Chatterless - This Fun Might Kill Us

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Chatterless’ This Fun Might Kill Us has a tenuous, yearning quality that lends it a sense of vulnerability. There’s a gentle glow permeating the music, leavened by energetic moments, while synths lushly intertwine and the low end shapes the other auditory elements. I feel both calmed and melancholy listening to this album.

Nostalgic, mournful emotion is a hallmark of Chatterless’ sound on This Fun Might Kill Us. There’s peace in the music, but it is soft-edged and tinged with an aching feeling. There are bright moments to leaven the more melancholic emotions, but the pangs remain part of the music.

All of the synths on This Fun Might Kill Us are well-curated to mingle and contrast with one another. The gentler, more enfolding sonic elements are balanced with rougher or more hopeful sounds to form a cohesive sound. I enjoy the multiplicity of emotions and sensations that the different synths produce.

I’ll also add that I’m drawn to the way in which Chatterless can evoke feelings with instrumental synth music. Just because the music isn't produced by acoustic instruments doesn’t mean that it can’t still create emotion. I feel that Chatterless shows a good deal of skill in using synth sounds to produce expressive music.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Today Is Tomorrow” comes to life as the sound of a door being shut is joined by glittering synth flashing to life. Rounded, nasal-sounding synth drifting as fat, dense bass bounces in a dynamic pattern. The snare drum forms an active beat as it intertwines with the bass. High, flickering synth carries a roaming melodic line over the hard-hitting drums.

Full-sounding synth interacts with a glowing higher synth sound in a drifting line that lends it a pleasingly desolate sensation. Underneath it, thick bass throbs and strong drums provide a guiding beat. Glimmering, elevated synth wriggles and twines through the track before soothing synth flows into quiet.

Powerful bass pulses in an uneven line underneath ticking drums to commence “Balcony Views.” A soft focus synth trickles in easily moving cascades as a guitar-like synth flows. now full, rich synth moves in a gently pulsating and caressing pattern.

Shining, guitar-like synth sings out in a wonderfully calming melody. Warm synth glides as thick bass bounces below it. Smooth-sounding synth moves in undulating ripples while a higher, more diffuse synth carries the tranquil melody and the taut, flickering higher synth fades out.

“This  Fun Might Kill Us” starts as gleaming, faintly rough synth slips and ticking drums pulse. Broad, string-like synth trembles as it carries a melody full of dreamy emotion above a massively throbbing drum and bass heartbeat. Smoother, medium-low synth with a resonant quality takes up the hopeful melody. Arpeggios slowly revolve and the drums and bass effectively anchor the music as they throb.

Glistening arpeggios whirl until the track flows into a segment in which peace-filled, tender synth drifts. Drums tick again as elevated, softly touching notes sound and cascading arpeggios twirl below the feathery melody as the drumbeat guides the track before silence falls as sparkling chimes fade.

Softened synth flows along with elevated sparkles to start “Immortal Surfer.”  Slowly pulsing, solid bass is joined by unevenly throbbing snare drum and a lightly touching hi hat.  Luscious golden-toned synth slides through the music, radiating a sense of compassion that draws me in.

Drums drop out as a medium-high, hollow synth carries a tenuous melodic line below sparkling arpeggios. Rebounding drums and rich bass form a shaping pulse below the airily flickering melody. There’s a breathy ease that mingles hope and something aching in the melody before the track ends.

“Room Service” opens with muffled sounds that flow as glimmering synth sings out a positive melody as drums sharply scrape and tick, effectively supporting the melody’s hopeful emotions.

Now the full drum kit hits to propel the music forward as breathy chimes drift ethereally above the melody as it shines with encouraging light. Rich bass bubbles up to support the other musical elements while drums shape the music. Far above, airy panpipes breathe with pacific light in contrast to the more energetic melody.

A wave washes through and the drums fade briefly before tapping back into action. The main melody sings as the panpipes exhale calmly and the drumbeat ticks along while a wave washes again and silence falls.

Evenly rippling arpeggios spin out in a steadily moving wave to bring “Sunset Flow” into being. Sparkling synth adds a glinting light and the drums move in, propelling the track with lively motion. Nasal-sounding, ringing synth flashes out in twinkling light. I enjoy the way in which the main melody is delicate, but imbued with yearning.

The throbbing drumbeat and lush bass move the track forward as they pulsate far below. There’s a thoughtfulness in the main melody as continually swirling arpeggios add depth while the drums press on and the bass uplifts the track. Medium-high, glistening synth sings out tenderly as the beat and bass drive on to a conclusion.

Conclusion

This Fun Might Kill Us is synth music with expression and feeling at its heart. Chatterless has skilfully woven together synth sounds to make the listener feel intense emotion. I enjoy being transported on this delicate, melancholy journey upon which I am taken by the music.