Flash Cassette - Forgotten Frequency

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Flash Cassette’s “Forgotten Frequency” takes listeners on a playful trip with a retro twist, pounding with disco energy and exploring everything from roller rinks to outer space. Flash Cassette’s creative and entertaining approach to synth-based music doesn't neglect excellent melodies or detailed sonic craft, but it does take a lighter look at the world. We're allowed to escape from the current darkness and travel to the future we dreamed of in the past. I enjoy the mixture of styles and ideas along with the way the album paints pictures of the past we all wish existed.

Melodic creation and rhythmic dynamism play to Flash Cassette’s strengths on “Forgotten Frequency.” Each of the tunes is anchored by themes that are well considered and full of ear-pleasing life. Evocative and enjoyable, the melodic motifs are supported by a foundation of varied and rich percussion, adding direction and motion. They also bring an enhanced level of groove and funk which is appreciated.

Without words, “Forgotten Frequency” creates emotion and draws pictures of fantasy vistas. One can be spinning across the roller rink, getting down at the disco or traveling across the vast reaches of outer space with the music as a guide. The cinematic way in which vignettes are formed from sound takes me on a trip which is incredibly enjoyable.

An atmosphere of retrofuturistic fun radiates from every segment “Forgotten Frequency” Flash Cassette conjures up a sense of boundless possibility in the future we all dreamed about. In a world which grows increasingly dark and challenging, this music gives us freedom from the stresses and strains we experience. Pop this on the stereo and relax, let yourself be carried away from the mundane.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Dream Station Pt. 1” hisses with radio static before stations begin to tune and indistinct voices whisper as a kick drum thumps distantly and a zapping noise drifts in alien pulses while the underpinning chords illuminate like city lights. A steady snare drum burst moves with a theme broadcasting affectionate memory as echoing percussion travels below the radiance around it. The stations tune in and out and silence falls.

Laser-like sounds flash and “Forgotten Frequency” establishes an unstoppable heartbeat as percussion snaps and a broadly spreading, undulating synth pattern sweeps like cosmic wind. The track is relentlessly energetic as silken notes slip past with a solar wind that swells while the taut underlayer slashes.

A nasal-sounding, brassy synth transmits adventure, matching well with the locked-in foundation. Limpid notes drift through the distance and serpentine tones wander to summon astral feelings. The melodic line wriggles with a sense of galactic adventure before ending.

“The Final Gate” is born as blinding tones bounce off one another and climb, intensifying the dynamic flow, before the snare drum and kick drum create propulsion. Technical-sounding, angular notes drop in enigmatic lines to weave a gossamer theme that conveys imagery of otherworldly realms while the beat pounds.

Alien notes bubble while the muffled beat adds form and coruscating tones rise. The main motif captures me in its wild energy before undulating notes create hollow patterns. Again the predominant theme returns as alternate dimensions are revealed before the music stops.

Communications in space echo across radio signals as “Interstellar Horizon” shifts with an urgently pounding kick drum pierced by a halo of light. A twirling arpeggio launches with blurring speed like a spacecraft. A burst of cosmic light flashes while the computerized voice offers the pilot flight options.

Limpid sounds move past like space structures as a ticking hi-hat only increases the tension. An image of deep-space combat fills my mind, ships flashing and cannons firing, before the track closes out.

“Body Heat” bumps into life with a solid disco beat as the theme weaves encouraging emotion and is joined by the surfing foundation. The low end grooves and the elevated melody is playful while chords change in smooth transitions. A stuttering synth broadcasts nightclub energy while the beat locks in to keep the gyration going. The main melody makes me want to hit the dance floor before the track concludes.

Boisterous crowd sounds move behind a sneaky little synth figure as “Radiotron” takes shape and expands with a steady hi-hat and broken beats before the main theme holds youthful dynamism before the chimes flicker with intense brightness.

Vocals cut in while the track pops and locks and the melody adds a laid-back feeling while the slipping chimes spark. As lasers flashes, the choppy vocal samples are joined by the slippery theme while an elevated synth creates sharp liveliness and the track ends.

“Sally's Roller Disco” grooves into existence with actively bouncing bass and hollow, intriguing percussion as an echoing note pattern floats, unfurling above the funky underpinnings with irresistible happiness while chimes sparkle with electric luminescence.

I’m charged with freedom as the beat guides, images of roller skaters spinning around the rink, getting down to the dirty low end come to mind and the trippy, gliding notes shine with pearly radiance.

The synth lead has a cool, vibey feeling of late-night roller skating to life, everyone moving with ease and speed across the hardwood floor. As the track slows to a sensually twisting groove, notes float with a mysterious feeling before the track slides into silence.

Slowly growing like a dream forming out of consciousness, “Dream Station Pt. 2” expands with a solid synthwave heartbeat and drifting notes that weave a wandering melody, like clouds across a dreaming sky. Zapping sounds swell as notes with an aquatic feeling slip off into washing static.

Conclusion

“Forgotten Frequency” is a funky blast that invokes visions of the fantastic future we imagined in the past. The way in which melody, harmony and rhythm conjoin here results in music that grabs hold of you and won't let go. My advice to you is to lay back and let yourself travel on Flash Cassette Air.

Synth EP Review: “Echoes Of A Rebellion” by Electric Signals

by Karl Magi

Electric Signals’ “Echoes Of A Rebellion” summons a dystopian world in which the masses are rising to try and seize back control from a rapacious ruling class. The EP is defined by industrial weight, lacerating guitars and raging cyberpunk energy.

“Echoes of A Rebellion” begins with static signals clicking and technological sounds shifting as the voiceover speaks with ominous, computerized threat before a seething underlayer exudes shadow and brilliance reflects from drifting tones. Stormy darkness pours from the background as high notes cry with nervousness, evoking approaching danger.

Pounding underpinnings surge while a broadly flying synth adds drama and interlocking, cascading tones are sliced by jagged edges and a piano ramping up the tension running through the track. Warnings slip from the repetitive synth as gleaming sounds carry a note pattern screaming with terror. My mind is gripped by the fear of overwhelming forces which continue to mass in preparation for attack.

Defiance seizes the guitar as it cuts hard, invoking a rebellious spirit unwilling to give in to the approaching enemy. As widely spaced notes cry fearfully, the lashing under layer continues to create discomfort. Percussion smashes as worried sounds tremble and the guitar churns with barely restrained aggression before the track shatters to an end with sharp notes.

Floating, disconnected sounds whisper before “Rebel By Default” vibrates with shadow as elevated notes slip past and the gargantuan beats propel with indomitable force. Tumbling tones chime with gleaming iridescence while mechanical sounds writhe while the thudding underpinnings are joined by bubbling notes that spill out while a distant melodic theme levitates.

Sounds flash and fall, spinning over and over, while the percussion pushes hard below. I am driven by the industrial tones balanced with delicate notes that weave smoothly in between harsher sounds. A crawling feeling emanates while the rhythm gives way briefly to breathy flow before throbbing aggressively once more. A robotic voice speaks before uncomfortable feelings shiver as the hammering beat creates unstoppable motion before the track ends.

“Data_Runners” shimmers with far-off illumination as gently floating sounds summon a sense of disconnection while disturbances rumble below, full of sharpness. The beat trips while the background exudes pastel luminosity and a sense of undeniable mystery. Nobility grows in the main theme, rising to fill the soundscape with a sensation of resolution, broken only by jagged tones.

With a sense of free-floating, enigmatic energy, the track draws me into a computerized journey while the towering percussion and enormous bass balance the tranquility. It creates feelings of moving in a space outside of reality, a cyber landscape that is both calming and hints at an intensifying threat. The heavy beat rebounds and minor-key tones summon worry and fear to contrast with the softness around them. Digitized tones levitate and slice before the track concludes.

Disturbing notes slide below howling sounds that give “Predator’s Protocol” a feeling of urgency as malevolent forces draw closer. Industrial beats growl and drive with a hollow sound echoing as shredding synth tears a trail below a guitar that showers the music in ferocity. Speed and adrenaline pump through the foundation as high notes twist with sensations that practically scream for you to run.

The hard-hitting underlayer is battered by looming drums as tension pours out of wriggling tones that are dominated by a fearsome guitar. The heavy weight of danger fills me as a mysterious coil of synth creeps past while the crushing underpinnings add drama. Each sonic element contributes to the ever-growing feeling of pursuit while the slicing background drives on before the track stops.

“We Will Fall, But They Will Regret Being Born” comes alive with rain and desolation while towering tones have an orchestral quality as they are joined by a beat that surges forward while expansive arpeggios spin. The rhythm is fierce and presses forward without ceasing before the main theme captures a fight for a noble cause.

A slamming underlayer balances the majestic elegance of the melody while notes evoking slowly growing illumination spread outward. I’m galvanized by the motif that rises with resistance and rebellion while the rain splatters. Heavy weight punches while delicate tones intermingle.

A sinuous lead synth conjures pictures of battling as it tangles in complex lines above the heaviness below. The main theme catches emotions ranging from pride to pain as it unfolds. Chimes cast a gentle glimmer before the main theme comes to an end.

Synth Single Review: “Breakaway Point” by SynthPrincipal

by Karl Magi

SynthPrincipal’s “Breakaway Point” swirls with tiny pinpoints of light above a wider arpeggio which circles slowly as reverent tones are joined by metallic echoes and ticking percussion while a kick drum throbs. Slowly planing synthesizer moves into a melodic pattern which haunts with ghostly memories and warmly nostalgic fulfillment.

A hypnotic theme floats like a dream while the background is flooded with sunlit tones. The main melody is a heady mixture of sweetness and mournful recall, reminding me of a past that never really existed. As the percussion rebounds, a motif full of positivity balanced with a certainty that it was all a dream flows.

The drums drops away and a bright sound trembles as serenity infuses the atmosphere. An arpeggio slowly twirls before the drumbeat returns and the main theme takes on nobility, summoning happiness and a breath of wistful contemplation before the track concludes.

Synth Single Review: “Sunrise” by Fonz Tramontano & Calida J

by Karl Magi

Fonz Tramontano & Calida J’s “Sunrise” cascades with refracted brilliance before diamonds dance and blinding notes flash above a richly moving synthwave underlayer with string-like tones joining Calida J’s resonant vocals.

Calida J’s satin voice transmits a theme that captures a touch of pain in the midst of passion as ethereal chimes flash. Desire and loss pierce me, capturing the poignancy in the lyrics. A jewelled melodic line sparkles as the ache that fills Calida J’s voice reaches out and rainbows of synth sound shimmer.

The underpinnings propel the song as the vocals break slightly, adding expressive trembling. Ringing notes broadcast prismatic luminance while Calida J extracts complicated emotions and the song ends.

Everyone knows his name and he's a rockstar, as the main character points out that, "he's got those looks that kill, he's got a lot of fans," but if he catches your eye, "it's not to buy, he's the one in demand." She says that when he walks off stage and calls out to you, “to him it's just a game ‘cause he'll be leaving with the sunrise. "

"When the moonlight runs for cover, when the heat you feel grows colder," our narrator warns the other person that, "you can't hold on forever to your one-time, starstruck lover" because he'll leave when the sun comes up.

The storyteller goes on to say that he'll make you feel incredible "when he's in your bed" but “if you play his game don't let him in your head." To conclude, she says "you can have your time, it's fine, as long as nothing is said."