Andrew LeSynt - The Midnight Club

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Andrew LeSynt’s The Midnight Club is an homage to the great synthesists of the 1980s. The combination of classic synths, well-composed melodies, and complex sonic layering, along with skillful guitar performances by the artist, results in an album that is musically rich and full of superb musicianship and composition. The artist engages me strongly as I listen and takes me on a journey.

My ears are constantly delighted as I listen to The Midnight Club and hear all of the classic synth sounds that Andrew LeSynt uses. He evokes all of the nostalgia and synth innovation that took place during the ‘80s while still using modern production to give the music as fresh a sound as possible. I find the combination charming and totally enjoyable.

I am also drawn to the way in which all of the different sonic tones, timbres, and textures are interwoven on The Midnight Club. Andrew LeSynt confidently mingles different synthesizer sounds to create layered music that always catches my ear with an intriguing sound or feeling. When combined with his absolute mastery of the electric guitar, the end result is enormously pleasing and satisfying.

The melodies that Andrew LeSynt has written for The Midnight Club are another standout feature. His compositions are emotive, heartfelt, and expressive as they move through the music. He has the gift of creating melodies that are memorable and draw one's attention immediately. As the album unfolds, I find myself waiting for the next excellent melody to arrive.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Harald B” comes to life as a broadly shining, sharp-edged synth sweeps out in echoing lines. Now solid drums rebound as the expanding synth floats and skittering noises twist. The drums form a solid underpinning that drives the track forward as a dynamically leaping synth twirls through the music. It carries a melody brimming with furious speed as bright flashes dance in the background, flickering with radiance.

The tightly swirling melody dances downwards before the wide-sounding, gleaming synth jumps out in energizing lines while softer glow lights it. A flanging sound wanders through before the throbbing drums continue to press forward. Now trumpeting notes call out with an incandescent shine that compels me. A freewheeling synth descends, and again we return to the active pulse as razor-edged notes slash into the music and the drums bounce.

Bass undulates richly as brassy notes fly out above the pounding drums, and a crescendo climbs. The drums flourish, and a wobbling sound tumbles through before the main melody returns with rushing energy and an accordion-like sound moves past. The glowing notes rise as the drums and bass shift actively. The track ends with the explosive melody dancing out while the accordion-like notes add warmth. The drums flourish, and silence falls as the rain patters.

Hard-hitting, massive bass surges as a glistening synth carries a majestic melody while a lush choral voice adds resonant depth to start "Captain Past." Now the drums and bass rocket forward as the voices have human warmth to the synthesized sounds. The drums and bass drive on as the victorious melody soars above the low end.

I enjoy the adventurous nobility embodied by the melody as it unfolds, and the low end pushes forward, propelling the excitement. The vocal sounds trip through, adding strength to the thrilling melody. The operatic voices give the music added nobility as the melody unfolds, speaking of journeys across space and time. The drums swirl, and now a nasal-sounding, starry synth sings an uplifting melody.

The low end punches on, and the main melody flows with strength and grace. The bass rumbles and pulses as the operatic voices leap, and flashing notes skip through the music. The melody takes hold of me, lifting me up and carrying me above the darkness of the world, imbuing me with sensations of joy and triumph before the song ends.

“The Chase” begins as luminous chimes ring with metallic light, and a growling low end is interrupted by police sirens and radios. The drums rebound heavily as the chimes entangle, and now a propulsive low end launches the track as the resident synth carries an exciting melody, full of thrilling acceleration. The guitar calls out with bending power, cutting into the music with strength and speed as the synth pumps dynamic melodies and the chimes sparkle while the low end presses forward.

Andrew LeSynt’s guitar flies out with uplifting energy and a scintillating glow as the rushing drums and bass cascade downwards. The sound of the radios crackles, and the entire track exudes an action movie atmosphere. I enjoy the electric guitar’s dynamism and exuberant expression here. The drums continue to burst with unstoppable energy, and the full-sounding synth jumps through the music with inspiring life. Oscillating bass cuts sharply as the snare drum ticks.

Now the track moves into a segment in which wistfully floating chimes softly shine as the sound of sirens and the police chase continues with dark bass. The radio crackles again, and the drums and bass launch forward as a guitar intertwines in a slashing solo, conveying drama and danger. As the percussion continues to press on, the guitar arcs upwards, and the chimes ring before silence falls.

Aggressive snare drums burst into the track along with the dynamic bassline to commence "East End Boys." The oscillating bass is joined by tightly glistening, digital-sounding synth, and now the main melody is carried on a classic-sounding, brightly flashing synth, bursting with youthful energy as it leaps through the track.

The drums and bass surge forward as a shimmering, twisting synth jumps with boisterous liveliness. The main melody has a poppy hook that makes me want to smile as it bumps through the track, dancing out above the punchy drums and oscillating bass. A celebratory mood fills the music as the track flies forward. The softly glimmering synth twists through the music, and the main melody spins out stories of carefree days and thrilling nights.

Now the track drifts into a segment in which dogs bark fiercely while the chimes delicately shine and the kick drum thuds lightly. There's a soft flow and a wobbling sensation before the lead synth melody sings out with happy ease, creating sensations of fun as the track comes to a synth-poppy ending.

“The Street Fighter" opens with metallic ringing and rough bass rumbling ominously. A snare drum softly brushes, and now electric guitar climbs with majestic, victorious notes sliding out above the huge low-end pulse. The massive drums and undulating bass create a steady pulse as refulgent synth sparkles above them.

Andrew LeSynt’s guitar carries an anthemic melody, brimming over with triumph and strength as it climbs. Inspirational piano notes flash out as the dynamic low end bursts. The piano notes are likely touching and smooth as the guitar sings out with unbridled energy. I revel in the victory and uplift within the guitar melody as it unfolds. The piano deepens the emotional quality within the track as worshipful voices drift in the distance.

The drums and bass pulse as the choir sings softly. The piano chords move with strings that sweep through the music, and flickering synth dances out. The symphonic nature of the strings and piano combination deepens the track, while roughly buzzing notes move. The guitar flies again with hopeful energy above the low-end power.

Fat, funky bass pulses as a dazzling synth rises to kick off "Superfly Funk." lustrous notes swell, and now the propulsive drums and bass launch the track with intense velocity as shimmering notes illuminate the music. Brassy synth shines out in a melody that explodes with positivity and joyful life above the popping low end.

The groove is dense as it sits in the pocket and mingles with cascading, string-like synth that tumbles above the slicing sounds of pounding drums. Glimmering chords flow in the background as the driving trumpeting notes emerge. Shiny synth descends with rich light. I enjoy the uplifting and encouraging nature of this track as it unfolds. The low end is thick and full as it pumps on, and brassy notes jump with radiant life.

The track slows as an oscillating bassline moves in and the snare drums collide. A jazz organ solo wriggles through the music with a sense of fun and play while the drums pulse on. A sense of freedom pours from the track as it continues to evolve. Lambent guitar floats out with more encouragement while the energetic percussion slowly fades, and the guitar and jazz organ carry us to a conclusion.

"Elysomnia" comes into being with gigantic bass oscillating as tightly wound, shining notes rise with warming illumination. Now the drums form a smoothly gliding support as interlocking synth dances with sunny light above it. Andrew LeSynt’s guitar sails out with calmness and tenderness, carrying a melody that tells the story of a journey through a strange kingdom.

The bass continues to rumble as the guitar unfurls with smooth grace and synth frolics with brilliant luminosity, adding a positive note to the music. The guitar is a dreamy thread that moves through the music in a way that I find touching and ear-pleasing. Elevated notes sparkle with clear light as the bass and drums throb.

Chimes ring with metallic delicacy and rise with piano chords. There's a deep note that calls out before the drums come in again, and the dancing synth melody flips through the music as the guitar climbs above it with a tranquil feeling. The track ends with the uplifting synth spinning past as the guitar sings out.

Massive bass growls, and delicate notes flicker to start "Top Run." Percussion ticks softly, andAndrew LeSynt’s guitar rises with victorious strength, calling out above the quickly undulating bass with sunlit power. The drums and bass form a muscle pulse as fragile light glimmers from the elevated synth. The guitar echoes again with gentle hope, and a sense of triumph as the piano adds a warmer feeling.

The piano chords are uplifting and hopeful as the drums rebound smoothly. A windy sweep moves, and the guitar cries with passionate intensity and yearning as the piano adds a softer touch. The bass is gruff-edged and huge as the piano melody comes in with energetic and determined sounds, while a choir sings in the background.

I enjoy the way the music gives me a lift and makes me feel joyful. Strings gently intertwine as the piano chords add support, and the strings exude resonance. Buzzing sounds flicker and the cymbals sweep as the guitar rises again, climbing skyward with a sense of freedom and possibility before the track comes to an end.

Conclusion

The Midnight Club brims with Andrew LeSynt’s enthusiasm for synth music, along with his melodic composition and the ability to paint auditory imagery. The end result is insanely listenable and easily worth repeat replays.