Synth Single Review: “Sunder” by Lyst & Jetfire Prime

by Karl Magi

Lyst & Jetfire Prime’s “Sunder” explores emerging from destruction into possibility.  The track starts as crushing sounds move along with prismatic chimes flowing into gigantic space. The bass pattern rebounds with celestial weight as orbiting notes are joined by a nervously twisting synth, creating tension as the higher sounds drift with eerie smoothness. The drum beat comes in to propel while the sparkling notes refract starlight and the main melody has a speeding, leaping quality.

Arpeggios tremble with unsettled sensations as huge bass slashes. A spectral choir haunts the background before a cascading melody captures me with a sense of journeying and eternal strength. Arpeggios spiral outward while the lead synth transmits hope tinged with danger. As the percussion and bass fade, breathy sounds float while a lurking arpeggio begins to spin up.

Leaping drums and dense bass create forward motion while the tonal pattern above emanates growing resolve against the darkness and the track soars forward. As the music comes to an end, nobility flows into silence.

Synth Single Review: “Never Lie To You” by Mayah Camara & JJ Mist

by Karl Magi

Mayah Camara & JJ Mist’s “Never Lie To You” explores passionate attachment and romance. The song begins with a swirling note pattern moving with urgency above a hard-hitting retro beat. Chimes flicker with cut-glass brilliance and Mayah Camara captures the absolute intensity and burning need within the lyrics. The performance is full of blazing life and both singers harmonize richly in the chorus above the solid rhythmic pulse.

JJ Mist’s sensually unfolding voice drifts as Mayah Camara adds her own emotive sound. The chorus is explosive and leaps with crystalline coruscation as the two singers create fiery feeling. The music catches the pure 1980s vibes and soulful positivity, driving them home to me before the song closes out.

The song’s subject tells the narrator that, in his deepest fantasy, he pictured her and “found a way to make it reality.” Every man has a strategy and “you found a way to knock me off my feet ‘cause your words were so sweet.” He asks her to look into his eyes and realize that he will never lie to her.

“You can see the signs if you really try,” he insists, promising “I’ll fight for you, babe,” as he speaks of making his way in the world and searching for a “special girl.” She responds that he wants to change his circumstances, to feel as though they’re in a dance, adding, “I’m gonna have to give you a chance, I want a life of romance.”

The narrator tells the song’s subject that he has to know she won’t let go, because he’s the only one for her. She continues, “everyone can see you were made for me ‘cause you’re my baby,” before concluding, “no, I’ve never felt this way about anyone else! Give me a chance, I’ll be the perfect girl.”

Synth Single Review: “Spring Break” by XIII Nights

by Karl Magi

XIII Nights’ “Spring Break” is a reflection of escape and easygoing fun. The track opens as an absolutely classic, extremely active ’80s rhythm weaves a groove that’s undeniable. Metallic tones vibrate with dynamic energy before the lead synth sings out with a vocal quality, carrying feelings of easygoing days and party-filled nights. A percussive underlayer adds a solid heartbeat while the main melody shines with carefree, youthful sensations and the drums flourish with irrepressible strength.

I can smell the suntan lotion, hear the laughter on the beach and the sounds of waves, transported instantly to Miami Beach in 1985. The melody dances through the music with freedom and a boundless sense of possibility, radiating a solar sheen as the low end propels the music. The lead synth flies in again, full of happiness and hope, before the drums drop and bass rumbles as the melody floats tenderly.

The kick drum comes in again alongside a scintillating melody that broadcasts all of the excitement and release of spring break and the playful notes skip with relaxed pleasure. The song ends with a melody that captures a mixture of chill and joy.

Synth Single Review: “VOID” by st.cliche

by Karl Magi

st.cliche’s “VOID” slips across the cosmos in a galactic exhalation. The track opens as a sweeping space unfolds with increasing intensity, while cosmically trickling notes descend through a vibrating sonic field. The drums carry heft and steady motion as trembling sounds expand and contract and a mysterious, calmly focused melody drifts outward.

Impressions of intricate cosmic structures and infinite stars permeate the music with majestic feeling. Fragile tones float through the expanse, carrying a sense of galactic gentleness, while a nasal-toned synth ripples with abiding peace. Arpeggios undulate with astral brilliance as the hollow, immense bass field growls and the drum beat forms a pulsar-like rhythm.

The entire track evokes the beauty and scale of space. Pan pipes exhale with consummate tenderness, lulling me into somnolent relaxation as they drift, and the background fades into utter quiet.