Retrograth - Sparks and Shimmer

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Retrograth’s Sparks and Shimmer explores both the literal and metaphorical meaning of gold in society and the world at large. He examines both the consequences and significance of gold as a symbol and its influence on human behavior. The way in which he combines his distinctive, gripping vocal style with well-written lyrics and a musical backdrop that mingles melancholy, triumph and seething darkness draws me into this philosophical and thought-provoking musical exploration.

The way in which Retrograth's voice takes hold of me is one of the reasons for my enjoyment of Sparks and Shimmer He doesn't sound like anybody else on the synth music scene, combining weight with expressive depth in a way that drives home the meaning within his words. The unique tone of his voice gives the music a mingled shadow and energy as it unfolds.

I'm also deeply impressed by Retrograth’s songwriting abilities. Each song explores some aspect of striving for gold in either a literal or figurative form. It examines the ways in which greed, the desire to win and a hunger for dominance are interwoven with how gold has been perceived and how it has functioned in society.

The music on Sparks and Shimmer combines a powerful bass line with fascinating synth tones, timbres and textures to convey moods that range from heavy darkness to victorious energy, moving through complex layers and mingled feelings. The end result is rich, layered and complements Retrograth’s singing and songwriting abilities.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Shine" begins with heavily explosive drums moving below a seething, angular synth pulse as shining notes carry a melody full of leaping dynamism and irrepressible energy. The heaving weight below pushes the smoothly glowing synth melody before Retrograth’s shadowed vocals carry an enigmatic and haunted melody above the broadly throbbing low end.

The chorus adds rich illumination as the guitar howls and shivers in the distance. The drums and bass thunder and propel the music as the gleaming notes carry an intertwining, ghostly melodic line. The surging energy drives the track as the scintillating synth shines. Retrograth’s darkly trembling vocals call out with icy power while the guitar cascades and the massive drums and bass continue to launch the track. I enjoy the lurking threat as the heavy low end carries the song to an end.

The narrator talks about gold being "a link between us, a chain round your neck" as well as a sign of affection that glows and glimmers. He adds that it will "shine on." He goes on to say that it is "a limited resource, an ancient ware" as well as a symbol of kingdoms full of "sparks and shimmer."

Sharp-edged synth cutting through drifting notes as rocketing drums erupt as "Above and Below" starts. Hollow, lush-sounding synth sings an expansive and energizing melody above the rushing drums. The vocals call out with a melody full of haunting drama as Retrograth’s resonant voice pulls me in. The drums continue to burst as the deeply vibrant vocals are surrounded by deep-toned, open-voiced synth that trembles while explosive notes skip, heavy and dense, as the low end erupts.

Swirling, delicate sounds flash with golden reflections as the lead singer carries the mystical melody, adding an element of timeless power. String-like synth shines with iridescent light as the punchy drums and bass continue to charge. Jagged notes slice as the leaping percussion continues to flow and Retrograth’s evocative voice carries the lyrics before the song rushes to an end.

Our storyteller talks about the alchemical obsession of finding the Philosopher's Stone and eternal life by "mixing wisdom with magical stones." He speaks of how "in the chemical heaven of the divine," alchemists sought truth in "the golden drops of youth."

The narrator talks about turning base metals into gold to "distill the essence of the soul." He reminds us "as above, so below." He says that "in the spiritual cocktail, the substances and rites," there's a purification that results in "the shiny golden light."

"Luminance" commences with a heavily thudding kick drum and rapidly rippling, twitching synth as a bending series of notes wobbles. The bass is gigantic and heavy as the synth pulses with a warning sensation. The sitar-like synth carries a propulsive and ominous melody. Retrograth drips shadow from his dramatic voice as the drums explode in a groovy beat. Tapping percussion moves and the weaving, string-like synth winds up the tension as Retrograth’s weighty vocals contribute gripping emotion.

The low end is undeniably catchy as diaphanous sounds float like spider webs. The low end gyrates as elevated notes cry out and the slicing electric guitar growls with compelling weight. I enjoy the power and lurking emotion in the song. The vocals slide with cold strength as the drums continue to pulse. Laser-like sounds zip past as the string-like synth twists in a spectral minor key melody. The drums continue to drive hard along with the icy feeling in Retrograth's voice.

Now a flatly pulsing synth moves with the crisp snare drum as tightly wriggling sounds skip past. The guitar snarls with threat as the heaviness below shoves it forward and the song ends.

The narrator says that the spectacle right in front of us demands our full attention as we are "spellbound by a quick response." He points out that backstage, everything is obscured.

Our storyteller reminds us that "fool's gold, brass shimmer" lures our gaze with a fake glow while we are blinded by "luminance" from real life. He adds that "beyond the glittering lights" are the luminosities that guide us through real life.

Now the narrator points out that "the theater in front of your face craves concentration" as one is misled by "visual cues" from real life, which are "masked and interlaced."

A hissing sound fills the background with rushing air to open "Hollow Men." Rapidly flicking digital notes trip through the music with intense, echoing pulsations as the massive drums rebound. Electric bass entangles as the piercingly radiant synth cascades in fierce lines. Retrograth’s voice is triumphant as it carries the powerfully impactful vocals.

The drums continue to thud with raging weight as the full, emotive vocals cry out. The drums are a steady force as a synth pours out brilliance and the entangling bass adds density. Drums keep bursting as Retrograth captures the feelings of the lyrics in his lush voice. The guitar moves in tremulous lines as the wildly shining synth trumpets.

Drums continue to move as the widely dancing guitar is joined by angular noises that slice into the music. The electric bass adds more motion as the vocals exude expression and the brassy synth carries the thundering main melody before the track ends.

Our storyteller talks about digging deeply for oneself "in the promised land, among the grabbing hands" and "in between the scarcity and the green." He says you'll turn your friends to enemies for a plot of land as you walk the river downstream looking "for chunks of glitter in the sand."

The narrator speaks of hollow men who "gather wealth" at the expense of decency and need while they are "at the new frontier, in the golden years." One look and their gold pan will tell them they have "an empty soul (and) two empty hands."

"Sweat and Gold" begins as a steadily flaring, intensely bright synth moves with smoothly bursting drums and deeply undulating bass. The bass has a muscular weight as the vibrating synth cries out with strength. Chords pour light as a wandering, shadowy synth carries a melody that feels victorious yet threatening.

Bending sounds rise as the bass thunders and Retrograth’s uniquely gripping vocals carry the melody, mixing triumph and drama. Huge drums continue to pulse as the chorus flies out with energizing liveliness and colossal bass pulsates with disembodied danger.

The narrator talks about an athlete's great ambitions "to master a game" with an expectation of fame and glory. He speaks of "long endurance, no time for regrets"—just memories of hard work and sweating.

Our storyteller says that when you "run at the top of the world, for the sweet taste of gold, the taste of triumph," and when you climb for your life, it's "for the sweat and gold, the sweat of winning."

A rushing mechanical sound sweeps to open "The Crown." A steadily droning, string-like sound is pierced by fragile chimes and hard-hitting drums. A sitar-like synth is joined by string-like notes that exude radiance and warmth while the low end heaves. The guitar entangles with effulgent light while Retrograth’s resonating voice calls out with a melody full of deliberation and power.

Sitar-like notes are sliced by a gleaming synth that suffuses the music with metallic light. Retrograth’s yearning, directly eloquent vocals drift as the chimes sparkle. The driving beat continues to pulse while the bass surges. The string-like synth carries an orchestral melody, noble and warm, above the weight below it. The depth and expression in Retrograth’s vocals capture the mixture of defiance and gentleness within his words.

Bass towers as the colossal drums rebound and the strings flicker. The drums continue to explode as the intertwining guitar fills the music with brightness and twisting sounds shift. The drums continue to pulse as the steady string flash goes on. As the song comes to an end, the drums become crushing and the strings flow with fierce luminosity before the song fades out.

Our storyteller talks about an ancient tradition which is “the Dark Ages in a glance.” He adds, “The segregation and deception” put the audience in a trance. He adds that it enhances “the persona, improving the morale” as a monarch dons “the orb, the cross, the golden scepter” and puts on the crown. He speaks of endless processions “to hide inherited defects (and) illustrious costumes and creations to lift the grandiose effect.”

Conclusion

Sparks and Shimmer is a mind expanding and emotional exploration of all of the various meanings of gold and what it represents to humanity along with the ways in which it distorts and changes our interactions with one another. I enjoy the way in which this album is a pleasant listening experience as well as a thought-provoking one.

A Portrait: The Music & Art of Shae Green

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

A Portrait: The Music & Art of Shae Green is a deeply moving tribute to a truly talented and unique human being. In reviewing this album, I felt my heart touched and moved by both the talent of this person who died before their time and the way in which he affected other people around him. Not only is the music a fitting way to honor such a first-rate lyricist and singer, but it is clear that he made a massive impact on the lives of many and will leave a great gap behind him. This review is a way to pay my own tribute to the musical beauty and love which this album exudes.

The songs which feature the lyrics written by Shae Green are a fitting way to showcase his ability with words. There's an immediacy and emotional depth to his lyrics that took hold of me right away and drew me close. He was able to convey intense feeling clearly and deeply. The way in which the guest artists who interpret his lyrics transmit those feelings is superb and does real honor to what he created.

Another aspect of A Portrait which I found affecting and compelling are the original lyrics written by artists in tribute to Shae Green. They crafted words that reached out to connect to the emotions of those who had been left bereft by this incredible person’s passing while also expressing their own emotional states and exploring issues with which they’re struggling. The way in which they bared their souls gave me a great deal of respect and appreciation.

An enormous amount of love and care was lavished on producing the tunes which were written by Shae Green and his band members. The energy of the music writing is another clear indication of how skillful Shae Green was with music and the way in which this album is able to bring his ideas to life is visceral. The sharpness and clarity of the recording and production creates music that is luscious and even more engaging because of the quality of the sound.

I also want to comment on the final track of A Portrait. The way in which it combines a wonderfully ambient and tender musical background with all of the recollections of this singular and singularly wonderful human being was truly emotional for me. Although I had never known or heard about Shae Green before, the way in which his family and friends paid tribute to him brought tears to my eyes and made me wish I had a chance to know him.

Musical Tracks Analyzed

"Shenandoah" begins with quickly tumbling synth flashing and intertwining. The drums kick rapidly and the sweeping synth line carries a dreamy melody as the bass reverberates. The sharp low end propels the music as the lambent lead synth sings with melancholy passion. Rob Rowe’s voice trembles with feeling, carrying a melody deep with need and passion. A glistening synth cries out with floating smoothness as metallic notes flash.

The chorus is full of scintillating energy while bouncing, gleaming notes dance together. The drums and bass lend an undulating quality and a synth radiates springy light as Rob Rowe’s emotive voice carries the yearning chorus while chiming notes fill the track with lush luminosity. I am touched by the way Rob Rowe captures the emotion exuded by the lyrics. The song's irrepressible dynamism draws me further in as the aching vocals carry their haunting melody. Diamond-bright, flickering notes intertwine as the unstoppable low end punches forward.

The narrator speaks of "love in disguise," adding that the song's subject doesn't realize what's happening because it's a dream come true. He adds, "I am the king and you're the prince, you need someone to love." He asks if it’s making sense that the things the other person thought were all wrong, adding, "That's why I'm here to write this song."

Now the storyteller says that Shenandoah is where the song's subject ought to be, adding, "Don't ponder here, let your heart run free." He says that "the element of love" has no disguise, so "just look deep down in those dark brown eyes."

Our narrator says that the song's subject will "hold her tight and you'll hold her near" as they can feel her love while she wipes their tears away. He says, "Give her your love and share your dreams" because she'll be there when no one else is around. He adds that "you'll feel the love that has grown" and again reminds the other person to give her their love and share their dreams.

"I will love you forever and with all of my heart" is what the storyteller pledges to the song's subject. He tells them that nothing will ever tear them apart and continues, "I know you too well, I can read you like a book." He asks them to turn around and take a look back at him. He concludes, "When you pray at night and you ask for the key, thank the Lord for your memories."

Quickly ramping up, sound rushes along with the swelling, gleaming synth that carries a rapidly pulsing and dynamic melodic line to start “My Portrait.” The drums and bass are powerful as the softly sliding notes plane in a meditative, dreamy melody while Andrea Powell's expressive vocals move with affectionate gentleness.

The low end pulses strongly as the string-like synth intertwines and caresses the listener’s ears with calming lightness. Eric C. and Andrea Powell's voices mingle into one harmonic, luscious whole as the chorus rises. A sharply glimmering synth sparkles with trembling light as the two singers harmonize with richness and depth.

The percussive low end propels the music as the two singers convey all of the deep need in the lyrics. The strings intermingle with the driving bass and punching drums, flowing with smoothness. The way in which the singers carry the emotion within the lyrics is compelling and enjoyable for me.

The storyteller says that when she's alone in her room, she sits and thinks about the song's subject and the "good times we had, the bad times we shared," along with how much she loved the other person and how much she cared.

Our narrator says that there are "so many nights that I've cried, trying to hold back the tears that I hide." She adds that when she's sad and blue, she takes out her portrait of the song's subject to look at.

Now the storyteller says that she misses the song's subject's face and touch, adding, "I miss the love 'cause you gave so much." She can hear the other person's voice in her head "echoing all around." She says that she's got no choice now because they've gone away, so all she has left is her memory of them.

The narrator concludes that she knows she'll live and pull through "as long as I have my portrait of you."

"Sympathy (Remember When)" commences as a reverberating, bell-like synth trembles while a ticking sound moves in the distance. There's a swirling, soothing background as the brightly glittering notes flash above the resonant bass. Crystal Rome's levitating voice breathes with delicate, tender feeling as it carries the diaphanous melody.

Bass thunders as the vocals drift like soft clouds. The bursting drums guide the music as Crystal Rome captures the nostalgia and wishful thinking in her lyrics while the drums continue to throb. I am charmed by the gentle emotion of the vocals as the soothing melody sails out.

There's a feeling of beautiful, melancholy memory which inhabits this music. The drums are unstoppable as the chorus rises with hopeful encouragement and the glimmering synth sparkles in the distance. Lambent notes intertwine as Crystal Rome’s wordless vocals lightly touch my ears.

Trumpeting synth flashes with energizing light while the metallic notes riffle and saxophone cries with passion and aching memory. Drums continue to bounce as Crystal Rome carries the melody on her breathy, engaging voice while the drumbeat pulsates. T. Mancuso’s sax adds a luscious sensitivity as the chorus is accented by a crystalline glow. The vocals slip past with soothing ease as the chanted chorus climbs.

The low end guides the music as the drums pulsate while the sax emotes deeply and diamantine synth flickers before the track ends.

Our narrator points out that "seasons change, time goes on" but the memories don't fade; they continue to live on. She points out that each day is the same and asks why she and the song's subject can't go back to the memories they shared of "runnin’ young and free." She doesn't want to quit and time stands still "until that day I see you" as she asks the other person to "remember when."

The storyteller looks toward the horizon of the song's subject to see "the colors of the sun," while as the shadows fade, she sees the other person's face. She says that she's blinded by their love and "heaven is shining down from above." Their brightness erases fear and all of the years to reveal "a future full of love."

Our narrator speaks of memories taking over in a "digital world, a world of wonder" that reminds her of a poster over her bed and "the records playing in my head." She asks, "Here and now below the clouds, would we do it all the same?" and wonders if there were "promises, or anything you’d change." She refers to "the beauty of rivers of love" that flow through her again as she hears the other person say each day, "remember when."

The storyteller concludes by saying, "Those are the days, they never fade. Remember when they live on and on."

Bells ring out into openness as a chanted voice echoes before "Resolute" begins. The drums throb as mechanical sounds shift in the distance and sharp-edged, angular synths vibrate through the music. The percussion is powerfully shaping as the synth pulse undulates in shadowy lines, creating dark energy.

A smoother, brighter synth carries an encouraging melody up above the thundering low end. Dave Pataconi’s deep and distinctive vocals carry hope leavened by sadness. The drums throb hard as Dave Pataconi’s beautifully ghostly voice drifts as the uplifting melody slips past. The drums continue to drive as a shining synth cries out with the melancholy-tinged, touching melody.

Fragile notes skip as the hugely pulsing drums leap again as the vocals entwine around my ears with emotive strength. Rippling notes flash as Dave Pataconi takes hold of the lyrics and delivers them with deep commitment. A gliding synth slips with tenderness as the chorus echoes. The drums continue to rebound as the lithe synth sails out. As sweeping sounds shift along with heavy bass, the song comes to an end.

The storyteller begins by saying that you're all alone, or at least you think you are. He adds that "it's not like the movies in Paradise." The narrator tells the song's subject that they're stronger than they know, so they can "fight back and gain control."

Our narrator says that the subject moves him by "being the strong tree in the deserts that you dwell." He adds that the other person is simply amazing and "constantly changing into a better version of yourself." He emphasizes that they are stronger than they think they are and that "you've got the power to withstand."

The storyteller repeats that the other person is stronger than they realize and can fight back and gain control. He adds, "pull yourself out of the hole, lost the fight but gained your soul." He continues, "ashes to ashes, dust to dust, look toward the light and who you trust."

The narrator concludes by saying, "no one can tell you where to go, now that you've gained back your control."

"Sympathy (Ode to 1988 Instrumental)" begins with the bell-like keyboard carrying the gently drifting melody as chimes shimmer. The ringing notes cry out with compelling emotion, slipping delicately. A vocal synth adds operatic tenderness as the gruff bass pulsates while swelling chords fill the background with luminosity.

The drums are active, varied and smoothly guiding as the chords slide mistily. The drum pulse moves with the dense bass to create more motion, increasing in speed and strength. A steadily oscillating synth lifts the music with increased lambency as the drum beat bursts. The background synth adds an orchestral quality as trumpeting notes gleam with aspiring liveliness. The drums dance as flickering notes are cut by laser-like sounds while the entire track exudes peaceful sensations.

An operatic vocal synth slips through the music with intense feeling, drawing me inward. The crystalline lead synth carries the melodic pattern as the hard edge to the low end continues to burst. The pulse is deep and smooth as the track evolves. The main melody climbs now, rising up to the heavens with dreamy positivity, like a foggy day pierced by sunlight before the track ends.

Conclusion

A Portrait, for me, captures the essence of a deeply skillful and talented individual who also seems to have been a deep human being who made a huge impact on the lives of everyone with whom he interacted. this tribute moved me and made me feel as if I'd missed out on knowing this person, despite never having met him in my life.

Dream Shore -Resilience Pt. II

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Dream Shore’s Resilience Pt. II unfolds like a 1980s martial arts movie as a character trains to become a tougher, more self-reliant fighter and discovers many aspects of their personality in the process. It mingles atmospheric soundscapes with percussive energy and engaging melodies to weave a cinematic tale. I enjoy the way in which the different synth elements interact along with unique instrumental sounds such as taiko drums and a shakuhachi to draw me into the story and carry me along.

Atmosphere is crucial to the success of Resilience Pt. II. Dream Shore evokes all of the thrills and gritty determination of the best martial arts movies. As the album progresses, I can imagine a young warrior progressing from inexperience and fear to confidence and skill. The way in which each sonic vignette unfolds is like different shots coming together to create an exciting and enjoyable scene.

I am particularly enamored of the way in which percussion is used on Resilience Pt. II. The different drum sounds create motion and atmosphere at the same time. The heavy rumble of the taiko drums and some of the varied other percussion sounds add auditory interest and help to imbue the album with speed and dynamism as it unfolds.

Melody is a crucial component of Resilience Pt. II. Dream Shore crafts both tranquility and drama in his melodic writing. No matter what mood he is seeking to convey, the end result is powerful and ear-pleasing. I also enjoy the way in which Dream Shore contrasts tracks with beautiful and elegant melodic moments interspersed by tracks which charge and thunder with unstoppable energy.

All of Dream Shore's instrument choices and synth sounds come together to help paint a picture of the progress achieved by the main character. Each different auditory profile has a color or shading to it which only deepens the effectiveness of the imagery created within Resilience Pt. II.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Exploration" comes into being as smoothly throbbing drums and gliding synth swirl together into a caressing pulse. The drums are heavy and the bass is dense as a sitar-like synth carries a gently entangling melody while chimes dance in the distance. The open-voiced drums rebound as echoing notes levitate and thick bass shapes the track.

Tenderly glimmering synth is cut by limpid notes tumbling in a softly glistening line and the low end continues to shape the music. The sitar-like synth intertwines and sings an encouraging and adventurous melody. Panpipe notes twirl out in airy and complex lines, adding an immemorial feeling before the track comes to an end on the twisting sitar and its uplifting melody.

Taiko drums rumble and reverberate to kick off "Unexpected Defeat." Their thunderous power forms a steady pulse as they deeply boom and drive. Shadowy strings shift with ominous strength as the metallic sounds and the steadily pounding taiko are joined by a fluting synth carrying a mysterious melody.

The delicate notes hover and the slamming drum beat pushes forward with the dark and powerful strings intertwining. The action and drama of this track compel me to listen more deeply as threatening, descending notes fill the music. The drums fade away as the heavy weight of the bass ends the track.

“Investigation” begins with a distantly hovering synth and hollow notes that echo above a solid bass heartbeat. A sense of creeping danger and mystery rises as soft strings wrap around one another in warmth, while the ticking, open-voiced synth delicately touches the music.

A softly exhaling flute carries a peaceful, mournful melody that drifts past, like blossoms caught on the breeze. Affectionate sensations fill me as I hear the flute unwind, diaphanous and soothing, above the rapidly tumbling notes and deep bass. A delicately shining synth flickers as the drifting notes in the distance wander past with tranquil lightness before the track comes to an end.

Chimes flicker with fragile delicacy as percussion ticks to start "Severe Training." Piano chords add smoothness and weight as a delicately hovering melody glides on a fluting synth. Now the drums pound as the timeless-sounding flute thrills with an elegantly slipping melody, light and effervescent.

The drums, in contrast, add weight and depth, contributing to the shaping of the music. Chimes flicker with sunlit lightness as the kick drum continues to pulse and the guitar cuts in with weight and uplifting strength.

Metallic percussion rings out in the distance while the growling guitar adds a muscled feeling. I enjoy the flute’s fragility and meditative quality as it cries out above the guiding low end. There is a wonderfully caressing quality in the flute while the guitar adds sharp-edged weight and contrast before the track ends.

"Stealth" opens with an ethereally flickering synth trickling peacefully above a slowly drifting series of chords. There's a wandering, unmoored quality in the chords as rounded, caressing synth descends and a ticking hi-hat adds shape. Refulgent chimes sparkle with a light touch as the drum beat swings and patterns. Intermingling, gossamer synth dances as a metallic instrument vibrates, filling the music with soft luminance.

Woodblock percussion moves with the slowly washing drums and resonant synth carries a melody that slides and glides. A guitar howls through the music with a bluesy feeling, adding an emotional secrecy to the music as it twists and dances. Steady xylophone-like notes flicker in the distance as the woodblock taps. String-like synth floats with easy grace as the chimes flit.

The guitar entangles with a touching feeling as the ticking drum and pulsing bass flow into a percussive section while the xylophone trembles and reverberates before silence falls.

Conclusion

Resilience Pt. II. is a fun and nostalgic journey through the quest of a young martial artist to become a master. I enjoy the way in which it functions as a head movie that unfolds in sonic scenes that are full of energy and life. The way the album sticks to its concept makes it enjoyable and engaging.

Bad Guys Get Dead - Stellar Cartography

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Bad Guys Get Dead’s Stellar Cartography carries listeners on a powerful, ethereal and dramatic journey through the complexity and majesty of the universe. An underlying darkness fills the music while moments of triumph and tenderness mingle with richly layered synths, guitar and percussion. The artist crafts a galactic journey that is full of both shadow and beauty, much like the universe in which we live.

One of the first elements that drew me to Stellar Cartography is the atmosphere that Bad Guys Get Dead creates. The music’s spaciousness and weighty feeling generates images of vast blackness. Intricately interwoven synth layers paint images of grand galactic structures and beautifully sparkling star fields. I can close my eyes as I listen and be transported across immeasurable distances and through sights of stunning cosmic beauty by the music.

Another factor in Stellar Cartography's success is the way it layers together sonic elements, like an artist building up the impasto on a painting. Each flickering mote of light and rumbling bass wave adds another layer of complexity and depth to the album. The interaction between guitar, synth sounds and the propulsive percussion creates microtonal beauty and a sense of three-dimensional sound that I am strongly enamored with.

I also want to mention the melodic writing on Stellar Cartography. Bad Guys Get Dead has created melodies that are sometimes tragic, sometimes triumphant and always full of engaging feelings and expression. His facility for conveying emotion in his melodic writing carries me away and moves me with the way each melody unfolds. Each melodic part only increases the feeling of journeying across space.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Melancholy of the Voyager” starts off as deeply shifting bass growls while a voiceover speaks about Voyager 1 sending information back to Earth. Distantly wandering notes move through strangely twisting space, writhing and vibrating with a haunting feeling. The voiceover echoes above the roughly rumbling low end, creating a vast feeling as twanging bass begins to undulate with gruff edges.

The pulse becomes more intense as faraway sounds begin to tremble and shift, while notes drift like solar wind. A warmly beaming, minor-key-tinged synth trails as the drums and bass form a dynamic, cutting line that oscillates while quick sounds whisper through the music. I enjoy the unsettled, off-balance quality of the track as computerized notes burst and fade while the low end adds dramatic sensations. The 8-bit notes carry a melody that roams with digital randomness before the track ends.

A deeply open sound glides with luscious depth and surging power to kick off “Stellar Cartography.” Now computerized notes float out with a trailing lightness as the round depths below flow and glide. Fragile, ethereally glittering tones hover with brushing delicacy as sharp sounds float out into the distance above the thick bass swell.

Expansively slipping feelings fill the music as metallic notes trip and heavy drums thunder. A sweeping sound flits as the hard-hitting low end and gigantic bass shape the music. In the distance, cosmic sounds drift out into openness while ringing notes add a mechanized quality. Razor-edged sounds vibrate into the hollowness around them while the thick drums continue to pulse. A sense of inevitable motion fills the music, imbuing me with feelings of intense strength.

An open-voiced, fluting melody carries a deeply tranquil and meditative tune, lifting me away into the vast spaces of the universe. The drum beat’s pulse shapes the music as galactic notes roam out through the void. Tremulous notes cry out in slashing but brief patterns as distant serenity flows around them and the low end drives on. Metallic notes ring again and a steadily pulsating, bouncing rhythm moves through the music before silence falls.

"People of the Kuiper" starts with crackling static and slowly floating sounds that blend into the music as gruff sounds shift. Now the drums and bass heave with powerful muscle and echo outward while harshly growling notes tremble. The hi-hat begins to kick with the bass drum, creating powerful forward motion as the gritty sounds snarl in the distance. Weight and strength pour from the music as ominous notes rumble and twisted voices move in the background.

An electric guitar bends into the music with minor key madness, exuding threat as it twirls and cuts while the low end continues to pulsate. Rough sounds slice through and the drums continue to pound hard while the bass swirls. Rough noises slip through the music as a guitar growls again, with slipping notes moving behind it. The hi-hat continues to trip as the electric guitar shreds into the music with tearing energy and harsh noises rip through. There is a dominant power here that I find intimidating in the best possible way.

Long sweeps of sound call out while the guttural notes rumble below. The bass rebounds with colossal weight as angular noises echo into space. The drums continue to batter as distant noises cut in and fade. Power emanates from the music along with a palpable shadow as the guitar howls in ghostly motion. Rattling noises slice in the distance while the drums continue to hammer and the wobbling notes writhe. The guitar is a physical force above the unending low-end heartbeat. The track hammers to an end with darkness and threat.

"Protogalaxy" opens with serenely drifting synths that move with lusciously undulating bass. Arpeggiating notes float in steady motion, deep and rich, while a slowly thudding kick drum moves below. The spinning notes create elegant motion as swirling sounds combine in the distance. The drums are heavy and sharp as the continually oscillating arpeggio creates increasing depth and density.

The drums collide as the dramatic tension builds while the arpeggios spin. Brilliantly glimmering chords rise with minor key light as the drums add more speed, becoming faster and more intense. There’s a countdown and the low end begins to speed forward as sharply twisting notes swerve through the music in rapid cascade. The twirling arpeggios add to the forward motion, speeding up with increasing wildness.

A nasally dancing synth slashes through the music with an off-key feeling while the low end continues to batter. The ever-accelerating track creates a sense of a newly forming galaxy in roiling motion. I am compelled by the mad rush as the sounds intermingle and charge forward. The percussion continues to rebound while warning sounds cry out. The track ends as it began, with a calming and tender sonic flow.

"Dust Nebulous" commences as a steadily hovering sound moves distantly, with vibrations reverberating throughout. A distant, plaintive chord adds a wandering, searching quality as the ruffling synth lightly touches the track. There’s a tentative and uncertain feeling as the winding synth rises slowly, adding a soft glow.

A broadly throbbing drum forms a steady heartbeat as warm strings curl together. The drums and trembling synth create a feeling of continual motion while the caressing strings add cosmic gentleness. The low-end pulse is shifting and uneven, while rough sounds slip past and a rapidly rippling synth arpeggiates quickly, adding tranquility.

Rattling sounds shift as the quickly undulating notes intermingle with smoothness and tenderness. Harder-edged noises buzz in the distance as the drums pulse and arpeggios swirl above the stuttering, breaking drums that echo into open space. I enjoy the hauntingly meditative quality that permeates this music as the drums rush and fade to silence.

"Cosmic Obscura" kicks off with slowly descending, sparkling notes flowing out into a static backdrop. Threatening bass looms as glowing motes of light trickle downward in sharply angled motion. Now the bass pulses evenly while a clean, whirling arpeggio dances in the distance. Massive bass seethes below as quickly shimmering notes reverberate into open space.

Orchestral strings play and now ferociously slicing notes move above a hollow and peaceful synth, creating a sense of all-pervading calm. I enjoy the fluting synth’s contrast to the colossal and abrasive sounds moving in the distance. The drums flourish and pound as the twirling notes cascade downward above the darkly rising bass.

The drums tap and smack as sounds descend rapidly, open-voiced and thoughtful in their feeling. The drums collide again and the hissing background is cut by clear strings that add delicate luminosity above the throbbing drums. The strings tremble and flash, intertwining as the endlessly drifting notes wander through the track. Once again, the drums rebound while the orchestral strings are cut by trumpeting noises with a sense of danger. Luscious sounds dance together before the track comes to an end.

Conclusion

Stellar Cartography is a thrilling and well-crafted musical journey that carries me through the stars. From the impossible voids of endless space to intensely beautiful planetary vistas and sparkling planes of stars, Bad Guys Get Dead fills me with sublime terror and intense joy through his music.