PALINDRONES - Sùil Nan Diathan

Written by Vero Kitsuné

One of my favorite things to see is when artists go above and beyond expectations, having the bravery to go outside norms and push the envelope to take their art to new territories. There’s beautiful magic in effort and exploring a new vision that only a few artists truly understand. UK-based Palindrones definitely belong to that small group of artists. I have been following them for quite some time, and the one thing that sets them apart is not only their prolific touring schedule, but their dreamy brand of industrial synthpop that often touches on themes of mythology accompanied by stunning visuals they create themselves. I’m a fan of thoroughly DIY projects - actually much more so than ones that had an actual budget. And combined with their stellar soundscape, mystical themes, with thoughtfully perceptive, poetic lyricism, there is a wonderful, doe-eyed sorcery in the character of their music and art.

Inspired by classic sci-fi horror scores, Palindrone’s Samhain offering and latest single “Sùil Nan Diathan” is an experimental and atmospheric synth soundtrack that follows the tale of two travelers' journey through the vastly liminal, apocalyptic tundra under the watchful eye of the ancient Eldritch Gods. The accompanying theatrical video plays like a retro-nostalgic storybook treated with effervescent, lo-fi special effects reminiscent of ‘80s movies like Neverending Story or Legend. The video is narrated in dramatic prose written in old English, followed by images of the two travelers and their pet wolf grappling with the freeze of the harsh, cold winter under the glittering dance of flickering Auroras, with the gates of a lost kingdom in sight. Then the music breaks into dramatic, massive modern drum and bass beats and giant washes of haunting wails as they approach their destination - a star gate portal to a different dimension - before ending the journey with a mysterious final message of “The two become the many become the one.”

Palindrone’s creativity and the treatment of their vision carry a certain charm and wonder that are distinctively theirs. Under the blankets of edgy soundscapes, enchanting atmospheric textures and drives of techno beats, there is a very earnest and sincere heart beating throughout their work that is truly refreshing and a delight to experience.

Check out the video and for more Palindrones, visit https://www.palindrones.co.uk

Damokles - Wondrous Things

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Damokles’ Wondrous Things is a showcase for the artist's ability to create fascinating and enjoyable synthscapes, along with his melodic abilities and blistering keytar solos. I've always appreciated his fresh approach to classic synths and his willingness to get playful and funky. Damokles has been making music since the '80s, and while he keeps that classic vibe, he continues to move forward with a sound that I respect.

One of the aspects of Wondrous Things that I particularly enjoy is the rich layers of synth sound that Damokles puts together. His inventiveness and joy in using various synth tones, timbres, and textures draw me into his music. The way in which the different layers interact continually pleases and teases my ears. I always enjoy seeing where Damokles takes the music.

Another strong and consistent element of Damokles’ music, which is also present on Wondrous Things, is his skill as a melodist. Damokles writes engaging, dynamic, and sometimes touching melodies that are full of heartfelt emotion. He captures a mood and a spirit in a melody and conveys it to the listener in a deeply satisfying way.

I always enjoy hearing Damokles’ keytar solos, and there are some scorching ones on Wondrous Things. I love the speed and skill with which he delivers the solos, along with the playful and energetic nature of his performance. It's always a great pleasure to listen to him let rip on his keytar. It never really gets old!

One further thing I want to note is Damokles’ ability to bring the funk when necessary. He has a great affinity for funky, groovy music that really makes me want to move. I enjoy the way his basslines sit down in the pocket while some great funky melodies unfold above them.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Wondrous Things" comes into being as a hollow synth with sharp edges slices, and majestic notes rise with ominous intent. Colossal bass bursts with explosive strength, echoing out into openness as it descends. Guitar-like notes tremble as flashing synth moves into the music, and flaring chords with minor key shadings drop down. The bass surges as the razor-edged, guitar-like synth cuts past, and brightly gleaming chords leap.

A nasal-sounding synth wriggles as the drums and bass explosively move the music forward. A nasal sound is now joined by a soaring, glimmering synth that carries a mysterious melody. I enjoy the enigmatic qualities that Damokles weaves into this melody. The percussion rebounds and the bass drives on as the melody moves past with sensations of adventure and mystery.

Trumpeting notes gleam, and the luminosity they create pours through the music. Bass echoes out with gigantic strength as the drums burst, adding even more dynamism. The main melody climbs again, crying out with an ancient sounding feeling as it glides past.

The track creates images of incredible discoveries and ancient secrets revealed. The minor key synth that flows out now has a ghostly feeling before the rounded, glistening main melody moves above the rich drumbeat and reaches a crescendo with the bass pounding hard and the surging synth slashing in before the track ends.

Punchy drums drive a solidly pulsating beat as clear sounds sweep to open "Dragonfly." The bass drives on with propulsive energy as a brassy synth carries a melody brimming over with victory and joy as the drums burst. Ringing notes call out in the background, and the main melody takes hold of me, making my heart soar as it unfolds.

Classic '80s tom hits jump in, and luminous, string-like synth sings a celebratory, encouraging melody. The bass pulsates with dynamic energy as the lead synth calls out again while xylophone-like notes float in the background. The main melody explodes with lively motion and positive sensations while the drums shape the music.

The toms call out again, and the driving low end dances above the glimmering synth as it flies through the track with unbridled contentment. The track presses on with unstoppable bass and percussion, which undulates as robotic vocal sounds move in the distance. The drums flourish once more, and the computerized voice moves through the track before it ends.

“Turn Around” starts with colossal, rapidly bursting bass that slashes with sharp edges. The drums begin to burst in a slowly pulsing motion, the hi-hat ticking, and now funky, angular synth bends through the music with scintillating energy. It carries a hip-swaying, back-bending melody that threatens to send me into groove overdrive above the hard-hitting drums and gigantic bass.

I find the slow, rhythmic ride within the melody that is guided by the low end to be deeply satisfying. Radiant synth moves funkily above the locked-in drums and bass. Quickly flickering, wriggling notes speed through the music above the low end.

The melody pops and locks, shimmying in a leaping motion. Trumpeting notes carry the main melody, blasting out with brassy illumination as the low end sways. This is music to hit the dance floor and get funky with. All that energizing sound moves with the low end’s easy roll before the track ends.

Bass pulses tightly, moving in short bursts to kick off “Who We Really Are" A hissing sound moves along with the dynamic bass and drums as echoing, floating synth glides past. Pumping percussion adds shape as bells ring out and trumpets explode with flashing energy. The bells reverberate, and nasal-sounding synth spins out in a wildly dancing melody.

The bells double the synth and leap with shimmering luminosity. The drums cascade, and the melody becomes slightly minor key and quizzical. The many layers interacting in this track as it unfolds are ear pleasing for me. The bells have a depth and richness to them as the glimmering synth moves with lively speed and the drums and bass guide the music.

Brassy notes climb again as the bells add their own resonances. The melody descends and creates a dramatic sensation as it does so. The drums flourish, and both the rounded and bell-like synths tumble down simultaneously. Each layer interacts with the others to create fascinating combinations.

Now the drums move alone with a digital-sounding pulse before full-sounding, medium-high synth carries a warm melody. The bells ring and cascade again as trumpeting notes keep leaping out. The low end drives the track forward as the bells tremble. Now the bells become deep and almost computerized sounding as they flash out along with the drums before the track fades to silence.

“Free Again” begins with a water droplet sound and rapidly jumping drums and bass. The snare drum creates a sharply rebounding motion as the synth flies out with explosive motion and uplifting strength. Laser-like sounds flash through as the scintillating melody skips through the music with easy liveliness.

Roundly shining notes pop up with playful life as the low end pushes on. I enjoy this track’s dynamism and excitement. The laser-like sounds flash again as the main melody wheels through with positive, hopeful power, and the percussion throbs. The lead synth sings higher and higher with effulgent light as the sharply pulsing percussion presses on.

Chiming notes move the distance as the main melody rises with sunlight and a sense of freedom. This track feels anthemic and supportive as it unfolds. Now clean, sharp synth slices, and varied percussion explodes along with water droplet sounds.

Cutting, climbing synths are joined by a funky slap bass and a piano groove to kick off “Tell Me Now.” The drum beat sits right in the groovy pocket and slips along with the fat electric bass as flaring synths illuminate the track. Bending, brassy synths leap with a jazz-inflected melody that jumps along above the steadily driving drum beat and funkified bass.

The trumpeting notes blast out with fierce illumination, spinning a melody that makes me want to shake my booty. The piano skips through with quickly flying notes as the horn-like synth wriggles through the music. The whole track brims over with enjoyment and energetic motion as the bass brings some grit and grease to the music.

Now, a signature Damokles keytar solo flies through the music with intricacy and irrepressible life, soaring high and cascading down as the drums and bass punch hard. An electric bass solo moves with intense cool, thick and fat. A whole plethora of fascinating percussion pumps through the music now, cascading and dancing. The horns reach a crescendo again as a swirling synth twirls out the dynamic melody above the low end. The slap continues to flow with easy motion before the track comes to an end.

“Come Out from the Shadows” commences with gigantic bass rumbles in heavy walls. Now a kick drum thuds in, and the drums begin to pulse as rising, scintillating synth chords permeate the music with bright light. Chimes flicker, and a medium-high, positive-feeling synth carries a melody that is glowing and encouraging.

Chords shimmer intensely as the hollow percussion pulses and bass rumbles. The main melody unfolds with a happy, relaxed quality, lifting me above the world’s petty cares. The drums and bass form an undulating heartbeat as the gleaming main synth sings out with uplifting energy and a sense of forward progress. The drums cascade in huge pulses before the hollow percussion moves through and flaring notes tumble, blazing with a glowing light.

The drums and bass press on with celebratory energy as the main synth cries out with hopeful affection, supported by the dense low end. I enjoy the way in which the music frolics and sings as we move into a segment in which the razor-edged synth slices and the drums throb. The drums are powerful and rhythmic as they carry the track to an end.

A metallic, brightly uplifting melody sings out above galloping drums and bass to commence “Time Is Kind.” Broadly gleaming synth leaps upward, carrying a melody that is pure freedom and happiness, allowing me to release my tension and breathe. Delicately flickering notes skip through the music as the melody frolics and flies, exuding sunny optimism and joyful energy while the low end pulsates strongly.

Chimes flicker as the bending, lambent synth carries a melody forward with pleasure and ease. I appreciate the positive and encouraging emotions that Damokles creates in this track. The chimes float past again as the broadly warm melody calls out. The main melody unfolds with freedom and light, pouring out unalloyed happiness as the bass undulates in a bouncing pattern.

The main melody shines and dances, sparkling and free, as it unfurls through the music. Below, the powerful drums and bass continue to drive on, and the galloping low end starts again. The track gives off a sense of the loosening of chains and the freeing of burdens as it comes to an end.

Conclusion

Wondrous Things fills me with energy and listening pleasure as it unfolds. I've always enjoyed the approach that the artist takes to creating synth-based music and this album continues to showcase his talent and sheer joy in making music.

Jetfire Prime - THEY

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Jetfire Prime’s THEY creates a highly eerie and darkly entertaining atmosphere as it unfolds. The way in which Jetfire Prime evokes all of those terrifying horror movies of the past is deliciously creepy. I enjoy the atmospheric sensations and well-thought-out melodies, along with the plethora of ear-pleasing synth sounds.

One of the main things that draws me into THEY is the moodiness and brooding shadow that Jetfire Prime creates on this album. His synth combinations and sound design paint images of creeping threats and stark terror. The way in which this music makes me look over my shoulder is something that I find deeply entertaining.

Another strong element of THEY is Jetfire Prime’s melodic writing on this album. He creates engaging melodies that elicit a strong emotional response and help to flesh out the storytelling aspect of the music. Jetfire Prime has managed to paint strong images through the melodic content he creates.

The synthesizer sounds that Jetfire Prime uses on THEY are inventive and carefully considered. The end result is music that captures the intense emotional ride of classic horror movies. All of the different tones, timbres, and textures mingle to deepen this album’s cinematic storytelling experience.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Prologue" comes to life as a strangely vibrating sound moves with horror-filled intensity, rising through the music with unsettling clicking sounds now moving in the distance. The track surges and trembles as intensely flaring synth floats out through the music with blinding effulgence.

The background has a mechanical roughness and darkness as the insectile ticking continues. The glimmering synth winds through the track with radiant intensity as the unsettling background continues to add a sense of worrying threat. I enjoy the atmosphere created to open the album.

Mournful, deep notes ring out along with discordant chimes and lush bass to commence “Main Title”. The bass begins to undulate as the aching synth cries out with melancholy emotion, and the chimes add crystalline, piercing light.

The drums form a steady pulse as climbing, brilliant synth carries a drifting melody with a tinge of fear. The bass is a rich underpinning as the pounding drums add motion. The flashing synth pattern winds upward with a sense of growing danger before the track comes to an end.

"Unloading Crates and Missing Out on Dates" starts off with echoing sounds that burst flatly and are joined by a dull kick drum thud and hissing sounds. A hang drum-like synth carries a rounded, reverberant pulse that descends through the music with mechanical sensations.

Medium-low, full-sounding synth carries a melody that gently unfolds. A more radiant synth flows with tranquil light above the crushing weight below it. There’s a wandering sensation permeating the melody as the absolutely massive low end throbs with raging energy.

A steadily repeating fluting sound ramps up the tension in the music as the hard edges below it push with threatening strength. I can feel creeping danger all around me. I am enamoured of the way in which Jetfire Prime creates these sensations. Again, the hang drum melody, cut by clean-edged synth, drifts with haunting energy before the track comes to an end on pounding drums.

Rapidly pulsating, scintillating synth grows in strength as bass descends underneath to begin "Watched, Followed, We’re Not Alone." Ominous notes flare into life with dramatic energy as trembling synth vibrates above the heavy bass flow. The refulgent notes entangle with blinding light as the echoing background synth fills the music with increasingly dangerous sensations.

Broadly gleaming lead synth carries a melody mingling terrified emotion with melancholy as the background noises echo. Dread and discomfort fills me as this track unfolds in a way I find darkly pleasing. Luminescent notes hover above the echoing background as the shadowy bass rises. The main melody reverberates as it fills the track with feverish light and pervasive worry.

Bright notes ring above the swirling blackness below, and I can imagine our main character realizing that their world has changed and threats lurk around every corner now. The lucent synth flares with haunted light as the continually arpeggiating background notes add to the sensation of being followed. The track ends with melancholy and pained nervousness.

"Summer Days and Teenage Dreams" opens with a smoothly flowing drum beat as the tenderly touching melody sings out with warm emotion. Tranquil, full-sounding notes glide in the distance as the drums and bass pulse to guide the shimmering synth. The melody is hopeful and bursting as sunlight, illuminating the song, and the entangling, crystalline notes add even more lustrousness.

My heart lifts with this music, giving me a break from the darkness of the other tracks. The main melody slides in again with gentleness and easy motion, slowly expressing the love and yearning in the track. The way in which the lead synth gleams only deepens the music’s emotional strength. Glistening arpeggios continue to ripple, and a shining synth line rises above the continually driving low end.

The delicate notes spin in counterpoint to the low end. Now the drums tick more slowly as a slightly shadowy but still soothing melody floats out as chimes sparkle. The bass undulates as the drums slowly pulsate while the high notes add radiance. Once again, the glistening lead synth carries the emotive melody above the low-end throb. The track is like a breath of fresh air after the darkness around it. It ends on lustrous arpeggios and the affectionate main melody.

Oscillating bass moves with uncomfortably drifting, intensely metallic synth to kick off "We Can Get Guns." The bass batters into the track with slow, terrifying strength as the burnished chimes give off nervous light.

Fearful bass surges as palpable worry and looming danger fill the music. I enjoy the clock-like ticking of the percussion while the raised synth cries out and the lower notes pulse into silence.

"Street Patrols" begins as a roundly polished synth gently caresses the music with a mixture of gentleness and increasing tension. The bass provides a steadily marching pulse that winds up feelings of worry and lurking threat in the distance.

Hollow percussion batters as the bass becomes a continually surging pulsation. The rising synth has an organ-like sound as it climbs upwards with ever increasing feelings of approaching doom. The track exudes vigilance in a way to which I’m drawn as the pounding low end continues to drive the track forward.

Scintillating synth pours out in the background as the organ-like notes rise. A feeling of seeking and continual, nearing danger fills the music as the brilliant notes continue to echo into open space before silence falls.

Voluminous, jagged bass pounds with ominous weight to start "Third Night, Final Fight." The bass gives off a demonic shadow as it slams into the music with fierce power.

Tremulous, elevated notes vibrate, and a brass-like synth carries notes that burst with horrific muscle as they move above the lugubrious but oppressive low end.

The trembling notes wind up nervousness and a sense of readiness for battle. This track's atmosphere draws me inward and engages me in the feeling of a crucial battle about to break out.

"Heroes But at a Cost" commences as lugubrious, melancholy synth drifts out in slowly unfurling lines, with deeper notes flowing with more painful emotion. Softly dancing arpeggios descend with tenderness, and the main melody sings on a sparkling synth with heartbreaking emotion.

The drifting background creates richness and texture as the glittering synth conveys pain and heartache. Continually flickering synth lines cascade with steadily shaping energy. A round-sounding, organ-like synth carries the hurting melody in a way that touches my heart.

Now the continually rippling background flows with steady luminosity, and the bass underpins everything. The melody glows again with fragile lightness, and the wandering synths float past in undulating motion before the song ends.

Gigantic bass throbs heavily as ethereally hovering synth rings out with delicate illumination to start "Hope Wins." The softly touching synth pulses in a melodic pattern that conveys resolution and positive energy as the bass pulses. A lambent synth pours out victorious emotion as the drums provide a strong heartbeat along with the hard-hitting bass.

The mood is one of triumph and forward progress as the drums and bass push forward. I am drawn to the resolute nature of the main melody, unfolding on the crystalline synth. The low end continues to press on with propulsive liveliness while the caressing but powerful melody calls out. There's a sense of a battle finished and won, despite a heavy price paid.

Conclusion

THEY Is a superb invocation of the classic thrills and synth soundtracks from 1980s horror movies. Jetfire Prime weaves together a tapestry of melody, atmosphere and expression to produce a fun soundtrack for a movie that never existed.

HeartBeatHero -Halloween 2024

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

HeartBeatHero’s Halloween 2024 is an entertainingly ghoulish and shadowy album that takes listeners on a highly enjoyable ride through synthscapes that seethe with darkness and erupt with macabre playfulness. I enjoy the way in which HeartBeatHero evokes classic '80s horror movie vibes and other equally dark and delicious sounds, along with the irrepressible energy exuded by the synth layers that wrap around my ears with atmospheric intensity.

One of the elements I enjoy most on Halloween 2024 is the way that HeartBeatHero plays with the music. He doesn't take it too seriously in his approach, despite making seriously well-crafted music. I enjoy the playful horror movie atmosphere that is exuded from the tracks on the album. There's a sense that HeartBeatHero was having a really good time as he created this music, and as a result, I have a good time listening to it.

I also enjoy the way in which HeartBeatHero creates a distinct atmosphere of terror on Halloween 2024. The dark and twisted synth sounds imbue the music with feelings of evil lurking in the shadows and those jump scares that we all used to like in classic horror movies. All in all, I did enjoy the terrifying tale that unfolds in music as the album evolves. It's the kind of Halloween album I'd listen to all year round.

Despite the music’s playful nature on Halloween 2024, the way in which HeartBeatHero created it was skillful. His ability to choose the right synth sounds and textures, along with a sense of atmosphere and drama, allowed him to paint vivid and horror-filled imagery that splashed itself across all of the tracks. I like the way in which he explores horror tropes without becoming too clichéd.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

"Death Is Coming" starts as distant, string-like notes grow in intensity and resonate into open space. The sense of threat grows as they become more powerful, emphasizing approaching peril. The string-like notes begin to draw silent as bass snarls and roams before they swell again, becoming more piercing and violent.

The growls continue, and I can feel myself getting nervous. Now razor-sharp sounds undulate as the drifting, string-like sound again becomes insistent and vigorous. A trembling sound adds more ominous notes, and the strings trickle.

I enjoy the way in which this track creates tension and drama. The spinning strings rise into sharply glowing luminosity as they continue to float below and silence begins to fall. Once more, the string-like notes climb and glisten,full of panic, before the track ends.

Seething bass pulses angrily, accompanied by slicing sounds and mechanical noises "Creep Circuit" kicks off . The bass continues to fulminate and bubble, emanating an intense sense of threat as colossal drums batter with raging energy, and hollow panpipes call out. The low end is a gigantic, muscled creature that undulates and heaves with terrifying force.

A pipe organ descends in minor key notes that deepen the drama in a way that I enjoy. The drums cascade as reverberating sounds move out above the creaking shadows below. Now the surging low end smashes in again with brutal energy, and the hollow sounds rip through. The drums rebound, slamming again before the track comes to an end.

"Techno Terror" begins with shredding, lacerating synth growling angrily, and now drums batter with assaulting force as laser-like sounds cut through the music with flaring luminosity. The bass is angry, and the low end pounds rapidly forward, relentlessly driven as the whole track snarls. The drums and bass are unrelenting, punching into the track with gigantic weight. A quickly writhing sound rushes through the music, carrying horrifying warnings within.

The drums and bass form a rhythmic heartbeat as a hi-hat quickly ticks, contributing a metallic sense of speed to the music. The low end is full of menace and rage as massive, gleaming notes tower. I enjoy the full-on attack in this music as it unfolds. The dark storm of the melody cries out, adding a sense of jeopardy before the track ends.

A sound like icy wind blowing through empty vaults begins "Nightmares on Halloween". The sound changes in tone as it floats through the music, almost exhaling, before razor-sharp notes lacerate it with raging energy, and the drums explode into rapid forward motion. Bass walls snarl as the drums assault the track.

I enjoy the demonic power ripping forth from this track as it unfolds. The drums and bass are unrelenting, and now metallic notes rush through with aggressive energy as the deadly rhythm continues to throb. The drums launch again with rushing speed as the jagged synth edges tear into the music with destructive intent. Raw power fills the music as it explodes, and now an uneasily speeding, open-sounding synth descends.

A thousand sonic knife blades stab as the synth pulse continues to tremble with unrelenting motion, and the hollow wind blows past. The continual oscillation only adds to feelings of unstoppable, hidden horror as the graveyard wind blows. Now the slashing bass breaks apart, and the drums continue to slam hard before the track comes to an end.

Heavily surging bass rumbles, and rounded lines create a hissing percussion sound as “Cyber Ghoul” begins. The bass grows in potency as the sound of a door opening enters the track, and now the drums push the music forward while the bass snarls in the distance. The bass has a shredding weight as elevated synth echoes out in a long pulse, and whispering sounds float in the background.

The low end is intimidating, with a flat drum moving alongside more reverberant sounds, while tightly wound notes climb higher and higher. Now, the drums and bass are split by a flanging pulsation that whirls through the music with raging energy as the track charges on. Digitally glimmering synth expands with hovering energy above the crushing low-end weight. I enjoy the dramatic power that ripples through the music as the raised sounds cry out in twisting motion.

A sharp-edged pulse slices through again as computerized sounds levitate above the truly gigantic low end. The drums drive forward once more as the furious bass hits the track with great strength. The low end continues to press forward while high sounds scream out with anxious feelings. Massive propulsion builds to a high-strung synth wind-up as the digital-sounding notes resound, and the low end batters until it all comes to an end.

“The Shadow Clone” opens with creeping sounds accompanied by luscious bass. Metallic sounds are sliced by a deeply creaking bass note, like dungeon doors opening. Stabs of hard-edged, glimmering synth tear in before the music begins to surge with terrible power. Now, the drums punch into the track with grinding energy, pushing the music forward.

Bursting noises cut in again, and the drums smack into the music before lacerating sounds re-emerge. The ferocious low end is contrasted with trumpeting notes that create aching emotion. I enjoy the intensity of the contrast here. The bass and drums shatter the track as they pour out unhallowed darkness.

The track has a relentlessly driven feeling as it slams forward. The irresistible weight of the bass and its tearing fangs are punctuated by glowing noises that tremble. Now, into the open spaces around it, hollow sounds exhale, and the track rumbles like thunder. Lacerating sounds pulse again and again as the track jumps to heavy life, with the bass and drums striking before silence falls.

Conclusion

Halloween 2024 is simply a fun listening experience. I enjoy how the album is steeped in darkness but maintains a level of over-the-top entertainment that keeps me coming back for more.