Positronic - To The Sky
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
Positronic’s To The Sky combines the artist's trademark uplifting messages with a synth tapestry that is full of ear catching textures and sounds with his expressive voice and hints of more melancholy emotion. I enjoy the way in which the different Sonic elements combined to create a richly interwoven whole.
In a world full of strife and struggle, To The Sky provides a ray of light and hope. we're surrounded by many difficult things in this world and positronic helps to lift that Veil with his positive and encouraging lyrics. I will admit freely to being quite cynical about the world, but this album provides me with some much needed relief.
Positronic’s vocal performances are another reason for my enjoyment of To The Sky. His voice has a warm quality that can soar to vaulting heights or caress my ears with gentle emotion. He has a broad range and a unique sound that deepens the emotional engagement I feel with the album.
The way in which Positronic weaves together synth sounds on To The Sky creates rich depth and luscious layers. He manages to capture the emotional tenor of each song within the tapestry of unique sounds, powerful bass, dynamic percussion and fascinating auditory textures. I enjoy the way in which he combines and contrasts different sounds to form unique patterns.
I am also drawn to the melodic writing on the album. Each melody drives home the different feelings within each song. There's often a complex mixture of different emotions in every melody so that it unfolds like a miniature piece of music within the overall track.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
“To The Sky” comes to life as a powerful bass pulse moves with clean snare drums and a bouncy synth carries a melody bursting with encouragement. The low end’s loping drive shapes the music here. Positronic's expressive voice rings out with exaltation above a shimmering synth. Chimes add a charming sparkle and the drums and bass keep up a heartbeat. Positronic provides the listener with uplifting energy to match with the words of the song.
A string-like synth sings a melody that tells us that in the end everything will be alright. The vocals add a sense of progress and aspiration as the delicate chimes flicker above them. synth bends through the music as the continual throbbing drums and bass move forward. The string-like notes carry a melody that is deep with emotional strength that draws me in. Gigantic drums thunder as a digitally swirling synth climbs.
A bubbling synth forms a muscled pulse with flaring notes climbing in the distance. The bright chords illuminate the music and again Positronic cries out with aspirational emotion. Yearning strings combine with the percussive heartbeat as Positronic carries us up to the end with positive energy.
The storyteller points out that on the days when you don't feel like you can get out of bed and "your mind is on fire and your head is hanging low" then you need to "lift up your head because there's nothing else you can do." He encourages us to raise our eyes and look at the stars.
Our narrator adds that when you're surrounded by fear and you want to cry the only thing to do is "elevate your mind up to the sky. " When you feel stuck in a rut, you can't put on a fake smile as everything crashes down and there's no end of trouble in sight." He goes on to say that you should "open your eyes because there's always someone there for you."
An interlaced vocal chorus moves with luscious bass and a synth full of crystalline light to commence “Find Our Way.” A sharp-edged synth moves in the distance as the round sounding notes combine into a pastel wash. Positronic's voice pours out feeling as the drums and bass form a powerfully moving beat.
The vocals soar to increase the lyrics' positive energy. The chorus climbs with flying energy as the synth fills me with sunlight. The main melody dances as arpeggios glimmer above the smoothly skipping low end. Positronic lifts his resonant voice to call out a message of forward progress. The drums and bass continue to press the music forward as the intertwining melody is joined by rapidly tripping, glassy notes.
The main melody rises on a medium-high synth that bursts with dynamism. Now reverent notes interlock with the warmth of Positronic's voice to carry the song onward. Calming, enfolding notes sail out as a song comes to an end.
The narrator tells the song's subject that sometimes "we feel like a tiny boat tossed around by waves, trying to stay afloat." At other times they are like a paper plane drifting on air currents as they try to escape pain.
He continues by saying that when they feel like they are deeply buried with ”the weight of the world on our shoulders causing us to weep” hope is a place that they can go and feel free. He points out that in the end everything will be alright and they won't give up without a fight.
Our storyteller reassures the other person that they can find a way to be better than they are today. He adds that if they look to the sky for hope and love that rises "like a golden ray" they'll be guided through the darkness, even if their spirits are low we know that they'll still find their way with help from above.
The narrator talks about feeling like they are in the darkness looking for a light but they don't have to feel alone because "there's someone there." He goes on to say that when they feel like the walls are closing in and they are stretched too thin, the song's subject can reach out their hand and find his until the next time.
“Let It Be" starts as piano chords create forward motion while arpeggios undulate with intense sharpness. An elevated, whistling synth with a digital quality carries a melody that touches with soothing fingers above the powerfully throbbing drugs and bass. Positronic's voice rises with strength and deep compassion.
The melody has a lustrous glow as Positronic's voice climbs above it. Arpeggios twinkle with starry light as the powerful bass pulse continues below. I am drawn to the emotional depth within Positronic's voice as it calls out. This track's magisterial quality adds a sense of victory as the bass rumbles and the drums hit hard.
Raised synth Infuses the music with tranquil light. The piano keeps pressing on as the whistling notes shift. Positronic expresses the lyrics with conviction above the drum and bass heartbeat. Luscious synth swells out words as the arpeggios wriggle before the song comes to an end.
Our storyteller says that if we try, we can see the light "in between the lines and in between the tides." He adds that when demons come to do harm to our love "we can see the light burning deep inside." He goes on to say that we'll make it if we try and continue to fight without giving up.
The narrator points out that will need to hold on tight because "we’re in for it now " but that will make it through somehow. He continues, "everything that will be, let it be. "
Our storyteller says that "between the lines and behind your eyes " you'll lay awake in the darkness until "love’s first light. When the demons arrive again to damage our lives, we can still see the light if we hold on tightly.
He concludes by asking where our eyes will fall when the demons come. He reminds us that we can lift our heads "to the light and break apart the night."
Gigantic drums throb with driving power as swirling synth tendrils curl around them to open “Coming Home.” Positronic’s wistful voice dreams with tender emotion as the drums and bass create shaping motion. Diaphanous notes gently caress as Positronic expresses himself with touching emotion.
There's surging strength below the vocals as they are lightly accented by sparkling synth trickling through the song. Positronic’s voice climbs upwards with warmth and the drums rapidly cascade while the bass forms a solid support. Choral notes move with a tender feeling. The drums subdivide as the background becomes a smoothly glistening tide washing through the track.
Positronic imbues his voice with so much emotion in this song. Digital notes wobble and ripple as the continual low end pulsation goes on. I find the message of this song deeply affecting, drawing me to memories of the past. The track comes to an end on the vocals as they capture the loving emotion of the lyrics.
The narrator isn't sure why he spends so much time away from the song’s subject as he is "crashing over the waves, tossed to and fro" because there's an enormous amount of love waiting for him with the other person. He goes on to say that he's never been farther away from them " my heart is like an empty room." He's discovered that the world isn't enough for him so he's headed back home.
Our storyteller reiterates how far apart he feels from the song’s subject, adding that his heart has felt like "an empty tomb " so he's returning home to them. He says that "wandering away from your heart " causes his world to fall apart but he keeps going back down that road. He can't understand why he's playing his game and he knows it won't stop until “I hear you call my name."
The narrator doesn't know why he tries to wander off because he realizes that he can only reach the sky with the other person. He concludes that “only with you, on eagle wings I’ll fly."
“I Need More" begins as a frolicking, sharp-edged synth rises into the music with noble strength as the drums and bass throb. Positronic unleashes his uniquely emotional voice as the melody climbs with dynamic energy. The drums thud with power and the synth forms a propulsive pulse.
The weighty drums and bass push forward and warmly radiant synth pours through the music, adding a layer of enfolding encouragement. A synth entangles with sunlight and jubilant feelings as it climbs above the drum and bass.
I enjoy the way in which positivity flows out from Positronic's voice, carrying a hopeful melody. Digital notes swirl through the music as the chorus climbs with vaulting life. The track ends with expanding joy as the drums tremble through the music.
Our storyteller says that life where he is isn't the way it used to be. He adds that "thoughts of sadness creep in, tainting what we see." He points out that when he was young, he got it done and it seemed as if the world would always continue.
The narrator says that the mountains and the birds and breeze made him want to fall to his knees, but now it isn't enough for him. He used to only be able to see flowers and trees but "now I simply just need more."
"Flying away, soaring through the breeze " is where our storyteller wants to be. He continues that in the recent past he wouldn't go to places that were forgettable but is now trying to make the best of his current life. He’s trying to love everyone and learning how to do so.
The narrator is enjoying the person he cares for and "becoming wise while keeping my eyes fixed on the prize."
“Elixir” starts with misty synth and lush bass before chimes sparkle with diamond glow. tremulous expression fills Positronic’s vocals as chiming notes flicker with lightly surrounding illumination. The low end has a smooth pulsation in it as it slips past. Positronic's voice is achingly compassionate as the metallic chimes carry a melodic pattern with encouragement bound up in it.
A choir made up by layering Positronic’s voice intertwines as the glockenspiel dances and bass adds solid support. The drums and bass have a loosely moving pattern and Positronic creates a sense of affection in his voice. The drums and bass guide the music as the intertwining, radiant notes mingling now as the choral voices wind together.
I enjoy the way in which the love in the lyrics is reflected by Positronic's voice. The drums and bass move easily in the background as the chimes ring out with delicate brightness. The choir adds warmth and the track ends on deeply throbbing drums and bass, twinkling chimes and Positronic's uplifting vocals.
The narrator says that he didn't expect to meet the song subject but knowing that leaves him with no regrets. He says "sometimes I feel I'm losing myself when I'm caught under your spell.” He doesn't know where to turn and he says that "my yearning heart it burns for the feeling that’s deep inside.”
Our storyteller says that he can't hide his affection because it's "sweeter than wine, love potion number nine.” He goes on to say that he feels as though he's losing himself "when I'm caught under your spell” and he isn't sure which way he should turn.
The narrator points out that he misses the other person whenever they're gone and longs for them until the end of each day. He continues "I cannot help but cry for that feeling you provide” which lives deep inside his heart and from which he can't hide.
Deeply entangling notes tumble together with a steady flow as brighter synth glows to life as “Grace” commences. Now the drums pulse along with a choir adding more full sounds and creating a worshipful sensation. Positronic captures trembling emotion within his voice as softly gleaming synth dances and intertwines. The song's heartbeat moves as the loving vocals call out with heartbreaking gentleness.
A pipe-like synth carries a melody imbued with galactic light and caressing emotion. Positronic's voice compels me with its expressive abilities. Shining notes flicker and trickle through the background as the steady low end throb continues. An effulgent synth fills the background and a nasal-sounding, medium-high notes shimmer with affection.
The drums have a sharp clarity as the bass adds support. Positronic’s vocals capture all of the touching feeling within the lyrics. A digital sounding, pipe-like synth sings the melody with such aching lightness before the song ends.
Our storyteller begins by telling the song's subject that when he thinks of them he almost wants to cry because of all of the love they have for him which he feels he doesn't deserve. He adds "I’m lonely and I’m empty" when the other person isn't with him but he can feel them when he looks for them. He asks "oh love, how can this be?"
The narrator says that time drags in his mind when he's waiting to see the other person's face and "be surrounded by your grace.” He adds that when he goes to sleep he's always longing for the other person to be with him. When he wakes up again he adds “I need the love only you provide.”
Our storyteller is anxious and tired of running around. He concludes that he is full of want for the other person "but I know that when I look, you can be found.”
“Surrender” begins with oscillating notes moving in a smooth pulse as a swirling synth climbs above a darkly surging low end. Positronic has a unique ability to connect with emotion as his voice carries the slightly melancholy melody out above undulating drums and bass. Positronic's voice climbs with powerful expression as a lustrous synth pours out into the music with surrounding gentleness.
The chorus climbs with hopeful expression as a gliding synth carries a melody mingling pain and increasing positivity. the drums and bass throb weightily as Positronic's voice reaches out to draw me into the music. The vocals rise with a touch of shadow into something uplifting as the low end presses on.
The chorus is full of a rich warmth that radiates out through the music as the drums and bass keep throbbing. Full-sounding arpeggios oscillate as the bass adds strength. Positronic captures aspiration within his affecting voice as the low end drives on. The song ends on the synth’s planing voice, deep with majesty.
The narrator used to live his life "however the wind blew" but now he's realized that it's time to start fresh. The stars are showing him the way "to let it all go " and everything will be fine.
Our storyteller says it's time to "surrender and find new splendor." He understands that he isn't the centre of the universe. He adds that he's "no pretender nor a contender " so he'll surrender to a brand new way.
"Now is the time, no more looking back for me" is what the narrator resolves. He can see the signs that show him how he can be free from his past life and "my selfish mind.” He says he's going to take the time to leave everything behind.
Our storyteller concludes that "now is the time, it's going to be fine, don't need a sign, it's going to be mine.”
Rounded, delicate synth carries a slowly pulsing pattern that flows out in smooth waves as chimes flicker to start “Saying Goodbye.” The drums and bass create a steady heartbeat as the leaping synth dances along with lead singers dreaming vocals. The low end creates a strong motion as the lyrics reflect the tenderness in the lyrics.
The chorus climbs along with sparkling notes that flicker through the music as the solid low end drives onwards. Lambent notes rise as Positronic's voice fills with gentle remembrance. Arpeggios ripple through the music as the drums throb. I am deeply touched by the message in this song as it unfolds.
The drums and bass shape the music as Positronic's voice soars. Now rebounding sounds circle in the background as the chorus climbs with intense strength. The song is hopeful and tinged with sadness as it unfolds.
Our storyteller sits in "the darkness of the night where thoughts remain" thinking about a friend of his. He remembers laughing and having fun when they were "so young and full of life.”
The narrator expresses his wish to have said goodbye to the other person "before you soared high." He adds that he wishes it wasn't true but “you had to go and start your new life which only you can know.”
Our storyteller reminds us that we don't know what's coming next or "what's creeping and slithers through the night.” The other person is gone now so the storyteller says goodbye. He asks the other person to "stay focused on the light as you fly through the night.”
He concludes that it isn't the end and "I'll see you again one day on the other side."
Conclusion
To The Sky carries me away from this difficult world and into a place in which hopeful feeling abounds. I enjoy the journey on which Positronic takes me and always look forward to hearing more of what he has to offer with each successive album.
