Jessy Mach - Way of Kamakura

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jessy Mach’s “Way of Kamakura" is a cinematic journey through the adventures of a young man discovering an ancient power, awakening new abilities within himself. Jessy Mach combines skillful performances on his guitar with synths that paint mental imagery and carry me away into the world he’s created. The synthesis of melody, harmony and the different tones and textures in the music draws me into this story and transports me to another place and time.

As “Way of Kamakura" progresses, it lays out the journey of our main character from his initial phases to what he becomes as he gains power and ability. Each track is a filmic vignette of one part of the story, painted with guitar and synths in a way that excites me and keeps me wanting more. Each sketch is well drawn and full of life, combining Jessy Mach’s talents in a way that tells a story with ability.

Of course, one can’t mention Jessy Mach without mentioning his guitar skills. The way in which he plays is free and clean, showing off his chops and allowing him to express himself with all of the different tones and approaches to guitar playing. The end result is music that grabs hold of me and won’t let go, full of dynamism and expression, filling each track with a presence and sense of power that is deeply enjoyable.

The way in which synth sounds are used by Jessy Mach on “Way of Kamakura" is also superb, adding to the cinematic sensations within the music. Each different synth tone or timbre allows Jessy Mach to weave his story and fill it with atmosphere. The different soundscapes help to convey the imagery Jessy Mach seeks to share and his melodic writing allows the music to breathe even more, elucidating the themes and ideas he wants to explore on the album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Matsuda’s Corner” starts with hushed, almost choral notes creating reverence while shadowy swells of synth tremble outward above the echoing beat. Panpipes wash with otherworldly grace as strings trace with filigreed poise. The colossal rhythm creates a hypnotic pulse as Jessy Mach’s guitar slices, velvet-like, with a meditative, warm feeling.

Panpipes exhale with contemplative tranquility as radiant notes create nervous delicacy. As the percussion drops away, elevated notes exude a pearly aura while the guitar rings with serene elegance and the panpipes add a breathy gentleness that wraps around me.

The subtly played guitar creates melancholy and relaxation simultaneously while the panpipes breathe out with eldritch mystery. The low end’s steady rocking balances with the guitar tracery as it hovers with a lucent feeling above the swirling notes before silence falls.

Bells ring as strummed strings move with crystalline notes to begin “Garden and Katas.” A shakuhachi-like synth carries a mystical melody that levitates above a densely heaving bass pulse while strings mingle to create soothing sensations.

The main melody calls out with majestic emotion while the undoubtedly titanic bass forces rumble. The interlocking strings have a koto-like feeling while the flute has an ethereal tenderness to it. The main melody calls out on the fluting notes while the intermingling strings add a heavenly, graceful quality.

Now the melody fades as bass snarls before Jessy Mach’s guitar echoes with burning strength. I find the guitar solo inspirational and heart-pounding, capturing all of the exertion and skill required to perform the time-honoured kata routines. As the fluting notes tremble, drama and perseverance permeate the musical atmosphere. Underneath, the drums fade as the track exhales into silence.

“The Thousand Cuts” opens as bubbling notes grow clear while the resonant kick drum begins to vibrate along with thick bass. An erhu cries out with a beautifully ghostly, mournful feeling before the leaping beat presses on.

Panpipes frolic with freedom and easygoing energy as bright chips of synth glitter like stars above. As the guitar slices through the music, it is funky and clean while the rhythm begins to groove hard. Arpeggios sprinkle the music with luminosity and the tumbling beat presses on.

As the guitar and the flute-like synth mingle, they explode with irrepressible liveliness while the low end locks into the pocket. Now the track is permeated by the erhu, which captures gentleness and a broken-hearted emotional tenor, gliding with timeless dynamism above the bopping beat as it moves in again.

Slap bass adds to the groove before the guitarist carries a solo that erupts with spinning joyfulness and irresistible, uplifting emotion as it rips through the music with intricate strength. As the jamming low end adds shape, the jazz-influenced panpipes vault with obvious joy and silence falls on the erhu.

Rapidly revolving synth cascades as the entire track erupts with ferocious bass growling to open “Black Talisman.” Strong synth notes tumble before a raging guitar rips into the music with a sword blade’s tearing energy.

The panpipes echo with minor-key mystery while heavily punching underpinnings shove the track forward. Jessy Mach’s guitar howls with mad strength, capturing sensations of terrible power being unleashed. The wildly intertwining synth explodes with coruscating energy as the stormy guitar slices underneath.

As the attacking rhythm fades, deeply undulating tones create a momentary rest before they too gain power. The guitar shreds through the music like an enchanted katana drawing glowing patterns in the air, wielded by a warrior imbued with strange powers.

The guitar is unstoppable as it weaves through the music, propelled by the terrifying low-end weight. Panpipes drift with a melancholy melodic pattern before the heaving underlayer charges again, slashed by the ripping guitar as it rushes forward to a conclusion.

“Way of Kamakura” starts with deadly bass and a koto creating classic Japanese sounds as it washes with delicate light. The erhu cries out with its ghostly, plaintive tones as the dominant low end charges. Heavy drums rebound as the shakuhachi drifts with graceful ease before Jessy Mach’s guitar carries a melody that mingles splendour and strength as it cries out while the underlayer subdivides.

The guitar and shakuhachi interlock as the koto flickers with smooth light. Jessy Mach’s guitar calls with haunting power while fluting notes add serenity as arpeggios briefly spin. As the guitar cascades, the foundation pushes forward while the intricate notes intertwine and the erhu adds its broken-hearted gentleness. The track brims over with a sense of majesty that captures my heart as the guitar carries it to an end.

Sounds hover with silky grace as blaring notes offer a fierce contrast to commence “Static and Silk.” The shakuhachi carries a melody that reverberates with beauty and meditative contemplation. The koto carries a tone that is tender and full of delicate sensations while the softly swinging underpinnings create a gentling motion.

The main melody lifts me on breezes that float across a venerable landscape. The track continues to move with active percussion and a koto that carries a melody wrapping around me with richness while the continually undulating background generates peaceful feelings. As the lead synth gleams with early morning light, the shakuhachi exhales with feelings of adventure and enchantment while the koto rings with a sense of completion and fades.

Conclusion

“Way of Kamakura" is a tale of excitement and adventure imbued with the freedom and youthful energy of the classic ’80s action movie. I enjoy the spirit and strength of Jessy Mach’s performance along with his ability to tell a story.

HeartBeatHero - Neon Dreams

Review by Karl Magi

HeartBeatHero’s “Neon Dreams” explores all of the sonic nostalgia and timeless excitement of synthwave. HeartBeatHero delves into many of the themes which permeate the genre with his first-rate sense of melody and well-chosen synth sounds. The way in which I'm transported through the landscape of my imagination is ear-pleasing and full of fun here.

Another enjoyable aspect of “Neon Dreams” are the song introductions. Each one captures the spirit of the following track with a voice clip or other element that brings together wistful memory and well-expressed emotion, adding more depth to the tracks.

“Circuit Drifter” comes alive as broken pulses swirl with boldly trumpeting notes and an undeniable sense of tension and ramping speed enters the music. The main melody has a ghostly quality as it wanders while even underpinnings create a guiding influence. Gruff bass moves with rapidly arpeggiating, technological-sounding tones to create a futuristic feeling.

Slowly throbbing drums add to the growing drama below intricately intertwining sounds that wrap around a warmer synth. A trumpeting synth carries the main melody, calling out with great force. Angular sounds cut in to add a darker quality, pushing the music forward. A slashing synth evokes danger while the drum beat continues to tap hard.

A haunting refrain echoes into open space while razor-edged notes slice in around it and the drum beat adds a loose-limbed but propulsive quality. As the track ends, brassy notes rise with nobility and majesty before silence falls.

The panpipes sing with unstoppable positivity while trickling notes dance to kick off “Beverly Hills Magic.” The underlayer rushes forward with exuberance and uplifting propulsion while the jazz organ-like synth carries a melody mingling enigmatic feelings with undoubted joy while the active percussion drives on.

Chimes carry a caressing melody that calls out with encouragement while the digital-sounding lead synth has a bopping energy that cannot be denied. The springy underpinnings move as the celebratory melody shines with unbridled happiness before the percussion drops away.

A ticking rhythmic element returns as the main melody leaps out again while the panpipe notes shimmy in the distance. Bell-like synth flickers through the music with a feeling of free-flowing liveliness, enchanting me with its emotional warmth. Vibrating tones carry the main melody as it mixes something a little wistful with a more upbeat sensation before the music ends.

“Brother’s Keeper” begins with expanding chords that tremble with a tentative sheen while the bass growls. Slowly shifting notes create a sense of emptiness as drifting tones move above chords that spill out scintillating illumination.

Widely washing notes wander above the ominous low end, contrasted with the fiercely gleaming synth. The drums batter with supreme force while dramatic tones shine with dark majesty as the bass flows. The echoing tones that carry the wistful melody are imbued with shadow and mournful feeling.

Now a heavily rebounding drum and bass pulse supports the string-like synth as it rings out with tremulous emotion, capturing caring and a sense of growing nervousness. Entangling notes levitate with spectral grace while the rhythmic pulse adds form.

The way in which balance is achieved in this track pleases my ears. HeartBeatHero combines hurting with contemplation. Radiant chords tumble while the drum beat presses on. Above it all, the classic melody carries on with aching emotion before slowly falling silent.

Reverberant, peaceful chords expand with romantic sensations to commence “First Kiss.” Polished notes echo with affectionate gentleness before a melody begins to form above the growing foundation. Widely washing notes gleam with dawn light as the huge drums lock into a heartbeat.

The main melody exudes deep caring and love, sailing out over the strong underlayer to reinforce the tranquil nature of the music. Sparkling notes diffuse their light while the even pulse below guides the music. A deeper synth fills the track with kindness and abiding peace while the arpeggiating notes climb, growing in brilliance.

The beat continues to pulse while raised notes spill out enchantment and youthful wonder, touching my heart as they do so. Luminous sounds expand while the rhythm continues to throb. The drums drop away as the flitting notes exude solicitude and warm emotion while the bass rumbles. A cinematic moment of emotional tenderness concludes the track.

Synth Single Review: “Play Your Games (PFT’s Body-2-Body Rework)” by Mayah Camara & Perfect Female Type

by Karl Magi

Mayah Camara & Perfect Female Type’s “Play Your Games (PFT’s Body-2-Body Rework)” adds a floor-filling groove to the original. The remix begins with absolutely massive bass and drums pounding out a hard-hitting house beat. Mayah Camara’s vocals drift in as the track accelerates and active percussion moves with bubbling bass while a steadily twinkling sound grows in strength.

Classic house percussion snaps as the vocals drift in energetic motion. Now Mayah Camara’s voice vaults out with her signature expression and soulful feeling, carrying the uplifting melody while the jumping percussion is joined by a glimmering keyboard.

A funky groove is maintained while a ’90s dance feel pours from the low end. Mayah Camara’s voice is simultaneously sensual and defiant while refulgent notes blast through. Steadily oscillating tones glow and the snapping percussion guides as Mayah Camara’s galvanizing voice erupts with power and groovy feeling.

The continually snapping percussive pulse drives forward while piano chords entangle. I can imagine a nightclub burning up to this song while the passion of the performance adds another element of depth. The track begins to build in power, reaching outward in a crescendo as it trembles intensely and the beat pumps hard to a conclusion.

Our storyteller has come back "a thousand times and listened to your stories," adding that it's "punishment to fit the crime," but the other person "doesn't have any worries." She says, "Anytime you put it on, I want it," adding that "rocket ships are nothing new" for her. She admits, "Now you're losing altitude and I'm just not about it, no," while the ride is out of control and she "can't take it anymore."

Now, the narrator is upside down as the subject has her "right where they want her." She declares, "I've got to wise up, don't want to lose my way," and tells the other person to find someone else to run around with because "I'm not playin’ your games."

As she goes "twisting through the atmosphere," she falls from heaven and finds herself all alone "at a quarter past eleven."

The song closes with the storyteller saying, "My friends think you must be misbehavin’, your friends only see a shooting star. Now I'm waiting at the club for something new to happen."

Synth Rock Single Review: “Space Pirate” by Eclectotron

by Karl Magi

Eclectotron’s “Space Pirate” tells a tale of reinvention and resistance. The song starts as a voiceover about space pirates is joined by Reece Miller and Francis Roberts’s guitars charging with vibrant energy. Paul Leschof’s drums shatter and Oliver Brink’s bass adds weight. Madison Lowery’s voice explodes with exuberance and playful expression as the rushing guitars chug and the ironic nature of the performance puts a smile on my face.

As the chorus explodes, soaring upward with a sense of defiance and progress, the vocals capture all of the energy of the lyrics. Now the guitar melody soars like a spaceship blurring into hyperdrive, climbing with irrepressible dynamism. Madison Lowery’s voice reaches out again, full of joy and victory, while the punching drums speed along.

The chorus flies again, full of strength and optimism while the guitars vault upward. A storming guitar solo slices through the music with wildly spinning power and the drums rush along. As the song ends, the guitars scream with unbridled freedom and the song closes.

With a sigh of resignation, our narrator says, “Here we go, not again, space pirates boarding us once more.” Once again she and her crew find themselves being raided. You can almost hear her shrug as she says, “We’ve been through this shit before.” They are going to get robbed and, in response, she says, “Fuck this job, ’cause we’re not paid enough for war! They’re breaking down the motherfucking door!”

“Once inside, pistols high, they shout and threaten all our lives,” so the storyteller urges them to take everything and take their time doing it because “none of this shit’s even mine.” She is inclined to learn something this time, adding that it is “time to change our motherfucking lives.”

She realizes that she wants to “look and feel” the same way the space pirates do, with “the way you talk and move and fight too.” Now the narrator wants to be given “confidence, arrogance, an air of bold resilience,” as she takes “the things that make you you and steal them all for me.”

Now surprise fills our storyteller as she says "smoking gun, I'm alive, I can't believe he missed that shot." She was sure she'd die but it seems she hasn't. She goes on to say "now's our chance, take him out. We’re giving everything we've got, it's time to finally live the life we want." 

To conclude, the narrator wants to be a space pirate, “captain of the void above,” with her future blazing before her. She wants to “leave the galaxy behind me as I flash into the cold dark night.”