of different elements makes for an enjoyable and immersive listening experience.

My first observation about The Deal III is that Mission 87 is adept at creating atmosphere and imagery. I've always been a fan of 1980s cop movies and this album transports me into that genre. Moments of deep tension are balanced by scenes of cruising down neon streets or sitting on the beach as breakers roll in. Each track reminds me of a different shot from a film, capturing everything from lurking fear to affectionate passion as the story unfolds.

I'm also attracted by the way Mission 87 brings together his synth palette with his electric guitar. The synth choices are aurally intriguing and help establish the mood of each track. Their tones, timbres and textures paint vivid pictures that support the superb guitar performances. Mission 87 has the guitar chops to deliver solos that drive home the emotional arc of each song, enhancing the cinematic quality of The Deal III.

The melodic nature of The Deal III is irresistible to me. Mission 87 has composed melodies that are punchy and clean, conveying different aspects of story throughout the album. The tracks all have melodies that are unique, engaging and emotionally impactful, deepening the album as each melody unfolds.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Welcome to Miami” commences with computerized notes entangling with a heavily throbbing bass that has a rough-edged quality. A guitar slowly drifts with laid-back calm as the active drums burst along with sparkling synth that flips through the music rapidly. Resonating synth and a xylophone dance in a jazz-inspired pattern, full of dynamism and cool vibes.

The sax leaps into the music, adding depth and richness, while the low end continues to throb powerfully. The guitar calls out with a blues-inflected melody, a little dirty and dark, despite the smooth way in which it unfolds. Panpipes add an airy quality and a feeling of progress to the music. The brightly leaping synth cascades and the xylophone moves with it. The way in which this music unfolds is undeniably chilled out and image-rich, creating scenes of Miami at night.

An extended drumbeat pushes forward as silky notes levitate in the distance to start “Smuggler’s Alley.” The drums and bass propel the music as the swirling notes are broken by tapping percussion. Now a metallic synth carries a melody full of relaxing sensations, skipping through the music with a flowing grace.

Metallic notes illuminate the round-sounding synth that skips in a hypnotic pattern above the driving drums. Brassy synth flashes with a gruff sound above the low end as the jazz organ rings out. The dynamic bassline joins the drums as a cool melody full of motion and energy moves through the music. Now the chiming notes flicker while a vocal sound exhales.

As the track evolves, it creates images of neon-lit streets and white suits with pastel shirts. The drumbeat continues to pulsate and again the melody wriggles with dancing feelings on an angular synth. The low end continues to move forward as the drums flourish and the flaring, echoing synth is joined by a slicing note pattern that leaps through the music.

The synth solo is full of intricate sounds and undeniable jazz vibes, while the low end continues to pulsate. The drums flourish as the solo spins out and bursts before the track ends.

“Havana Rain” opens with massive bass pulses and panpipe synth trickling in easy-going motion. The intimidating bass contrasts with the delicate synth that undulates above it as sharply snapping percussion moves in. The drums echo with openness as shimmering pipes add rainy delicacy before the main melody emerges on a warmly illuminating synth. The melody is melancholy and gently touching, contrasting with the sharper edges below.

The interplay between the trickling panpipes and the encouraging melody charms me. The drums and bass remain unrelenting as the lead synth radiates soft light, while the rainy synth sparkles in the distance. Shiny notes now carry the main melody, calling out with dreaming gentleness and wistful memory as the solid drums and bass lend guiding motion. The main melody glimmers on a shining synth, drifting past with feelings of loss and affection as razor-edged sounds and big drums intertwine.

A sense of uplift touches the aching melody. As the drums and bass fade, chiming notes ring with the feeling of sunlight breaking through clouds—full of ethereal delicacy and caressing emotion. The drum adds an accent while, in the distance, an arpeggiating synth shines and a guitar calls out with the main melody before silence falls.

A repeating bright pulse sets a tone of tension to begin “Business Is Business”. Breezy sounds sweep through as lush bass entwines with a drifting, digital-sounding synth that carries a slightly enigmatic and mysterious melody above reverberating bass and ticking drums. The computerized, satiny synth slides while ringing, guitar-like notes add texture and the kick drum pulses.

The string-like synth transmits a melody that blends chill with a hint of melancholy. Then, an electric guitar cuts in with a richly bending sound, carrying dramatic emotional weight. A continually circling synth in the background adds to the growing nervousness. A xylophone flares with sunlit brightness as smoothly flowing sounds fill the distance.

The guitar cries out again, unfolding in a bluesy line that intensifies the track’s grit. The intricate solo floats and flies, cutting above the hard-punching low end. It’s compelling and expressive before refulgent bells flash once more and the drums rebound while otherworldly sounds swirl in the distance. The guitar howls with pure emotion above the bass before silence falls.

“Line of Fire” begins with a dominant kick drum and a guitar that bends with haunting portent as the background drifts with misty tranquility. The drums rebound and the guitar calls out with gentleness tinged with worry as bright, chiming notes glitter. A tiny synth light glows, creating more tension as the electric bass entangles and the guitar howls with ghostly sensations. The track paints a picture of expectant danger in the night that draws me in.

The intricate guitar cries out with spectral energy as twinkling notes dance above the interlocking bass and drum beat. Elevated notes fill the music with piercing illumination while the low end adds drive. The entangling guitar is chilled out, but beneath it lies a waiting threat. A twanging guitar adds a spy-flick element as the pounding kick drum moves.

Brightly glimmering notes exude starlight and the supporting drums and bass propel the music. Drama fills the guitar as it leaps out again, curling through the music with a flowing sensation of lurking shadow. The guitar performance is moody and complements the sensations within the song. Brilliant notes glide above the unstoppable low end as the guitar carries the track to its end.

Razor-edged synth growls beneath dreamily drifting notes with nervous tension to commence “The Final Deal.” Popping notes drift back and forth as hard-edged sounds cut through while mysterious gliding tones wander past. The drums add a steady, slow pulse while the background radiates caressing light. The synth’s metallic echo rings out above the interlocking drums and bass as slap bass notes move.

The guitar swirls into action now, creating a sense of exploding events as the xylophone’s chips of brightness trickle rapidly. The guitar is intensely energetic and fills me with a sense of unexpected reactions as the low end rebounds. Elevated, flickering chimes glitter and reverberate above the heavy underpinnings, adding a touch of lightning to the track’s dark weight. The guitar rockets through the music with intricacy and speed, contributing to the feeling of action.

The slicing, gleaming synth drifts in slowly with mournful motion as the electric bass and hard-hitting drums drive onward. A haunting synth cries out while bright xylophone spins and the heavy low end continues to pulsate. The drums pound harder as the radiant synth twirls and spectral notes levitate. Tightly wound tones add worry as the resonating synth dances above and the pounding percussion presses on. The guitar launches into life again, crying out with blues-inflected emotion while the low end surges. The wandering melodic line wriggles past with a hollow tapping as the track ends.

“Fatal Justice” begins with looming bass as a panpipe calls out a ghostly melody and resonant synth circles. The panpipe is haunting and gentle, floating above the roundly trembling synth. The drums throb as metallically glimmering notes ring out with pained emotion—melancholy and lost. The rounded notes drift on as the drums throb and the track glides forward. The ringing synth creates drama while gentle notes above roam with silken elegance.

Flaring chords climb and a bell-like synth carries a thoughtful, hurting melody that the guitar soon picks up. The guitar cries out with deep feeling, conveying progress tinged with mournful sensation as the drums rebound. I enjoy the emotional power and imagery within the music, as the melody is full of unbounded feeling. The synth radiates luminosity, the drums continue to punch and the ringing notes pierce with metallic sound as the track fades.

Jazz organ rings with bright energy as the quickly pulsing bass kicks off “Last Victory”. The organ chords shimmer with luminosity as they rise and the drums punch in. The melody is full of hope and uplift, singing out final triumph as it bursts with sunlight. I feel oppression lift as the melody pours out joyful relaxation. Freedom radiates from the metallic notes as the track pulses onward. Sweeping sounds wander past while the kick drum thumps and the bass undulates.

Effulgent notes carry feelings of release and calm before the guitar soars. My heart rises with the climbing tones that unfold from Mission 87’s fingers, liberating me from the cares of the day. The chords add scintillating light as the drums pound below. The entire track is filled with happiness and tranquility as the guitar flies along before the track ends.

Conclusion

The Deal III is an auditory journey through the 1980s in Miami. The heady mixture of danger, crime and desire weaves through each track as Mission 87 draws me into his musical web and keeps me deeply engaged with his creation.

Nightflyer - Imaginings

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Nightflyer’s Imaginings is a journey through pastel cloudscapes, serene sonic pools and summer breezes. Nightflyer weaves together a beautifully crafted embroidery of synth sounds, luscious harmonies and melodic elegance. This is music to transport yourself away from the jagged edges of the world and escape into a realm of peaceful mists and gleaming tides. I enjoy the way in which this antidote to a hard world sends waves of relaxation pouring through me.

Ambience plays a large role in my attraction to Imaginings. Nightflyer’s music radiates serenity, tenderness and utter calm as it surrounds me with lush auditory imagery. All of the sliding sounds, touching melodies and pacific moods combine to paint bright moonlight, summer sun and balmy air. As a result, I can slip into a world that erases all of the stress and tension placed upon us by the razor edges of the world.

Another reason for my enjoyment of Imaginings is the way in which Nightflyer deploys his synths. Each synth sound is chosen for a particular quality that combines with the others to create a textured, nuanced and deeply pleasing sonic tapestry. Nightflyer clearly spends a great deal of time thinking about how each varied synth sound interacts with the others to produce stunning imagery and intensely engaging emotional moments.

The harmonic beauty of Imaginings strongly attracts me. Nightflyer composes melodies full of deeply felt, gentle emotion. Each melody is expressive and memorable, well capturing the spirit of tranquility and caressing sensation that permeates the album. When combined with Nightflyer’s skillful use of synths, the melodies take on another level of sensation and ease.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Perpetual Motion” comes to life as birds sing and splashing notes float past with tentative delicacy. The trickling pattern grows more rapid as the sounds of nature fill the distance, becoming a rushing flow. Now they whip around in circles as the background floats with a breathy exhalation.

The quickly spinning arpeggios add shape as the drums throb with weighty guidance. Strings in the distance levitate as the twinkling notes fade and the drums and bass lock into a steady beat, while the strings intertwine with mellow comfort.

Now a synth which gleams and glides with smooth grace carries me away on a tide of contemplative repose. Round notes transmit the tenderly touching melody with caressing ease and the low end continues to add shape. A synth sparkles as the low end continues to pulsate. Once again, deep peace permeates the music before it comes to an end.

Static crackles as a lightly melancholy synth moves in the distance and the sound of the percussion is muffled to open “Star Corridor”. Now the dense bass throbs as a broadly glistening synth carries a melody full of cosmic harmony and thoughtful gentleness. Glowing notes plane out and take away my tension as they do so.

Resonant synths slice past as brighter notes with a trumpet-like quality slide and a harp-like synth twinkles with interlaced notes. The drumbeat locks in with the bass as the string-like synth has an ethereal quality that wraps around me. The drums and bass add density and richness while the lighter notes above shimmer and slip. The trembling synth and trumpeting notes intermingle and fade.

“Megasphere” starts as widely bubbling synth echoes into open space with a hazy glow. Crisp notes entangle as a breeze blows and soft static hisses. Bass swells up with richness as trembling, cutting sounds carry over it and delicate chimes descend. The drums and bass form a lush support, flowing out as breathy notes flit like butterflies on a summer breeze.

Thoughtful feelings permeate the music and allow for introspection while the low end creates shape. Flickering notes dance in gentle motion as the lead synth calls out with a wonderfully balmy sensation. Every element of the track combines to paint a pastel landscape in my mind as the rippling synth waves above the throbbing kick drum.

Gossamer arpeggios float with delicacy and wrap around that luscious bass while a bright synth chimes with softly touching light, feeling temperate and diaphanous. A bell-like sound spreads through the music as the broadly pulsing drumbeat pushes on. Waves wash and the ticking percussion pulses while fat sounds move through and silence falls.

Serene notes drift like gentle ocean waves as “Halcyon Theme” begins. Bass, like a flowing tide, moves beneath the fragile synth that calls out with irradiating light as the drums establish themselves. The higher notes breathe with azure luminosity above the steady rhythm. An intertwining, string-like synth now dances through the music with graceful motion as the massive low end pulses.

The drums and bass fade as a fluting synth with a haunting, ethereal quality bends and glides. A hollow-sounding synth joins bell-like notes that ring with richness as gigantic drums and heavy bass guide the flow. Shining notes yearn upward with luscious sound as the low end continues to pulsate. The sound of rushing waves surrounds the track as resonating bass rumbles and the higher notes ripple with aquatic ease. Sparkling tones flicker as the track draws to a close.

“Euphoria” starts off as notes like soap bubbles float with iridescent lightness above a dense bass flow. An airy fragility permeates the elevated synth as solid drums and strong bass create a steady pulse. A breeze seems to sweep past as the rounded synth carries a melody full of freedom and easy relaxation.

Chiming notes shine with tenderness above the celebratory main melody, transporting me into a realm of unbounded joy. Misty notes unwind with a soft touch as the percussion drops away, drifting past with effortless simplicity. Raised notes trickle as a synth casts rainbow luminosity over the music.

The drums return as the melody radiates affection and joy, lifting away the weight of the world. The low end continues to guide as the elevated synth extends in beautifully swirling patterns, while filigreed notes intermingle above. Percussive guidance shapes the music as radiant chimes spill out worshipful light and the track comes to a gentle, glowing end.

Deep static is joined by a tremulous, distant synth that hovers with open airiness to commence “Cascade.” Strangely shivering noises move in the distance as Sleepless Nights’ guitar slides out with a smoothness that floats like polished glass above the heavily pulsating low end. Waves of reverberant synth wash out as the colossal low end moves and the guitar sails past with a meditative, laid-back feel.

Dreamy emotion fills me as aquatic notes bubble past and the low end continues to throb. Sleepless Nights’ guitar is a pacifying presence that guides me while watery sounds float and luscious synth spills out. The rich flow is joined by deeply rippling synth as the guitar moves through the music with untrammeled ease, so smooth and full of gentleness.

Synth roams with broadly twisting sounds as notes shimmer downward above the unstoppable low end. The tides wash again as the guitar calls out, imbuing the music with feelings of weightlessness and thoughtful consideration before the song ends.

“Clarity” opens as a rush of intertwining, hovering synth joins a steady drum heartbeat and swelling chords that exude warming light. A synth calls out in wandering motion, full of gentleness and hopeful luminosity, ringing out with encouragement above the steady low end. The distance is full of cloud and glitter while the shaping beat moves onward.

The lead synth melody has serenity while the crystalline notes above it flash. Wind sweeps as the deep chords and rich bass glide, while the brassy synth flows in elegant lines. The sunshine that permeates the music joins the steadily jumping drumbeat as the track lifts me up and blows me along on a breezy air current.

The trumpet-like synth calls out, pouring into the music with a feeling of celebration and relief. The way in which the clouds lift to reveal a blue sky compels me as the low end continues to throb. Reverent notes slide past as the track ends.

A hollow rushing sound and distant rumble begin “Pink and Silver Skies”. A reverence fills the space as wind blows smoothly and a vibrating synth trips by. The drums and bass form a smoothly guiding pulsation as a nasal-sounding synth carries a tension-reducing melody. Glistening pipes call out with blowing lightness, filling me with levity.

Delicate notes wander, far away, as the worshipful sound in the distance rises and spreads outward. Once again, the gently propulsive drums move along with chimes that radiate fragile luminosity. I find my mind rising to the clouds with a sensation of uplifting tenderness as the track drifts along.

A meditative sensation fills the music as the low end shapes the track and wind rushes over deeply reverberant notes before the glowing sounds in the distance fall silent.

“Technicolor” starts with a misty, washing synth that floats by before the drums and bass move in to add form. Open sounds flash by as digitally shimmering notes descend and the low end creates forward motion. The flickering chimes sing a melody full of soothing sensations as it glides above the throbbing drums and bass.

A medium-high, enfolding synth carries a melody that touches me with its affectionate embrace. Aquatic trickles slip past as the trembling notes flow broadly. Wind sweeps again and the drums guide as elevated notes exude scintillating light. The digital cascade descends again as the solid low end pulsates.

The wide-sounding, brassy synth carries feelings of complete tranquility as it drifts past and the luminescent chimes glitter. Underneath it all, the percussive heartbeat continues. Images of billowing waves fill my mind as the track moves on. The sound of crashing waves moves with broken drums as the track begins to slow and deepen. Crystalline notes flash and silence finally falls.

Conclusion

Imaginings is an album that represents auditory ecstasy for me. It’s a way to induce thoughtful meditation and provides soundscapes that smooth out rough edges and lift me above this darkening world into a realm of pastel clouds and sparkling stars.

Caspro - Distance

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Caspro’s Distance paints strong sonic imagery which mingles with melodic storytelling and a well-thought-out synth palette to carry the listener on intriguing journeys through sound and emotion. The way in which the artist skillfully works together the sonic canvas and the ideas he wants to reflect allows emotive expression and the creation of strong imagery to come to the forefront.

I'm especially enamoured of the way in which Caspro combines melody and synth sounds into an engaging whole that carries a deep weight of feeling on Distance. His melodic writing captures the wide range of human emotion with clarity and beauty as he weaves together his synth selections to form fascinating and ear-catching patterns. All of the different synthesized tonal and textural elements mix with the melodies to produce compelling imagery and sensations.

Another reason for my enjoyment of Distance is the way in which Caspro skillfully uses instrumental tracks to evoke impressions of feeling and emotion. A good songwriter can use their words to elicit deep feelings, but weaving instrumental magic is also something I admire. Caspro superbly combines melody and harmony with his synths to drive home the different mental states and feelings that fill his music. Wordlessly, he tells a tale and draws me into it.

I also want to comment on the clarity and sharpness of the production here. Distance is full of heady sounds that are well combined and the mix is just about right to balance out all the different auditory elements. The end result is music that is full of interest and clean sound, adding to the overall quality of the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Sand Waves” comes to life as expanding bass moves with angular notes that shimmer and tremble above the throbbing drums. The echoing synth ripples in slow waves as a medium-high, string-like synth carries a melody with a sense of timeless drifting. Sharp-edged synth moves in shifting lines that intertwine and flow above the unstoppable drumbeat.

The low end has a powerful undulation, moving like the tide, as widely echoing chimes carry an elegiac melody that captures slow but gradual change. A razor-sharp synth with its wide sweep carries the haunting melody before strings interlock with warmth and the bells ring with a hollow openness. The bass continues to pulsate with strength as the serenity of the higher notes glides past.

Drums burst again as the lead synth calls out into open space with a melody full of yearning and dreaming life. The drums and bass lock into a heartbeat as the string-like synth glides in silky, elegant motion. Once again, the ghostly notes intermingle and call out above the vibrating low end before the track ends with the strings calling out in aching, short bursts.

Smoothly bubbling notes glide with an uplifting feeling as the background drifts with cloudy warmth to start “Through Her Eyes.” As the drumbeat comes in, wind blows and a resonant synth carries a melody that is full of affection. The drums and bass subdivide into an almost reggae-like backbeat which guides the music with rhythmic strength, giving it a funky groove. The bass is heavy as it throbs and the tumbling synth adds more depth.

The beat smoothes out again as sharp-edged notes drift with tremulous energy. I enjoy the flowing gracefulness of the melody as it unwinds above the jumping low end. Peace permeates the music as the bass adds motion and slips. Now the clean, rapidly swirling synth cuts in and gleams past before the fiercely lucent notes above it smear and trip. Incandescence pours from the elevated notes as they shiver and drift above the agitated sounds that move below. The drums burst with muscled power as the slicing notes add a blazing sheen.

Deeply driving bass moves with the throbbing drums as the reggae-like pulsation returns again, adding more hip-shaking motion. An open-voiced, woodwind-like synth carries emotive strength as the drifting melody roams and the twisting notes spin over each other. The low end is shaping and proceeds with energetic strength while the brighter notes above it glide one on the other before the track ends.

“Imagery Reality” opens as gigantic, reverberating synth ripples above deeply resounding bass. A softly touching snare drum moves with the massively undulating synth as it leaps with brilliant dynamism and the kick drum pulses. As the gleaming synth cries out, the melody is majestic and ancient while chimes flicker in the distance and the low end throbs. Glistening strings intermingle with the drifting synth while it wanders lusciously and the bass actively shifts.

As the tremulous notes roam, smoothly rising and falling chords add depth while the drums continue to drive forward. Now a glimmering synth calls out, enchanting me with the nobility and graceful unfolding of its sounds. The chimes ring with diamond-like clarity as the resonating notes undulate and the drums punch.

Static trails through in the distance as the luminous synth carries a delicate and warm melody while the unstoppably tidal synth floats. The drums and bass are colossal as the string-like notes call out with a dreaming sensation. The skipping, flickering synth has a hypnotic quality as the distant notes sweep with touching emotion and the track ends.

Tumbling, sharp-edged bass and distant synth moves in a misty haze to kick off “Dispersion.” The solid drums hit hard as rubbery sounds shiver and synth flickers tenderly. As the drums cruise on, shiny chimes ring and crystalline notes pour out rich luminosity. Now the hauntingly twisted sounds float above the steady low end heartbeat. Spaced-out notes flicker past and the track evokes imagery of stars and planets swirling.

The bouncing notes shift smoothly while the metallic chiming exudes radiance and the low end sails with shaping strength. I enjoy the starry motes created by the ringing notes while the drums grow slightly muffled. The drumbeat continues to shape the music as ethereal notes levitate peacefully. A sensation of floating fills the music before there’s a crescendo and the massive bass rumbles again.

Delicate notes sparkle with an effervescent glow as the percussion keeps driving. The trembling notes echo and undulate as the track moves onward. A sweeping note pattern climbs and the expansive sounds come to an end with a frolicking synth.

“Through The Dunes” kicks off as a radiant synth moves in gently drifting lines which bend above the smoothly pulsing drums. There’s a floating delicacy to the gleaming synth as it frolics in smooth lines while the low end adds guidance.

I enjoy the distant notes which shine with luscious light while the rebounding drums and deep bass guide the music. As the brilliant synth spills out sunlight, the low end shifts with shaping weight. While the tremulous notes tumble over each other, metallic glistening sounds fill the distance.

The drums fade away briefly as a fluting synth twirls upward with an uplifting, emotive quality and the bass rumbles powerfully. The drumbeat returns as computerized notes vibrate with a warm resonance and the low end moves forward. Once again, the vibrating synth exudes flowing energy as the roaming notes glimmer and dance.

The sound of washing rain and a bustling street starts off “Noodles In The Rain.” Rebounding notes add intense luminosity as the conversations all mingle. Now the beat locks into a sharp-edged groove as vocal snippets pulse past and bursting strength pours out. As the resonating notes contribute brilliance, the drums and bass intermingle, before the razor-sharp notes contrast with the smoother, more caressing sounds that carry the soothing melody.

Again, the angular beat throbs with propulsive power, and now the bouncing synth transmits a melody with dark tones and an unsettling sensation before spectral sounds unfurl. The low end becomes uneven for a moment before returning to the main drumbeat, and then the shining synth sings with a more gentle presence while the edgy notes vibrate. I enjoy the momentary peaceful nature of the track mixed with harder and more dramatic sounds.

“Pixel Pleasure” opens as a cleanly gliding synth echoes above the steady low-end heartbeat and gigantic bass. The synth glimmers and slides with caressing elegance above the pulsing low end which drives on. A sensation of enigmatic mystery permeates the music and intrigues me as the track pushes forward.

The melody’s minor key nature gives it a ghostly drift as the drums and bass continue to throb. The bass is massive and undulates below the trailing synth, which swirls out in glass emotion. Now the drums snap sharply and the bass growls while the main melody climbs upward and rings out with echoing grace. The drums and bass disappear as the tranquil notes levitate before returning to close the song.

Conclusion

Distance is a wonderful instrumental synth exploration of loss, tenderness, tranquility and nostalgia. Caspro uses his skill and sensitivity to weave music that carries me along and touches me with emotion and enjoyment.

Six Months Of Superb Synth - Vocal Synth Singles

by Karl Magi

In the final part of my six-month roundup, I’m recapping the vocal synth tracks that stuck with me over the past six months. These songs made an impact on me although it must be said that 2025 has been chock full of tremendous music and it’s been tough to narrow things down.

Star Madman – Human

Star Madman’s Human is is one part haunting reflection and one part defiant roar. Crushing bass supports a delicate, aching melody, while her voice flows with emotional nuance and frustration. Piano glimmers above the throb and spectral synth wends around lyrics that ask painful questions about our identity, purpose and humanity’s repeated failings. Is being human still meaningful in a world ruled by fear and apathy? She doesn’t know anymore and her lack of knowledge embodies the truth. Despite the existential collapse, her voice rises with defiance, carrying the weight of a world she refuses to ignore.

Color Theory – Where Tigers Are Said to Roam

Where Tigers Are Said to Roam by Color Theory glows with an adventurous spirit, driven by skipping synth arpeggios and a warmly pulsing drumbeat. His unmistakable voice carries the hopeful melody with emotional clarity, capturing a need to step beyond rumor into experience.

A xylophone-like taps and starlit textures lend elegance, while the thudding bass pulses below, supporting the dreamy drift. The track speaks to the need for firsthand discovery urging us not to settle for second hand tales, but to chase the truth ourselves, no matter how elusive or risky. In the end, the narrator calls us into the wild unknown, where facing ourselves is the most dangerous act.

Seersha – Running in the Dark (Steal the Night)

Running in the Dark (Steal the Night) pulses with the thrill of rebellion and the ache of inevitable loss. Seersha’s smooth, emotive voice flows through radiant synths and gliding drums, her words dripping with longing and disillusionment. Guitar lines add sharpness and hope as the chorus crests with emotional power.

This is a song about promises made in darkness, about chasing meaning while knowing it can’t last. We believed, the narrator whispers, maybe foolishly as the memory of a thrilling love reverberates through the neon night. Now her debts are paid and the morning has come, but she’s still haunted by what could have been stolen under cover of night.

Just Scott – Just Breathe

Just Breathe by Just Scott dives deep into the emotional turbulence of anxiety and self-doubt, set against a bed of synth and Shred Krueger’s dynamic guitar. The melody pulses with warmth and ache and Just Scott’s emotive voice imbues every word with vulnerability.

There’s light in the darkness, with sparkling synths and hopeful guitar solos that carry a sense of lift. Lyrically, the song chronicles an inner war in his foggy head, racing thoughts and a desperate plea for release. Yet, through each breath and beat, a sense of perseverance shines through. The clock ticks and his heart continues to fight.

Timecop1983 & Josh Dally – Before The Lights Went Out

Before The Lights Went Out is soaked in nostalgia and regret. A pulsing bassline and glimmering arpeggios cradle Josh Dally’s aching voice as he revisits the wreckage of lost love. Each line bleeds with the desire to undo what can’t be undone, Josh Dally’s voice soaring above glistening synths and echoing drums.

A soulful sax rises like a ghost from the past, entwining with Josh Dally’s plea for a final chance. The music is glowing, but the lyrics hurt as he says, “I kill the lights, chase the quiet, but shadows start a real riot.” Even as he longs for resolution, the narrator is pulled back into the memory of a lost love, holding on to the last spark before the lights fade completely.

Don Eastland – Young Boy

Don Eastland’s Young Boy flows with an aching blend of struggle, longing and the tender pain of self-reflection. The trembling vocals rises out of synth waves and massive drums, steeped in Memory Design’s high quality production. There’s both power and fragility in his delivery, his vocals drifting above cascading synths and thunderous drums as if fighting to prevent things from slipping away.

A heart-piercing cry echoes through the flickering lights and low end swells, carried by a search for meaning. The narrator speaks to a younger self, reflecting on the weight of experience, on chasing shelter through storms and questioning what any of it was worth. The emotional core glows in lyrics like, “Tell me in the end, what we found?” in an attempt to stitch together the fragments of the past.

Mayah Camara – Boyfriend

Boyfriend by Mayah Camara unleashes dangerous nocturnal energy with its pounding, exotic percussion and razor-edged synths. Her sultry, powerful vocals embody the mysterious narrative of a spectral predator who emerges in the moonlight, seductive and deadly.

Brass-like synths shine through the dark, while the rhythm drives forward with relentless urgency. The lyrics drip with gothic tension: blood on the windows, unnamed lovers and ghostly eyes all conjure a being who will haunt but never belong. Camara sings with fire, revealing that this isn't a romance it’s a warning. “He will be your pain,” she warns, “but he will never be your boyfriend.”

GMNI88 – Behind Your Eyes

Behind Your Eyes is a wrenching journey through betrayal and rebirth, cloaked in rich sonic textures and heartbreaking honesty. GMNI88’s voice carries the weight of truth and loss, each word trembling over thunderous drums and Manuel Trabucco’s mournful sax. Glistening synths and deep bass reflect the shifting emotional terrain from tender hope to painful awakening.

Lyrics like, “I'm broken, but hoping” and “Our love was built on pretty lies” mark the path from confusion to release. In this soundscape of shattered illusions, the narrator finds clarity and, ultimately, strength. It's a song about letting go, even when your heart still wants to hold on.

Palm Lakes – Motorcycle at Night

Motorcycle at Night by Palm Lakes is an intoxicating ride through desire, pulsing with romantic momentum and velvety synth-pop warmth. Anthony Sahota’s voice pours out with soulful yearning above the thumping low end, wrapped in reverberating jazz organ.

As MonLee Mane’s backing vocals soar and Wil Schade’s sax explodes like headlights in the dark, the track builds to euphoric heights. The narrator is driven by love, tearing through the night to reach the one who fuels his passion. Every lyric pulses with urgency from the roar of his engine to the ache in his heart as he urges his lover to surrender. They ride the dream together, chasing the heat of the city and the fire of the night, unwilling to let go of each other.

Jesse Mach & Arcade Ocean – Silver Screen

Jesse Mach & Arcade Ocean’s Silver Screen exudes longing and blurred reality, where distance echoes in every glowing synth and sparkling guitar riff. Bright notes burst forth as Arcade Ocean’s impassioned vocals reach skyward and Jesse Mach’s guitar carves emotion into the atmosphere.

The melody soars, pierced by fragile hope, as trickling synths and resonant solos blur dreams and truth. Our narrator drifts helplessly into a filmic fantasy, eyes locked on a screen where desire lives but never lands. He rewinds emotional scenes like a tape stuck in his memory, unsure if the connection he feels is real or just a flicker in the static. Still, somewhere in that haze, he swears he feels their touch.

All The Damn Vampires & Mint Simon – Leaving Los Angeles

Leaving Los Angeles expresses sharp edged heartbreak and a blurred haze of self-protection. Mint Simon’s voice swims through silky synths and echoing drums, full of tragic soul. Waves of sound wash over glowing bells and bittersweet sax, while Mint Simon delivers lines that cut deep with quiet devastation.

The narrator’s leaving not because they stopped caring, but because the light became too hard to bear. The narrator says, “I’ve been darkened tonight.” The storyteller returns, knowing love still lingers, but feels too numb to reach for it again. There’s emotional tension in every breath, suspended between saying goodbye and a hope that they’ll find their way back again.

Sandor Gavin, Sleepless Nights & LaVahn – Kiss of Gold

Kiss of Gold by Sandor Gavin, Sleepless Nights & LaVahn melts into a sensual slow burn, radiating heat and gravity as it describes a love that pulls with cosmic force. A jazz organ whispers with tender warmth while Sleepless Nights’ guitar flickers, joined by a funky disco beat and LaVahn’s velvety voice dripping with hunger. The soundscape simmers while Sleepless Nights’ guitar glides coolly, synths flashing with brightness and LaVahn's voice pouring out pure desire.

As the groove tightens, the guitar and organ swirl around a radiant bassline, culminating in a silky, jazz-tinged solo. The narrator is locked in orbit around the irresistible subject, caught in a gravitational dance, eyes meeting like constellations, each kiss like a meteor lighting up the sky. The metaphor of celestial seduction echoes through the final refrain: a golden kiss that makes everything feel right.