M.K. Khan - Wild Machines

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

M.K. Khan’s Wild Machines explodes with drama, action and power as it tells a futuristic tale of cyborg combat and a ferocious battle against an evil megacorp. The album bursts with strong melodies, deeply engaging instrumental choices and rich auditory imagery. M.K. Khan has written a soundtrack to the nostalgic action movie of your dreams.

As a fan of movie soundtracks in which melodies delineate much of the action, I revel in the melodic writing on Wild Machines. M.K. Khan writes catchy, ear-pleasing melodies that evoke intense feelings for me. I enjoy the way in which each melody tells a segment of the story through the emotions it elicits in me, making me excited to hear the next part.

Every musical element of Wild Machines has been well judged to enhance the storytelling within it. The instrumental choices that M.K. Khan has made all work toward drawing the listener into the album’s world. Synths twinkle, soar and growl while electric guitar adds some grit and dynamic energy above tremendous bass and thundering drums. There are also passages of warm, tender beauty that tell another side of the story as they unfold.

Even without an idea of the overarching storyline, M.K. Khan’s music conveys the overall feelings that he seeks to express. Each track weaves together its musical elements in a way that draws vivid pictures in my mind’s eye. I keep on listening because I crave more of the excitement that the album delivers so well.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed


“Wild Machines Main Theme” comes to life as a sweeping sound rushes in before drums pound to create a powerful impression. Medium-high, flashing synth and growling guitar flow together to generate motion. After a brass hit, gently touching arpeggios move along with piano notes flitting through to add a dynamic sensation.

The guitar soars out with dominating power as mysterious arpeggios twirl and drums cascade and flourish. The track ends as angular notes throb and fade. M.K. Khan does a superb job of giving us a taste of what’s to come on the rest of the album’s tracks.

Actively pulsating bass tumbles while clean drums burst to open “Laugh Now Cry Never.” A trumpeting synth calls out to give a triumphant impression as gritty guitar snarls. The guitar rapidly leaps through energizing notes to create a feeling of concentrated energy as smooth synth flickers.

The guitar wildly spins out a thrilling melodic line surging with life and strength as clear snare drum keeps time and hi hat hisses. Falling bass moves with intricately intertwined guitar and electric bass adds a unctuousness to the music.

String-like notes add texture and light while muscled guitar snarls with intent and glistening synth falls past. The guitar carries an acrobatic solo, imbued with rushing confidence as silence falls.

“Butterfly Twist” starts as punchy orchestra hits suffuse the music with blazing light and taut synth trickles. Brassy synth leaps out in a pleasing melody that confidently proclaims itself and exudes encouraging emotion. Surging guitar adds gruffness and sharp-edged strength underneath the main melody.

Fiery orchestra hits accent the other musical elements to create a victorious sensation while the drums shape the music. Madly whirling synth rushes along with charging drums as the guitar unfurls in a solo radiating effusive energy and evolving motion.

Illuminating synth flashes out in a melody that fills the music with joyful madness. Minor key, shadowed guitar adds an element of danger as chiming synth rapidly moves with an angular bass oscillation. This segment generates more devious feelings while the fierce orchestra hits assert themselves. The guitar soars out with an adventurous, motivating solo that gets my blood pumping.

Growing luminosity fills the opening synth part as it flows outward, adding a majestic feeling while expansive bass echoes to start “Hero Complex.” Orchestral brass calls out in a wonderfully rousing melody as martial drums enhance the sense of heroism.

Brass exudes strength as wind sweeps and now bass oscillates powerfully while massive drums add throbbing life. A piano carries a melody positively oozing with an expectation of greatness. Strings glide through a melodic segment that enfolds the ears and creates tranquility.

The piano melody mingles a feeling of achievement with heart-warming emotion while gigantic bass drives forward. The brass section creates soaring sensations and a feeling of success before silence falls.

“Sweet Moon” commences as funky bass joins widely bursting snare drum. A xylophone frolics, panpipes slip in delicate, diaphanous clouds and flickering synth rises. Twangy, acoustic guitar carries a jazzy, wandering melody while the panpipes jump for joy, carrying a satisfyingly buoyant melody.

Resonant xylophone ripples in woodsy motion as an orchestra hit or two punctuates it. The guitar melody has a detailed quality, roaming with a relaxed energy while strings breeze along behind it. The drumbeat provides guiding motion to push the track along. Xylophone bounces playfully through while groovy bass curls and the track ends.

Shimmering synth trembles smoothly in an echoing pattern to create a sun-dappled effect as air flows past to begin “Aquamarine Dream.” Panpipes carry a melody flowing like glassy water as rounded chords add richness.

Undulating bass and smooth drums form an active pulse that shapes the track. Nasal-sounding, high synth carries the melody mingling dreamy emotion and forward motion. The piano line is suitably touching as it exudes gentle inspiration. Bell-like synth carries a melody capturing the warmth of a blue summer sky. The panpipes slip in again, their melody feather-light and laid back.

The background synth intertwines and cascades in the distance. Elevated, nasal-sounding synth carries a melody that evokes images of sailing across glassy water. A sax carries the song out on a wave of ease and relaxation, winding down into silence.

“Diamond Ocean Strategy” begins as tremendously powerful bass rapidly throbs and glistening synth slowly swells in volume. A “number unavailable” message adds an empty quality to the music. Glassy bells carry a pleasing melody that expresses introspective contemplation above heavily pulsating bass and strong drums.

Xylophone slips through in a warmer line and sparkling, open-voiced chimes create a shining sonic filigree. The drums keep guiding the track above colossal bass far below. Fragile, glowing synth generates a meditative mind state within the main melody.

Drums subdivide along with throbbing, angular bass as twinkling synth whirls above it. Mournful sound echoes out over the drums before the main melody dances in, delicate notes skipping along easily. The track ends with tripping chimes spinning out into quiet along with a xylophone.

Running footsteps are joined by an ominous sound below them to open “Final Challenge.” Tension-filled arpeggios spin and threatening, rough-edged bass throbs as dramatic strings rise. Battering drums attack as raging bass surges while an wobbling sound adds rounded weight.

I enjoy the mingled invigoration and emotional ache in the main melody. String-like, glittering synth swirls before an angry guitar carries a gritty, lacerating pulse. Drums surge with intimidating power and the string section mingles intense expression and a certain lightness before the track comes to an end.

“One Sky To Another” comes into being as resonant violin trembles before soft-edged, trumpeting synth carries an inspiring melody. Orchestral strings call out, skillfully evoking nobility, victory and celebration as the strings weave with a contrasting mournful quality.

Birds chirp while weightless synth carries a melody full of tenderness, relaxation and peace. Timpani roll and rounded, brassy lead synth carries an encouraging melody. The string section suffuses the music with hopeful warmth as an ancient flute fades along with timeless percussion.

Conclusion

Wild Machines is a concept album that delivers fully on the promise of a cinematic, energizing listening experience. There’s an undeniable sense of fun that permeates the music and draws me into a world of pulse-pounding adventure and melodic pleasure.