20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 1

by Karl Magi

Introduction

It's hard to believe it's been five years since I started reviewing music from the #synthfam. I've loved every minute of it and have had the pleasure of being introduced to such a wide range of emotive, fascinating, entertaining and diverse music. I decided it was time to look back over the last five years and write about some of the albums that shaped my love for and understanding of synth based music.

My choices for albums to showcase are those that, for a variety of reasons, have made a strong impact on me. As usual, this sort of article is a challenge for me because I've loved so much of the music that I reviewed that trying to make a definitive selection is difficult.

In the end, I've just gone with the music that has really hit me in the gut. This is by no means a comprehensive list but I hope it gives you all some insight into what has shaped my musical tastes in the synth realm.

Damokles – Tales From A Future Past

When I first heard Tales From A Future Past, it was a game changer for me because it was the first time I'd heard an artist who'd been working in the '80s continuing to make classic synth based music. It has a depth and interest for me that still makes a strong impression.

Tales From A Future Past is a nostalgic yet innovative journey that highlights his compositional skills and keytar mastery. The album’s foundation lies in its use of analog synthesizers, each bringing distinctive tones that evoke an earlier era while maintaining a fresh appeal.

The complexity of the tracks, with their layered arrangements and interwoven elements, creates a rich sonic tapestry. Damokles’ strong sense of melody shines through in catchy yet expressive compositions, demonstrating how electronic music can be both intricate and intensely melodic.

His distinctive voice adds depth and character to the album, offering a personal and genuine touch that enhances the music’s emotional resonance.

SkyYamaha – Rituals

The first time I heard Rituals, it fascinated me and whenever I listen to it again, it continues to fascinate me. I find the hypnotic and deep nature of SkyYamaha's music on this album hard to resist. Her explorations of the ethereal and spiritual bring me back time and again. This is music that touches the depths of my heart and soul.

Rituals creates an intricate blend of contemplative soundscapes with unique instrumentation. SkyYamaha uses wooden flutes, global percussion, strings, and oboe to craft a richly layered auditory experience. The instrumentation combines to create a timeless atmosphere.

It’s a mystical sonic journey that blends meditative soundscapes with rich, hypnotic textures. Rituals balances soothing calmness with engaging melodies, evoking images of ancient forests and ritualistic magic. It’s a contemplative exploration of nature and interconnectedness.

Color Theory - Underneath These Dying Stars

Underneath These Dying Stars is a deeply emotional and introspective album that explores the complexities of human existence. Brian Hazard’s evocative vocals and poetic songwriting, paired with richly textured synth backdrops, create a moving and immersive listening experience.

Brian Hazard’s vocal performance is central to the album’s impact, blending sensitivity, range, and a touch of New Wave melancholy. His voice conveys the intertwined pain and joy of life, increasing the emotional resonance of the lyrics.

The songwriting is another highlight of Underneath These Dying Stars telling poignant stories of love, loss, darkness and joy. His precise word choices and vivid imagery give the songs emotional depth, drawing listeners into the heart of the music.

The synth-driven musical arrangements add further dimension, layering textures and tonal colours that enhance the emotional themes. Melodic beauty runs through the album in a luscious tide.

Chelsea Owen (as Oceanside’85) – Neon Dreams

When I first reviewed Neon Dreams, I was immediately struck by Chelsea Owens' gripping vocal performances and soulful delivery, along with her chameleon-like ability to adapt to different styles and sonic profiles within a broader synth-based music envelope. Her music on this album showcases what a talented vocalist and writer can bring to each project they undertake.

Neon Dreams showcases Chelsea Owen’s expressive voice as it rides atop shimmering synth layers, pulsing basslines and textured percussion. Collaborations with artists like Cody Carpenter and Color Theory deepen the album’s creative scope. Owen’s vocal strength and the album’s genre versatility make it a fascinating and memorable musical experience.

Neon Dreams blends synthwave, groovy house beats and ambient electronics seamlessly. Each track feels fresh with complex synth tones supporting Owen’s ability to deliver intense emotion.

Aeronexus – Aeon Intergrade

Even though Aeronexus was young when he made Aeon Intergrade, I already felt drawn to his complex soundscapes and musical expression. The way he carried me on a journey compelled me with this album. I still continue to enjoy the music he's putting out after five years, listening to him grow as an artist.

Aeon Intergrade is full of intricate sonic layers, emotive melodies and interstellar themes, creating an exhilarating musical voyage. The album balances pulse-pounding energy with emotional depth, exploring feelings from pain to vitality through evolving melodies.

Guest artists elevate the album as Dimi Kaye’s intricate guitar work, Draven’s dark, classical touches and Tim Capello’s fiery sax add richness. Aeronexus’ unique synth sounds, including majestic choral tones and intriguing textures, create a captivating and adventurous listening experience.

Indigo – INDIGO

Indigo is one of those artists with whom I felt an instant rapport. She has a natural way of expressing herself vocally and her songwriting skills made me take notice. I especially enjoy the immediacy of her expression and the way in which she takes a look at the emotional complexity of human relationships and connections.

INDIGO blends synthpop with heartfelt lyrics and expressive vocals. Indigo’s voice adds depth and emotion to her storytelling. The album’s songwriting is vivid and direct, supported by intricate synth arrangements that range from light and breezy to dark and intense.

The album is an intimate and impactful exploration of emotion and mood. Indigo’s breathy yet commanding vocals glide over layers of synth textures ranging from crystalline brightness to shadowy depth. The music creates a vivid sonic landscape

Cat Temper – Feralyzed

The first time I heard Feralyzed I really wasn't sure what to think. After starting out by reviewing pretty classic synthwave, what was coming out of my headphones was totally quirky and completely original. Cat Temper continues to create some of the most fascinating synthesizer based music out there.

Cat Temper delivers a dynamic and entertaining fusion of unique beats, playful cat-themed humor, and diverse synth tones. The album’s mix of metallic, gruff and warm synth sounds creates a fresh, engaging experience.

Feralyzed incorporates growling electric guitar to add power and character, while chiptune-inspired digital sounds bring a technological edge. The polished production ensures clarity and sharpness, weaving all elements into a cohesive tapestry. Feralyzed exemplifies Cat Temper’s innovative approach to synth music.

Bunny X – Love Minus 80

Early on in my music writing, I interviewed Bunny X and was quickly enamoured of their approach to music making and songwriting. When Love Minus 80 came along, the way in which Bunny X captured the essence of the stories with their skillful vocal performances and unique approach to songwriting truly drew me in. This is an album that I continue to enjoy hearing.

Love Minus 80 is a sci-fi-inspired synthpop album that combines emotive vocals with strong songwriting. Collaborations with guest artists add depth and richness to the music. The album’s lush production captures ’80s vibes while maintaining clarity blending layered synths with dynamic bass and drums.

Bunny X skillfully weaves original tales while honouring their inspirations. The combination of sci-fi themes, warm harmonies, and dynamic rhythms results in an engaging and imaginative musical experience.

Peacecraft – Songs For When The World Ends

I hadn't listened to much lo-fi music but I was already familiar with Peacecraft’s more synthwave style offerings, but I was deeply affected by the emotional strength and aching tenderness within Songs For When The World Ends. It remains music that I listen to when I'm feeling melancholy or in need of peace.

Peacecraft’s Songs For When The World Ends is a deeply emotional album filled with vulnerability and poignant beauty. Through fragile piano performances and resonant strings, the music explores themes of uncertainty, loss and tenuous hope. The album’s delicacy and sensitivity continues to engage me.

The thoughtful production by jacket enhances the compositions, allowing the music to breathe and resonate. This introspective album captures aching emotion and delicate artistry, leaving a lasting impression on its listeners.

Yota – Room 412

Yota takes an approach to synthpop on Room 412 that I find strongly attractive. between her broad vocal range, classic 1980s sonic sensibility and emotionally connected songwriting. The way in which the album approaches a more retro sound is fresh and I continue to find it entertaining as a listening experience. Room 412 is another one of those albums that takes me on an ear pleasing journey.

Room 412 is a deeply emotional synthpop album featuring Yota’s captivating vocals and poignant lyrics. Her ability to convey love and loss through retro-influenced yet modern synth soundscapes creates a powerful listening experience.

The balance between expressive vocals and textured synth backdrops ensures the album remains engaging and emotionally resonant. The atmospheric production heightens the interplay between vocal and instrumental elements, creating an intimate and compelling listening experience. I enjoy the lushly interwoven synth arrangements.