Synth Single Review: “MIR” by Simon Gabriel

by Karl Magi

Simon Gabriel’s “MIR” paints a blissed out, wandering image of a space station orbiting our planet in the unending vastness of the solar system, drifting in the void of space. Chimes evoke uncountable stars flickering in the infinite darkness as the expansive background introduces a slight tinge of unsettled sound. Cyclical motion defines the track, transporting me to astral realms in a galactic tide.

A rhythmic pulse creates forward motion and revolving tones evoke orbiting in the eternal umbra of outer space. Percussion propels with colossal force while chimes flash like distant cosmic structures. After the rhythm fades, notes with weightless elegance call to mind a space station twirling as a starry plain stretches endlessly.

Mingled loneliness, peace and excitement grasp me while the punching drumbeat emphasizes the twirling motion, like a galaxy spinning through space. As the track closes, a synth transmits calm like an otherworldly choir.

Synth Single Review: “desirable” by Love Spirals Downwards

by Karl Magi

Love Spirals Downwards’ “desirable” brings to mind late night cool and an atmosphere wreathed in smoke and full of desire as Ryan Lum’s guitar delivers relaxation with an easy going motion. The gentle rhythm moves with Anji Lum’s lustrous vocals, capturing the atmosphere of barely contained passion that permeates the words.

Echoing tones float into openness as the guitar creates blue illumination and almost whispered words add a sensual quality.The undercurrents of barely suppressed need grab me as Anji Lum catches the mood, her seductive voice floating out while Ryan Lum’s playing draws images of midnight attraction above the smooth beat. Layers of sound travel like smouldering gazes through a nightclub before the song ends.

It's clear to our storyteller that, "everybody wants you, everyone with eyes to see" as she points out that the song's subject is "just too desirable, even to a fool like me." Every head turns when the other person walks into a room and all conversation ends without a sound." Every boy and girl there falls at the other person's feet as they are "sending out their signals, being indiscreet like me."

Synth Single Review: “Paladin” by DEADLIFE

by Karl Magi

DEADLIFE’s “Paladin” slams forward with a wall of raging sound, howling and tearing like a hellish storm as it is slashed by a blade-like melody, crying out with blinding energy before the gigantic underlayer heaves. A melody rises, a heady mixture of pain, strength and determination while the rhythm smashes like a weapon through armour.

A piano hovers with spectrally tracing tendrils, as unremittingly heavy percussion shatters and a ghostly, wordless vocal line wriggles. Feelings of triumphant, sacred energy permeate the crushing melody before far away voices drift like undead creatures into an echoing void while the piano trembles with hurt and fear.

Like a deadly creature, full of ravening hunger, the track surges again, while the melody lacerates with deadly strength. Minor key vocals drift like otherworldly beings, joined by melodic tones that climb with a fearful warning. Eldritch terror fills me before the track ends on floating tones that drift into quiet.

Synth Single Review: Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” covered by Tommy Countach

by Karl Magi

Tommy Countach’s cover of Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” combines urgency in the rushing sonic pulse along with a haunting feeling that floats above it before the percussive punch jams forward as his vocals reach out with earnest power, carrying the affecting lyrics.

A torrent of bass and rhythm drives the expressive depth of Tommy Countach’s performance before the rhythm drops away and vocals hover before launching again. A synth melody blooms with a delicate halo and the throbbing weight below shifts as the chorus glides with velvet smoothness.

Flying upward again, the extremely catchy melody raises me up with it, while the contrasting shadow of the lyrics creates an effective balance. A cascade of blossoming notes glistens while the huge foundation slices with sharp sound and silence falls.

Phil Collins’ lyrics tell the story of indifference and disregard for the plight of others which plagues modern society. The song explores the way in which people turn away from those in need because it makes them feel uncomfortable or unsure, rather than responding with compassion. The chorus has an ironic twist while reminding us to think twice because, "it's another day for you and me in paradise."