Synth Single Review: “Catatonic” by Faulty Lights

by Karl Magi

Faulty Lights’ “Catatonic” builds up in mesmerizing layers, climbing with each successive spin as underlying chords spread with luscious depth before the main theme drifts on a synth creating mystical feelings, conjuring up pictures of a realm of misty meditation.

Percussion fades away as trembling patterns shift like clouds above a densely rebounding underlayer as the drums return and the main motif calls to mind a place full of blue peace and floating enchantment, lifting me up to a plane of higher existence. An atmosphere full of contemplation and tranquility washes over every sonic element in the track.

Elevated tones move like raindrops in a curtain of soft feeling while the underpinnings vibrate with even motion. The main melody calls out on a synth which summons images of calming landscapes, evoking affection and a hint of mournful emotion in a string-like line before the rhythm goes quiet.

Beckett - Creature Feature

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Beckett’s “Creature Feature” brings the chills along with a dose of funk and Beckett's electrifying, soulful voice to capture the mood of the spooky season along with a groove and the distinctive sound of the talkbox. Playful attitude radiates from the album, which is full of Beckett's humorous and enjoyable approach. Mingling instrumental magic with elements of soul music, R&B and disco and an atmosphere creeping with terror results in a great album anytime you're in a mood for a little horror-based fun.

Probably the biggest character element of “Creature Feature” is Beckett's voice. He's got a distinctive sound that can slide from sultry passion to creeping horror along with a knack for capturing each song's mood. I also enjoy his use of the talkbox to add a robotic, yet entertaining twist. It's always good when a performer can bring both talent and a sense of humor to music.

Instrumentally speaking, “Creature Feature” is first rate from the hot guitar licks to the grooving basslines and crisp drums. Synths are used to conjure up moods that range from burning desire to a distinct sense of something very wrong lurking in the velvet shadows. The entire effect is a mixture of galvanizing energy and broad-ranging expression to bring the atmosphere to life.

Each song, whether instrumental or lyrical, dishes out superb Halloween feelings that only increase my listening pleasure. I'm equally drawn to the sensual songs and the instrumental tracks that paint pictures of misty nights and evil that waits to strike. The combination of different elements winds up creating a listening experience that's ear pleasing and full of campy, nocturnal horror.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Fright Night Fever” sets the mood with a vampiric voiceover as a rhythm beats like the pulse at your neck and a midnight wind whispers as creeping nervousness spreads before exploding drums leap in razor sharp lines and a pipe organ echoes.

A twirling note pattern sounding like the hollow clack of bones joins Beckett’s satin performance, conjuring up dark hunger while the background guitar cries with dread. Soulful dynamism defines the vocal performance as the guitar creates minor key shadows.

The way that Beckett digs in grabs me with its playful liveliness. Funky slap bass adds to the cool vibe feeling as the pipe organ evokes terrifying sensations. The chorus of clattering skeletal sounds vibrates before the song ends on jumping drums and fat bass.

On Halloween night, the party's in full swing and the storyteller knocks on the door saying, "got the ghouls and witches, a trick or treat? " He sees the song’s subject looking "hot in a jumpsuit and boots" and says she's got a trifecta for him. Cheekily, he adds, "I bet I'd make you scream" and describes her as a wild fantasy whose "blood red lips make me delirious."

Inviting her to take a walk with him, the narrator asks if she can feel the chill in the air and adds, "your skin so soft and cold, I'll keep you warm, if you dare?” When they’re alone in the dark together, they get "that fright night fever." He's like the undead creatures who are "on the loose, coming for you” He says the two of them are "stars of the double features. "

Bragging that people say he's the one to behold, the protagonist adds, "Baby, I'm 400 years old!" He moves in to kiss the song's subject's neck and says, "your skin goosebumps, feel my breath? " His hands are gentle and she shivers with delight so "as the clouds roll in, I take my bite."

Thunder cracks and a pipe organ looms as the New Jack Swing beat moves “Jackin’ The Box” into a steady groove while the ominous notes grow and the low end is dirty and slick and the drums have a sharp, clean sound.

An ultra chilled out synth shimmies and Beckett lets loose with his gripping vocals and the talk box adds a robotic feeling as the organ glows. Cascading, the guitar adds some hip swiveling sensation, as the rhythm sits in the pocket. Beckett gets the feeling perfectly, mixing seduction and verve while the record scratching gives a nice old school feel.

Swirling tones slide with sensuality and the popping drums add forward motion. A female chorus moves like silk while the vocals are carried on the talk box. Unwinding like a snaky creature, the guitar reverberates before the music closes.

Candlelight flickers and the storyteller points out that it's a blood moon. He adds, "Hits you hard like The Quickening, The Sandman's coming soon," while warning that the song's subject ought to watch out for "the creature in the dark with the prey." He wants to take her to a midnight feature, "the Macabre Cabaret."

Our narrator has a good feeling that "the girls be screaming tonight" as he can feel "the hallow feeling" while the party swings. He goes on to say, "the beats are bringing the sound of freakin’ tonight," as he points out to the song’s subject that "I would run and hide if I were you."

"In the cover of darkness, monsters wait for fools," as the storyteller notices that the song subject’s heartbeat is rushing and says, "Baby, now they've come for you." Adding that it's just like in the movies, "the creature shies away from the light," he asks if she can feel the creatures growing closer and concludes, "just gotta make it through the night."

“Sleeping With The Lights On’ is a dark and twisted tale. Strange, spectral float opens the track as a hi hat tick and solid drums punch. Funky slap bass is joined by tripping synth and flaring brassy notes.

Beckett’s vocals burst in with manic, dark energy as the talkbox segment adds an unsettling quality. The brass section flares with radiance and the drums and bass lock into a solid motion while Beckett’s soulful voice jumps in while the layered vocal segment is cut by a sharply turning, cascading synth.

The lead synth wriggles and the bass brings the funk again. The chorus has dynamic life to it as the pulsing low end shapes the music. Beckett’s smooth voice brings impassioned life to the music. Hollow panpipes shift and the bass dances out with twangy strength before we drift into haunted space.

The two aspects of the nefarious Mr. Beckett and his alter-ego Dr. Beckett are trading off as they tell this twisty tale. Dr. Beckett talks about how he hasn’t seen the other part of himself before “but he’s out there” as Mr. Beckett talks about his bloodlust and how it is “quite the rush.” As he heads home “moonlight breaks” over the road for Dr. Beckett but he starts to black out and he hears the “screams coming from the mist.” Mr. Beckett points out that he’s “the shouts for the dark abyss.”

The evil Mr. Beckett asks his other half what he’s been doing and Dr. Beckett replies “I recall but its like a film.” Dr. Beckett goes on to say that he can feel the “hardened steel” cutting and wonders if he can “watch as I see the hell.” His dark side reminds him that “you’ve got savage hands!” Dr. Beckett replies that he thought he knew his own character so well.

Dr. Beckett speaks about “consequence without reason” as the masquerades start and he’s trapped between insanity and remembrance as he’s “a tale of two in one!” He is trapped in an enigma and asks for someone to hear his plea as he’s “outta body, taken over.” Mr. Beckett jumps in to admit that it was him!

Mr. Beckett says he realizes that he’s better while Dr. Beckett asks if there are “disturbed tendencies? Dark, unchecked desires?” Mr. Beckett says it’s all just a little fun. They both point out that “I’d be sleeping with the lights on.”

Dr. Beckett mentions their “duality, lurid biology” while Mr. Beckett chimes in that it is like a double act and adds “I got the looks. At times I scare myself!” As the song ends, Mr. Beckett has a stark warning for Dr. Beckett as he says “You’ll see you can’t get away from me and the darkness, even if you wanted to. I’m loose on the street, it’s me, but it ain’t, you can’t escape, even if you wanted to.”

Rain falls in a gloomy curtain and thunder crackles as “Dead Tired, Dead Walk” shambles to life with chains rattling and hungry voices mumbling as a scream rings out and the dragging footsteps are underlaid by a doom-laden bass rumble. Portent becomes stronger as chimes flash briefly while the rain continues to drip and threatening growls cut in.

Shivering sounds join rounded tones which drift in tranquility before a twanging guitar conjures up a desolate landscape while the rhythm adds shape. The guitar has a surf quality to it which I enjoy, contributing to the unique feeling here.

Drums accelerate and charge as an arpeggiating synth lends tension and the guitar transmits melancholy tinged yet uplifting themes and undead hunger creates contrast.

Chimes ring while the gruff guitar carries a melody full of thrilling strength and a sense of adventure. The brassy synthesizer flares with coruscating light and tapping drums speed forward. Rain trickles down as the track comes to a close on the mysterious melody.

“I Know I'm Human (Survivor Edition)” immediately fills with drama as a voiceover crackles with foreboding and an awful uncertainty before creeping sounds contribute to growing horror. A steady undulation supports the lone survivor's tale, rain falling as the whispered commentary continues and trembling tones create more suspense.

A hi-hat adds flashing dynamism and the rhythm launches, locked in with the massively towering bass. Shades descend before the main theme summons impressions of waiting as every one of my senses strain in anticipation of a terrible occurrence. Chimes flicker like candlelight before the uncomfortable synth pattern evokes malevolent creatures approaching in the night.

Rippling notes and a melancholy piano join static crackle before the main melody transmits fear and discomfort. Evil entities shift in the surrounding blackness while the higher notes create a feverish brilliance and gigantic bass growls thickly. As the track ends, soft footsteps fall silent.

A storm brews in the distance as “Death Reversed” becomes animated with sinister arpeggios that are cut by radio transmissions, a team moving into the unknown facility has the reconnected electricity crackles. The storm grows as a sadly aching theme is sliced by deadly serious sensations rushing underneath while gleaming synth bursts and fades.

Rattling sounds and rapidly trickling tones along with a panpipe pattern that raises the level of vigilance as tender sounds balance the underlying sensations of worry. Like starlight, tones flicker and the rushing beat drops as a quickly trembling, single note echoes and the background swells with soft-edged illumination.

Something mysterious and majestic reveals itself as the gently dancing notes intermingle, giving me feelings of discovery and surprise. A halo of light contrasts with the shadows that shiver underneath as the percussion patters once more and scintillating sounds slide before everything falls into quiet.

“Flipped City (BKTT FlipMix)” starts as a funky lick moves with Beckett’s classic tones while a swinging, bopping low end grooves along and the top box creates a mechanical chant as the funky underpinnings shimmy and the track is cut by a minor key melody that creates enigmatic energy and ends.

Conclusion

“Creature Feature” takes all of the best elements of Beckett’s music and wraps them in a package that calls to mind my favourite ‘80s horror movies underpinned by some funky flow and vocal performances that burst with character and soul.

Synth Single Review: “You Kiss Me (Tango Version)” by Frisky Monkey

by Karl Magi

Frisky Monkey's “You Kiss Me (Tango Version)” takes on an ardent fire as the rhythm embodies tango’s powerful motion while strings give a sweeping expression to the melody. Juan Cezar’s deep voice matches ideally with the guitar, as the main theme sings its fiery song.

The drumbeat keeps tango time as the strings wrap around my ears, transmitting blazing desire. The way in which Juan Cezar’s basso profundo voice captures intense sensation is compelling for me.

Orchestral strings complement the passion in the vocals while the swirling sounds enfold the vocals. The transformation of this song gives it new life and breathes more character into it before ending.

Ever since the song's subject showed up unexpectedly, they changed the narrator's world. He adds, "You looked at me then drew me in, you held me close within." He speaks of being kissed by the other person, which leaves him "wanting so much more" because their kisses are like magic.

"Touch me and make me shiver, every nerve is alive, you make me quiver." With all of these powerful feelings, one look from the song's subject is enough to make our storyteller drown as he concludes, "You held me deep inside and now I'm living."

Synth Single Review: “Arlene” by Sunset Cassette '87

by Karl Magi

Sunset Cassette '87's “Arlene” forms from shadow but is slowly suffused with ethereal delicacy radiating out to pierce the darkness as feather-light tones form a blanket of increasing hope. Darkness falls away and a theme speaking of hope and connection is supported by a solid drumbeat and a bass foundation.

The main melody feels endlessly encouraging and invokes abiding love and caring, moving me with its earnest depth of feeling. Pictures of pearly clouds and a cerulean blue sky form before percussion falls away and notes like a heavenly breath exhale.

Unfolding tones spread like gossamer wings unfurling, conjuring sensations of being carried away from the burden of life into a place of neverending warmth and hope permeate the track as it moves forward. Fragility is underlaid by unbreakable strength and the track spills affection before coming to a stop.