AM 1984 - Star Horizon

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

AM 1984’s Star Horizon is full of luscious summer vibes, Italo disco goodness and beautifully written melodies. The album is a journey through nostalgia and sonic pleasure, telling tales of warm nights and passionate embraces. This is music with style and flair that keeps me coming back for more.

Star Horizon’s balance of disco funk, synthwave influences and ear candy makes it a deeply enjoyable listening experience for me. The groove is undeniable and the more active tracks have a pumping synthwave pulse while the complex synth layers interlock into a tapestry of tones, textures and timbres that fill me with positive energy and a desire to shake my booty all over the place.

Another reason why I'm drawn to Star Horizon is AM 1984’s beautiful melodic writing. He weaves joyful and caressing melodies that explode with life and happiness. Each melody has a distinct mood and atmosphere, which deepens the overall feeling of celebration and lightness on the album. I enjoy the way in which the music transports me into a realm of energetic life.

I also want to mention AM 1984’s use of horns on Star Horizon. I really enjoy the jazzy licks and the sense of funky energy that they exude. The way they pour out brightness only makes the positive elements of the music more profound. The way the horn section intermingles with the rhythm section results in music that moves forward dynamically and carries me with it.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Argonouts” comes to life as quickly rushing, shadowy bass tumbles dramatically. A ticking hi-hat and cymbals add tension as the drums hit heavily and an angular, propulsive synth launches forward.

The track surges as dazzling synth chords drift with ghostly tendrils and active arpeggios dance through the music with groovy power. The spinning energy quickly cascades as laser-like sounds flicker. A bending synth is joined by victorious notes that leap out as the drums swirl.

The main melody bursts with uplifting dynamism as orchestra hits add another layer of power. I enjoy the way the melody takes hold of me and launches me into the sky, igniting with encouragement and joy. The bold synth flows out with bright, unstoppable motion as entangling notes move along with the brilliant orchestra hits. The nasal-sounding synth adds emotion as the bright notes shimmer again.

The low end makes me want to move my hips as a synth erupts with blinding luminosity. A shimmying synth arpeggiates with growing tension as the kick drum punches hard. Reverent sounds drift in the distance as the arpeggios become hypnotic.

The laser-like sounds continue to flash as bass rumbles and the main melody flies again, erupting into joyful motion while the sharp edges of the low end drive on. The orchestra hits continue as the trumpet cries out and fills the music with unbridled freedom and the track ends on slicing bass.

Ominous bass pulses as a hi-hat ticks like a clock to commence “Runners.” Urgency grips the music as the hard-hitting drums and dense bass push the track forward and handclaps add extra intensity. The drums flourish and worshipful notes flare as the low end continues to add dramatic weight.

Now the jumping, glimmering arpeggio spins with wild momentum as the drums and bass drop away and zapping sounds cut into the music. The bursting lead synth exudes luminescence and carries a melody full thrilling liveliness above the kinetic drums and bass. The orchestra hits explode like supernovae while the main melody launches me forward with its powerful drama.

Tightly shifting synth moves in wound-up lines as the orchestra hits explode and the drums continue to press forward. The main melody is shiny and celebratory, creating blurring speed as the low end continues to drive. The lead synth spills out brilliance as the quickly twirling arpeggios continue to swirl. Momentum and acceleration define the music as the hi-hat ticks and the low end pulsates heavily.

The bass drops away as the arpeggio continues to rapidly spin and the glowing notes climb and fly again as the drums return. The main melody sings with dynamic muscle and unstoppable energy before the track comes to an end.

“Star Horizon” begins as heavy bass punches and a warmly drifting, trembling xylophone moves with flowing ease. The reverberant notes have a smooth, chilled-out feeling as the drums leap into a heavily muscled beat and the tambourine adds a brilliant ring. The low end’s swagger is undeniable as the melody shifts with laid-back, cruising sensations while hand claps add sharp shape.

The rounded jazz organ carries a melody that is hopeful and tinged with a sense of progress as the disco beat gets moving. The way in which the rhythm grabs me is full of the joy of movement. The drums flourish again and the bass flows thickly as electric bass is joined by crisp horns that explode with brilliant dynamism.

The horn lick is ridiculously irresistible and the groove comes back in with the lambent horns. The disco vibes are floor-filling and the elevated notes explode with lively power. Now the drums and bass lock into an unstoppable heartbeat, the notes tripping in a strongly shaping motion.

Panpipes echo behind the medium-high synth as the horns leap again with a cleanly cutting melody, full of celebration and a feeling of freedom. The low end continues to shimmy and shake with undeniable rhythm while the glowing notes above fly outward. The angular horn line has a crisp, cool feeling as it unfolds and the bass adds weight while the chords punch forward. The drums flourish and the main horn lick slashes through the music before the track pulses to an end.

After a wild sonic rush, springy bass moves with a wordless vocal synth, singing a catchy melody to open “The Italian Summer.” Now the disco beat hits hard, creating an undeniably cool pulse, the percussion adding to the overall motion-filled dynamism. A glistening synth snaps out above it with a melody full of irrepressible joy, while the clapping percussion moves with the vocal-sounding synth and the horn section cuts in with frolicking happiness.

The horns carries a melody that locks into the low-end pulse with an unstoppable sense of forward motion. The horns unfurl with blaring radiance, lifting my heart along with them. I can imagine the dance floor full of sweating, shaking bodies as the slap bass locks into the low end.

The drums flourish and the reverberating, bouncing synth leaps through the music while the brass section fires again. The leaping, glistening brass is full of summery sensations while the low end makes me shake my hips. Gigantic bass pulsates heavily as the vocal-sounding synth bops through the incredibly catchy melody and the full disco heartbeat comes in again.

There’s a sweet, free-swinging quality to the track that I find deeply enjoyable. The hand claps send the grooving slap bass rolling, keeping things moving as the vocal synth is joined by the cleanly shining horn section. The drums punch one final time as the low end jumps forward and the track comes to an end.

“Blu Tropical” comes to life as tightly wound synth revolves and the flaring chords are joined by thudding bass. The track is heavy with disco power and the slap bass adds bright accents while the elevated synth wriggles.. Brilliant notes flash as they dance out above the low end.

The thick synth chords are joined by the horn section slicing with Latin flair, creating a tropical feeling within the music as the low end heaves. I enjoy the steamy heat that radiates from the track like a Miami night as the heavy drums and dense bass throb.

After the drums flourish, strumming notes move with the undulating bass and thumping kick drum to create an irresistible heartbeat. The guitar swings smoothly, blasting out incandescence as the giant bass shimmies. The bass and gleaming synth chords intertwine as a trumpeting synth flies outward. The drums flourish and the Latin energy erupts with torrid passion from the horns as the strumming guitar flashes past.

The horn section is clean and sunlit, crying out with ardent dynamism. Blaring chords shine intensely and the drumbeat launches again. As burning fire permeates the horn section, the track draws to an end.

An accelerating, rising sound climbs above dense bass to begin “Palm Beach.” Gently lucent, pulsing synth moves in rounded flashes as clapping percussion joins twanging electric bass. A tambourine taps as the guitar intertwines and the drums and bass collide in a propulsive disco heartbeat. The guitar adds brilliance as the drums flourish and the low end fills with a powerful, throbbing rhythm.

Slowly evolving notes have a chilled-out feeling as they drift along with the slap bass which is joined by a blazing synth. The bass descends before the elevated, flashing synth leaps into a melody that explodes with dramatic aspiration and the feeling of hot summer nights.

The low end continues to throb heavily as the bass rushes and the quickly flickering synth reverberates. The saxophone cries out with impassioned, sensual strength as the disco rhythm continues to shift below. I enjoy the way the rhythm fills me and the saxophone adds rich flavor.

The delicately gliding synth chords are joined by the brass again, ringing out with irrepressible motion as the low end drives on. The drums flourish and the track comes to an end on the actively leaping main melody.

“Exotic Night” starts with crushing bass and a vibrating synth which flows in descending motion. A tambourine begins to shake as sharp-edged synth pulsates along with it in an active rhythm. The low end creates dramatic action along with the slicing synth, which is joined by a snare drum adding to the dynamically flying heartbeat.

The bass is joined by a slowly trembling synth which illuminates the music in a moonlit glow that I enjoy. The swirling synth spins out in active lines as the low end drives on with a disco feeling. Now the luscious synth chords grow and add rich support as the main melody brings a sense of lively freedom. The low end continues to punch as the elevated notes flicker ecstatically. Underneath the other elements, the bass is a steady force.

As the melody ripples on a bouncing synth, it adds a playful sensation while the brass section exudes free-flowing pleasure and the low end hits hard. Now the rebounding synth is joined by a swirling synth which entangles as the drums smack hard and the synth chords contribute a soft radiance. The drums flourish and the twirling synth is joined by a dancing pulsation which shines with increased lustre.

The main melody skips past with abandon as the bright notes slice through the music easily. The low end pulses unstoppable as the shining notes spill out above it. Once again, bouncy notes frolic and the horns fly out as the track ends.

A tambourine and echoing drums reverberate into open space and commence “Lost Memories.” The softly brushing sounds flow out into the track as the drums throb and softly swelling chords contribute rounded luminosity and metallic glow. The echoing percussion drifts as tenderly touching notes skim through the music with a feathery feeling.

The arpeggiating notes dance as the drums punch and gruff notes add contrast while the bass drives. A nasal-sounding, scintillating synth cries out with a wistful melody that evokes memory and dreaming. The melody becomes more uplifting and positive as the guitar slashes and my heart rises with the joy and encouragement within the melody.

The drums burst as the ballad continues and the rough-edged guitar moves with entangled, burnished synth The percussion continues to add shape while trickling notes glimmer and the guitar adds more warmth. a synth pours out solar effulgence which slides through the music, feeling soothing and delicate.

Shimmering notes continue to sparkle freely as the broadly descending synth chords adapt. The drums flourish and the main melody shines while the drums continue to punch in. The track ends with a growing sense of liberation and pleasure.

Conclusion

Star Horizon balances melody, harmony and groove in a way that I find intensely pleasing. There’s an overall sense of encouragement and frolicking energy within the music that makes me want to hit the dance floor. This is instrumental synth music with soul, fire and sonic pleasure that fills me to the brim.

Arcade Beach - Music For Night Drives

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Arcade Beach’s Music For Night Drives explores love, loss, melancholy and joy, enfolded by Ben Paska’s beautiful production. There are synths that combine in lush layers and guitar which intertwines and joins Nick Sauter’s first-rate vocal performances and strong songwriting. When one adds the neon-drenched nostalgia and heartfelt emotion to the whole package, the end result is an album that balances retro dreams with emotive depth and takes me on a journey through sound.

The way in which songwriting and vocal performance combine on Music For Night Drives is a compelling draw for me. Nick Sauter has a flexible voice that is able to capture wide-ranging emotion and deliver it with sincerity and heart. When combined with the band's songwriting, the explorations of affection, longing, sadness and passion take on an intensely felt quality, evoking a sense of relation to the words and their associated feelings.

I am attracted to the fact that all of the varied musical elements interlink to create a richly layered support for the singing and songwriting on Music For Night Drives. The guitar performances are full of soul and intricacy. The synths all combine to create tones and textures which deepen the emotional effect of the words and the saxophone that comes in contributes passionate emotion and jazzy feeling. The end result is nostalgic and full of instrumental talent and beauty.

One more observation I’d like to make about the album is the inclusion of David Schuler from The Bad Dreamers on Moving On. His lyrical and deeply expressive voice adds another layer of emotional engagement to the song and his performance is strong, making the end result even more gripping and engaging.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Nightfall” begins with a quickly bursting drum beat and hand claps as flashing synth spills sunset light into the music. The guitar adds a delicate luminosity as the bass rumbles below the intertwining notes and the drums burst into a poppy beat.

The guitar melody is full of hope and melancholy as Nick Sauter's expressive voice calls out with lyrics that are full of hurt. The low end continues to explode with energizing life while the vocals climb with touching power.

The chorus arcs with piercing feeling as the drums continue to drive on. The guitar in the distance pours out brightness into the music as the drum beat continues to erupt. The way in which Nick Sauter delivers the lyrics tugs at my heart with their deeply felt emotions.

As the chorus rings out again, the vocals carry melody, dynamism and pain intertwined within them. In the distance, the guitar adds rhythm before flying out into a solo that is yearning and intricate as the drums burst alone now. The hand claps continue along with the percussion and the chorus rises with a gripping feeling before the song ends.

The narrator talks about the neon lights shining through his windows as he realizes that "this is all insane." He’s been "living in the corners" of his mind and, as a countdown begins for the memories to become dust, he asks,"What do you do when you're hit by such a breach of trust?"

In the chorus, our storyteller asks where they go from there at nightfall. He speaks of falling asleep and falling through the atmosphere. As he travels “in between,” he visits "pieces of what might have been," as he concludes that he bears scars for "each and every sin."

An extended sweep of luscious synth gleams to commence “Isolation.” The bass continues to undulate as Michael Negoita’s guitar softly twangs in the distance and tender notes levitate. Nick Sauter's distorted voice begins to grow in power as the guitar shines with warming sensations and the drums and bass kick in. Radiant notes sing out as a chiming synth contributes crystalline light.

Nick Sauter's voice is full of regret and emptiness and the low end continues to pulsate. The sense of disconnection and mournful feeling is powerful within the vocals, drawing me in. As the chorus glides out, a craving for connection fills the music. The drums continue to throb as the fragile synth glitters with tentative light.

The chorus slips through the music with a bereft and unmoored feeling that is deeply affecting. The guitar gleams with lambent sensations as the low end continues to patter. The gruffness in the vocals adds to the emotion within the music.

The guitar solo cries out with deeply affecting emotion as it climbs and shines above the continually pulsating low end. The chorus drives home feelings of need and longing, carried by Nick Sauter's gripping vocal performance. The drums continue to throb as the vocals drift before silence falls.

As our storyteller got off the phone late the previous night, he realized that the song’s subject has left him in the fight alone. He talks about getting off the train and starting a fight as he adds,"I don’t know where we started or how we went." He "took a cab, no direction home."

The narrator says that "all the things I hide are buried behind a wall." He adds that he starts in black and white before moving into colour. He adds,"I want to know how it feels in the world to be on my own. I want to feel what it is in a world to be left alone."

As the song ends, our storyteller says, "Wherever I go and whatever I take, I’m ready to face everything at stake. It’s isolation, in isolation."

“Bad Morphine” starts with a metallically ticking hi-hat and refulgent synth as the drums launch with springy energy. The guitar curls in the background as the drums continue to burst with strength and swelling synth shimmers. Nick Sauter's voice is full of wishful ache and a sensation of dreamy disconnection.

The track continues to drive with the bursting drums as the shiny synth flares and Nick Sauter's voice captures a sense of need and dramatic expression. I enjoy the emotional power of the song as it unfolds. The guitar solo is genuin and intricately unwinding as Nick Sauter captures the pain within the lyrics.

The track fairly vibrates with feeling as the soulful vocals call out with the chorus. Ben Paska’s sparkling synth notes dance in the distance as the drumbeat continues to rock it. As the guitar cries out, the luminous synth carries a melody that’s surprisingly upbeat despite the emotional pain within the song. The deep guitar slashes into the music with heartstring-tugging sensations as the drums continue to guide onward.

Blinding light flashes forth as the drumbeat continues to punch and the guitar tangles and leaps with cascading expression. The chorus rises again as the drums continue to pulse and the song comes to an end.

The narrator says that he's been "neglecting what I should have done but I don't end," as he is caught between chagrin and rising up. He says that "your lips (are) still haunting me just like a midnight breeze," but "nothing hurts like the cold, so you better do what you've been told."

Our storyteller points out that the sun sets faster than it once did and he recalls the "blazing fever you brought me through," as he asks, "can I count on you? You're my one last strike to make it all right."

A sense of betrayal fills Nick Sauter and he feels weak when he recalls past events. He concludes: "I see you in my dreams like I'm on bad morphine, still nothing hurts like the cold better do what I've been told."

Tender notes expand along with radio static that joins with an old TV ad for Nintendo Gameboy as “Moving Away” begins. Radiant synth ripples and entangles with shining guitar as David Schuler's resonant and emotive voice carries the dreamy and yearning melody, while the drums cruise with smooth relaxation.

David Schuler's clear voice seizes me and punches the lyrics home to me. As the bass undulates, the chorus is full of gentle progress and a sense of nostalgia. The kick drum continues to pulsate while the lyrics are carried on David Schuler’s gripping vocals.

The shining notes that carry the melody are guided by the smooth drumbeat as they exude diamond light. The singer has real feeling as the trickling synth glitters and the track continues to pulse while the guitar unwinds with a caressing sound. The low end continues to glide as the chorus floats past with passionate expression and David Schuler carries me along.

The guitar solo sings with aspiring brilliance and a silken flow as the drums continue to punch. The entangling notes are full of illumination as the delicate vocals are full of ache. The bass tumbles before the guitar joins Nick Sauter to add more depth to his expression. The drumbeat continues to throb as the guitar flares and the track comes to an end.

Our storyteller is trapped in between things as he carries the weight of what he's seen. He says it's a "suitcase full of baggage I don't need." He hears the city streets "telling a tale of what used to be," as he trades his past for the chance to be released.

Now the narrator says he's moving away because "I don't know what is true and fake," and so "I'm selling a dream and moving forward. I’m moving away now there's no reason I should stay." He adds that he’s hitting the road and doesn’t want his world to come along.

For the storyteller, "the dark out here is more of a fight and less of a fear," as he says he's no stranger to the great unknown. He concludes by saying "the skyline fades and falls away, a neon ghost in the break of day," as he searches for something undefined.

“Silver Lining Street” opens as smoothly gliding synth flows and guitar flashes with tender light while the drums burst hard. A scintillating synth cries out with a hopeful, reaching melody and Nick Sauter's voice erupts with heartfelt emotion, carrying a melody that reflects hope.

Ben Paska’s production captures the emotional tenor of the song. The guitar is joined by flickering chimes and the vocals soar with deep feeling. Now the chorus rises, passionate and full of questioning. I find the song’s message compelling as it unfolds. A glittering synth calls out with a melody that combines sunlight and melancholy, while Nick Sauter takes hold of the lyrics and drives them into my heart.

The drums burst with compelling energy as sparkling notes illuminate the music. Michael Negoita’s guitar solo flies in, entangling with fervent expression, rich and full of strength. The drums explode again and lambent notes echo before the song ends.

The narrator talks about seeing “empty spaces on the avenue” as neon lights “paint the walls in darker blue.” The song's subject walks past, eyes downcast, as if “you wanted me to keep out of your glow.” The narrator has the song and his feet while “my heart still beats on Silver Lining Street ‘cause that’s where I belong.”

Our storyteller asks what he's supposed to do or say today, wondering, “What am I supposed to think of anyway?” He sees the world’s beauty outside and adds, “All I need’s a little space for me to hide.” But when “that door is open wide and there’s a fire burning inside,” the world continues on and “times get rough, but I’ve got love and that’s enough.”

Hugely rippling bass smoothly fills the background to commence “Night Windows”. Chimes flicker as staticky voices move with distorted sounds and the chimes ring. The electric guitar calls out with rising vigour as twirling arpeggios frolic in the distance. The guitar is bright and dramatic as it soars above the guiding low end. The drums are punchy and strong while Ben Paska’s glimmering synth entangles in the distance. Nick Sauter's voice is full of intense expression.

Chimes flash again as the drums continue to pulsate while shimmering notes fly past. The bass undulates as the chorus erupts with tender emotion, pulling me into the song’s atmosphere. The song flies with powerful feelings as the arpeggios swirl. The driving low end pushes forward as rounded notes sparkle with tender luminosity.

Passion and expression yearns for escape as the guitar sings with gleaming intensity. The chorus rises again, filling the music with heart and soul while the arpeggios spin out. The drums continue to drive as the guitar fills the music with its strong voice.

The guitar solo is full of gruff feeling and blues-inflected shadow as the pounding low end moves. A tinge of melancholy fills the song as it cascades and leaps freely. Once again, Nick Sauter drives home the song’s emotional content with his distinctive vocals before the song comes to an end on the twirling guitar.

This tale’s teller starts painting a plain room, painting a picture and “knowing what to do.” He speaks of vanishing into the song subject's tired eyes as he wonders if he's a fool. He talks about feeling “the call in a crowded place,” like an answer promised from outer space. He wants to be taken away because “the past is here to stay.”

Our storyteller speaks of “night windows flying by, chaos in the heat of night,” as he asks the other person to pretend it’s raining just for him. He sees “staring eyes” in the night windows as he moves along and says, “I pay the price.” He adds, “I might be crazy staying sane, but I won't stop, I’ll break the chain.”

Now our narrator's view has become clearer and he says, “If there’s an arrow, I know who to shoot.” The other person calls his name and he wonders if he’s with them. He concludes: “Please release me from this cage, another day, another page. There’s already things I need to know.”

“Lost in Conversation” begins as ethereal notes shine above an oscillating bassline. The bass is heavy and powerful as the guitar softly drifts through the music and Nick Sauter’s airy voice glides with an emotive caress while the kick drum begins to punch.

The ringing notes tangle with metallic light as the bass throbs. As the chorus rises, I am carried along by the conflicted emotion within Nick Sauter’s voice. The satiny smooth synth carries a melody that exudes peaceful, wistful sensations as the drums press on.

Once again, the climbing chorus radiates mixed frustration and impatience, while the saxophone comes into the music with its reedy passion, soloing with jazz-inflected elegance and slipping relaxation. The electric guitar cuts in now, rising to the stars with rough-edged beauty, dancing through the music with intricate dynamism. The low end continues to burst while the chorus flies out and the low end presses on.

The track explodes with forward motion as the string-like synth cries out and slips above the solid bassline. The song ends on full-sounding, brassy bells ringing into silence.

Our storyteller talks about getting up and out to the commotion and encourages the other person to “put your feet out, let the rain fall down.” He talks about being lost in conversation, saying, “We pray and every day we're closer to the curtain,” with no knowledge of how much time we have left. Yet still, we “spend the days taking it for certain.”

The narrator tells the song’s subject not to give him “that smile.” He says it’s “too late to compensate” and wonders why the other person hesitates. He goes on: “Time is of the essence,” adding that the song’s subject doesn’t have to prove how good they are. He concludes, “You never care as long as we get going.”

As the song ends, he says, “I don’t know where to find the dream you’re looking for, longing for. I won’t lie that way no more.”

The sound of rain splashing and echoing chords ringing opens “Undelete.” Sirens call out as the steady synth pulse drifts with sharp edges and a resonant sound vibrates. The drums drive on now as Ben Paska’s celebratory, fluting synth sings a light melody that lifts me above the stresses of the world. The low end continues to pulsate as Nick Sauter’s emotional vocals carry the bubbly melody above the undulating low end.

The hope within the vocals is touching for me, as the synth interlocks with the guitar while it pours out sunlight. Nick Sauter captures the mix of dreaming, escapism and an ache for freedom. The chorus is full of warmth and a sense of expectant hope.

The guitar rises now with luminescent shine and cascades with intricate depth above the steady low-end beat. The drums and bass throb as a trembling synth moves with silky strings and the sound of sirens rushes by again. The drums and bass drop for a moment before the guitar rises again with Nick Sauter’s voice, reaching out for a better life as the scintillating synth flares with lively light. The fluting notes in the distance cry out and silence falls.

Our storyteller describes the song character living alone “with a beat-up phone in a trailer by the sea.” She interrupts her lonely nights by taking the train “to the city and the lights, to become someone that she cannot be and somebody that she likes.”

In the chorus, the main character asks to be freed and pleads for someone to “say you want me, say you need me, undelete me.” She aches to be loved by someone unconditionally.

Now our storyteller explains that since the man she loved has been gone, she’s been “keeping on, trying to stay above the ground.” When the rain falls on her side of town, “she feels as if she drowns.” Every night she returns to a world that’s passed by and during the day “she’s watching reruns of her shows like she did when he was there.”

Conclusion

Music For Night Drives is a deeply affecting and well-crafted synth pop album that radiates maturity and emotional depth as it unfolds. I enjoy the listening experience and it’s one I find myself repeating often.

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.