7DD9 - Computer Program Reality
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
7DD9’s Computer Program Reality layers synth sounds to create impressions of danger, hope and uncertainty. A pervasive shadow lurks in the album’s dark corners along with nervous tension and yearning. 7DD9 explores a dark techno-dystopia tinged with faint hope as the album unfolds.
Computer Program Reality’s synth palette contains many unique and ear-catching synth sounds. 7DD9 skilfully layers and combines them to create expression. Sometimes the sounds slice and scrape, only to be interrupted by radiant light. At other points, tension thrums from elevated notes and bass sounds thunder below. Each mood and impression forms from intricate synth interactions on the album.
Another important aspect to creating Computer Program Reality’s emotional impact is 7DD9’s melodic writing. The melodies that he writes clearly convey complex emotions. I enjoy the way in which his melodies deliver feelings that can be ambiguous or mixed. There’s a balance in each one that allows their multiple different sensations to exist alongside one another. The welter of conflicting emotions comes through in every melody.
I also want to comment on the darkness that fills the album. 7DD9 never lets his listeners forget about the danger that hides on the edges of this “computer program reality.” I am drawn in by the way in which he infuses every track with shadow and warning, even if its only in the distance. This threatening atmosphere deepens the other emotions in the music.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
“Computer Reality” opens as scraping, vibrating synth pulses out along with a steady bass wobble. Tension-filled synth carries a foreboding melody above massively throbbing drums as vast bass heaves.
The main melody creates pleasant terror as it mingles dread, nervous energy and melancholy. Dominating drums and bass deepen the music’s dangerous sensations. An atmosphere clotted with evil hidden in shadow permeates the track as drums and bass guide the music.
Now a vocal sample warns us of our computer programmed reality as spiralling synth increases the fear factor. Glowing synth carries a terrified main melody while deadly weight fills the low end. Delicate notes flit to contrast with the buffeting force below them before silence falls.
Steadily pulsing bass fills the track as rattling, hissing sounds buzz to start “Most Didn’t.” Elevated synth shimmers out above ticking percussion along with tender, rounded synth chords.Taut synth twangs in sharply to create an effective contrast with gliding sounds.
Flickering notes uncurl their tendrils, enfolding the listener as huge bass throbs and drums guide it. A lost feeling fills the higher notes while gigantic bass surges and taut arpeggios twirl. Shivering, notes tremble and silence falls along with crackling sound.
“Ancestor Simulation” begins as unsettling, distorted synth bends while growling bass and guiding drums move below. Haunted, ragged synth drifts with pained emotion in a way I find touching. Glimmering synth exudes a reverent ache above heavy drums and rumbling bass.
Raised, rounded notes shift above shining synth as it carries the hurting melody. After a drum flourish, medium-low synth trembles below the tragedy-tinged main melody that flickers out with deep emotion. The gruff weight below it surges and the drums now fade away.
Jagged bass leaps in short bursts as swirling synth spins around it with a cosmic character to start “Butterfly.” Angular guitar moves in active lines to effectively lift the track’s energy level. Chimes sparkle and ethereal sounds drift past above bass depth as a kick drum pounds and snare drum taps.
Gleaming, elevated notes flicker above the cutting guitar. After a distant voice speaks, darkly throbbing bass joins a thudding kick drum as the ghostly voice chants with an enigmatic quality. Softly brushing notes flicker as a wobbling surge moves below them.
Muscled bass heaves with portentous power while spectrally gliding notes slip in intertwining lines. Chimes flare and guttural guitar snarls while a roaming sound howls with a forlorn feeling. The ghostly voice chants while drums and bass pound with shadowy strength.
“Playtime’s Over” commences with a terrifying, guttural bass explosion that moves into tidal bass. A rapidly trembling arpeggio, full of tension, shivers above tremendous bass while a bell rings and drums tap. A sense of imminent threat flows from the bass as quickly cutting synth pulses.
Brassy synth carries a pleasingly forlorn melody above colliding drums and looming bass. Drums rattle and throb as agitated notes flit before radiant synth carries a pained, tragic melody. Slicing synth forms an actively pulsating line while giant drums roll and thump below and bass rises with dark intent. An agitated arpeggio shifts and the track ends on harsh sound.
Drums hit with crisp strength above sweeping, razor-edged synth to kick off “Holographic Universe.” Enfolding chords flow in the distance above terrifying shadows and heavy drums. Drums and bass form a metronomic pulse below twisting sonic exhalations.
Smoothly glimmering, sliding synth twirls past and slowly shaking notes move through the track. Raised synth cries out as dense bass pulsates and drums hit heavily. String-like, tentative synth twangs, carrying a soothing melody, in contrast to vast bass power and rebounding drums before the track ends.
“Flip Side” comest to life as sparkling bells add tranquility as drums and bass form a guiding pulse. A medium-high, caressing synth carries a hopeful melody, full of exaltation and motion. The main melody is encouraging above the anchoring low end while majestic chords swell up behind it.
I feel motivated and inspired by the main melody as it sails out. Flashing synth takes up the main melody and adds calming light to it above evenly throbbing drums and bass. Worshipful sound fills the background as chiming synth fades. Medium-high, soft-edged synth carries the dreaming melody before the track ends with a sense of peace as tender notes glisten.
Conclusion
Computer Program Reality takes synth building blocks and constructs intricate, emotive music with a lurking terror filling it. 7DD9 evokes all of the uncertainty, potential danger and possible hope for the future that our current technology presents within this album.
