GammaFlow - Sunset Deluxe

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

GammaFlow’s Sunset Deluxe carries me on a journey through a surreal ‘80s dreamscape, full of pastel colours and soft-focus sound. Atmosphere drenches every musical element, surrounding me in relaxation as it unfolds. GammaFlow and guests take me away to a place and time that I can only find in nostalgic fantasy as the album evolves.

A mixture of well-chosen synths, luscious melodies and superb sound design create a delicious atmosphere on Sunset Deluxe. GammaFlow and the other artists deploy a plethora of synth sounds to evoke tropical sun, poolside lounging and a luxurious lifestyle. I enjoy the vapourwave haze when it floats in and the melodies are engaging and emotive.

I enjoy the mood in which Sunset Deluxe immerses me as it unfolds. GammaFlow and his collaborators craft music that caresses me, drawing me into the hyperreal dream with an easy glide. There’s undoubted tranquility in the music, but it has a level of disconnectedness in it that seems extra dimensional. I am both calmed and intrigued by the experience.

All of the guest contributors to the album bring unique takes on the overall atmosphere and musical quality. They’re all talented musicians who add depth and breadth to the way in which Sunset Deluxe carries the listener through the world it creates. Collaboration in music always makes me happy.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Remember When” comes into being as diaphanous synth levitates above smoothly guiding snare drum as languid, twanging notes slip into the music. Gossamer synth creates a wonderfully weightless sensation, like being lifted by sapphire water.

Drums and bass shape the track while nasally twisting synth sings a melody mingling wistful emotion with deep relaxation. Drums and bass fade as slightly tremulous, jazz-inflected synth uncurls in intricately chilled out lines.

Low end pulsation returns to complement a beaming synth that glides with consummate ease, pulling tension out of my body. Bending lead synth carries the music along with a breathy motion into silence.

A brief, gruff sound comes in before radiant chimes ring out to open “Paradise Mall.” A distorted ‘80s customer service training sample moves in, talking about how to be friendly as an employee. Slowed and smeary bass drags through as a jazz organ trails with an excellent elevator music slouch, lounge-y and laid back.

Glimmering chimes flit as panpipes exhale with deep relaxation. Twanging guitar uncurls in a wandering line while drums and bass slip past as the sample is broken by a lightly flickering chime wash that fades into quiet

“Money Never Sleeps” starts as muffled bass undulates, clearing up and sharpening as swimming notes float distantly. A snare drum ticks in while flickering chimes carry a limpid melodic pattern as solid bass throbs and disembodied vocals wriggle through.

The bass has an elasticity that effectively balances out the sharper drums. Breathy pipes carry a melody that wraps me in affectionate sound as a solar glow surrounds me. The drums give shape to the track and rounded chimes slip peacefully as luscious bass lifts and the clear drums evenly burst before silence falls.

Brightly flashing jazz organ moves into a misty synth swirl with a silken quality to open “Fine Dining.” Balmy synth chords shift as massive bass forms a steady pulse while an airy panpipe carries a suave, elegant melody.

I enjoy the contrasting drum weight as a fuzzy synth sings a relaxed melody suffused with delicate luminance. A distorted sax wanders past, carrying a melody that puts me in mind of pastel-coloured walls and white suits.

Gigantic bass rebounds as the panpipes move with a hollow, sliding melody that has a sensual quality. Slightly wobbling synth is tinged by glistening chimes. Sexy sax adds seduction and the track ends as jazz organ and open-voiced panpipes wind down.

“Vapormatic” commences as bouncing synth forms a percussive pulse that adds shape to the music with a swinging motion. Nasal-sounding, elevated synth mooches through before broad drums burst and choral synth wanders.

Sunlit synth winds out in an echoing melody that fills me with summery peace while trembling background sound adds texture. Glowing organ gives some shine as forceful drums add serious impact.

Soothing panpipes drift along, as if blown by a warm breeze, while choral synth flits in quick motion. A synth exhales smoothly as vibrating notes trace past an distorted synth suffuses the music with luminosity as the swaying rhythm guides the track. Wavering synth soars in with a chilled out melody before silence falls.

A ringing note opens the track before sonic clouds billow around strong drums to start “Aquamarine.” Xylophone-like synth sighs and liquid sounds mingle while solid drums shape the track and dense bass lends support.

Flaring radiance fills the background and sinuous synth carries an aquatic melody while chimes briefly flit. Elevated, fuzzed out synth sings a roaming melody with a watery vibe.

Intensely shining synth carries a passionate melodic line, rising upward with diamond reflections. Below it all, massive drums and bass throb on. Ethereal synth drifts past, making me feel that all is well in the world before fading.

“Lagoon” comes to life as resonant bells tremble while a blue wash of sound and breezy air drifts. Deep bells glide with a melancholy feeling before sparkling synth slips in a melody that wonderfully evokes the feeling of ocean water on my skin.

Huge drums impact to contrast with serene melodic motion as aquatic notes ripple. A mallet percussion instrument adds organic depth and open-voiced pipes trickle in undulating waves, deepening the track’s meditative sensations above throbbing drums.

Chiming notes carry a dreamy melody, putting me in mind of floating in a tropical sea as broad, bright synth adds a little more energy. The track ends on the feather-light, crystalline notes echoing into silence.

Medium-high, richly resonating synth rises in broad flares as flitting notes trip past to kick off “Soft Top.” Lush snare drum and deep kick drum throb along with a bass tide. Entangled, glassy notes ring out in a sunny melody that suffuses everything with soft light while the low end guides the track.

Bass adds an upwelling current while extended notes give a creamy feeling to the music. Widely echoing chords create a momentary pause before the enfolding, tender synth exudes luminance as it twinkles. while the colossal drums keep up the propulsion. Sweeping synth paints a pleasing, caressing soundscape while bells ring and elevated synth trembles into silence.

“Meadow” opens as full-sounding, metallic synth glides and effulgent, soft-edged notes shimmer out as wind blows in. Panpipes carry a well-crafted melody like a cool breeze in hot sun. Glinting synth flashes out and shiny notes slide past and intertwine.

A kick drum heartbeat pulses and bass forms a deep well. The panpipes have a silken ease as they convey relaxation and ecstasy. Ringing notes dance as flowing bass lifts below solid drums that fade as the track sails into intertwining motion. Elevated arpeggios shimmer as the track ends.

Conclusion

Sunset Deluxe is a layered, soothing listening adventure that transports me to a 1980’s that never existed. GammaFlow and his musical friends bring together their skills and imagination to pull me into the alternate reality that is this album. Now I don’t think I want to leave.