Synth Single Review: “Exotique” by L'Avenue

by Karl Magi

L'Avenue’s “Exotique” transports listeners to a jungle idyll as a profusion of birdsong intertwines with hypnotic tones that vibrate with luscious light as tropical mists condense. Pulling me into a trance, spinning notes flicker with unctuous chords and a roundly expansive underlayer, evoking emerald foliage.

An atmosphere of luxurious, surrounding warmth is broken by sonic ripples, like a still pond ruffled by humid breezes. As ethereal pipes sing, an image of beautiful flowers blooming in a canopy of verdant life comes to me. All of the relaxation of lounging on a veranda above a valley full of entangled beauty and natural wonder is painted by the airy notes that sail elegantly over foundational pulses.

As the percussion flows delicately, a feeling of letting go suffuses me, creating tranquility as reverberating vibration soothes me and richly calling pan pipes paint a picture of a jungle paradise, full of true natural wonder before the track ends.

Six Months Of Superb Synth 2026 - EPs

by Karl Magi

Introduction

I’ve rounded up my favourite EPs from the last half year. Please note that while these selections are particularly enjoyable for me, there's been an enormous amount of first rate music from which to choose in 2026. 

“Fall of the Titans II - Act 1: The sins of our fathers” by Millennium Falck

“Fall of the Titans II - Act 1: The sins of our fathers” is a cinematic adventure across the unending reaches of space. A narrative of battle, titanic conflict and a fight to keep humanity’s essence alive unfolds in majestic musical storytelling.

Amidst apocalyptic doom for humanity, the music captures resistance in the face of existential dread. There is gargantuan weight heaving above darkness as the orchestral string section cries out with bittersweet emotion, horns create growing ferocity and a cello adds melancholy presence. All of the elements combine to produce filmic beauty and drama.

“Aerobic drive" by Jessy Mach

“Aerobic drive" takes listeners on an ear-pleasing trip to the French Riviera in 1985, bringing us into the life of a character who drives an iconic ’80s BMW and keeps herself in beach-ready shape at the Riviera Performance Gym.

Throughout the EP, Jessy Mach’s guitar evokes a roaring motor bouncing off canyon walls, the peace of a Mediterranean sunrise and easy-going relaxation.

Complex synth tones paint seabirds on a breeze, lounging with soft sea breezes and a motorboat carving a wake through blue water. All of the sounds grow into a luscious, atmospheric portrait of the Riviera.

“The Grand Harmony Hotel (EP & Singles)” by Sun City & Izzy Perri

“The Grand Harmony Hotel (EP & Singles)” brims with joyful retro synth energy as Izzy Perri gives a performance full of verve, playful feelings and soul deep passion. Serenity and jazzy passion intermingle in Jonas Klintström Larsen’s sax and the effulgent guitar sounds that sail with serenity.

Sweet sensuality combines with silken, evocative expression in the synth sounds to paint imagery of billowing ease. Melodies which ache with desire, dream and drift move above swaying rhythms. sun-dappled notes cruise as relaxed sensations fill every pore. Izzy Perri’s voice flows like caramel and chocolate through the songs.

“Replicants” by Toxxic Project

“Replicants” elicits images of a shadow-filled world of malevolent technology as it unfolds. Empty winds sweep through desolate spaces as spinning arpeggios float like wheeling galaxies and crushing bass hammers. Tones like cold starlight shine on metallic surfaces and melodies contain barely hidden menace.

Synth elements paint images of distant stars glittering in deep space, whispering voices moving through darkness and thundering machinery advancing relentlessly. Radiant notes contrast with horror rumbling below and glittering notes shine like distant stars. Ever-present evil moves beneath the EP’s surface, capturing me with its atmosphere.

“We Saw The Future” by Vertebre

“We Saw The Future” takes a symphonic journey into a dark future world tinged with loss, pain and a small flicker of light in the umbral gloom that enfolds everything. Daniele Marinelli and Adriana Marinucci weave a musical tapestry that engages me deeply, infusing me with a welter of complex feeling.

Adriana Marinucci’s electric violin captures emotion with plangent sorrow as it infuses me with the passion,loss and lurking threat which permeate the instrument’s tones. Daniele Marinelli’s synths are suffused with radiance, fearful emptiness and damaged affection while his electric guitar sings with majesty and danger.

“Victims Of Light” by Violentene

“Victims Of Light" is a journey through refracted light and voids of shadow, anchored by Mvrijo's vocal performance and given texture and shape by Roland M’s approach to the sound. The EP moves across shattered emotional terrain and variegated feelings as it evolves.

Threatening weight swells with shadowy import and nobility mixes with danger and melancholy. Mvrijo’s voice is caressing and shadowed, mixing seduction with fear as Roland M’s guitar hovers like a nocturnal cloud as dramatic orchestral synth vibrates with swelling serenity and pain. Bittersweet melodies create music steeped in shadow.

Six Months Of Superb Synth 2026 - Albums

by Karl Magi

Introduction

The time has come again for me to round up my favourite albums to have reviewed in the last half a year. As always, it takes me a lot of thought because I review so much excellent music, but this is the music that most took hold of me and drew me in.

Atlas Neon - Nightmare Arcade

Nightmare Arcade” evokes a wide swath of human emotion through auditory exploration. Darkness and light, joy and pain all intermingle as Atlas Neon works with his guests to paint sonic imagery that draws the listener into the atmosphere being created. The music travels through shifting feelings and moods to unveil the album’s heart.

One of the more intriguing aspects of “Nightmare Arcade” is Atlas Neon’s innovative use of synths to evoke atmospheric sensations and psychological states that deepen the sense of travel within each track. The end result is thoroughly pleasing to hear and genuinely fascinating.

Atlas Neon’s approach to percussion and bass is first rate on “Nightmare Arcade”. Moments of absolutely intimidating strength mingle with rhythmic patterns that weave their own atmosphere as they unfold.

The guest artists on “Nightmare Arcade" are a major part of its success. Each brings their own special talents, deepening the impressions of psychological travel throughout the album.

Avro - Psychopathé

“Psychopathé” is a twisty, shadowy synth-pop exploration of the darker side of human emotion as Avro’s expressive vocals weave into moonlight and the darkness between the stars. The lyrics delve deeply into experiences we all face as human beings.

Avro has a profoundly expressive singing voice with hints of New Wave vocalists alongside a fresh feeling that I enjoy. He imbues his softly touching vocals with a nuanced feeling that drive them home with conviction and beauty.

Complex sonic interplays of melody and harmony create atmospheres that shiver with pain and dance with delicacy. A journey through synth tones and textures form a fitting accompaniment to the album’s message.

incisive portraits of humanity driven by lust, loss, love and pain fill the lyrics. Avro creates raw imagery as he brings words together, while engaging the listener with emotional power. Each song explores our shadowy parts of ourselves and how we confront their presence in our lives.

Cat Temper - A Furwell to Kings

“A Furwell to Kings” explores synth colours, timbres and textures, mingled with electric guitar to create an intriguing journey through sound and emotion. Cat Temper’s melodies are complemented by his skillful interweaving of textures and feelings, transporting me to new realms of thought and expression.

At the heart of A Furwell to Kings lies Cat Temper’s talent for creating compelling synth tapestries. Emotional shading shapes instrumental choices and engaging textures swirl around me. I especially enjoy those moments when unexpected sounds converge to create inescapable sonic magic that is impossible to escape.

Striking melodic writing abounds on A Furwell to Kings. Cat Temper’s melodic passages carry me through different landscapes and atmospheres. One moment I soar into the depths of space; the next I float in quiet contemplation or borne on a raging tide. Every mood is vividly and powerfully evoked by the melodies.

Eclectotron - Galactic Trash

“Galactic Trash” is charming synthrock that encompasses disco and punk elements. Excellent guitar solos, lively vocal performances and an undeniable groove add character. First-rate songwriting and emotional melodies add up to a compelling and intensely entertaining listening experience.

Madison Lowery nails the main vocal duties. Her irony suits Galactic Trash” as does her skill at delivering moments of epic majesty. Reese Miller uses the talkbox to add a robotic quality that boosts the music’s sci-fi feeling.

The songwriting on “Galactic Trash” is full of narrative depth and humor along with genuinely touching moments. The subject matter is eclectic, moving from space vistas and galactic adventures to lonely robots and monsters with fashion sense.

The band's instrumental talents are well calibrated to the overall feeling of “Galactic Trash.” Reese Miller’s synth work adds dynamism to the music, while Francis Roberts’ guitar solos shred with thrilling strength. Oliver Brink and Paul LeSchofs ensure that the percussive heartbeat goes on.

Fury Road

“Fury Road” drips unadulterated retro-future sensations into my veins as romance, dystopian destruction and aching loss spill from the words. The skillful saxophone player and the female vocalist’s engaging performances deepen the intensely affecting nature of the music.

Compelling vocal performances are at the centre of “Fury Road.” Rob Fox’s voice punches home the lyrics with conviction. His female counterpart has a voice that moves like spring air. Together, they weave atmosphere and emotion into a single, beautiful thread.

Lyrically speaking, Rob Fox’s songwriting is chock full of well-considered imagery and metaphor on “Fury Road.” Each song builds on the others to increase the desire and heartache of the lyrics.

The album is shot through with images of rain-wet streets lit by neon, the glow of destruction on the horizon and the open road’s freedom. The sax player rips his solos with abandon and carries melodies that breathe with pure feeling.

Indigo - Dreams

“Dreams” is an emotional voyage through heartbreak, passion, loss and love. The lyrics capture shattered and conflicted emotions which Indigo delivers in her delicate but forceful performances. The music engages me while leading me to contemplate life.

To anchor “Dreams”, we have Indigo’s breezy vocals, containing deeper emotional waters. Intense aspiration and heartbreaking loss fill her voice. I enjoy the way in which Indigo’s performance takes hold of her songwriting and brings it to life with affecting feeling.

Another strong aspect of “Dreams” is Indigo’s songwriting. Her songs are deceptively simple, but after listening, it’s clear that there’s more going on. The way in which the lyrics move from anticipation and dreaming to pain pulls me in and carries me along.

As for the production, Steve Wilcoxson weaves together sounds which gleam and dance, melodies that capture each song’s essence and percussion underpinning that propels the music forward. His production creates auditory magic that charms and pleases.

Lost Decade - What It Was

“What It Was” explores love, loss, passion and joy through an intoxicating blend of nostalgia and modernity. The band is anchored by Chenelle Roberts’ impressive vocal performances, supported by Derek Leugner and Brandon Smith. They’ve also assembled a stellar cast of guest artists on the album.

Chenelle Roberts is at the heart of “What It Was.” She captures moments of soulful contemplation and belts out tunes with conviction. Her voice conveys the songwriting’s emotional depth to me and she’s one of the most talented vocalists I’ve encountered in the synth-driven music scene.

Derek Leugner and Brandon Smith mingle funk, disco, ’90s freestyle rap, jazz and synthwave. The music is retro while remaining fresh as their production creates layered soundscapes, catchy melodies and thoughtful detail.

Tea Fannie, aloT of Poetry, KTheChosen and Gbohunmi bring their individual charm and skill to “What It Was.” They integrate themselves into the record’s flow to enhance the power and engagement of the songs.

Let’s Talk - Still Dreaming

"Still Dreaming" travels down synthesized pathways full of nostalgia, contemplation and soul. Matt Burks fuses retro influences, first-rate songwriting and alluring vocals. As the songs evolve, I’m relocated to a retro-future realm.

At "Still Dreaming’s"’ heart is the fusion of Matt Burks and his guest vocalists as each song has a heartfelt interpretation. The vocals are rich and, when coupled with the songwriting, deliver their messages with clarity and punchy strength.

Matt Burks demonstrates his skill at producing engagement as each song is maximized to feel and sound the best it can, allowing all of the complex auditory layering to shine through. His distinctive melodies are full of imagery, while the instruments weave with dynamic depth.

Another admirable feature on "Still Dreaming" is its broad range of musical influences. Along with expected ’80s sounds, there’s a healthy dollop of soul and funk mixed in. All of these combined sounds elicit images of a retrofuturistic world.

Mayah Camara - Dreamlover

“Dreamlover” showcases the synergy between Mayah Camara’s first-rate vocal performances and songwriting and Matt Catlow’s high level of production ability. Each song captures the impact of loving, losing and wanting. Carefully chosen instruments transmit powerful expression and the vocals weave a spell.

At the heart of “Dreamlover” lies Mayah Camara’s vocal ability. Her honest performance creates a connection which draws me into her world. Hearing her carry a soaring high note or add sensuality with her velvety voice deepens the music.

Another central appeal of “Dreamlover” is Mayah Camara’s songwriting which touches the heart with genuine feeling. Her songs capture passion or heartache with a lack of affectation. I find myself thrilling and hurting along with the stories being told.

Matt Catlow’s ability to emphasize Mayah Camara’s performances allows her special talent to fully bloom. Guitar, saxophone and synth combined with strong percussive energy and guiding basslines support the songwriting and singing on the album.

Michael Oakley - Prologue

“Prologue” explores complex relationships with an exciting mixture of synth sounds, guitars and vocal performances. Michael Oakleylets his vocal abilities shine and collaborates with synthwave stars to create music breathing with humanity.

Anchoring everything is Michael Oakley’s expressive voice, translating lyrics into feelings with gripping immediacy. In performances with guests, each song merges their collective sound into a luscious whole.

“Prologue” showcases Michael Oakley and Ollie Wride’s formidable songwriting as a galaxy of moods makes each song intensely enjoyable. In an era of growing artificiality, these songs are truly alive.

Each melody on “Prologue” evokes feelings through vivid music. Effortless production paints musical pictures to create a cinematic sweep. All of the instrumentalists bring their high level of talent to bear.

All of the guest singers on the album brought fresh sounds, adding nuance and variety to the vocals. The way in which they combined their unique sounds created music which gets more engaging with every listen.

Nicolas Rixon - Nicky Go Home

“Nicky Go Home" travels through a wonderfully listenable mixture of musical energies and eras. Nicolas Rixon combines his superb vocal performances with intriguing songwriting and varied influences to make music that is full of life and passion.

Without Nicolas Rixon's voice, “Nicky Go Home" wouldn't be as intensely enjoyable. Sensitive gentleness and absolutely vibrant joy permeate his voice which can be calming and smooth or explode with excitement with excellent results.

Another crucial aspect of “Nicky Go Home" is Nicolas Rixon’s ability to write moving, fascinating and enigmatic songs. I enjoy the way in which he explores love, loss and life with unique lyrics. I enjoy his fresh interpretations of some classics from the Great American Songbook.

The music that backs his writing weaves Broadway show tunes, Motown vibes and a large dash of soul music with an overall disco feeling. Nicolas Rixon’s tunes are hard to put down because of their compulsive listenability.

Sandor Gavin - AfterLight

“AfterLight” is a portrait of serenity and beauty, tinged with mournful moments and celebratory positivity. Sandor Gavin paints pictures of summer breezes and tropical beaches, ethereal and otherworldly. This is music for thoughtful relaxation and dreaming.

At the centre of “AfterLight” is the atmospheric nature of the music. I feel myself moving through soundscapes washed with tropical waters and whispering breezes through palm fronds. It’s a world that blends 1980s Miami with blue-water poolside lounging and draws me deeper into the listening experience.

Sandor Gavin calls to mind different mental states through well-crafted melodies and carefully chosen synth instruments. His tender melodies are permeated with undeniably touching sensations.

The guest artists who have contributed to “AfterLight” bring another layer of musical richness to the project. Each of them has a sound that is distinctly their own, yet blends seamlessly with that of the artist to weave music that is both cohesive and individual as it unfolds.

Kiffie - This Brings Life

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Kiffie’s "This Brings Life" delves deep into shattered emotional terrain with reflections of lost love and the pain it can leave behind. Kiffie’s raw and vulnerable vocals, stripped-down, honest songwriting, and intriguing synth choices unflinchingly examine the fallout of broken and unrequited love.

At the centre of "This Brings Life", Kiffie’s voice sits with purpose and force. Its delicacy belies its ability to pierce to the heart with feeling and burn with fierce light. A pure wall of sensation fills every crevice of the lead singer's performances and punches home the message of each song with clarity and earnestness.

All of the words that Kiffie crafts on "This Brings Life" cut through to the central emotional message of each song. His songwriting is stripped down and free of sleight of hand, simply exploring the painful reality of love lost and affection that is unreciprocated. When there are moments of hope, those moments become incredibly affecting.

In the synth palette, there are tones that are harshly technical and others that touch with soft fragility as they express the melodies which capture even more emotion. Sometimes Kiffie leans into the computerized, technological qualities of the synths, and in others he emphasizes more rounded and organic sounds that deepen the feelings within each track.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Shattered Mirrors” spills quiescent light through shards of synth that flash silvery reflections into a thousand refractive pieces. Trembling, varied foundational tones shift like dark undercurrents as a refrain of ghostly notes moves like prismatic, soft light breaking the night. Melancholy and pain surge from notes like strings that climb with uncertainty and sensations of instability.

Drifting with a vague sense of unease, I find myself floating in a void lit by tiny pieces of incandescence ever falling into the shadows below them. Irradiating tenderness brushes like a soothing hand, contrasting with the rippling motion around it. Tripping tones fall further, like jagged pieces moving in endless motion before the track closes.

Hypnotically undulating tones brush over ticking percussive sounds as “No Denial” comes to life. Wide walls of synth pulsate while Kiffie encapsulates affection and acceptance, filling me with sensations of caring and readiness to move forward.

A melodic line sails with heartfelt peace, permeating me with loving emotion. Drums continue to patter while Kiffie reaches high with his broad range, driving home all of the ferocious emotion as towering note patterns flash and drums touch quietly.

True belief in the song's subject pours from the vocals as continual waves wash below, the notes tangling into soft melancholy while echoes reverberate. Trance-inducing sounds repeat while percussion kicks, as Kiffie’s disconnected vocals float with mingled pain and passion before the track closes.

While our storyteller wants to see the song's subject smiling again, he acknowledges, "It doesn't have to be because of me." Perhaps he only wants "to see you winning again," but he realizes that it doesn't have to be with him. He'd love to hear the other person laughing again, "and you don't have to laugh along with me."

He might desire to "feel our fire again," but he wonders if the other person will "stay and burn with me." In conclusion, he says, "So if it comes to that, no looking back, no denial, make a promise."

“Ambitions” grows in a luminous cloud that expands into an elegiac melody, echoing in phosphorescent melancholy before a slow rhythmic throb is joined by a marching snare drum. A feeling of loss balanced with acceptance and love moves through Kiffie’s emotionally alive vocals, wrapping around my heart as it does so.

Underpinning weight vibrates while tones rise high and reverberate with piercing emotion, and a blinding brightness evokes hope elevated above tragedy. Sharp snares crackle as drifting mournfulness contrasts with well-wishing and respectful caring. A deep well of emotion spills from Kiffie’s honest performance and gossamer voice before the song comes to an end.

While the narrator says he can “give you anything that’s mine to share,” and that shows his caring, he understands that if he can’t make the song’s subject happy, “sometimes love just isn’t enough.” He’d rather let them go so they can achieve “all your dreams, ambitions and love.”

Chimes with cobweb lightness drift with distantly trailing, broken fragility as vocals breathe life into “Little Names.” Cosmically twisting tones spin as Kiffie’s bereft voice reflects reverent affection, carried out with painful emptiness while glockenspiel casts starlight.

Moving feeling grips me as Kiffie expresses all of the hurt love that fills the lyrics, while vibrating notes wander like lost stars before roundness swells below. Tremulous notes evoke all of the shivering of painful, rejected love as the drums keep a beat.

Flowing out into vast emptiness, delicate notes weave a filigree full of gentleness as the music glides slowly past. All of the worshipful depth of the relationship swells from Kiffie before the song finishes.

Our storyteller felt loved in the song subject's arms as he "whispered little names." The other person is described by many words, but "I still worship you the same." While he is filled with sadness at having to part with her, even if they talk all night "making plans for your tomorrow," he adds that she'll always be his light.

Bidding her "good night my princess, my saviour, my queen," the narrator speaks of his love for her beautiful patience and "in worship, majesty." They climbed mountains together as they "wondered how to be" and walked together as they were "boundless as the sea."

In conclusion, our storyteller says that it still feels so good to hold hands with the song's subject, "like palmer's palms do kiss," as does spending time together. He pleads, "Will you please remember this?"

“This Brings Life” spills melancholy into reverberant openness, vibrating with slow expanses that spread outward with deep power, as a sensation of unmoored elegance mingles with the hurt. Extended melodic tones carry tentative affection while tumbling percussion cascades in rattling motion below. The contrast between haunting tones and power is one that I find hard to resist.

Lonely notes undulate with loss and heartache while drumbeats trip below and a bass swell floats underneath. Hypnotic and full of meditative sensations, the melodic pattern is supported by rapidly shivering sounds that flow with steady pulsation.

As rhythmic subdivision occurs, more unsettled feelings emanate from the tremulous synth. Whirls of rising, graceful notes spin while a bereft feeling permeates the track above the evenly pulsing drums, as gigantic walls of dark sound snarl to balance the gentleness of the higher notes.

A majestic tonal pattern descends as spectral notes begin to drift and the drum heartbeat brings “Kingdom” to life as Kiffie seizes the depths of need and passionate devotion flowing from the lyrics. Every ounce of wanting that he musters in his voice is believable and vulnerable in a way that I find compelling.

Tones begin to float alone, descending with hurt and tinges of hope, while the drum pulse continues to slip and a tidal sound roams in spreading waves. A ghostly dream of love comes through Kiffie’s vocal performance with total conviction as the hollow panpipes transmit a melody that combines blazing passion with painful tenderness before the music ends.

Praying to the song's subject not to leave, the narrator says, "If you answer me, I'll follow you for eternity." He says he'll beg if she wants him to, if only "you show me now what I need to do." He goes on to say, "Kingdom come, thy will be done, it's you I seek, you are the only one."

Our storyteller adds, "By your command, I worship you as you demand," while hoping to be told if they have a chance together. He wants the other person to "provide for me with your bounty" and keep him held safely and loved forever.

Conclusion

"This Brings Life" is an excellent example of what makes Kiffie’s work unique. He eschews overly complex sounds and flowery words for clear, vulnerable, and moving expression, along with sounds that are ear-catching and deepen the sensations within each song.