20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 2
by Karl Magi
Splash '96 – Summers in Anniston
When the tranquil sounds of Summers in Anniston first spilled out around me, I was instantly at home with it. Splash ‘96 has a very individual approach to making synth-based music and the way in which nostalgia and relaxation mix on this album pulls me into it.
Splash '96 creates a chilled-out, nostalgic journey through jazzy, synth-laden landscapes. The album evokes a dreamy summer vibe with its hazy melodies, funky basslines and smooth jazz influences, immersing listeners in a sunlit, poolside daydream.
The synths flow effortlessly, painting vivid auditory images of shimmering light and turquoise waters. Splash '96 draws from retrowave, jazz fusion, and electro-funk to craft an easygoing yet emotionally resonant sound that exudes cool, summery charm.
LAU – Circumstance (Take Two)
LAU immediately reached out and took hold of me with Circumstance (Take Two). The way in which it combines her spine tingling vocal abilities, intensely passionate songwriting and a charming retrowave sensibility results in music that I find hard to resist. I could listen to this album every day with no problem.
Circumstance (Take Two) explores the emotional challenges of long-distance love through heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals and varied synth textures. LAU collaborates with talented guests to add depth and diversity to the songs.
The album’s emotionally charged performances create a deeply moving and memorable experience. The interplay of dynamic synth arrangements and vibrant percussion creates a deeply immersive soundscape. The music explores a wide tonal range, from bright airiness to deep resonance.
L’Avenue – Riviera
Before I’d even started writing reviews, I'd interviewed L’Avenue and liked his attitude as a creator. Once I heard his music, especially once Riviera came along, I was hooked. This album took hold of me with its absolutely blissed out feeling and retro vibes. I've continued to enjoy the musical journeys upon which this artist takes me.
Riviera is a tranquil and evocative escape, conjuring imagery of serene beaches and sunlit waters. The album’s pastel-hued synth tones create a soothing, dreamlike atmosphere that invites relaxation.
Eliza Devane and George Holliday’s expressive vocals, combined with a resonant saxophone, add depth and emotion to the music. Riviera offers a peaceful journey through its azure soundscapes, delivering a soothing respite from life’s stresses.
Sunesis – Orbital
The deep emotion and tragic atmosphere of this album attracted me the first time I heard it. Sunesis has a knack for capturing the empty loneliness of space and imbuing it with humanity and beautifully crafted melodies. I can't resist the way in which the artist explores the nuances and feelings which she lays out as Orbital unfolds.
Orbital tells the melancholic story of a lonely space traveler through ethereal vocals, evocative songwriting, and atmospheric synths. Sunesis crafts a floating, cosmic soundscape, combining wistful melodies with mournful emotion and darker undertones.
The album’s story-driven structure and immersive quality keep me returning for more. Synth layers create a diaphanous quality that enhances the narrative of a solitary space journey. Pulsing drums and dark undertones ground the ethereal melodies in emotional weight while propelling the music forward.
Peter Gagliardi – Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black
I was immediately seized by the cinematic scale and galactic majesty of Peter Gagliardi's music on this album. I close my eyes as I listen and it always transports me to new realms. I hope that I'll get a chance to hear some of his music again soon because it's always compelling to me.
Peter Gagliardi weaves a cosmic tale of fear, pain and hope through intricate synthscapes and expressive melodies. Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black’s orchestral approach blends tonal colours and textures into a cohesive and immersive sonic journey.
Peter Gagliardi’s melodies resonate deeply, driving the storytelling with heartfelt expression. The album’s cinematic quality transports listeners across galaxies, making it a compelling exploration of emotions and imagery.
The Lightning Kids – All Of Those Nights
It was Emma Ballantine’s voice which first pulled me into this All Of Those Nights. Her ability to express herself and carry the meaning within the lyrics has always been enjoyable for me. When combined with the thoughtfully written lyrics, her vocals deliver a deeply touching emotional punch. I find it easy to listen to this album over and over again.
All Of Those Nights is a nostalgic synthpop album blending emotion, storytelling, and layered instrumentation. Emma Ballantine’s passionate vocals and Darren McHardie’s guitar work enrich the music. The synth arrangements add texture and nuance, making the album a heartfelt and multi-faceted listening experience.
Synth layers blend crystalline arpeggios with warm pads, creating a soundscape that balances hope, passion and melancholy. The rhythm section anchors the introspective melodies in vibrant, dynamic arrangements.
Elevate The Sky – Dreaming in Color
This album always galvanizes me because I think it captures Elevate The Sky’s mixture of strong vocal performance, earnest emotion and a positive attitude. I find his music lifts me and encourages me each time I hear it. The way in which he captures emotion is engaging and I'm constantly listening out for his optimism.
Dreaming in Color is a vibrant blend of emotive vocals, captivating melodies, and lush synth arrangements. Elevate The Sky’s vocal power and heartfelt performances infuse the album with depth, supported by well-crafted lyrics and electrifying guitar work.
The album features a diverse palette of synth textures and standout contributions, including Ilia Skibinsky’s seductive saxophone and Michael Oakley’s guest vocals. Dreaming in Color is a spellbinding fusion of retrosynth elements and raw emotional expression.
Taeha – City Lights
I'm a sucker for classic Japanese citypop music so Taeha immediately drew my attention. I enjoy the way in which she fuses a K-pop sensibility with the smooth and ultra cool sounds of citypop. Her voice has a breathy beauty to it and there's a sense of earnestness and heartfelt emotion in her performances which I find charming.
City Lights combines Taeha’s citypop style with engaging remixes by notable synth music artists. Taeha’s gentle, sincere vocal performances shine alongside fresh interpretations from remixers who infuse their original sounds into her songs.
The result is a lively and innovative blend of synthpop and creative reimaginings. Taeha’s delicate voice remains the emotional center even as the remixes highlight innovative synth tones and intricate rhythm. The result is refreshing, filled with texture and lively energy.
At 1980 - Forget To Remember
Forget To Remember first attracted me because it skilfully captures the essence of 1980s music while avoiding clichés. I also love its blend of heartfelt emotion, strong musicianship and superb vocal performances. Contributions from artists like Shadowrunner, Dana Jean Phoenix, Syst3m Glitch, and Camille Glémet further enhance the album.
Forget To Remember brims over with emotional depth, combining melancholy and warmth to create a touching listening experience. Each song is infused with genuine feeling and a commitment to exploring intense emotional states. The diverse vocal performances add layers of mood and meaning, with each singer bringing a unique perspective to the tracks.
The melodies are another standout feature, effectively conveying the album’s emotional core. The music’s ability to resonate deeply with listeners makes Forget To Remember a powerful and memorable album.
Infra Violet - Dream Tether
I first became intrigued by Dream Tether because of the way in which Toby Campen’s musical backing and Bethany Munroe’s triple threat of vocal ability, guitar chops and songwriting skill combine to create a touching and powerful end result.
Dream Tether is a deeply emotive album that blends introspective lyrics, powerful vocals and a complex musical texture. It balances energetic tracks with reflective explorations of human struggles and relationships. Toby Campen’s synth work complements the lyrical themes with evocative tones, while Bethany Munroe’s guitar adds intricacy.
Bethany Munroe’s distinctive voice is a standout feature, delivering both soaring and intimate performances that enhance the emotional depth of the lyrics. The thoughtfully crafted lyrics delve into the complexities of self-discovery, relationships and the human condition, painting vivid imagery that captivates the listener.
