Mike Templar - The Owl & The Moon

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Mike Templar’s The Owl & The Moon is an artfully created, beautifully musical album that explores the full range and depth of synths—both sonically and emotionally. The artist uses his skillful ear to choose the right sounds and combines them with superb melodies and emotionally intense moods throughout the album. The result is a layered and dense listening experience, full of fascinating ear candy and moments of emotional strength.

Perhaps more important than any other element on The Owl & The Moon is the emotional and atmospheric quality of the music. Mike Templar skillfully weaves the full range of human feeling—from loss and pain to joyous celebration—into his music. Each track has a unique character and creates a different sensation and mood, drawing me in and filling me with powerful impressions.

The way Mike Templar employs synths on The Owl & The Moon is fresh and engaging. He has the ability to paint with sound, evoking a wide range of emotional and mental states while crafting uniquely textured music. Each track is carefully constructed and intensely expressive as it unfolds and the artist uses his talents to reach deep into the listener’s heart. I also enjoy the fascinating tonal contrasts that appear throughout the album.

As someone who deeply appreciates well-written melodies, I have to say that The Owl & The Moon features some of Mike Templar’s best work. His ability to create melodic content that pulls me in with its depth of expression and evocative touches is second to none and contributes mightily to the enjoyment of the journey this album offers.

I also want to point out that I enjoy the mood and theme of the album artwork, but it would be amazing to see a talented member of the artistic #synthfam contribute some original work!

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Soundcheck” begins with sharply cutting, full synth notes crying out above a rich bass well. slowly rising, gleaming synth cries out above the dense low end and fades.

Pure calm emanates from a richly swirling synth that swells in volume to kick off “Arcadia”. A trip hop beat pops through the music as deeply undulating bass throbs lusciously, touched by shadow. A woodwind-like synth drifts restfully, slipping through the music.

A glimmering synth spins out with a light touch while the bass continues to glide. As the radiant synth taps with an open voice, smoothly intertwining notes plane out and the trip hop beat adds motion. Brightness leaps as trickling notes flicker with sliding gentleness. I enjoy the steady low end heartbeat and the intermingling, shining notes that dance together.

Airy synth slowly fades out with the softly muffled sounds as an ethereal melodic pattern wanders. The drums and bass continue to pulsate and swell back into full power, the giant bass driving on as metallic notes chime and a hi hat ticks before the track ends on the calming melody.

“Crimson Skies” starts with deeply relaxing notes flowing below intensely flashing synth. Gruff bass moves with a quickly leaping drumbeat to generate energetic motion as the flaring synth shines with inspiring luminosity. The melody carried by the main synth is full of celebration, while the richly bouncing low end adds guidance and chimes trickle with shimmering joy.

As the trumpeting melody flies, I feel uplifted and hopeful while the low end pulses on. A broadly dancing synth calls out with dynamic positivity before the track again moves with radiant chords and shiny bells that skip past. The drums flourish as finger snaps move and the lead melody exudes sunlight and happiness as the low end pushes on. The chiming notes are full of starry light while the nasal-sounding, twirling synth sings with a feeling of progress.

The unrelentingly throbbing beat shapes the music as the cascading chimes shine and rich-sounding notes fly outward. I enjoy the thrilling life within the music as it unfolds. Finger snaps add shape as the vocal sounds shift in chopped-up pieces. A synth spills brilliance as it climbs upward. The chimes flicker once and the track goes silent before the massive bass punches and the chiming notes leap again. The beat kicks in, pushing on as the bass dances. Uniquely bending sounds and strings intertwine with liveliness before the song comes to an end.

Bells ring out with haunting serenity as “Solar Genesis” begins. Solid drums punch as the bells move in intertwining lines and the bass begins to pulse with heavy motion. The dense throbbing is cut by hissing drums as tremulous, illuminating synth vibrates. Now the funky guitar adds a groovy element to the track, which flows forth with encouragement and celebratory liveliness.

The powerful low end has a distinctive heartbeat as swelling sounds in the background spill out to surround me, filling me with relaxing sensations. Trembling notes in the distance float as worshipful sounds descend and the drums burst. The chimes are beaming as a guitar slips between them with a gruff sound. Bending notes wander and the rough-edged guitar cries out as it forcefully fills the music.

Gliding, elevated synth caresses the music as the low end continues to pulsate. The way in which the music moves forward combines elegance and strength before the music ends.

Worshipful notes swell and glisten to commence “The Owl.” There is a choir-like quality to the notes before a portentously pulsing bass growls with unambiguous threat. The full-sounding synth carries a melody that is gossamer and ghostly as the steady drum pulse continues.

Brightness flashes from the tightly wound synth as chimes glimmer and the heavily pulsating low end shifts. The metallic, chiming notes tremble and broader bells ring as flickering notes intermingle. I enjoy the hypnotic and powerful quality that the music exudes.

String-like notes swell and the reverent vocal synth is cut by the intensely glowing melody that drifts with a more positive sensation. Well-flowing notes wash above the gigantic bass. Silence falls briefly as the warmly enfolding voices call out and the swirling notes glide hazily. Wind rushes and the scintillating chimes tremble with lively dynamism before the track ends.

“The Moon” opens as a steady, metallic tone floats and glimmering notes descend with clean light. The steady droning note fades as the colossal bass is joined by hard-punching drums and dense low end.

The main melody is gently touching and full of peaceful emotion, while a glockenspiel adds sparkling accents. The drums and bass are a steady heartbeat as the silken synth floats and the glockenspiel echoes. Quickly bending notes are joined by almost wolf-like howls before the music box trips with a haunting feeling.

The drums and bass reverberate while hissing sounds in the distance add a vaguely ominous quality. A wide-sounding, brassy synth carries a luscious melody with a hint of melancholy as the drum pulse continues. A slipping synth wraps around me with tenderness and transports me, evoking moonlight with silvery elegance.

Now the thickly expanding low end continues to pulse as the quickly leaping synth cuts past. Once again, the music box adds a vaguely unsettling quality while the flashing notes cascade. The string-like notes intertwine and gleam before the song closes.

Fragile notes trickle gently as they are joined by a computerized echo to begin “Halo.” Intimidating bass rises as the open, digitized synth wriggles in drifting motion while broadly growling notes sweep past. The melodic pattern has a broken quality that fascinates me, as delicate notes wander. The snare and kick drum become a steady heartbeat as the ringing notes tremble with tender light and a minor-key, roaming melody passes in a lithe line.

The computerized notes drift spectrally as sharply twisting noises move alongside the bursting low end. A tripping synth adds an unsettling quality while the drums pulsate. A steadily shaping, repeating synth pattern wriggles as the low end adds form. The main melody carries an enigmatic energy that I find compelling, while fluting notes twirl past. The roaming melody flows and silence falls before the drums reverberate again and the track ends.

“Ad Astra” starts with a tremulously caressing synth joined by smoothly guiding drums as descending notes emerge with rich, immersive sound. The drums and bass create smooth, forward-moving force beneath the elegantly unfolding synth melody. Chimes add a galactic sparkle behind the affectionate melody that calls out above the dense bass and lightly touching percussion. Rounded notes sail by in the distance while the main melody dances.

I’m affected by the emotionally fragile melodic pattern as it slides past on a nasally elevated synth, putting me at ease. Clapping percussion joins the steadily moving warmth of the synth and echoes carry through the atmosphere. The chimes are full of starlit serenity as the drums tremble and the bass glides. A rich fullness permeates the music as a shimmering synth flickers while the deep notes continue to pulse. The track ends with a peaceful flow as it fades into silence.

Conclusion

The Owl & The Moon is full of feeling and expression, delving deep into humanity with instrumental beauty and skill. The end result is a journey through a rich tapestry of emotional and mental states as the music unfolds.

M.K. Khan - Almost Beautiful

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

M.K. Khan’s Almost Beautiful tells the story of a grand competition between robots and humans for supremacy in extreme sports. The artist weaves together his skillful guitar performances with atmospheric and fascinating synths to tell the tale of the battle between the robots and the humans. The richly layered sounds, along with the ear-pleasing melodies and aural storytelling, bring a depth and listening pleasure to this album.

One cannot talk about Almost Beautiful without mentioning M.K. Khan’s guitar chops. His playing is fluid and dynamic, with expression and feeling, as he unfolds intricate solos and well-composed melodies. The way in which he chooses guitar tones allows for excellent evocations of mood and emotion, while he conveys the album's message with smooth skill.

Another crucial element of Almost Beautiful is the way in which M.K. Khan creates atmosphere through different sonic components. The mixing of the guitar sounds with fascinating and varied synth textures results in a contrast between the more robotic and mechanical and the purely creative and heartfelt. The end result is music that reveals the different facets of the storytelling while showcasing M.K. Khan’s tasteful ability to choose the best sounds.

I am also drawn in by Almost Beautiful’s melodic strength. M.K. Khan writes melodies that are engaging and full of life. They are able to transmit the mood-related elements of the story with precision and beauty. I enjoy the way in which M.K. Khan can move a melody through different emotional states and sensations within the space of one track.

The album's message is also something I find edifying. In this era of domination by artificial intelligence and social media, the notion of emphasizing human creativity and endeavor is more important than ever. I can get behind the spirit of this music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Victory Lap” comes into being as M.K. Khan’s guitar cries out with bright vigour and the drums batter and rebound. The guitar flies out with dynamism before a mysterious floating synth carries a gently touching melody and the guitar leaps with orchestra hits flashing in the distance. The piano notes are effervescent and easygoing as the guitar cries out with passion and joy, infusing the music with triumphant positivity.

The blasting orchestra hits add radiance as bubbling bass rumbles and again the brightly shining guitar flies with uplifting, celebratory life. Piano notes cascade and gleam, tripping through the music as the thunderous guitar and battering drums add more power. The melody carried on the guitar is full of lively emotion and a sense of progress, while the piano adds a skipping lightness, filling me with a sense of freedom as it dances. The orchestra hits tower and the drums explode as the deeply rippling bass oscillates with rich sound before the track ends.

An explosive, popping drumbeat moves with angular synth and intertwining guitar to begin “For the People.” Ethereal synth hovers with a peaceful luminosity as a broken voice twitches along with record scratches. Majestically rising synth drifts past with a caress, drawing me into it. M.K. Khan’s guitar has sharpness and bite as it slices and now an open-voiced synth winds with elegant and haunting motion.

The drums continue to pulse unevenly along with the dense bass as a gritty guitar cuts in and floating notes wander with graceful simplicity. Quickly twirling, glimmering synth spins past and the sound of waves sweeping shifts. Tightly twisted record scratches move along with a meditatively gliding synth and the broken voice calls out again. The track ends on glittering notes and cleanly cutting drums.

“Party at Zach and Erving's” opens as cymbals clash, guitar snarls and triumphant synth blares with uplifting dynamism. M.K. Khan’s guitar sings with thrilling vitality and intertwines with complexity as it cascades while the drums pulse with steady motion. A piano adds motion in the distance while the trumpeting synth flashes with dramatic luminescence and the low end expands. Lusciously roaming guitar sings out while the brassy synth glistens. I enjoy the nobility and growing excitement in the guitar melody.

Now a quickly twirling arpeggio moves with the growling guitar that slashes as the drums pulsate. M.K. Khan’s guitar leaps again, swirling and flying, imbued with unstoppable strength as the arpeggios continue to speed. Once again the synth calls out, full of nobility, as the entangling notes below it glitter. The open-sounding percussion moves as the guitar weaves a bright filigree of encouragement before the song ends.

Drums erupt and a guitar bursts with whirling enthusiasm to kick off “Frosty Chocolate Milkshakes.” M.K. Khan’s guitar carries a melody full of thrilling joy as it spins out above the cascading drums. The battering drums and accelerating beat move as the wildly leaping synth jumps into a melody full of unstoppable motion and celebratory feelings.

The drums are a rapid rush as the synth weaves a complex pattern and the drums shatter as the guitar growls, charging into a solo that exudes muscle and drama. The gruff bass is joined by a synth that speeds past, glittering as it flies and the electric guitar howls again in a minor key melody that thrills me and fills me with a sense of possibility. Trickling xylophone rapidly flickers before the track charges to an end.

“New Chucks” opens as the groove of the low end swings and slap bass adds a funky quality as orchestra hits explode. The drums swing smoothly while a widely drifting, caressing synth carries a wistful, nostalgic memory in the melody and M.K. Khan’s guitar climbs with gripping life and a funky swing.

Horn-like synth intertwines with lustrous effulgence as it carries the jazz-inflected melody above the low-end pulse. The orchestra hits add radiance as a slipping synth swirls and bends with surrounding motion, while the wildly varied percussion is joined by slap bass that pops as the hollow drums tap.

In the distance, swelling chords add a soft sunset illumination and the groove moves again. I enjoy the overall funk and chill of this track. It ends on the guitar flying out, reaching for the stars before it grows quiet.

Orchestra hits burst with massive strength as the guitar and drums explode to force “Cherry Boy” forward. A brassy synth contributes scintillating effulgence as the drums burst and a tiny, glowing synth flickers past. The lead synth carries a melody that explodes with victorious life and M.K. Khan’s guitar swirls wildly as it flies forward.

The drums are steady and strong while the guitar cries out with passion and dynamism. Record scratches wriggle as the colossal bass unfolds. Rounded, flicking notes briefly skip and the fierce bass and widely charging drums move on.

The lead synth melody is full of adventurous life, giving me the impression of a classic Japanese role-playing game theme. The drums add shape while the elevated synth carries the noble melody and chimes shimmer as the track ends.

“Planet Indigo” starts as calming notes wash over me, accompanied by a distantly twinkling synth and the rush of windy sounds. Luscious bass continues to pulse as the digital-sounding notes wander and a delicate melody unfolds on a string-like synth with tranquility and grace. The music reaches out to curl soft tendrils around me and soothe my mind.

The drums pulse gently as the elevated, silky-smooth synth sails past with a melody that lifts me and transports me through the clouds. M.K. Khan’s guitar cascades with serenity and swirling sounds illuminate the distance. As the guitar shimmers, warmth oozes from it and quickly rushing drums move with darker bass.

The force increases as panpipes move through the music with an ethereal airiness and the drums add guidance. Computerized notes entangle as the drumbeat continues. After a drum flourish, piano chords add tender strength as they flicker. The track ends as the panpipes glide, the encouraging, laid-back guitar sings and the strings drift softly.

“Goonda Boulevard” opens with active, ear-grabbing percussion that throbs as the thunderous guitar explodes. The drums move with ferocious dynamism and the guitar winds with mad strength and minor-key darkness while the bass snarls. Broadly echoing, scintillating synth leaps into a thrilling melody as the guitar lashes out again.

A twisting synth moves in a snaky melody, adding haunting sensations while the percussion explodes with a unique sonic signature. M.K. Khan’s guitar unwinds into intricately intermingling notes that twirl before the victorious synth echoes and the drums batter. The descending synth is joined again by the churning guitar and a nasal-sounding, wriggling synth dances before the song ends.

Mechanically shifting sounds and threatening bass move to kick off “Dragons in Cucamonga.” The bass seethes as the metallic noises move and ferociously battering drums slice. A piano melody reflects thrilling strength as the guitar erupts with volcanic motion and intensity, cascading while the rushing low end smashes hard. The bass towers as the guitar howls with unstoppable liveliness and the thunderous low end is cut by metallic clanking.

The music’s raw energy tears at me with razor claws as the guitar rings out, imbuing the music with a sense of feral vitality. As the drums break, the guitar climbs and the bass looms with ominous import. The piano melody dances again, lightening the mood, but danger is never far away in the huge bass. The low end continues to rush and burst before the track ends with imposing power and snarling guitar.

“C.D.R.E.A.M.” starts as gigantic bass rumbles while fragile chimes shimmer and a melancholy, almost oboe-like synth drifts in the distance. The computerized chimes have a double sound as they levitate and air sweeps past. A clean synth shines while the undulating bass shifts and chimes flick past in easy motion.

A gently triumphant quality fills the music as the track swells and a glockenspiel carries the yearning and dreamy melody, full of hope and potential, above the dense bass. I feel that humanity’s hope and promise are beautifully embodied in the melody here.

Now the percussion ticks softly and the chiming sound carries the tender melody. A sense of nobility spills from the track now, rising up with pride and majesty, carrying the song to an end and filling my heart as it does so.

Conclusion

Almost Beautiful is a wondrous journey through a story of humanity triumphing over soulless mechanical creations. I enjoy the mixture of melody, lush harmony and intensely engaging synth sounds that unfold this story and immerse me fully in it.

Atlas Neon - Miami Vampire

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Atlas Neon’s Miami Vampire tells the story of a dark love between a vampire and a werewolf. The music seethes with ferocious weight and rising shadows, while the tale unfolds with melancholy and passion. The way in which the album combines excellent guest artists with Atlas Neon’s production creates atmospheric and shatteringly powerful music that draws me in and carries me along as it evolves and the story unfolds.

One of the more compelling elements of Miami Vampire is the range of guest artists with whom Atlas Neon has collaborated. All of the performers bring their unique sounds to the album and the guest producers maintain the mood while introducing their own touches. The way that all of the different sonic profiles combine winds up creating an album that is irresistibly ear-pleasing.

The way in which Atlas Neon combines hard-hitting EDM styles with synthwave results in a powerful and well-crafted musical offering. The crushing strength of the massive bass and high-powered drums adds to the darkness pouring from the album, while the synth sounds are well-chosen and are intertwined in a way that deepens the music’s atmosphere. I also enjoy the way in which Atlas Neon writes music, creating depth and richness.

I’m also interested by the way that Atlas Neon tells Miami Vampire’s story. The sense of unfolding emotional and physical connection, along with the struggles faced by the characters, is well expressed within the songs’ lyrics and the mood of the music. As the album progresses, I find myself more engaged by the story it tells.

One last note about the cover art. I love the feeling of it and the mood it sets, but perhaps it would be better still having employed the skills of a talented visual artist.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Ashes” comes into being as haunting chanting moves with sweeping, massive bass that vibrates out into space. Gleaming chords flash as Sergio Ochoa’s intensely felt vocals come in and drums begin to clap while seething, shadowy bass growls. Slashing, angular synth moves with the hard-punching drums as Sergio Ochoa expresses every ounce of passion in the lyrics. Pipe organ chords add dark drama as the low end batters with ferocious energy. The bass growls with crushing weight and the dark chanting moves with hard-hitting, martial drums. The piano rings out with brightness and the aching need within Sergio Ochoa's vocals is visceral.

As glowing arpeggios spin, ferociously tearing bass and heavy drums rebound. Heartfelt loss and desire pour from the vocals as the drumbeat shatters. Angrily trembling notes move with the explosive drums as Sergio Ochoa's voice echoes. Now the drums and bass unrelentingly push on while the jagged synth and computerized-sounding notes intertwine. As the song comes to an end, the drums smash with monumental power and Sergio Ochoa chants while the swirling arpeggios whirl before the track ends.

Our storyteller speaks of his passions, "Breaking down the walls I used to know." While he wishes the feelings would stop, he can’t let the song’s subject go. He lets his guard down as he has to "tiptoe around everything that I want to do."

The narrator sees all of the signs and asks if the other person can read them or see them as they fall into line. He adds, "You're not forever, just a season end," and that the other person is "the reason why the night hides the light."

Our storyteller points out that the song's subject is like "a million thoughts that I just can't avoid" as he tries to clear his mind but finds nothing to stop the noise. He can see the signs and asks again if the other person can read them or see them as well, "as they fall into line."

Vibrating, slowly shifting synth sparkles as bass seethes below to kick off “Dream With Me.” Gobi chants into the music as the drums begin to buck hard and the bass throbs. The low end surges with intimidating power as a tabla rings out and Gobi continues to call out. Celina weaves a threatening web of power beneath the vocal performance. The low end is colossal and propulsive as the vocals convey urgency and need, while the bass moves with oppressive weight.

I enjoy the tension and terrifying power that fills this song as it unfolds. A synth skitters as Gobi repeats a hypnotic phrase and now the low end erupts with undeniable energy. The vocals repeat as the low end lacerates and the tabla rings out as Gobi chants with deep desire. The drums and bass pound unstoppably. As Gobi adds a trance-like feeling, the tabla burbles deeply and tremulous notes float past before the percussion accelerates again. The low end is sliced by warning notes as it throbs with continual motion before the track comes to an end with portentous power.

The narrator says that he's been "lost up in that lonely desert highway" as he sees the fear in the song subject's tears. He asks to be told of "something that I'll always need more of" as he travels west, waiting for the sunrise. He repeats that his time is running out and asks the other person to "come and dream with me."

Our storyteller says that his "memories turn to dust in the daytime" as he asks the song's subject to "be the stranger that I never got to meet." He says that every time he needs to feel a bit warmer, "I close my eyes and you are in my sleep."

“Breakup Scene” starts with ominous drums and Iyes Keen’s expressive, needful vocals. Quickly rushing synths move with gleaming notes before the punchy drum and bass beat jumps in, while the wistfully drifting vocals shift with need and want. The punishing bass cascades with saw-toothed edges, while Iyes Keen’s spectral vocals carry a melody full of wanting and loss.

The bursting synth adds flaring energy while the unstoppable low end shatters and Iyes Keen’s voice captures every bit of feeling in the lyrics. The synth charges like a snarling guitar while the low end continues to stutter and break. Rough-edged bass tears into the music as Iyes Keen fills her voice with deep desire. The slicing tones shift with dangerous strength as the tenderly floating vocals caress my ears.

The way in which this track combines melancholy and crushing power is enjoyable for me. Iyes Keen’s voice is smooth and eloquent, while the bass seethes like a vicious tide and the drums break. Haunting vocals slip past along with notes that add radiant accents before the song comes to an end.

Our storyteller is "waiting for the scene to fade away," as she adds that it's nothing but the spotlight for her and the song's subject. She says, "There's no better place in time to erase all the things we said that we can't take back." She goes on to say that they should move tonight because she'd like to stay with the song’s subject.

The narrator says that she's "rolling high when I'm here with you," as she reminds the song's subject not to try too hard because it doesn't matter. She points out that the other person knows that they're best together. She adds, "I've been waiting for the change to come, I can feel the shift, I'm overcome," and says she feels her bones "turn to dust at your touch."

Our storyteller wonders if the feeling they have will be enough to put their emotions on the right track. She's been waiting for the other person's heart slowly while the solar wind blows.

“Miami Vampire” begins with computerized notes sparkling and shifting as Iyes Keen’s haunting voice glides past and the bass begins to throb. Tholos captures the emotion of the lyrics as the drums pound with thrilling energy and a steadily undulating bassline moves. The mixture of desire and ache is a powerful presence in Tholos' voice, which moves from darkness to elevated tenderness as slowly circling notes echo in the distance.

Tholos calls out with ardor and a warning, while the synth ramping up adds tension. The vocals echo and the drums and bass smack into the music with raging energy as Tholos calls out. Chasing Stars’ production is full of unbelievable vigor here. The angular synth slices with bright power as the higher notes glitter.

Iyes Keen’s voice glides out with ghostly smoothness. She takes hold of the lyrics, her vocals full of danger and need. Slipping, metallically shining synth moves past as Iyes Keen digs deep into the song’s feelings. Tholos calls out with barely restrained wanting as the hard bass edges lacerate the music and the song comes to a close.

The first narrator says he was walking on a dark night, taking a last puff of his cigarette. He adds, "When all of a sudden from the shadows, she came and asked me for a dance." The female narrator replies, "Boy, you're my next victim, I wanna kiss you in the rain," to which he responds, "Girl, you sure you want this long night?" He adds, "You can come and take my pain, I wanna kiss you in the rain."

Our first storyteller says that "ain't nothing, nothing about it," as he adds that he knows the song’s subject wants some love. He tells her not to talk about it and says, "I'll show you how it's done," because she has it all. He tells her that he'll "kiss you in the rain, so you can take my pain" and show him she isn't afraid.

The second narrator follows the first through the dark night as she runs "into your silhouette." She wanted to bring him to the gallows: "So I came and asked you for a dance." He's her next victim and to his question—if she wants the long night—she answers, "I'm here to take your pain."

“The Last Goodbye” starts with rushing noise and computerized sounds vibrating above a slowly rising bass. Robotic sounds shift and now the heavily pulsing low end and tapping hi-hat move with worshipful choral voices and shot-away notes. BerillJull's soulful, unique voice calls out with a heartfelt plea.

The drums jump as a quickly oscillating, brilliant synth moves beneath BerillJull’s heart-touching voice. A piano-like synth dances with delicate, softly touching energy and smoothly shining chords glow. The vocals explode as the drums and bass burst in steady motion. The percussion is heavy and lush as a grating sound shivers and a minor key, shadowy melodic pattern shifts. Laser-like sounds float and BerillJull’s wonderfully expressive vocals capture me with their sincerity. The gigantic drums and bass pulsate while feeling pours from BerillJull's voice before the song ends.

Our storyteller asks the song’s subject to say hello every once in a while when they pass by. She asks, “When you pass me by, baby, does it hurt so much to smile?” She points out that they promised to be friends until the end and now she’s begging the other person to “let me down easy” because she knows it’s finished—except for the last goodbye. Once again, she asks to be let down easily, because the other person's love is gone and she repeats the fact that everything is over but their final farewell.

A vibrating guitar and the lead singer's pained, emotive voice carry a melody full of mournful feelings as “The False Rumour” begins . Her voice echoes with loss and need as the imposing bass trembles alongside a cleanly illuminating synth and the drums pound and accelerate.

As the energy rises, the track explodes into drum and bass motion. The bass slashes with hard edges and the drums are propulsive. Raised notes bend and cry as the vocals drift, full of longing and bereft emotion, while the drums erupt again. Donnie Dynamite's guitar cascades and leaps, full of intricacy and feral muscle, as the track cries out.

The slicing bass moves with chimes that flicker and the lead singer's tender voice reaches out, full of fear and tension, as the track accelerates again. The vocals speed as hollow percussion echoes and floating synths shimmer while the drums and bass add motion before the track ends.

The narrator asks the song’s subject to hold her tight because “I'm standing on the edge of fright.” She feels that perhaps “maybe now nothing will come to me tonight” as she points out that she's still young, “though no one will care if I should die, so hold me tight.” She tells the other person not to ask her why, going on to say, “Please don't let me die.”

Our storyteller says she’s out of sight now and “can’t make enough for just the night,” adding that she’ll soon be done “keeping up with this daily fight.” She adds that she’s aged too much and no longer sees any light, so “hold me tight, please don’t make me hide, please don’t let me die.”

“The Hand That Feeds” looms to life with enormous synth swells as finger snaps move and quickly rushing notes with a computerized quality tumble. Now the bass explodes as OnenO’s strong voice erupts while the guitar slashes. The low end presses on while OnenO captures the flying and flashing melody with his gutsy vocals and the guitar shines with raging energy.

The low end continues to throb with forceful dynamism as the vocals leap out with wild, intense power. The guitar breaks through the music with brilliance while the drums and bass continue to pound. Now the charging synth growls while chords add brightness.

OnenO’s spoken word part adds to the feeling of shadowed madness, while the pounding low end is sliced by the guitar’s bright and intriguing melodic energy. As the low end continues to drive, the vocal segment galvanizes me. The bass pumps hard until the track comes to an end on portentous chords and heavy bass.

Our storyteller points out that the song’s subject is “keeping in step in the line” as they hold their head high and feel perfectly fine because they’re doing what they’re told. However, he says that “inside your heart it is black and it’s hollow and it’s cold,” and asks how deeply the other person believes.

The narrator goes on to query if the song’s subject will “bite the hand that feeds… chew until it bleeds,” as he wonders if they’re brave enough to see and effect change. He asks, “What if this whole crusade’s a charade and behind it all there's a price to be paid for the blood on which we dine?” The blood that is “justified in the name of the holy and the divine.”

As the song concludes, the storyteller calls himself naive for “holding on to what I want to believe.” His sight is clear, but he continues to hold on as he asks, “Will you bite the hand that feeds you?”

Drums echo into space and a smoothly vibrating synth with cutting edges shifts to open “Maverick 2077”. Reverberant drums throb as intensely metallic chimes jump with dynamic life. The drums and bass hit with thick weight as the string-like synth flows with hazy luminosity.

The low-end weight is propulsive as a shiny synth twists with constant motion and the track explodes. The drums and bass cruise on as the chiming synth calls out with a victorious melody, charming me with its nobility and power. A twisting, nasal synth glides while the drums burst.

The gleaming, metallic notes reverberate with triumph and a hint of melancholy while the huge bass throbs. A bending, lustrous synth twirls while the drums accelerate and the track explodes into motion as a slap bass adds a funky element and the arpeggiating synth spins. The main melody calls out with indomitable dynamism before the track ends.

Conclusion

Miami Vampire carries me along with its shadowy, beautiful story—through the danger and the hope and past neon-lit signs in Miami’s darkness. The killer combination of superbly talented guest artists and producers with Atlas Neon’s own creativity and skill makes for a very engaging listening experience.

Jessie Frye - Otherworld

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jessie Frye’s Otherworld weaves a mystical, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful musical tapestry as it unfolds. The album combines her captivating voice and emotionally powerful, image-rich songs—written by her and her creative collaborator Matt Aslanian—with production that is melodic and beautifully textured. I am transported by the depth and touching feelings which the album transmits throughout.

At the heart of Otherworld are Jessie Frye's superb vocal performances. Her voice is light but carries intensely felt expression as it captures the engaging, affecting lyrics which fill the songs. A delicate ache permeates her voice in a way that is hard to resist, yet she can project power as well. As a whole, she gives life and energy to the music which fills the album. I find myself drawn in by the emotive strength her voice exudes.

Another crucial element of Otherworld is the songwriting’s lyrical strength. I enjoy the piercing emotional insight, moments of exultant joy and heart-rending sorrow that fill the songs on this album. The way that Jessie Frye and Matt Aslanian have woven together the many threads of feeling is both touching and powerful. This album contains some of my favorite songwriting of the year thus far.

I also want to comment on the musical backing which Jessie Frye and Matt Aslanian create on Otherworld. It is richly textured and melodic, expressing all of the sensations within the songwriting and vocal performance. The synths are well chosen and combine to draw nuanced and beautiful imagery. The tasteful use of guitar adds another sonic layer and the propulsive low end shapes the music into a cohesive flow.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Otherworld" comes into being as crushing bass rumbles and serene chimes ripple. The bass becomes an insistent pulse as the bell-like synth rings out with a tender and heartfelt melody. It floats past with diamond light and Jessie Frye’s voice rises with lush expression and delicate feeling, carrying the hopeful melody above the computerized arpeggios that swirl with tranquility.

Jessie Frye’s voice reaches with dreaming emotion and encouragement, carrying me with it as my soul rises. Creaking, undulating bass glides and now the hopeful joy flows from Jessie Frye’s voice, wrapping around my ears and putting a smile on my face. The arpeggio is celebratory and explodes with lively motion as the drums and bass dance. The sincerity and strength of the vocals deepens the meaning in the lyrics.

Digital notes reach upward and the electric guitar intermingles with Jessie Frye’s voice, adding uplifting and positive feelings. The guitar and broadly gleaming synth call out in a melody that emphasizes excitement and anticipation. Warmth pours out of the vocals and they rise toward the heavens.

The track glides as the flashing synth twirls and the kick drum pounds again. Clapping percussion moves as the vocals flow in the distance and again the chorus rises—Jessie Frye embodying passion and happiness. The guitar and synth surge once more, exploding with luminous strength before the song comes to an end.

The narrator says that it isn't the end and adds, "There is so much waiting in the wild for you and me," as she asks the song's subject to take her hand so she can help them "turn fear into a light that you can trust." She adds that every mountain they climbed, they climbed even when they couldn't see and each time they fell down, "we just dusted off our knees." Now she points out that their love is otherworldly.

Our storyteller points out that when they were kids, "We saw giants over the horizon," and reached for the stars. She asks the song's subject to follow their heart because, "Which way is wrong and which way is right—you'll know in time." She goes on to say that the dreams they built were earned with "blood and bone" and that each shadow they faced "is now worth its weight in gold." As she concludes, she says, "In time you'll learn to trust the light that keeps the flame alive.

A steadily pulsing bass throb moves along with gossamer synth, carrying a gentle melody to open "Haven in the Woods." The elegantly floating chimes move along with the colossal bassline and Jessie Frye’s voice calls out with a melody that feels timeless and tender. The melody is silken and exudes affection, while broadly rippling synth adds surrounding feelings.

The guitar calls out with a melody that is dreamy and full of deep love as the drums burst, while Jessie Frye’s smoothly impassioned voice carries the hopeful melody. Rounded, xylophone-like notes glide as the vocals carry a feeling that touches my heart. Now a vaulting synth flickers as the drums rebound and the guitar links with Jessie Frye’s strong and affecting voice.

Hope rises in Jessie Frye’s voice as twinkling notes shimmer and the drums cruise on. The vocals unfold with desire as the guitar tangles with a lambent glow before the song ends.

Our storyteller writes to the song's subject in "ink darker than my dreams" as they speak to her in "riddles of the heart," for which there is no need. She can't believe that she's waking up next to the song's subject, a "naked angel in my bed, it's just like Wilde said." She goes on to say that if love scares the other person, she'll be "the haven in the woods… the eye of the storm with steadfastness and loyalty."

The narrator says that on New Year's Day, the song's subject should throw away their tarot cards and choose their fate. She adds, "Your fingertips play with the fabric of my dress, lost in a daze." She wonders if she's worthy of love and when she'll have her day in the sun. She adds that if the other person is scared by love, she'll keep them calm, "evergreen and strong."

Now our storyteller concludes that she can feel the winds change but can't remember his name. She adds, "You came out of the blue, I'm lost in the deep red with you." As the song concludes, she tells the song's subject that once again she'll be their haven in the woods and a "siren in the sea" who will sing them to safety.

“Devotion” commences as ominous bass reverberates and twinkling notes slip past. A wide-sounding, string-like synth carries a ghostly melody that echoes over the heavy low end. A melodic pattern emerges, soothing and emotive, matched by Jessie Frye’s expressive, gentle vocals. The bass creates a luscious underpinning as the rounded, glimmering synth flows past.

Jessie Frye’s vocals are full of yearning and hope as the pounding low end drives the track forward. Joyous energy permeates her voice, flowing out with uplifting life. A gently flitting synth moves alongside her heartfelt performance, adding a feeling of passionate love that pulls the listener in.

The chorus shines again as Jessie Frye expresses the depth of affection in the lyrics while the guitar unwinds with dynamic, twisting energy. Jessie fills the music with emotion while the haunting synth wanders with a misty feeling before the song comes to an end.

The narrator pleads with the song’s subject not to turn away from “this paradise that waits for you on the other side of this pain.” She says the seas both separate and bring them together, adding, “The time is now—our love is right.”

Our storyteller asks if she can stay in the subject’s kingdom, “where poetry and summer last all season.” She reminds them they know it’s where they’re supposed to be, adding, “I give you my devotion.”

The narrator says she could drink the subject’s wine and remain always in their favor. She will “worship you divine” and offer her heart. She offers a golden ring and “the purest throne.”

She describes herself as a “butterfly with its wings ready to spread for you,” expressing her unconditional love. She adds, “We make love in the meadow, I see you as you are.” She asks the subject to meet her at the break of dawn, saying, “I can love you more than she can.”

As the song concludes, the narrator asks the subject to meet her at the full moon’s rise, adding, “My love knows the way to paradise.”

A slowly expanding, warming synth moves below Jessie Frye's emotively powerful vocals to begin “Starstruck”. Urgent bass surges forward as Jessie captures the perplexing desire in the lyrics. Clapping percussion echoes while the massive bass underpins the drifting melody, carried on embracing vocals.

A computerized synth with a gliding sheen spins past as reverent drums pound, intermingling with the bass. The vocals climb with complex emotion while the bouncing low end rebounds and a ticking hi-hat guides the rhythm. Frustration and need intertwine in Jessie Frye’s voice as the glowing background rises.

The dense bass adds weight while rapidly rambling digital notes tumble past. The chorus is dynamic, reflecting the song’s complex emotions. Quickly pounding bass drives Jessie Frye’s rapidly chanted vocals. Tranquil arpeggios twirl as her voice floats distantly, growing in strength, as digitized notes swirl and the unending low-end pulse takes the song to its conclusion.

The narrator recalls falling in love with the song’s subject’s chaos, saying, “I followed you through the midnight maze, Beethoven’s 5th on the radio.” She makes love to him as snow falls outside and asks, “How the hell did you come into my life?” She adds, “It’s like candlelight in the nightclub with you, red wine and a skyscraper with a view.”

Our storyteller confesses the song’s subject has her “starstruck” as she breathes him in. She adds that not even twilight can save her now. No crystal ball could have warned her about “the treacherous plot that lay ahead.” She doesn’t want his luxury and wonders why he can’t reveal his true self. It’s like “paradise trapped inside a dream.”

“It’s like opulence, the glare of a silver sunset,” and crimson lips “haunted by the power of a kiss.” She says the subject believes love is “springtime in Paris, endless Christmas presents,” and driving a convertible with the top down in Hawaii. However, he’s “a man of charming illusion,” unable to afford the truth when “L.A. will just wear you out.”

The simple reality for our storyteller is: “All the diamonds and the pearls could not fool this southern girl.”

"Myth" starts with a meditative, floating synth that undulates with easy motion. It grows in volume and Jessie Frye's breathy voice carries a melody shot through with painful emotion and memory. The drums click and pound as the scintillating synth flares with light, while Jessie Frye captures desire mingled with frustration in her expressive voice.

Piano-like chords tremble and the driving low end moves with the fully shining synth while the vocals drift with feeling. Delicate notes intertwine while Jessie Frye's strong voice rises with moving sensations. The synth smoothly sings with surrounding brilliance while the vocals take on an element of defiance as the low end guides the music.

Now the track slides into a segment in which a piano gives depth to the smoothly slipping chords, as Jessie Frye performs with a directness and engagement that draws me in. The shimmering synth weaves a web of shiny elegance before the song ends on gigantic piano chords and heavy bass.

The storyteller says that the night she met the song’s subject, she thought they were upset. She was “with a lover who was wrong for me,” but the other person didn’t realize it yet. She reflects that “all the boys think that I’m a mystery, try to love me with their bodies,” but they don’t understand her like the song’s subject does. She also observes that it isn’t a myth that love exists—“it’s hell that feels like heaven.”

The narrator has been enchanted by the song’s subject but wonders what that person really knows about her. She can’t resist “a beautiful narcissist,” but when the person says they should focus on friendship, she feels that “that phrase is starting to feel abusive.” She refuses to take part in “the sword fight in slow motion” and feels that this is the perfect moment for a final goodbye. She knows the subject’s lies will “sell you out like a slow drip poison,” so this is the right time to stop fighting.

Our storyteller says this is the other person’s curtain call, because she knows they don’t love her. She adds, “If I drink of you, I will be forever addicted,” so she leaves with the other person’s “castle crumbling,” knowing she was once “a willing jester to a makeshift king.”

"True Love's Kiss" opens with a resonating, gliding synth that moves with a strongly bursting drum and bass pulse. Bell-like synth tones shine with uplifting and hopeful emotion, while the lead singer encapsulates the affection and joy exuded by the lyrics.

A feeling of celebration and gratitude fills the song as the glittering synth dances and Jessie Frye’s voice rises, pure love pouring from it and touching my heart. I enjoy the way luminosity washes through the music as the vocals contribute caring emotion. Lusciously glistening synth shines while the guitar twangs with aspiring sensations and the arpeggios wrap around the listener.

As the drums drop away, thrilling synth twirls and Jessie Frye calls out with gentle emotion. The drums throb again as the vocals exude fulfillment, pulsing with the rhythm. The piano skips through the music with an easygoing feeling as the vocals carry the jubilant melody until the song comes to an end on strong bass and drums.

The narrator is in disbelief that “true love’s kiss has finally come to me—it was always the thorn and never the rose.” All she can think in those moments is what would have happened if she’d given up. She adds, “You’ll always be in my life, you kill the poison with a gentle sword.” She asks the song’s subject to hold her because “your love is holy, in the dark of winter you make me glitter.”

Our storyteller says that “once upon a time” has nothing on them and “every page that I write is lit up by the sun,” as she sees the song’s subject with eyes full of wonder and the lessons she’s learned. The other person shows her “beautiful colors, battle scars I’ve earned.”

Now the narrator points out that she’d travel to the ends of the earth to save the song’s subject from pain—“fight monsters and conquer kings to show you your worth.” She speaks of legends told about “how our threads of gold survive the cruel hands of time.”

The other person will always be in her life because they “kill the darkness with a gentle light.” She wants them to hold her because “your love is holy—in the days of summer, we live forever.”

As the song concludes, the storyteller says she’ll keep the other person “safe and sound, right where you belong,” and she’ll keep their crown “right where it should be.”

Water drips and threatening bass shifts to start "Hidden Realm." Ethereal notes tremble and Jessie Frye’s slightly distorted and impassioned vocals rise over the urgently heaving bass and sweeping notes. Widely cascading, computerized-sounding synth vibrates and echoes while the full-throated vocals express the hopeful, joyful nature of the lyrics.

The chorus climbs with uplifting dynamism while the drums and bass throb. Jessie Frye’s voice carries the vaulting and positive melody, as it takes hold of my soul. Deeply thudding bass moves with a tremulous synth before the chorus adds encouragement. The quickly undulating drums and bass are touched by Jessie Frye’s voice as she soulfully carries the lyrics.

Smoothly intermingling synth moves with lissome feelings while the bass rumbles. Radiant synth flares as the chorus rises to the skies, permeated with inspiring feelings before the song comes to an end.

Our storyteller has let the song's subject into her "hidden realm," which has been long forgotten. The other person picks "the petals off the ground and brings this rose back to life." She says that the two of them move at an ideal speed. The song's subject is "an angel inside of me, falling with the autumn leaves."

The narrator says that she opens up "when the rush comes" as she asks the song's subject to heal her with their love. She used to "stay up late talking to the moon, wishing for you." She asks the other person if they think it's strange that "after all the rain I finally found you."

Every fairy tale that our storyteller has ever read "warns of illusion," as she adds that Prince Charming had abandoned her. The song's subject came into her life instead and she prays for "a winter's day, my heart filled with innocence" and a lover who isn't too scared to stay.

Now the narrator evokes a "shattered sky frozen in time" as she asks if the pain will disappear now that the song's subject is hers. She concludes that the "castle walls stand ten feet tall (and the) only thing that could burn it down is your sacred fire."

"Moonlight and Leather" starts with a racing beat and shadowed synth swirling with Jessie Frye’s painfully aching vocals. The pounding low end creates hardcore energy while the need for escape fills Jessie Frye’s voice. Fiercely tangling, brilliantly shining guitar calls out as the drums and bass throb while Jessie Frye’s forceful vocals carry the explosive chorus.

Now the chanted vocals move as the ominous notes swirl and the relentless bass pounds. The minor key, aching vocals pierce my heart with the sincerity of Jessie Frye’s emotion. The hard-charging low end supports the chorus that rings with profound expression while the intertwining guitar emanates more hopeful light and contrast.

Smoothly undulating bass moves as warmer chords glow and now the ferocious guitar slices with unrestrained energy, crying out as it flies through the music before the song ends on Jessie Frye’s vocals.

The narrator wasn't ever happy "dancing in his arms in a last chance, small town, falling star dive bar" while she was looking for some sort of blueprint or perhaps "just a work of art." Now she talks about her high heels clicking on the pavement as "I've got my red lipstick on, my leather shines in the moonlight."

Our storyteller describes herself as "a bride of the night on the run, chasing heaven straight into the dawn." She's not going to look back and she's gone because she's "willing to pay the price for a moment that's finally mine." She wonders whether the song's subject can heal her wounds with their wings and asks, "Will you listen if I pray to you? Moonlight and leather."

There are "scars that tell a story" marking the narrator as she searches for the ghost of "the one I love the most." She asks, "What will you be left with when the fame is gone?" and adds that "I won't be crucified on a neon sign."

Our storyteller is watching the stars fall one at a time, concluding, "You don't recognize yourself, the alcohol and small town boys fade into a glittering hell."

The drums bounce as the dancing synth skips past to begin “Castles in the Sky.” The lyrics are full of loss despite the dynamic and positive-feeling tune and the energetic low end. Gentleness mingles with the loss in Jessie Frye’s vocals. The bright synth flits with a joyous contrast to the pain. Truly massive bass rumbles with crushing strength as Jessie Frye’s voice captures the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics. There is a soothing affection in the vocals that seeks the past she and the song’s subject used to share.

Nostalgia pours out from Jessie Frye’s voice as the steadily driving low end presses on and the vaulting synth radiates glorious light, while defiance and loss permeate the vocals. The trumpeting notes add lustrous luminosity while Jessie Frye’s strong voice soars upward. Now the sharp-edged, undulating synth moves with the pounding kick drop while the softly touching vocals slip past. I am pulled in by the power and engagement of the performance as the rapidly rippling synth bends and cries while Jessie Frye’s vocals echo. The song drives to an end with power as the chorus cries out and fades to silence.

The narrator says that their last kiss at the airport has her feeling "every shade of blue." She isn't angry, but she is sad for the song's subject because he "walked away from good love." She asks if he remembers laying on the beach, adding that she trusted him and he meant everything to her. She thought that "we were living the dream." She gave him all of her tears and wasted an entire year.

Now the storyteller says she is "watching castles in the sky fade to gray" as she realizes that last summer changed everything. The magic in the song's subject's eyes was "a masquerade," and at that moment, all of the pain came home to her.

She tried to love the other person through all of his problems, which she says he knows deep down. The narrator adds that "when we met, you were warm and bright as sunshine," pointing out that sometimes it's just the way things go.

Our storyteller says that if she could change one thing, she'd stand up for herself. She says that the other person "really should take all the blame," adding that none of what she has to say is easy. She's made peace with the little things as she takes off the song subject’s ring.

As the song ends, the narrator says, "The truth, it hurts most times. Your true colors stain every memory that I leave behind."

Conclusion

Otherworld is one of those albums that takes a solid hold of my heartstrings and yanks on them. It delivers a punch of emotional power along with skillfully written lyrics and melodies which reach out and caress me—or capture pain and loss with aching expression. The more I listen to this album, the further I am drawn into the world created by Jessie Frye.