Synth Single Review: “POV” by GRAEDA

by Karl Magi

GRAEDA’s “POV” starts with an ethereal sonic veil before a steady drumbeat and rising shadows move below the hovering distortion as an uneven percussive ticking moves with notes that exhale in a gently haunting breath. An anchoring rhythm comes in to support drifting sounds that are split by radiant tones, creating a chromatic glow in the hazy atmosphere. 

Images rise in my mind, pictures of mysterious landscapes, half seen in dreams and the misty luminosity of moonlit fog. A long line of settling sounds brushes past as the percussion fades and peace permeates everything. 

Uncertainty, tentative emotion and a broken sensation balance with tender touches in a way which affects me strongly in the feelings it generates. Rhythmically pulsating underpinnings move with a synthesizer that evokes growing morning light, making me feel as though I am waking from a mournful dream, before the track ends.

Synth Single Review: “Twilight Pursuit” by Lucien Drive & Neon Shards

by Karl Magi

Lucien Drive & Neon Shards’ “Twilight Pursuit” floats into being on a tide of feathery sound and feelings of deep peace in the growing darkness, winking like lights on the city skyline that flow on an underlayer touched by muted percussion. Harder edges slice through a soothing tide as the solid foundation creates motion alongside broadly splashing drums.  

Lucien Drive conjures up all of the complex emotions that can haunt us at midnight with his synth sounds and melodic composition. Neon Shards’ guitar melody reaches out to evoke loneliness at midnight, sailing past in a wash of melancholy and thoughtful ruminations which touch my soul. 

In the darkness, fragile light emanates from notes that slip with caressing gentleness as the guitar flows with heightened emotion, spinning out in intricate lines that capture the heartbroken search for love. The underlayer supports a melody that flickers with the pink glow of a night city before the track comes to a close.

Synth Single Review: “Confluence” by OLD & Pashang 爬上

by Karl Magi

OLD & Pashang 爬上’s “Confluence” begins with a mystical, hovering sensation that exudes pervasive calm as the sliding drums brush and tones that tremble with spiritual light intertwine with breathy panpipes in a melody reflecting positive contemplation. 

Notes with an echoing tranquility move with the fluting pan pipe and aquatic visions are conjured by floating notes, painting imagery of floating endlessly in a deep blue void. I travel through this space of serenity, sweeping past underwater terrain which conjures unending, gossamer relaxation. 

Minor key sparkles flicker like tiny fish in clear water while the reverberating beats echo broadly below. Transported to a place outside of time, I hover in the currents all around me and escape the heavy weight the world imposes upon us. All of the background sounds evoke watery meditation and timeless drifting on a steady current before the track comes to an end in complete peace.

Synth Single Review: “Domesday Engine” by DEADLIFE

by Karl Magi

DEADLIFE’s “Domesday Engine” vibrates into life with low repetitive tones moving across a bleak backdrop, full of dungeon echoes. Static crackles in an even line joined by notes that mingle in a spectral haze before a string-like synth swirls in an arpeggiating pattern, generating increased tension. An intense pulsation moves with notes evoking triumph as they flash across an ancient landscape, as a reverent choir calls into eternity. 

Rattling sounds twist and slice, adding shadow to the luminescence around them, attracting me with a mixture of darkness and beauty. Below the other elements, surging heaviness continues before the track changes, harshly tearing as the fierce low end hammers. A repeating vocal sound floats before a laser-sharp synth revolves on irresistible energy. 

Drifting into open space, climbing sounds create worshipful softness while danger lurks, evoking a perilous quest. Discovery and thrilling beauty permeate the melody while choral elements add organic feeling. As the leaping melody breaks light into prismatic rainbows, the underlayer batters with stormy strength and a powerful motor roars before dramatic notes create orchestral power that carries the track to a close.