Damokles - Wondrous Things
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
Damokles’ Wondrous Things is a showcase for the artist's ability to create fascinating and enjoyable synthscapes, along with his melodic abilities and blistering keytar solos. I've always appreciated his fresh approach to classic synths and his willingness to get playful and funky. Damokles has been making music since the '80s, and while he keeps that classic vibe, he continues to move forward with a sound that I respect.
One of the aspects of Wondrous Things that I particularly enjoy is the rich layers of synth sound that Damokles puts together. His inventiveness and joy in using various synth tones, timbres, and textures draw me into his music. The way in which the different layers interact continually pleases and teases my ears. I always enjoy seeing where Damokles takes the music.
Another strong and consistent element of Damokles’ music, which is also present on Wondrous Things, is his skill as a melodist. Damokles writes engaging, dynamic, and sometimes touching melodies that are full of heartfelt emotion. He captures a mood and a spirit in a melody and conveys it to the listener in a deeply satisfying way.
I always enjoy hearing Damokles’ keytar solos, and there are some scorching ones on Wondrous Things. I love the speed and skill with which he delivers the solos, along with the playful and energetic nature of his performance. It's always a great pleasure to listen to him let rip on his keytar. It never really gets old!
One further thing I want to note is Damokles’ ability to bring the funk when necessary. He has a great affinity for funky, groovy music that really makes me want to move. I enjoy the way his basslines sit down in the pocket while some great funky melodies unfold above them.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
"Wondrous Things" comes into being as a hollow synth with sharp edges slices, and majestic notes rise with ominous intent. Colossal bass bursts with explosive strength, echoing out into openness as it descends. Guitar-like notes tremble as flashing synth moves into the music, and flaring chords with minor key shadings drop down. The bass surges as the razor-edged, guitar-like synth cuts past, and brightly gleaming chords leap.
A nasal-sounding synth wriggles as the drums and bass explosively move the music forward. A nasal sound is now joined by a soaring, glimmering synth that carries a mysterious melody. I enjoy the enigmatic qualities that Damokles weaves into this melody. The percussion rebounds and the bass drives on as the melody moves past with sensations of adventure and mystery.
Trumpeting notes gleam, and the luminosity they create pours through the music. Bass echoes out with gigantic strength as the drums burst, adding even more dynamism. The main melody climbs again, crying out with an ancient sounding feeling as it glides past.
The track creates images of incredible discoveries and ancient secrets revealed. The minor key synth that flows out now has a ghostly feeling before the rounded, glistening main melody moves above the rich drumbeat and reaches a crescendo with the bass pounding hard and the surging synth slashing in before the track ends.
Punchy drums drive a solidly pulsating beat as clear sounds sweep to open "Dragonfly." The bass drives on with propulsive energy as a brassy synth carries a melody brimming over with victory and joy as the drums burst. Ringing notes call out in the background, and the main melody takes hold of me, making my heart soar as it unfolds.
Classic '80s tom hits jump in, and luminous, string-like synth sings a celebratory, encouraging melody. The bass pulsates with dynamic energy as the lead synth calls out again while xylophone-like notes float in the background. The main melody explodes with lively motion and positive sensations while the drums shape the music.
The toms call out again, and the driving low end dances above the glimmering synth as it flies through the track with unbridled contentment. The track presses on with unstoppable bass and percussion, which undulates as robotic vocal sounds move in the distance. The drums flourish once more, and the computerized voice moves through the track before it ends.
“Turn Around” starts with colossal, rapidly bursting bass that slashes with sharp edges. The drums begin to burst in a slowly pulsing motion, the hi-hat ticking, and now funky, angular synth bends through the music with scintillating energy. It carries a hip-swaying, back-bending melody that threatens to send me into groove overdrive above the hard-hitting drums and gigantic bass.
I find the slow, rhythmic ride within the melody that is guided by the low end to be deeply satisfying. Radiant synth moves funkily above the locked-in drums and bass. Quickly flickering, wriggling notes speed through the music above the low end.
The melody pops and locks, shimmying in a leaping motion. Trumpeting notes carry the main melody, blasting out with brassy illumination as the low end sways. This is music to hit the dance floor and get funky with. All that energizing sound moves with the low end’s easy roll before the track ends.
Bass pulses tightly, moving in short bursts to kick off “Who We Really Are" A hissing sound moves along with the dynamic bass and drums as echoing, floating synth glides past. Pumping percussion adds shape as bells ring out and trumpets explode with flashing energy. The bells reverberate, and nasal-sounding synth spins out in a wildly dancing melody.
The bells double the synth and leap with shimmering luminosity. The drums cascade, and the melody becomes slightly minor key and quizzical. The many layers interacting in this track as it unfolds are ear pleasing for me. The bells have a depth and richness to them as the glimmering synth moves with lively speed and the drums and bass guide the music.
Brassy notes climb again as the bells add their own resonances. The melody descends and creates a dramatic sensation as it does so. The drums flourish, and both the rounded and bell-like synths tumble down simultaneously. Each layer interacts with the others to create fascinating combinations.
Now the drums move alone with a digital-sounding pulse before full-sounding, medium-high synth carries a warm melody. The bells ring and cascade again as trumpeting notes keep leaping out. The low end drives the track forward as the bells tremble. Now the bells become deep and almost computerized sounding as they flash out along with the drums before the track fades to silence.
“Free Again” begins with a water droplet sound and rapidly jumping drums and bass. The snare drum creates a sharply rebounding motion as the synth flies out with explosive motion and uplifting strength. Laser-like sounds flash through as the scintillating melody skips through the music with easy liveliness.
Roundly shining notes pop up with playful life as the low end pushes on. I enjoy this track’s dynamism and excitement. The laser-like sounds flash again as the main melody wheels through with positive, hopeful power, and the percussion throbs. The lead synth sings higher and higher with effulgent light as the sharply pulsing percussion presses on.
Chiming notes move the distance as the main melody rises with sunlight and a sense of freedom. This track feels anthemic and supportive as it unfolds. Now clean, sharp synth slices, and varied percussion explodes along with water droplet sounds.
Cutting, climbing synths are joined by a funky slap bass and a piano groove to kick off “Tell Me Now.” The drum beat sits right in the groovy pocket and slips along with the fat electric bass as flaring synths illuminate the track. Bending, brassy synths leap with a jazz-inflected melody that jumps along above the steadily driving drum beat and funkified bass.
The trumpeting notes blast out with fierce illumination, spinning a melody that makes me want to shake my booty. The piano skips through with quickly flying notes as the horn-like synth wriggles through the music. The whole track brims over with enjoyment and energetic motion as the bass brings some grit and grease to the music.
Now, a signature Damokles keytar solo flies through the music with intricacy and irrepressible life, soaring high and cascading down as the drums and bass punch hard. An electric bass solo moves with intense cool, thick and fat. A whole plethora of fascinating percussion pumps through the music now, cascading and dancing. The horns reach a crescendo again as a swirling synth twirls out the dynamic melody above the low end. The slap continues to flow with easy motion before the track comes to an end.
“Come Out from the Shadows” commences with gigantic bass rumbles in heavy walls. Now a kick drum thuds in, and the drums begin to pulse as rising, scintillating synth chords permeate the music with bright light. Chimes flicker, and a medium-high, positive-feeling synth carries a melody that is glowing and encouraging.
Chords shimmer intensely as the hollow percussion pulses and bass rumbles. The main melody unfolds with a happy, relaxed quality, lifting me above the world’s petty cares. The drums and bass form an undulating heartbeat as the gleaming main synth sings out with uplifting energy and a sense of forward progress. The drums cascade in huge pulses before the hollow percussion moves through and flaring notes tumble, blazing with a glowing light.
The drums and bass press on with celebratory energy as the main synth cries out with hopeful affection, supported by the dense low end. I enjoy the way in which the music frolics and sings as we move into a segment in which the razor-edged synth slices and the drums throb. The drums are powerful and rhythmic as they carry the track to an end.
A metallic, brightly uplifting melody sings out above galloping drums and bass to commence “Time Is Kind.” Broadly gleaming synth leaps upward, carrying a melody that is pure freedom and happiness, allowing me to release my tension and breathe. Delicately flickering notes skip through the music as the melody frolics and flies, exuding sunny optimism and joyful energy while the low end pulsates strongly.
Chimes flicker as the bending, lambent synth carries a melody forward with pleasure and ease. I appreciate the positive and encouraging emotions that Damokles creates in this track. The chimes float past again as the broadly warm melody calls out. The main melody unfolds with freedom and light, pouring out unalloyed happiness as the bass undulates in a bouncing pattern.
The main melody shines and dances, sparkling and free, as it unfurls through the music. Below, the powerful drums and bass continue to drive on, and the galloping low end starts again. The track gives off a sense of the loosening of chains and the freeing of burdens as it comes to an end.
Conclusion
Wondrous Things fills me with energy and listening pleasure as it unfolds. I've always enjoyed the approach that the artist takes to creating synth-based music and this album continues to showcase his talent and sheer joy in making music.
