Power Rob - Dark Star

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Power Rob’s Dark Star explodes with intensity, superb vocal performances, powerful songwriting and energetic motion. This album radiates deep feelings and oozes conviction as the artist makes full use of his excellent voice. When one adds talented guest artists and a sense of real drama, the end result is fiery and engaging.

At the beating heart of Dark Star, we find Power Rob’s vocal performance. He has a voice that is sinewy and broad-ranging, rising from a low growl to a howling cry, conveying everything from tenderness to ferocity. His unique delivery gives the songs life and strength, allowing him to interpret and deliver the lyrics with power.

As a complement to his vocal abilities, Power Rob also demonstrates his skill in crafting lyrics. His distinctive phrasing and descriptive powers convey the emotional core of his songs. He paints vivid imagery through his songwriting and lays out a fresh approach to the world. I enjoy the way he explores his themes in fascinating ways.

I also appreciate Dark Star’s musical background, which enhances the sensations delivered by the vocals and lyrics. A mixture of guitar, synth and sax weaves a lush, interwoven melodic and harmonic tapestry that supports the other elements of the album. On top of this, all of the guest artists contribute their own fresh sound and vision to the whole work.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“In The Desert” begins with searing winds blowing and a distantly slipping synth with rounded tones. The drums surge with concentrated power and the gleaming synth spills out a thrilling melody while Power Rob's voice reaches out with unique strength. A jagged synth cuts with shadowy sinew and glittering notes flicker while Power Rob expresses the lyrics with energy and excitement.

The drums erupt as the chorus flies, the synth glowing with sunset luminosity. Night Rider 87’s synth layering is emotive and lush here. Power Rob lets rip with his gripping vocals, pulling me into the story. As a towering synth snarls, the huge drums and bass propel the track. Shining synth cascades as the vocals add emotion and purpose and growling notes slice underneath.

The chorus rises, complemented by lustrous notes that sparkle with muscled beauty. A triumphant synth melody climbs, leaping out with irrepressible dynamism, as the pumping drums and bass drive on. The percussion drops out as a flaring, twirling synth echoes above the dense bass and Power Rob imbues his voice with immense force. Now the song drives toward the end, a scintillating synth irradiating the music as the chorus carries on.

The storyteller can't wait for midnight to face the sands and become legendary. He adds, "Some say it's an obsession. I feel it, I need it." He points out that as they "erase the sunlight," they're locked and loaded while looking for an "ethereal connection."

Our narrator adds that at sunset, they're perfect strangers who are "just living for the danger," as they surrender to faraway thunder. He continues, "When the wind calls upon the neon, at long last I've got the fever," mentioning again that they've surrendered to the distant thunder.

In the desert, the storyteller says that "we can't help it when we fall in love, we can't fight it when we're far apart," as he points out that "with the looks that kill, you better believe it." He goes on to say that "in the desert, it's a mood that takes you to the stars," adding that you never want to be too far "when you've got that thrill."

The narrator continues, saying that he's unable to escape the madness because "you're so far, but yet you seem to be familiar—like I've known you forever." He adds that the starlight they've shared for long nights is "all we've got to get connection until we are together."

Bass glides smoothly as swelling notes glow with delicate light to open “Dangerous”. Blazingly bright synth illuminates the track as Power Rob's immensely expressive voice carries the leaping melody while the drums explode. Power Rob's voice is full of muscle and sinew as the drums continue to press forward.

The chorus breaks outs with flying dynamism as the floating notes in the distance shine and the low end continues to pound. The way in which Power Rob drives the song is fiercely propulsive, drawing me into the song’s excitement. The floating notes in the distance carry a gentler melody as the bass continues to undulate.

There’s a break and a segment exuding peaceful sensations slides in as the vocals drift over the spaced-out background, before the drums return. The chorus flies out with concentrated energy as the pumping low end bangs on, before Power Rob unleashes his voice and the song ends.

On the edge of uncertainty, the narrator questions if he’s alive or out of line. He says, “hold fast” as he faces the fact that some stories never get told. Now strange faces gather, like aliens in a vengeful mob, as the narrator adds, “we are complex people in complex times.”

The storyteller admits he’s only temporary but realises it’s necessary to confront that feeling head-on. There’s danger lurking, but it's part of a game he always plays. When the moment freezes and the heart sinks, it’s “dangerous” but he has confidence that “there’s a way for us.”

Now the narrator swears never to surrender or lie. He talks about holding fast through sleepless nights and being despised. An army waits, staring, as the narrator faces a vicious spectre that won’t leave. He asks if one would face “the menace that gives you pause” or run away. He adds, “stand in the line or stand alone, do or die, you won't atone.” As the song ends, he concludes, “we always seem to make it rain for us.”

“Innocent” starts with a powerful bass rumble and chimes ringing out with piercing light. The drums explode, creating a steadily throbbing pulse as Power Rob’s voice captures mingled desire and excitement, tinged by pain. Power Rob has a feeling for the lyrics that ideally expresses the emotional tenor of the music. The drums and bass continue to rapidly pulse as the metallic chimes flash.

The guitar sings to match the vocals as the muscled drums move and the bass shifts. The drums rapidly rebound as Power Rob lets the lyrics fly with heartfelt expression and a synth twinkles in the distance. The chorus dances with dynamic life as the guitar wheels in active flight. The drums and bass shape the music as the vocals climb with intense feeling, while the guitar adds brightly interlocking notes that carry a galvanizing solo.

Power Rob’s voice aches and gently slips as the silky synth slides before the heavy drums and lush bass pulse again. The chimes radiate light and the guitar mingles with the leaping chorus, carrying the impact of the words. The track comes to an end with impassioned backing vocals and the chorus fading away.

Our storyteller talks about the song's subject, who says that she's alright and it's another night. She says that she's just fine when he's in her sights. He adds that "In the heat of the night, I'm a victim of vice" as he wanders in his desire. He points out that they just can't lie to each other.

The narrator goes on to say that the song's subject claims to have nothing to lose. She says that she "comes alive when we both see the lights." He becomes lost on some nights and "in the heat of the moment, I just can't say" because she keeps the fire in her eyes inside of herself. He adds that with her kiss' sting, he can't decide.

Now our storyteller says that "when the lights go out and the sun comes down" her eyes shout "I'm not innocent." The song's subject points out that she hasn't felt seduction like this before and adds that she has "a thrill that he just can't miss." The storyteller says that as they speak their lies "with the words they spell” their thoughts dwell and lonely hearts fall.

They are both at home with heartbreak, but the narrator adds that "tonight we're alive in eternity," adding that they're just fools "sailing to lose on a river of secrets." The narrator asks the song's subject to take his hand because "our love will last that night and forever."

Delicate notes swirl in tranquil motion as Bending Grid’s guitar flares with luminous life to open “Mr. Right”. Power Rob’s sensual and fascinating vocals carry the desire-laden lyrics and the energetically dancing melody.

The drums and bass punch with crushing weight as the sexy, smooth vocals glide with Power Rob’s unique delivery. Chimes flash with fragile luminosity while the guitar, drums and bass interlock. I am seduced by the potency of the vocals while the low end drives on without stopping. The funky chorus erupts and the guitar adds cool licks and the drums and bass lock into a groove.

As the vocals climb, they're imbued with lust and need. Bending Grid’s guitar flickers out with a charged excitement and Power Rob’s voice explodes with mingled yearning and surprise. As the heavy percussion pulsates, the vocals soar and leap before Bending Grid unleashes his guitar solo, which grabs me with its intensity and depth before the song comes to an end.

Our storyteller is looking for some education to “ease my passion” and a stimulating experience. He says “from the bar, along came trouble” in the form of the song’s subject. He tells her, “Baby, you’re sweet seduction with a hint of vengeance.”

The narrator can’t dance when they get onto the floor, but it’s too late for him. He says, “Such a nervous feeling, I must be dreaming.” He tries to act cool when she tells him what to do, but he asks, “Who knew that I’d fall in love?”

Now our storyteller asks the song’s subject if she realizes he’s not her Mr. Right “when you call me baby.” He asks her, “Don’t you know that I ain’t your big surprise?” However, she still drives him crazy.

Despite it being 3:00 in the morning, the song’s subject says it isn’t too late. The narrator has the sneaking suspicion that she’s not going to leave him. He concludes, “She pressures me so perfectly,” and he’s developed a bad habit “like some voodoo magic.

“Top Gun” leaps into being with Power Rob's voice charging electrically as the drums rap hard. The explosive vocals are full of intense fire as the kick drum batters. The track grooves with angular, gyrating motions as Power Rob's voice matches that swerving energy.

The drums continue to explode while the warmly swelling vocal performance adds irresistible drama. The drums and bass batter and the flashing synth burns through the music with feral light. Power Rob's performance is infectious and pulls me into the music’s spirit.

The drums hit hard as the vocals fly through the music with vigour and flair. Power Rob's range and strength are apparent as a madly spinning synth flickers through a wildly leaping solo. Power Rob chants as the low end smashes hard and the brassy synth ignites the music. The huge drums flutter and the vocals move above the massively shifting low end before silence falls.

Our storyteller has been held in the song subject’s “clever eyes made out of stone” while she spins him “tall tales and promises of love.” It’s midnight and our storyteller says, “I covered your love to a fault.” He points out that the other person is fine and he's out of time. He isn't sure where he's going, but they’ve parted.

There’s something the narrator needs that the song's subject has and he's been fooled by her, but “I’m so starstruck when you make me.” When she sees him there, she can't get enough of him. He loves it when she teases him but adds, “Don’t you know you’re always on the run.” He says he's the top gun and she can't get enough of him, adding, “Baby I love it, can’t you see.”

When they hit the dance floor, the narrator says, “We’re always out for blood and we can’t stop the rhythm.” When he hits the floor, he has to go because “it seems so strong” but the other person has “the modes of ice perfected, she’s so calm and collected.”

Rain pours down and thunder cracks to commence “Restless Summer”. Tranquil, undulating synth slips as the sax calls out with hurting emotion. The woodwind voice is laid-back but creates a painful reflection. Power Rob’s voice is full of longing and need while the sax drifts with emotive depth. Miami Nights 1984 weaves synth magic through the song.

The neediness within the vocals is aching and compels me with its sincerity as the drums pulse. The bass oscillates as metallic, chiming notes spin out while Power Rob captures all of the sensation of loss and brokenhearted feeling within the lyrics. The sax rings out again, expressing love and pain, while the delicate notes below continue to oscillate.

Hard-hitting percussion drives the song forward as the vocals wrap around my ears with gentleness and the sax weeps with intense feeling. The synth continues to slide as the rhythmic heartbeat flutters, the bass undulating while the sax drifts like a ghost. Bright chimes flash again as the lead singer encapsulates all of the melancholy within the words.

The beat surges with determination while Power Rob pours his heart out. Pulsing rhythm underpins chimes that glide with moonlit luminosity, as a gruff, trembling synth adds a yearning quality. In the final moments, the synth solo wheels and dances in the spotlight while the lead singer powers to the finish.

As midnight descends, the song’s subject whispers in the narrator's ear. He says that he's never felt like "my heart is hers to steal." As the walls between them crumble, he admits, "I got it bad," and he knows that she needs him. However, he adds, "When she says don't leave me, understand before we fall apart."

It's a restless summer for our storyteller as he adds that he's "in love with the loss" of the song’s subject. He's giving in and he asks, "Don't you wonder how it all falls apart so soon?" As the walls fall down, he says that he has to make time to "fall too fast" as he realizes that their love isn't meant to last.

“World Gone Mad” comes to life with raging determination and battering power. The vocalist calls out with feral, dramatic energy as the low end smashes hard. The vocals exude forceful danger as the heavy low end is joined by Battlejuice’s assaulting guitar while a luminous synth flashes. The drums are unrelenting as the lead singer calls out, filling me with defiant strength while the trumpeting synth howls above the churning low end.

The vocals snarl as the guitar slashes wildly and the drums continue to pound. Battlejuice imbues the music with rage and muscle as the two performers’ voices intertwine. The drums erupt as the guitar cries out with razor-sharp precision and darkness while the bass shatters and the drums attack. I enjoy the ferocity and uncompromising nature of the song. Colossal bass surges again as the chorus and the guitar join together, shining with a brilliant glare as the track drives to an end.

The narrator says that at daybreak, he can't seem to shake what he’s feeling and “the TV forbids me” as the streets are filled with a “lawless persuasion.” He realizes it’s a military emergency as “the words they crawl across the screen” and the emergency screams at him.

Our storyteller admits he can’t relate because we’re in a “world gone mad” and it’s too late to save it. He wonders, “How will we survive when the sky comes alive?” He feels that he’s tempting fate in this world gone mad as night descends and “terror steps to stand tall” while the old guard is taken on and humanity finds itself “facing down the dragon.”

Cosmically deep bass rumbles as kick drum pulses and metallic notes flare to open “Dark Star”. The ominous pounding continues as gossamer synth floats with a soft melodic pattern. Sharply entangling synth tumbles through the music in a luminous flash as the huge drums rebound. Sebastian Ochoa Arguijo’s guitar slashes with razor-sharp edges as the leaping synth erupts and the drums punch forward.

Power Rob’s voice flows with fresh expression as the intertwining bass twangs and the chorus flies with unstoppable liveliness. Power Rob grabs hold of me and tugs me along with him, the guitar thundering as the drums slam hard. The heaving background charges as the guitar slices and the vocals soar with intensity.

The low end lacerates as the slap bass and entangling, diamond-bright notes tumble together while Power Rob lets rip once again. The explosive vocal melody is joined by the crashing drums and stormy guitar, only deepening the hurricane-like strength of this song. Robbie Whiplash’s drums keep battering as the passionate vocals fly through the music and the guitar charges ferociously. Dynamism erupts from the music as Power Rob cries out with unbound strength.

The slap bass twists as the percussion echoes and chimes shine with lambent luminosity. Sebastian Ochoa Arguijo’s guitar rips again with feral muscle and swirls through a rapidly unfolding solo, arcing with complexity. The drums drive forward as the guitar shreds and spins before Power Rob’s voice hovers with fresh expression. Once again, the chorus floods through the music like a torrent before the song punches to a close.

Our storyteller says that it all started 10 years ago in the dead of night and began with an "evil lie." Now he's stealing shows like a "thief in disguise" and adds, "I'll make them hot when I meet the mic." He says that he'll jam without any superstition and jam because "tonight I let it go." He reminds the audience, "Just remember, I can't surrender."

The narrator goes on to say that he'll jam because he has the motivation and he'll "never ever lose control." He adds that he's made it a long way because "I never say never" and he's coming like a thief in the night. He goes on to say, "Dark Star, hold me close no matter where you are." He adds that he'll live it to the minute.

As the song concludes, our storyteller talks about his feelings being on fire on the floor and he'll "take a chance when thunder strikes" because he's all alone and "I can't see the start."

Conclusion

Dark Star carries the listener on an energy-filled ride punctuated by emotion and expression. The album’s mixture of excellent vocals, well-crafted songs and strong musical backing creates a first-rate listening experience.

Aisle 9 - Paradise Cove

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Aisle 9’s Paradise Cove explores the many moods and emotions related to the power and beauty of our oceanic world. Water surrounds us and defines us and the artist roves through everything from peaceful beaches to great creatures moving in the deep ocean. His mixture of skillful guitar playing, synth tones, textures and melodies captures the gentleness, danger and beauty of the world’s seas.

Atmosphere is a crucial component on Paradise Cove, as Aisle 9 weaves imagery through sound. The music explores everything from tranquil sensations of floating in tropical warmth to the vast depths below the dark blue of the open ocean. The tracks all expand upon themes of water, shorelines and the inexorable power of the shaping force that covers 70% of our planet.

Aisle 9 demonstrates his high degree of talent and expressive ability on his guitar with Paradise Cove. Sometimes the guitar hovers with jazzy, laid-back vibes and other times it roars and tears like the rising tide. His solos are confident and smoothly complex, while all of the varied guitar tones allow him to dig further into the emotional shadings of each track. When one adds the rich synth layers, the music surrounds me and lifts me like oceanic currents.

Melody also adds an engaging component to the musical mix. The melodies Aisle 9 writes are clear, full of emotion and compulsively listenable. Once again, he voyages through all of the moods and sensations of the seas, carrying the listener along with him as he unfurls his melodic beauty.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Voyage” comes to life as a rough-edged, gigantically vibrating synth is joined by a guitar which drifts mournfully as the waves wash. Trembling synth moves with hollow, spectral drifts as the ominous bass rumbles. Flickering sounds trip through the music and vibrate while the broad bass growls.

Metallic sounds flicker as the bass pulse adds portentous heft. The haunting guitar planes eerily through the music while the bass adds threatening undertones. Fragile, brilliant notes shiver outward while the guitar drifts slowly, filling me with astral peace and a sense of awe. The sublime bass tumbles below the bell-like synth which illuminates the music before silence falls.

Solidly throbbing drums and gently hovering bass slip past to open “Infinite Ocean”. The drums and bass undulate with rich strength while the glittering synth in the distance shifts slowly. As the music sweeps along, a peaceful indigo quality pours through, as wandering notes tremble. Echoing sounds slip past while swirling synth exhales a sense of respite and wraps around me.

As the endless blue expanse swells and rolls, flickering luminescence skips across the waves, driven by the glimmering synth. The drum beat continues to rebound as widely flowing notes shiver and breathe out while the bass sails along. The drums are sharp and clear as chiming bells float in the ether while the dark tides below extend.

Tranquility pours through the music as the steadying low end shifts. Trailing notes roam with aquatic grace as the smartly ticking drums join the resonant low end. A trembling synth and shining bells flow together with calming ease and silence falls.

Actively rumbling bass pulses and rushes as waves wash in to open “Night Bay.” An ethereal synth drifts, its shining notes carried along by an actively bouncing drumbeat and luscious bass. Brassy bursts cut in rapid succession while an angular guitar trembles through the mix with sharp-edged energy. The drums throb steadily as trumpeting tones flare with a fiery light, the bass driving forward while the guitar hovers at the edges.

The low end cruises on, sweeping sounds glowing tremulously as blazing notes shimmer above. The track softens, floating with aquatic gentleness while the background ripples and elevated tones trip lightly. The bass remains a steady force as the drums dance beneath a funky guitar, carrying a solo that blends enigmatic emotion with soulful energy, haunting yet ultra-cool, before the song closes.

“On The Rocks” begins with massively shifting, broadly bouncing synth and hard-hitting drums as waves surge again. Passionate, wordless vocals cry out over the heavy pulse of the low end. The sax adds a jazzy, groove-laced atmosphere while the guitar glows with laid-back warmth and the bass punches through. The interplay between saxophone and guitar brings a smooth, jazzy edge.

The wordless vocals continue to infuse the track with feeling while the guitar skips along with chilled-out ease and the saxophone lends its reedy, heartfelt voice. The guitar unwinds into a relaxing flow, widely throbbing notes hanging in the air. The vocals flare again in short bursts as the drums guide the track forward.

Rhys Hayward’s slap bass slides in with a laid-back, dance floor pulse while the drums press on. The synth swirls and swerves with layered complexity as the saxophone calls out once more, ardent and alive, the low end propelling everything ahead as the shifting tones fade and the track slips away.

Smoothly trickling water and widely washing synth commence “Paradise Cove”. Heavy bass pulsates as trembling sounds shift through the music and the guitar slips out in a purely peaceful melody, wrapping around me in a sonic blanket. Sensations of cool blue water and a hidden cove, full of beauty and tranquility, fill the music, transporting me with them.

The beat has a strutting pulse as the bending, floating synth trails through the music with tenderness. The entire track exhales gently as the guitar curls through the music and chopped-up vocal samples hauntingly shift. The guitar performance is assured and radiates serenity while the water trickles.

Ticking percussion shapes the music as the thick bass guides it. The guitar hovers again, exuding elegant and easy-going emotion, while the heartbeat of the track throbs on. Slowly unfolding, elevated synth planes through the music while the track fades.

“The Lighthouse” opens with a quickly trembling synth and the sound of ocean waves lapping the shore. Airy tones float into the music as the heavy drums accelerate into a dynamic beat joined by thunderous bass. Breathy sounds exhale as a softly illuminated synth dances, while the guitar carries a melody that feels adventurous yet dreamy as it paints an image of a beautiful lighthouse on a rocky promontory.

A nasal-sounding, warm synth takes the lead with a melody tinged by melancholy despite its active movement. The drums punch heavily as the bass surges and the guitar slides with mournful peace. I’m drawn to the mix of battering power and gentler sounds, especially the roving guitar.

The drums keep battering in a broken beat, delicate notes shimmering as the bass collides. A mysterious quality permeates the melody while the low end heaves with muscle and the guitar sails out, guided by the artist’s skilled fingers. The melody remains enigmatic and tender as the drums strike and the track closes with the nasal synth calling out in dramatic power before fading into silence.

Broadly open sounds move through the background as a sharper, more enveloping synth shines above it to start “Other Worlds”. The drums are ferociously propulsive as glittering notes dance along, carrying a lulling melody that tentatively brushes my ears.

The low end rumbles as the bass glides and the slightly distorted synth carries a dramatic, majestic melody brimming with images of exotic new worlds. A spinning synth circles through the music as the undulating bass and punchy drums add shape. A xylophone-like synth carries a tranquil, floating melody that touches my heart.

Now, an illuminating, expansive synth delivers an enigmatic and melancholy melodic line. Hazy notes hover in the distance as a delicate synth spins out a crystal web and the low end heaves. I am drawn to the main melody’s mysterious quality as the track ends on an almost reggae-like beat, with the drums fading away.

“Nine Fathoms Deep” begins as xylophone-like notes echo along with a nervously surging synth and heavily hitting drums. Guitar churns while a majestic and slightly intimidating melody drifts.

The guitar entangles in a glassy-smooth, soothing line as the drum and bass pulse is joined by heavier guitar. The distantly floating, metallic notes hover, their tenderly caressing melody in contrast to the heavy low end. The guitar slips out, breathing with unbroken softness while the heaviness below adds balance.

I enjoy the layered effect of the music here while the heavy drums and bass thunder and arpeggios twist. Nobility exudes from the elevated synth which pours out crystalline illumination as the guitar continues to snarl.

The drums cruise as dancing arpeggios create whirling motion and the background synth enfolds my ears. A bubbling synth ripples as the high notes hover and the low end growls before the track concludes.

“Falling Tides” starts as a brightly tremulous synthesizer moves in a misty flow above cleanly ticking drums and dense bass. The drums add lushness as they throb along with the tides of bass that flow. Above them, gleaming notes unwind in a smoothly sailing line, sparkling like a sun-dappled ocean. The drums are a solid presence as the ethereal synthesizer descends in a veil.

A xylophone with rich depth calls out, full of serenity and strength, as round-sounding synthesizer pulses shift. The towering drums pulsate as tightly wound notes move outward. Expanding chords in the background move with the jazz organ that shivers with warming calm. The drums continue to shape the music as the synthesizer floats. I am carried away on the shining musical tide, floating in its depths.

The drums continue to guide the music as brilliantly flashing sounds spread outward. The music swells up around me, shot through with light and darkness, peace and hidden sadness. Now a nasal-sounding synthesizer with a sharp edge skips through the music and the track closes on a single exhalation.

Angular, sharply heaving notes move with brighter synth and tripping strings to commence “Leviathan”. The low end surges with tidal power as the slicing, towering synth creates a steady heartbeat. Washing notes glide as chopped-up vocal sounds trip through the music above the tremendously pulsating low end, while nervously shining synth is sliced by radiant strings.

The sense of a great creature moving with barely restrained power permeates the music here as the huge size and gliding motion combine. The low end growls, waiting, while the staccato vocal sounds flow and the track moves into a segment in which planing notes move with oceanic force, broken by blinding light that leaps and fades.

Below the other musical elements, waves rumble and the choppy vocal pattern moves again above the continually driving low end. The drums burst while the chanting sound floats and metallic tones drift above the heavy bass and then the track ends.

Conclusion

Paradise Cove expresses the intense connection humanity has to the sea. The mixture of power, grace and aquatic flow transports me to other realms and imbues me with a plethora of complex feelings as it unfolds.

Kidburn - Fooled By The Rush Of Growing Up

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Kidburn’s Fooled By The Rush Of Growing Up delves deeply into loss, memory and love through the artist's powerful vocal performances, lyrics that exude moving emotion and instrumental performances that intensify and deepen the mingled affection and nostalgia permeating the music. The guest contributors all add to the emotive strength of the album as it unfolds.

At the heart of Fooled By The Rush Of Growing Up is a nexus between Kidburn’s galvanizing vocal abilities and the effort he pours into his songwriting. His voice is flexible, sweeping from trembling melancholy to ferocious love as it moves through the music. The fact that the artist also writes lyrics that are engaging and permeate me with gripping feeling adds to the overall breadth and depth of the musical experience.

The combination of synth, guitar and saxophone onFooled By The Rush Of Growing Up weaves instrumental magic. Both the guitar and the saxophone solos are soulful and full of intense emotion as they express the sensations that fill the music. The melodies are achingly beautiful, capturing the essence of the album, while the synth adds a plethora of tones, timbres and textures, giving the music lush sonic complexity.

I also want to mention the guest artists who have worked with Kidburn on this album. Each of them contributes their own vision of the music while remaining true to the overall emotional tenor and sonic signature of the record. The end result is an album that pours out feeling with unadulterated strength and richness.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“The Magic Pond” begins as a sax echoes distantly, full of piercing poignancy, while the huge bass trembles and chimes flash with warm radiance. The low end undulates with silky motion before the track slides back into silence, providing a dreamy introduction to the album.

Massive drums reverberate and warm notes wash smoothly through the music as “Dreams” begins. Rich bass flows underneath and Max Cruise’s impassioned sax weeps with reedy strength. The sax melody is tinged with melancholy and now Kidburn's intense voice fills the music as it carries the enfolding melody.

Underneath the other musical elements, the bass pulsates with a smooth undulation, as the drums keep throbbing and Kidburn's silky voice wraps around my ears. Medium-high synth sails with a caressing feeling while the vocals ache with need.

The drums also have a colossal presence underneath everything. The vocal melody contains deep sentiments above the robust low end, the chorus soaring out with palpable feeling. I enjoy the tenderness in this music as it unfolds.

Max Cruise’s sax solo flies out with a mixture of pain, desire and intense expression above the pulsating bass as gigantic drums propel the music forward. Trembling vocals call out above the flaring synth and swirling bass. Again the saxophone fills the music with heartfelt strength before the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the song's subject not to cry but just to open up their eyes. He goes on to say “there's a new love that's coming into your life.” He points out that when they said goodbye, he tried to forget about the other person but now he says "this time I'm going to make you mine.”

The narrator adds that he was running against the wind and trying to “reach for you in my dreams.” He saw the other person's face as they stood in the rain and he found himself falling in love all over again. He goes on to say that " I know someday you'll find your way” and that their memory will stay in his heart.

Our storyteller wants to win back the song subject's love. He continues by asking " baby let me be the one " but points out that the other person's heart is made of stone because when they're gone he's still running against the wind and trying to reach for them in their dreams.

“Written In The Sky” starts as a shining synth bursts with brilliance in an elegiac melody above massive drums and scudding bass. Kidburn’s touching voice carries a melody mingling memory, loss and desire.

Low end oscillation shapes the music while a resonant synth vibrates as giant drums continue to throb powerfully. Kidburn’s vocals are rich with need and a dreamy feeling a s the radiant synth light suffuses the song. Guitar cries out to touch the yearning synth as the low end pulsates on.

The vocal melody is a mixture of hope and intense passion as guitar leaps through the track. Kidburn’s voice trembles with feeling as the chorus soars up. The drums have a powerful shaping influence and the guitar solo combines heartbreak with howling energy.

Hi hat skitters and the guitar sings out with a penetrating feeling and the low end throbs. The vocals are deeply felt and the flashing synth sings a melody with an aspirational feeling as the song ends.

Our storyteller is alone with the song’s subject and their bodies burn for one another as “you turn on the lights, you kill me with that smile.” As they take off their jeans, there’s “the sweet taste of fear” and he drowns in the other person’s eyes. The song’s subject trembles in his embrace as “we surrender to the spark of desire in the dark.”

The narrator reminds the other person that they only have that night and it won't last forever. He asks them to take his hand, adding that "sometimes it's now or never.” He says that it's hard to understand feelings deep inside and concludes that "baby, tonight was written in the sky."

Our storyteller says that now he and the song’s subject "stare at each other in silence, waiting for the words." He tells the other person that they'll always be the love of his life. He whispers "the words you love to hear” in the other person's ears and says that his "broken heart’s been set on fire.”

The guitar cries out with tenderness and memory as the piano and synth add slip steadily to commence “Wind of Lies”. The jazz organ suffuses the song with gentle light as Kidburn’s voice carries the painfully pining melody. The sensitivity and emotional weight of the lyrics and vocal performance come together to touch my heart.

Kidburn’s voice climbs with passionate power and the drums rebound as the chorus cries out, full of emptiness and desolation. The backing synth gleams and adds luminosity while the drums and bass throb together and the vocals surge with heartbreak. As the chorus rebounds, a radiant synth carries tragic feelings.

The saxophone calls out again, ripping with ardent wanting and loss, rising above the hard-hitting percussion. The guitar solo burns with lost love as the interwoven notes tumble and float, dancing above the low end with muscled strength. Kidburn unleashes his vivid voice as the chorus rings out and the track pulses to an end.

The narrator wonders if, when he and the song’s subject said goodbye on a winter night, it was fate or “the mystery of life.” They met up beside the river while the “wind of lies was blowing straight into our eyes,” and because they were “victims of our silly ways,” they didn’t learn from their mistakes and for reasons he can’t explain, “I didn’t hesitate a minute to say goodbye.”

Our storyteller lets the song’s subject know that if they let him go, “everything I was before, I can’t be anymore.” He points out that it’s no one’s fault, but the other person is better off “in someone else’s arms.” He adds that the other person waited “so long for love that’s gone.”

As the song concludes, the narrator says that he has to turn away and cry when he should be at the other person’s side. He finishes, “we broke up near the river while the wind of lies was blowing straight into our eyes.”

“The Beach of Tears” begins as a placid synth adds a lambent glow. Tightly glistening notes wander dreamily as the drums tick slightly. An illuminating synth spills as the heavy drumbeat shapes the music and crystal chimes flicker delicately.

Kidburn’s voice exudes potent sensations, delivering the aching memory reflected in the lyrics. The drumbeat continues to thud heavily as the vocals flow with poignancy. The guitar deepens the emotional punch of the words and Kidburn takes hold of me with his gripping vocal performance.

The shining notes flash as sparkling synth levitates above the strong low end. The vocals pour out engaging feelings as the solid bass guides the music. Kidburn has the ability to draw the listener into the song’s storytelling with his first-rate voice.

The guitar snarls with added muscle while the fragile chimes tremble and the drums and bass rebound. The guitar solo sobs and flies, pushing home longing and need. Flaring notes shiver with soft brilliance in the distance and the chorus calls out again, conveying the complex emotive landscape of the words. The song ends on the vocals and a softly drifting sound.

As the narrator walks down the beach “where once we were free,” he wonders if the song’s subject will rescue him. He adds, “Now my heart’s a mess, it’s so hard to confess how much my love for you is slowly fading.” He wants to know why the other person isn’t there in his arms.

Now the storyteller is sinking into dark water and he says, “You’ll be lost and my feelings for you have drowned.” He points out that his heart is “trapped in the sand,” where it suffocates. He asks why the song subject’s love is so difficult to understand.

The narrator talks about the song’s subject “wading in the deep end of an ocean full of secrets,” as he says that he tried to make the person his for a long time. He follows the other person’s footsteps on the shoreline and “they always lead me here to the silent beach of tears.”

As the song ends, our storyteller says, “I drove a thousand miles to get you out of my mind, but my car is haunted by the light of neon signs.” He dives into “eyes that once showed me paradise” and wonders, “How could I have been so blind?”

A gliding and utterly peaceful melody slips through the music as the drum beat adds shape to the opening of “Girls.” Waves wash as Kidburn reaches out with his silken and intensely affecting voice, while the low end undulates and the bass pulses.

The chorus bursts with affection and remembrance while the drums and bass throb on. I am moved by the depth of love within Kidburn’s vocals as they crest and the glimmering synth in the background sweeps with warming feelings. The drums continue to burst as the synth swirls, while the choir exhales with gentle emotion.

The drums continue to surge as the guitar carries a solo full of caring and nurturing emotion, while Kidburn catches the song’s mood and drives it home. As the song comes to an end, the synth drifts with soothing sensations and the drums continue to pulse before the track fades away.

The narrator reflects on the fact that another year has passed and he knows that eventually his daughter will be out of sight. She is tearing up his heart, as he muses, “Strange how time flies.”

Our storyteller points out that “girls suddenly turn into women” and adds that “their tears don’t lie when someone breaks their heart.” He reminds us that the heart that is broken is “the heart of your baby, the one who used to sleep in your arms until the end of time.” He closes with a reminder: “She’ll be your everything.”

“Fall In Love” comes to life as a plaintive sax flows into the music with powerful, ardent emotion. The guitar drifts through with touching immediacy as the drums pulsate and bells glimmer. Kidburn’s voice captures all the absolute yearning within the lyrics as the saxophone doubles the affection and longing. The lyrics are well conveyed by Kidburn’s voice, filling me with the weight of its emotion.

The chorus rises with bells permeating the music with rich luminosity. The drum beat and the chimes are joined by the soaring sax as it leaps upward. Kidburn’s voice trembles with memory and caring as the low end drives on. The vocals are full of soul and depth as the chiming notes flash with glimmering brightness and the drums and bass push forward.

The drums flourish and the guitar solo flies out, embodying the spirit of the song with intricacy, while the saxophone interweaves, adding another level of passion. The two instruments play off one another as the low end undulates. As the song comes to an end, the lead singer reaches out to pull me into the music.

Our storyteller says that if he had another chance with the song’s subject, he’d “try with you until the end” and dance with them once more. He decides that it doesn’t matter if they’re right or wrong because “we belong in Paradise.” He asks the other person to look into his eyes because this is “the time to find a way to make you stay.”

As they are together under the moonlight, the narrator says, “It’s time to break these chains and try to feel again.” He adds that if the song’s subject still wants to fall in love, they know his heart is still full of fire. He says, “Baby, you know it’s true if you wanted to fall in love tonight, you know that I would give my life to you.”

Our storyteller talks about both of them waiting on the dance floor as he says, “After all these years, I still remember that look in your eyes that tells me it’s time to find a way to make you stay.”

Emma Ballantine Dykes chants as sweeping wind blows to commence “(I Don’t Wanna) Go”. A gleaming synth carries a melody full of uplift and celebration, capturing an unbreakable love, propelled by Kidburn’s palpably expressive voice. The polished notes tumble as the drums burst and the guitar radiates the music with brilliancy.

The drums continue to throb as Kidburn encapsulates the welter of emotion within the lyrics. The energetic performance fills the music with longing as the guitar glistens. Emma Ballantine Dykes exhales in her warming voice as the guitar intermingles with it before the solo unfolds with equally tender emotion. Kidburn lets loose again, wringing every scintilla of emotion from the music. A string-like synth shimmers and the track pulses to an end.

The narrator doesn't want to leave the other person, adding, “Please don't let me go back now, I'm under your spell when you turn out the lights.” He feels like a long-lost love that night. He says the song’s subject feels “so good, so close to me” making him not want to move or breathe.

Our storyteller realizes he has to stay because “something about the way you call my name tells me that the time is right.” The other person holds him tightly and close, so that he doesn’t want to talk or move. He concludes, “I don't want to go right now, don't let me go.”

Conclusion

Fooled By The Rush Of Growing Up is an album that captures my heart with the sheer sincerity and depth of the performances, the beautifully wrought melodies and the gripping lyrics. The addition of talented guest contributors only intensifies the positive qualities of the music.

THE ABYSS - Chrome Plated Heart Beat

Review by Mike Templar

The Abyss delivering his first full vocal album after a string of synth‑driven instrumental releases. The album blends synthwave, futurepop and 80s‑inspired funk, resulting in a sleek, emotional neon dreamscape. Tight electronic percussion, layered synths, and pulsing groove define the instrumental palette. Coma opens the album with an irresistible rhythm and lyrical imagery of emotional paralysis. Tracks like Smooth with Struggling bring a swaggering downtown energy, while the title track Chrome Plated Heartbeat pulses with punchy vocal hooks and vivid imagery.

Coma

A hypnotic opener where love feels both intoxicating and suffocating.

“I’m stuck in a coma, I'm lost in your love… one breath… two steps…”

The swirling synths mirror emotional paralysis, setting the album’s tone: passion trapped in stasis.

Answer With a Yes or No

A plea for clarity in a stagnant relationship.

“I can only do this so long… You don’t answer with a yes or no.”

Its plaintive vocal delivery and restrained production make it one of the album’s rawest and most relatable cuts.

Chrome Plated Heartbeat

The neon centerpiece: fetishized energy and dizzy obsession.

“She’s got a chrome‑plated heartbeat… rewires all my circuits…”

The polished synth layers and punchy percussion embody a futuristic seduction, blending romance with machine imagery.

Slow Decay

Melancholic and introspective, this track drifts in slower tempo, its minimalism highlighting lyrical resignation. A meditation on emotional erosion framed in hauntingly sparse electronic textures.

The Bottom

Gritty and bass-heavy, it leans darker: lyrics of hitting emotional rock bottom meet a pulsing rhythm section that feels claustrophobic yet propulsive, echoing the album’s push-pull tension enveloped within a cool dance track.

Smooth With Struggling

A swaggering downtown groove with funk undercurrents. The lyrics paint nightlife escapism—cool surfaces masking inner turmoil—while the tight bassline and elastic synths keep it danceable.

Midnight Strangers

An atmospheric nocturnal interlude—haunted city streets, fleeting connections, and whispered promises that fade by sunrise. Dreamy yet lonely, it’s the album’s most cinematic moment.

Broken Loop

A metaphor for toxic cycles—addiction, repetition, and entrapment. The looping synth motif reinforces its theme of being trapped in self-perpetuating patterns.

Just Another Day in America (Album highlight)

A powerful closer, shifting from personal to societal disillusionment:

“Another shooting on the TV / Another voice drowned out in the crowd…”

It’s a bold pivot, layering stark social critique over dark, cinematic synths. Here, The Abyss widens the scope, connecting private heartbreak to national malaise—a sonic snapshot of America in 2025. It’s cathartic, unsettling, and unforgettable, leaving the album on a note that lingers long after.

Verdict:

Chrome Plated Heart Beat is a compelling synthwave narrative of addiction, longing, and neon‑lit heartbreak. Through taut lyrics and pulsing grooves, The Abyss crafts a mood that’s both retro‑romantic and futuristically detached and provides insight into the American soul in 2025. Furthermore, the album isn’t just synthwave nostalgia—it’s an emotional and cultural document. From intimate heartbreak to the systemic alienation of Just Another Day in America, The Abyss delivers a cohesive, lyrically sharp, and atmospherically rich record. For listeners craving electronic pop with both heart and commentary as well as charged electronic pop, this album offers both atmosphere and poetic bite.

The Abyss remains an underrated force in the synthwave scene, delivering outstanding work marked by exceptional musicality and powerful, emotive vocals. His knack for intricately layering percussion and drum kits gives every track an infectious groove, with beats and rhythms that hit just right.

For more The Abyss, visit https://radioabyss.bandcamp.com.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/radioabyss