5 Year Honourable Mentions - Part Two

by Karl Magi

Here’s the second part of my honourable mentions for you all!

2022

Hypervinylator - Human Wreck

I highly appreciate the way in which Hypervinylator (Simo Sainio) blends emotional songwriting, expressive melodies and a stellar lineup of guest vocalists on Human Wreck. I am attracted to the way that the album explores the complexities of love, loss and human existence with heartfelt sincerity and a retro touch.

I enjoy the way in which the album's guest vocalists each bring individuality and emotional depth that enhances the album’s earnest tone. Their expressive voices, paired with Simo Sainio’s emotive lyrics, create a moving experience that resonates with me.

Simo Sainio’s songwriting skillfully weaves image-rich stories that capture feelings including nostalgia, disappointment and beauty. His ability to pour raw emotion into his words gives Human Wreck a powerful and personal edge.

The artist’s melodic writing fills the album with beauty, amplified by an excellent synth palette that draws inspiration from the ‘80s. All of these elements create a superb listening experience.

Novablood - Pretty Disco Lights

Pretty Disco Lights explores a spectrum of human emotions—life, loss, and passion—through a layered soundscape that I find ear pleasing. Novablood combines heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals and interesting musical textures here.

Dave Beattie’s strong vocal performance is central to the album’s impact. His voice is both expressive and versatile, moving between tender vulnerability and commanding power. This flexibility allows him to match the emotional peaks and valleys of each songIn a way which creates a powerful connection for me.

The lyrics on Pretty Disco Lights are another highlight, offering clear and engaging storytelling that paints powerful imagery and explores complex, intertwined emotions.

I am also enamoured of the way in which Pretty Disco Lights intermingles intriguing synth layers, dynamic textures and solid rhythms. The melodic writing is memorable while the driving bass and drums provide a compelling backbone. All the elements work together harmoniously, providing me with a moving and enjoyable listening experience.

RAN - Exopolis

I am pulled in by the powerful journey on which RAN’s Exopolis takes me into a dystopian city, blending impressive guitar mastery with intricately woven synths. Exopolis is bursting with energy, evocative imagery that expresses darkness, hope and a strange futuristic beauty.

RAN’s exceptional guitar work is another draw for me. He blends life and presence, as he balances raw shredding with musicality. The guitar feels alive, full of character and emotion, as it adds immense power to the album.

I enjoy the way in which RAN’s skillful use of synths creates a cinematic backdrop that complements the guitar. These textured layers conjure intensely emotional images—ranging from moments of beauty and sorrow to surges of high-energy drama.

The album’s cohesion ties it all together for me. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, forming a unified, immersive experience. Exopolis creates a sonic tapestry that holds my attention from start to finish.

Manhatten - Specific State

Manhatten’s Specific State carries me along on a layered and airy musical Voyage that combines flowing melodies, intricate synth textures and a strong rhythmic foundation. Manhatten creates a relaxing yet engaging soundscape that washes over me with a sense of ease and warmth.

I appreciate the way in which Manhatten uses a broad synth palette as he intricate interactions of tones, timbres and textures, much like an artist building a painting from delicate brushstrokes. This sonic depth keeps me immersed and fascinated.

Beneath the summery, gauzy atmosphere, bass and percussion play a vital role. The drums add weight and depth while undulating bass waves anchor the ethereal elements above.

Manhatten’s melodic writing Is something which I enjoy. He writes gem-like, soothing melodies that carry a hint of bittersweet emotion. These melodies weave through Specific State, creating an enchanting experience that touches my heart as it unfolds.

Blue Nagoon - Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons surrounds me in a mixture of first rate guitar work, expressive vocals and genre-spanning songwriting. By fusing layered synths with diverse musical influences, Blue Nagoon (Michael Maas) creates a sonic experience that feels like an adventure across uncharted waters.

I find the album's vocal strength undeniable. With nine talented guest vocalists, Here Be Dragons showcases a stunning variety of styles and flawless performances. Each singer brings their unique emotional depth and interpretation to Maas’ lyrics, adding Interest and nuance to the music.

I am equally compelled by Michael Maas’ guitar work, so full of life and expression. Traversing blues, jazz, metal and prog rock his stylistic choices are impeccable, particularly his solos. I also want to call out Elevate The Sky’s superb solo on “Withernsea.”

I appreciate the artist merging diverse influences with layered synth textures, As a result, Here Be Dragons is a dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable musical voyage.

2023

DASHCAM - Sundown On Volcano Beach

I am charmed by the way in which Sundown On Volcano Beach radiates neon nostalgia and sincere emotion through its interwoven retro-synth soundscapes. DASHCAM put together a plethora of talented collaborators To create an album that mixes ear-pleasing melodies, touching lyrics and synth layers. For me Sundown On Volcano Beach is a deeply resonant, replayable listening experience

The album captures an affecting mix of longing, love and nostalgia. I enjoy the way in which it harks back to a hazy, pastel-drenched past while remaining hopeful. I find that the album’s emotional depth both touches me and helps me to relate to the artists expression as it unfolds

DASHCAM’s musical guests elevate Sundown On Volcano Beach with their Individual contributions, adding novel textures and perspectives to the album. I am attracted to the way in which their performances infuse the songs with more depth and variety, enhancing the album’s emotional resonance.

The skill with which the artist uses his synth palette is another highlight for me. His carefully chosen tones and textures intertwine to create a complex, atmospheric backdrop. The result is a layered, image-rich album that beautifully balances ache and hope.

Coastal - Heartbeats

Heartbeats is an emotionally charged album that teaches out and grabs my soul. I am enamoured of the album's blend of expressive melodies, interlocking synth layers and Aaron Hetherington’s remarkable vocals with impactful songwriting. Heartbeats delivers music that strikes at my heart, melding into a compelling and undeniable listening experience.

I am attracted to the sonic palette that Coastal uses on this album. Varied synth textures provide tonal color and atmosphere, while the addition of the electric guitar and emotive saxophone enhances the music’s emotional weight.

I'm impressed by the melodic craftsmanship on Heartbeats as Coastal weaves complicated emotions into poignant and touching musical tapestries. The melodic richness creates a foundation for the songwriting, as it explores human vulnerability and emotional frailty with nuanced depth.

Heartbeats skillfully fuses exceptional songwriting and Aaron Hetherington’s wide-ranging, expressive voice.The albums emotional core holds me fast, drawing me into its beautifully crafted world.

Neon Vice 83 - Ocean Signals

I am drawn in by the way in which Ocean Signals carries me on an aquatic odyssey, blending soothing melodies, oceanic imagery and a powerful low end pulse into a serene experience. I am enchanted by its sensation of floating on tranquil waters, carried by its beautiful soundscapes.

Neon Vice 83 paints an azure marine atmosphere that I find engaging as shimmering synth textures conjure images of gentle waves, sunlight on the water and swirling currents. This sonic palette creates a meditative and calming listening experience.

I also enjoy the dreamy and melancholic melodies created by Neon Vice 83 as they unfurl like waves, pulling listeners deeper into a reflective state. The melodies intertwine with the surrounding textures, reinforcing the sense of drifting through an expansive, peaceful ocean.

Ocean Signals provides me with a soothing escape from life’s chaos. Its calming beauty transports listeners to a stress-free world of aquatic ease.

Valley Lights - Two Lane Highway

I am captivated by the way in which Valley Lights (Kai Mammoser) delivers a blend of powerful vocals, honest songwriting and dynamic synths on Two Lane Highway. The album takes me on an emotional journey through love, loss and passion.

Kai Mammoser’s vocal performance is one of the strongest parts of the album, He brings clarity, power and emotional range to his performances. The way in which he shifts from tender intimacy to soaring intensity conveys raw emotion well.

The songwriting on Two Lane Highway also pulls me towards the album. Kai Mammoser’s writing balances direct emotional expression with poetic beauty. Each song feels genuine and I connect deeply to them.

I enjoy the intricate melodies, layered synths and driving percussion that Kai Mammoser uses here. The synths create emotional depth while Hugo Lee’s skillful saxophone contributions add another instrumental layer. The high production quality ties everything together and I find Two Lane Highway a moving listening experience.

Airport366 - Broken Nights

Airport366’s Broken Nights is an lyrical exploration of love, loss and complex feelings, set against a vibrant retro synth backdrop. I enjoy the way in which Matteo Bertini’s heartfelt vocals, moving songwriting and layered instrumentation come together into an emotive whole.

I love the way in which Matteo Bertini’s gruff, lived-in voice conveys tenderness, pain and passion, complementing the album's impactful emotions. I'm also impressed by his ability to transition seamlessly between vulnerability and power as he expresses himself.

The lyrics, penned by Fabian Alexis Díaz Acevedo and Matteo Bertini, are a major part of the album's success. They artfully capture a spectrum of emotions—nostalgia, melancholy, and hope—while delivering them with authenticity and impact.

The way in which Broken Nights combines layered synth textures, emotive saxophone lines and propulsive rhythms is a major drawing card for me. Together these elements create an engaging sonic tapestry that underscores the album’s emotional depth.

2024

Shades of Thunder - Big Break

I appreciate the sonic journey on which Shades of Thunder’s Big Break takes me through nostalgic landscapes, blending fascinating synth sounds, intricate guitar work and melodic beauty. The album conjures up a sense of wonder and carefree youth in an earnest reflection on cherished memories.

One of my favourite features of Big Break is its use of synth tones. Shades of Thunder demonstrates meticulous care in selecting textures and timbres that complement each track, resulting in a cohesive and mesmerizing auditory experience. The interplay of these synth elements creates an exciting, ear catching soundscape which I enjoy.

I find the guitar work equally impressive, as it’s both expressive and skillfully executed. The thoughtful pairing of guitar tones with the emotional tenor of each track enhances the album’s depth and resonance. Along with the beautifully composed melodies, Big Break delivers an intoxicating blend of nostalgia and emotive storytelling, making it a truly ear-pleasing journey.

Coleurs - Everything's Temporary

Everything's Temporary is an exploration of yearning and hope, set against a dreamy, luminous soundscape. I am attracted to the way in which the album mingles tender vocals, touching lyrics and an atmospheric backdrop of intriguing synths, powerful percussion and resonant bass, expressing intensely felt emotions as it unfolds.

One of the main reasons I enjoy the album is Coleurs’ delicate yet expressive voice, which captures heartbreak and wistful longing with ethereal clarity. His vocal delivery imbues the lyrics with profound emotional depth, drawing me into the album’s fragile beauty. The songwriting further amplifies this effect, offering engaging insights into pain and yearning, balanced by hopeful moments.

The album’s atmosphere is pleasingly enriched by carefully chosen synth tones and textures that deepen the emotions. Contributions from guest artists Joslynn Cortes, Parallels and Observer Drift bring their own unique sounds and complement Coleurs’ artistry. Everything's Temporary is a deeply moving sonic journey for me.

Sixmixsix - Videodrome

I am charmed by Videodrome’s nostalgic tribute to the iconic films of the 1980s, blending superb melodies, skilled guitar playing and expressive vocals into a cinematic musical experience. The collaboration between Fabs and Fludid results in a musical remembrance of beloved movies, turning each track into an entertaining storytelling journey.

The way in which Fludid’s versatile vocals convey the narrative essence of each film with depth and passion draws me in. Paired with Fabs’ songwriting, the album captures the heart of 1980s cinema while adding layers of personal interpretation. Vocal and melodic interplay draws me into the album’s sonically engaging world.

Fabs’ skill as a guitarist Is another reason for my enjoyment of this album with emotive solos and varied tones that evoke a wide range of feelings. His synth playing complements the melodies, creating moods that perfectly match each track's theme. Videodrome is a heartfelt, mesmerizing homage to a treasured cinematic era.

The Endearing - Internet Friends

I'm enamoured by Internet Friends and its deeply emotional exploration of humanity’s joys and sorrows. With a roster of talented guest performers, the album becomes an even more powerful and harmonic experience. I’m enthralled by the layered, melodic arrangements and the vocal performances that touch my heart with their emotional depth.

The synth layers on Internet Friends create a tapestry of tones and textures which attract me to the album. Enveloped in neon-lit synths and driven by propulsive percussion, each track offers a unique sound. The Endearing’s tender, affecting vocal style blends well with the distinctive contributions of the guest artists, resulting in music that combines individuality and unity.

The songwriting on Internet Friends is another crucial component for me, delving into life’s vulnerabilities and emotional tolls. Each song resonates with deep truths, speaking to the experiences that shape us. This thoughtful expression of feelings and moods enhances the album’s emotional impact.

Droid Bishop - Cinema

Droid Bishop’s Cinema captures the drama and excitement of the movies with a retro ‘80s flair. Through skillful guitar work, creative synth use and strong melodic writing, the album effectively conveys cinematic imagery and emotion, taking me on a pleasing musical journey.

The guitar work on Cinema is another major draw for me. Droid Bishop’s nimble playing and melodic sensibility create powerful moods and atmospheres that draw me into the music’s world. Each note feels purposeful, painting detailed scenes with deep resonance.

I also find the synth performances impressive, with carefully chosen tones and textures forming gem-like vignettes. Droid Bishop balances retro sounds with modern intrigue, creating soundscapes that evolve beautifully throughout the album.

His songwriting, particularly on Renegade, showcases his lyrical talent and ability to tell compelling stories. As Cinema unfolds, it stimulates my imagination, drawing clear, emotive imagery that carries me through a series of atmospheric worlds.

Geovarius - Sunset Dreams

I am pulled in by the way in which Sunset Dreams creates vibrant synth rock brimming with style, heart and energy. The interplay between richly layered synths, dynamic guitar playing and a robust low end creates a deeply engaging listening experience for me. Geovarius’ passion for music shines through in every track.

I enjoy the intricate layering of synth textures with carefully selected tones that interact beautifully to create sonic imagery. The different synth elements evoke a sense of adventure, immersing me in the album’s atmosphere.

Geovarius’ guitar playing adds a muscular and electrifying energy to the music. From thundering riffs to intricate interplay, I appreciate the way in which the guitar performances elevate the tracks with dynamic power and precision.

The strong, emotive melodies are another key strength for me as they weave thrilling narratives that inspire. Supported by driving rhythms and a dynamic low end, Sunset Dreams is an electrifying and heartfelt musical odyssey.