20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 2

by Karl Magi

Splash '96 – Summers in Anniston

When the tranquil sounds of Summers in Anniston first spilled out around me, I was instantly at home with it. Splash ‘96 has a very individual approach to making synth-based music and the way in which nostalgia and relaxation mix on this album pulls me into it.

Splash '96 creates a chilled-out, nostalgic journey through jazzy, synth-laden landscapes. The album evokes a dreamy summer vibe with its hazy melodies, funky basslines and smooth jazz influences, immersing listeners in a sunlit, poolside daydream.

The synths flow effortlessly, painting vivid auditory images of shimmering light and turquoise waters. Splash '96 draws from retrowave, jazz fusion, and electro-funk to craft an easygoing yet emotionally resonant sound that exudes cool, summery charm.

LAU – Circumstance (Take Two)

LAU immediately reached out and took hold of me with Circumstance (Take Two). The way in which it combines her spine tingling vocal abilities, intensely passionate songwriting and a charming retrowave sensibility results in music that I find hard to resist. I could listen to this album every day with no problem.

Circumstance (Take Two) explores the emotional challenges of long-distance love through heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals and varied synth textures. LAU collaborates with talented guests to add depth and diversity to the songs.

The album’s emotionally charged performances create a deeply moving and memorable experience. The interplay of dynamic synth arrangements and vibrant percussion creates a deeply immersive soundscape. The music explores a wide tonal range, from bright airiness to deep resonance.

L’Avenue – Riviera

Before I’d even started writing reviews, I'd interviewed L’Avenue and liked his attitude as a creator. Once I heard his music, especially once Riviera came along, I was hooked. This album took hold of me with its absolutely blissed out feeling and retro vibes. I've continued to enjoy the musical journeys upon which this artist takes me.

Riviera is a tranquil and evocative escape, conjuring imagery of serene beaches and sunlit waters. The album’s pastel-hued synth tones create a soothing, dreamlike atmosphere that invites relaxation.

Eliza Devane and George Holliday’s expressive vocals, combined with a resonant saxophone, add depth and emotion to the music. Riviera offers a peaceful journey through its azure soundscapes, delivering a soothing respite from life’s stresses.

Sunesis – Orbital

The deep emotion and tragic atmosphere of this album attracted me the first time I heard it. Sunesis has a knack for capturing the empty loneliness of space and imbuing it with humanity and beautifully crafted melodies. I can't resist the way in which the artist explores the nuances and feelings which she lays out as Orbital unfolds.

Orbital tells the melancholic story of a lonely space traveler through ethereal vocals, evocative songwriting, and atmospheric synths. Sunesis crafts a floating, cosmic soundscape, combining wistful melodies with mournful emotion and darker undertones.

The album’s story-driven structure and immersive quality keep me returning for more. Synth layers create a diaphanous quality that enhances the narrative of a solitary space journey. Pulsing drums and dark undertones ground the ethereal melodies in emotional weight while propelling the music forward.

Peter Gagliardi – Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black

I was immediately seized by the cinematic scale and galactic majesty of Peter Gagliardi's music on this album. I close my eyes as I listen and it always transports me to new realms. I hope that I'll get a chance to hear some of his music again soon because it's always compelling to me.

Peter Gagliardi weaves a cosmic tale of fear, pain and hope through intricate synthscapes and expressive melodies. Pandora Unlocked: Interstellar Black’s orchestral approach blends tonal colours and textures into a cohesive and immersive sonic journey.

Peter Gagliardi’s melodies resonate deeply, driving the storytelling with heartfelt expression. The album’s cinematic quality transports listeners across galaxies, making it a compelling exploration of emotions and imagery.

The Lightning Kids – All Of Those Nights

It was Emma Ballantine’s voice which first pulled me into this All Of Those Nights. Her ability to express herself and carry the meaning within the lyrics has always been enjoyable for me. When combined with the thoughtfully written lyrics, her vocals deliver a deeply touching emotional punch. I find it easy to listen to this album over and over again.

All Of Those Nights is a nostalgic synthpop album blending emotion, storytelling, and layered instrumentation. Emma Ballantine’s passionate vocals and Darren McHardie’s guitar work enrich the music. The synth arrangements add texture and nuance, making the album a heartfelt and multi-faceted listening experience.

Synth layers blend crystalline arpeggios with warm pads, creating a soundscape that balances hope, passion and melancholy. The rhythm section anchors the introspective melodies in vibrant, dynamic arrangements.

Elevate The Sky – Dreaming in Color

This album always galvanizes me because I think it captures Elevate The Sky’s mixture of strong vocal performance, earnest emotion and a positive attitude. I find his music lifts me and encourages me each time I hear it. The way in which he captures emotion is engaging and I'm constantly listening out for his optimism.

Dreaming in Color is a vibrant blend of emotive vocals, captivating melodies, and lush synth arrangements. Elevate The Sky’s vocal power and heartfelt performances infuse the album with depth, supported by well-crafted lyrics and electrifying guitar work.

The album features a diverse palette of synth textures and standout contributions, including Ilia Skibinsky’s seductive saxophone and Michael Oakley’s guest vocals. Dreaming in Color is a spellbinding fusion of retrosynth elements and raw emotional expression.

Taeha – City Lights

I'm a sucker for classic Japanese citypop music so Taeha immediately drew my attention. I enjoy the way in which she fuses a K-pop sensibility with the smooth and ultra cool sounds of citypop. Her voice has a breathy beauty to it and there's a sense of earnestness and heartfelt emotion in her performances which I find charming.

City Lights combines Taeha’s citypop style with engaging remixes by notable synth music artists. Taeha’s gentle, sincere vocal performances shine alongside fresh interpretations from remixers who infuse their original sounds into her songs.

The result is a lively and innovative blend of synthpop and creative reimaginings. Taeha’s delicate voice remains the emotional center even as the remixes highlight innovative synth tones and intricate rhythm. The result is refreshing, filled with texture and lively energy.

At 1980 - Forget To Remember

Forget To Remember first attracted me because it skilfully captures the essence of 1980s music while avoiding clichés. I also love its blend of heartfelt emotion, strong musicianship and superb vocal performances. Contributions from artists like Shadowrunner, Dana Jean Phoenix, Syst3m Glitch, and Camille Glémet further enhance the album.

Forget To Remember brims over with emotional depth, combining melancholy and warmth to create a touching listening experience. Each song is infused with genuine feeling and a commitment to exploring intense emotional states. The diverse vocal performances add layers of mood and meaning, with each singer bringing a unique perspective to the tracks.

The melodies are another standout feature, effectively conveying the album’s emotional core. The music’s ability to resonate deeply with listeners makes Forget To Remember a powerful and memorable album.

Infra Violet - Dream Tether

I first became intrigued by Dream Tether because of the way in which Toby Campen’s musical backing and Bethany Munroe’s triple threat of vocal ability, guitar chops and songwriting skill combine to create a touching and powerful end result.

Dream Tether is a deeply emotive album that blends introspective lyrics, powerful vocals and a complex musical texture. It balances energetic tracks with reflective explorations of human struggles and relationships. Toby Campen’s synth work complements the lyrical themes with evocative tones, while Bethany Munroe’s guitar adds intricacy.

Bethany Munroe’s distinctive voice is a standout feature, delivering both soaring and intimate performances that enhance the emotional depth of the lyrics. The thoughtfully crafted lyrics delve into the complexities of self-discovery, relationships and the human condition, painting vivid imagery that captivates the listener.

NO HORIZON - The Hellfire Elegies

Nine Incantations: A Review of The Hellfire Elegies by No Horizon

By Chris Magdalenski 

Unexplainable, yet familiar. Those are the first words that come to mind when the music begins. The sonic elements are all there, darkly dressed, and drenched in oil black tones. I've heard these ideas before, but never expressed quite like this. 

This feels new. Unique.

The album's first track opens with all the mystery of a ritual lost to the mists of some forgotten age. A voice greets me, drawing me into the proceedings with lamented drone. The singer refers to themselves Nyx Enigma. A more than fitting name for the creator behind this music.

But to call it just music, just songs on an album wouldn't be completely accurate - each track is an incantation, a spell carefully crafted on foundations of shimmering drum and bass lines laced with synthesizers that are pushed, pulled and twisted in eccentric directions. 

Nyx completes invocation with their vocals. Confident and determined they cut a path through each offering. They're our guide on this journey. Nine tracks - each one like walking down the dark featureless hallway of an off-putting dream. 

Nine hallways. Nine incantations. Nine glimpses across the veil that separates our world from one rendered from the shadows of our darkest dreams and most hidden desires. 

It difficult to pick a favorite, but tracks like “Desdemona” and “Midnight Labyrinth” have remained with me since first listen. Nyx has a with lyrics that I am envious of, each track a short story brought to life with the help of her accomplished musicianship. 

I for one am very much looking forward to hearing more from Nyx’s No Horizon.

For more, visit: https://n0h0riz0n.bandcamp.com

20 Albums That Shaped Me - Part 1

by Karl Magi

Introduction

It's hard to believe it's been five years since I started reviewing music from the #synthfam. I've loved every minute of it and have had the pleasure of being introduced to such a wide range of emotive, fascinating, entertaining and diverse music. I decided it was time to look back over the last five years and write about some of the albums that shaped my love for and understanding of synth based music.

My choices for albums to showcase are those that, for a variety of reasons, have made a strong impact on me. As usual, this sort of article is a challenge for me because I've loved so much of the music that I reviewed that trying to make a definitive selection is difficult.

In the end, I've just gone with the music that has really hit me in the gut. This is by no means a comprehensive list but I hope it gives you all some insight into what has shaped my musical tastes in the synth realm.

Damokles – Tales From A Future Past

When I first heard Tales From A Future Past, it was a game changer for me because it was the first time I'd heard an artist who'd been working in the '80s continuing to make classic synth based music. It has a depth and interest for me that still makes a strong impression.

Tales From A Future Past is a nostalgic yet innovative journey that highlights his compositional skills and keytar mastery. The album’s foundation lies in its use of analog synthesizers, each bringing distinctive tones that evoke an earlier era while maintaining a fresh appeal.

The complexity of the tracks, with their layered arrangements and interwoven elements, creates a rich sonic tapestry. Damokles’ strong sense of melody shines through in catchy yet expressive compositions, demonstrating how electronic music can be both intricate and intensely melodic.

His distinctive voice adds depth and character to the album, offering a personal and genuine touch that enhances the music’s emotional resonance.

SkyYamaha – Rituals

The first time I heard Rituals, it fascinated me and whenever I listen to it again, it continues to fascinate me. I find the hypnotic and deep nature of SkyYamaha's music on this album hard to resist. Her explorations of the ethereal and spiritual bring me back time and again. This is music that touches the depths of my heart and soul.

Rituals creates an intricate blend of contemplative soundscapes with unique instrumentation. SkyYamaha uses wooden flutes, global percussion, strings, and oboe to craft a richly layered auditory experience. The instrumentation combines to create a timeless atmosphere.

It’s a mystical sonic journey that blends meditative soundscapes with rich, hypnotic textures. Rituals balances soothing calmness with engaging melodies, evoking images of ancient forests and ritualistic magic. It’s a contemplative exploration of nature and interconnectedness.

Color Theory - Underneath These Dying Stars

Underneath These Dying Stars is a deeply emotional and introspective album that explores the complexities of human existence. Brian Hazard’s evocative vocals and poetic songwriting, paired with richly textured synth backdrops, create a moving and immersive listening experience.

Brian Hazard’s vocal performance is central to the album’s impact, blending sensitivity, range, and a touch of New Wave melancholy. His voice conveys the intertwined pain and joy of life, increasing the emotional resonance of the lyrics.

The songwriting is another highlight of Underneath These Dying Stars telling poignant stories of love, loss, darkness and joy. His precise word choices and vivid imagery give the songs emotional depth, drawing listeners into the heart of the music.

The synth-driven musical arrangements add further dimension, layering textures and tonal colours that enhance the emotional themes. Melodic beauty runs through the album in a luscious tide.

Chelsea Owen (as Oceanside’85) – Neon Dreams

When I first reviewed Neon Dreams, I was immediately struck by Chelsea Owens' gripping vocal performances and soulful delivery, along with her chameleon-like ability to adapt to different styles and sonic profiles within a broader synth-based music envelope. Her music on this album showcases what a talented vocalist and writer can bring to each project they undertake.

Neon Dreams showcases Chelsea Owen’s expressive voice as it rides atop shimmering synth layers, pulsing basslines and textured percussion. Collaborations with artists like Cody Carpenter and Color Theory deepen the album’s creative scope. Owen’s vocal strength and the album’s genre versatility make it a fascinating and memorable musical experience.

Neon Dreams blends synthwave, groovy house beats and ambient electronics seamlessly. Each track feels fresh with complex synth tones supporting Owen’s ability to deliver intense emotion.

Aeronexus – Aeon Intergrade

Even though Aeronexus was young when he made Aeon Intergrade, I already felt drawn to his complex soundscapes and musical expression. The way he carried me on a journey compelled me with this album. I still continue to enjoy the music he's putting out after five years, listening to him grow as an artist.

Aeon Intergrade is full of intricate sonic layers, emotive melodies and interstellar themes, creating an exhilarating musical voyage. The album balances pulse-pounding energy with emotional depth, exploring feelings from pain to vitality through evolving melodies.

Guest artists elevate the album as Dimi Kaye’s intricate guitar work, Draven’s dark, classical touches and Tim Capello’s fiery sax add richness. Aeronexus’ unique synth sounds, including majestic choral tones and intriguing textures, create a captivating and adventurous listening experience.

Indigo – INDIGO

Indigo is one of those artists with whom I felt an instant rapport. She has a natural way of expressing herself vocally and her songwriting skills made me take notice. I especially enjoy the immediacy of her expression and the way in which she takes a look at the emotional complexity of human relationships and connections.

INDIGO blends synthpop with heartfelt lyrics and expressive vocals. Indigo’s voice adds depth and emotion to her storytelling. The album’s songwriting is vivid and direct, supported by intricate synth arrangements that range from light and breezy to dark and intense.

The album is an intimate and impactful exploration of emotion and mood. Indigo’s breathy yet commanding vocals glide over layers of synth textures ranging from crystalline brightness to shadowy depth. The music creates a vivid sonic landscape

Cat Temper – Feralyzed

The first time I heard Feralyzed I really wasn't sure what to think. After starting out by reviewing pretty classic synthwave, what was coming out of my headphones was totally quirky and completely original. Cat Temper continues to create some of the most fascinating synthesizer based music out there.

Cat Temper delivers a dynamic and entertaining fusion of unique beats, playful cat-themed humor, and diverse synth tones. The album’s mix of metallic, gruff and warm synth sounds creates a fresh, engaging experience.

Feralyzed incorporates growling electric guitar to add power and character, while chiptune-inspired digital sounds bring a technological edge. The polished production ensures clarity and sharpness, weaving all elements into a cohesive tapestry. Feralyzed exemplifies Cat Temper’s innovative approach to synth music.

Bunny X – Love Minus 80

Early on in my music writing, I interviewed Bunny X and was quickly enamoured of their approach to music making and songwriting. When Love Minus 80 came along, the way in which Bunny X captured the essence of the stories with their skillful vocal performances and unique approach to songwriting truly drew me in. This is an album that I continue to enjoy hearing.

Love Minus 80 is a sci-fi-inspired synthpop album that combines emotive vocals with strong songwriting. Collaborations with guest artists add depth and richness to the music. The album’s lush production captures ’80s vibes while maintaining clarity blending layered synths with dynamic bass and drums.

Bunny X skillfully weaves original tales while honouring their inspirations. The combination of sci-fi themes, warm harmonies, and dynamic rhythms results in an engaging and imaginative musical experience.

Peacecraft – Songs For When The World Ends

I hadn't listened to much lo-fi music but I was already familiar with Peacecraft’s more synthwave style offerings, but I was deeply affected by the emotional strength and aching tenderness within Songs For When The World Ends. It remains music that I listen to when I'm feeling melancholy or in need of peace.

Peacecraft’s Songs For When The World Ends is a deeply emotional album filled with vulnerability and poignant beauty. Through fragile piano performances and resonant strings, the music explores themes of uncertainty, loss and tenuous hope. The album’s delicacy and sensitivity continues to engage me.

The thoughtful production by jacket enhances the compositions, allowing the music to breathe and resonate. This introspective album captures aching emotion and delicate artistry, leaving a lasting impression on its listeners.

Yota – Room 412

Yota takes an approach to synthpop on Room 412 that I find strongly attractive. between her broad vocal range, classic 1980s sonic sensibility and emotionally connected songwriting. The way in which the album approaches a more retro sound is fresh and I continue to find it entertaining as a listening experience. Room 412 is another one of those albums that takes me on an ear pleasing journey.

Room 412 is a deeply emotional synthpop album featuring Yota’s captivating vocals and poignant lyrics. Her ability to convey love and loss through retro-influenced yet modern synth soundscapes creates a powerful listening experience.

The balance between expressive vocals and textured synth backdrops ensures the album remains engaging and emotionally resonant. The atmospheric production heightens the interplay between vocal and instrumental elements, creating an intimate and compelling listening experience. I enjoy the lushly interwoven synth arrangements.

Positronic - Into The Blue

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Positronic’s Into The Blue is an emotional journey through love, loss, hope and understanding. It is wrapped in richly layered synth sounds, well-composed melodies and lyrics that delve into all the challenges and triumphs of being human. I find myself drawn into its musical world as it unfolds.

One compelling element that attracts me to Into The Blue is the vocal performance that Positronic gives. He has a broad vocal range, emotional intensity and a style that is full of heart. I enjoy the way in which he is able to take the feelings within the lyrics and convey their full impact to the listener’s ears.

Direct, engaging lyrics are a hallmark of Positron’s songwriting on Into The Blue. His words cut right to the heart and deliver an expressive message in each song. I am enamoured of his skill at weaving an emotional tapestry and filling my heart with it. I like songwriting that makes a visceral impact and this album has it.

I also find myself drawn into the music’s layered soundscapes that bolster the singing and songwriting on the album. Positronic’s synth choices are well thought out and deepen the impact of the songs. When one adds the strong, clear and hummable melodies to the mix, the end result is deeply pleasing.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Into The Blue” starts off as peacefully gliding synth gently patters and trembling, growling bass tumbles. Solid drums punch in while glistening synths rise light and a vibrating arpeggio shifts while chimes sparkle. Rising, warming synth washes like waves as the rich bass and big drums throb.

Positronic's heart-warming, tender voice beautifully carries the soothing vocal melody as massive drums throb. Metallic, bouncing synth adds more gentle feeling as the bright, undulating synth pulse caresses my ears. Shimmering synth flickers as widely turning arpeggios fill the song with settling ease.

Positronic's expressive vocals sail and snare drum adds shape while distant voices echo. The whole song breathes out caring feelings while strong drums drive and trickling, crystalline notes flit. Oceanic bass flows while accenting synth radiates light and the main melody sings with affectionate emotion before ending.

Our storyteller talks about how he and the song subject’s souls will collide “into the blue.” They’ll hold hands and go into “paradise” as he points out that under the water, the “sea divides the spaces between you and I.” He adds that they’ll escape, even if only for a day.

“Beneath the ocean blue” the narrator can only feel the other person. He says that they’ll “light the sky” together as he points out that their hearts “are one, beating in time.” He says he will always call the other person his. Now our narrator weaves an image of them laying “skin on skin” on a pristine white beach.

The storyteller speaks of breathing the other person in as “calming stillness” falls on them. He asks the other person to “surrender to me as the ocean sighs” adding that there’s more to the situation than they realize. Now they spin together in the sky “like starlight” and our storyteller says “I’ll never let you go, it’s just us tonight.”

Angular, rough-edged bass oscillates as broadly shining, digital-sounding synth carries a hopeful melody to open “Falling In Love With You Again.” Positronic's trembling vocals carry the gentle melody and the lead synth climbs with luscious sound above a gigantic drum pulse.

Positronic's voice is pleasingly full of heart, carrying the softly touching vocal melody as the triumphantly climbing synth gleams. Skipping lead synth sings with positive energy and a softer-edged, more nasal sounding synth takes up the feather-light melody. Bright synth arcs upward and the drums and bass propel the song to its end.

“Well, here we go, it happened again” is how our narrator opens the song, adding that he can’t explain how “I opened my eyes and fell so hard” but he is stuck on the other person.

The storyteller says that love comes around over and over, adding that words fall “like leaves upon the ground” and he finds himself unable to help falling for the other person again.

Now they are together in “time and space” and the narrator says love is plain on his face as he shuts his eyes and “ find you there because I’m stuck on you.”

“Freedom” begins as ethereal sonic breath floats out, backed by a steadily slipping bass pulse to create wonderfully easy going motion. Positronic's voice aches and dreams as fragile synth sparkles with starry light. Positronic's vocals are deeply emotive as colossal drums and dense bass create motion.

The vocal melody is yearning, tinged with more encouraging emotions. Below it all, drums add guidance along with powerful, but peaceful bass. Medium-high synth trickles through in a lightly touching pulse and Positronic's voice is full of expression.

Mournful and positive elements intertwine while a coruscating shine permeates climbing synth chords. Drums and bass keep pulsating as a mellow synth glides. Positronic's voice is strong, deep and brimming with pure emotion as we fade on delicate notes.

The teller of this tale speaks of searching for the freedom that takes his cares away and is “beyond the rolling sea.” He hopes it will soon come to him. He says he’s feeling “trapped, so far beyond repair.” Adding that even if he might despair at the fact that “life says you’re losing” he still intends to try because it isn’t hopeless. He continues, “I’ll rise again one day now, no matter what the cost.”

He’s feeling lost and his “head is in the sand” but he is going to continue looking for another person’s helping hand. He says he won’t quit because he knows the other person is there and “the cost of this bondage is more than I can bear.” He adds that he needs the “relieving power” of freedom to “align my heart” and feel right. He isn’t sure when he might find it again.

Reverberating kick drum and brushing snare drum form a strong pulse to start “Close To You.” Wobbling, squelching synth bends in clotted waves before reverent synth chords are touched by trickling piano notes. Positronic's pained, mournful voice carries a tragically emotive melody while heavy bass swells.

Positronic's voice is permeated with loneliness as the drum heartbeat shapes the music. I enjoy the way in which the main melody mixed loss and hope. Shadowed synth oscillates in the distance, tinged by lambent notes.Tightly wound, high synth cries with heightened emotion and colossal drums bounce.

Lusciously undulating synth flows and Positronic's voice captures conflicted emotion. Diamond synth shines in clear notes and taut notes shake as the weighty low end shapes the music. The song ends on the hurt-filled vocals and medium-high synth.

Darkness is closing in and creeping into our narrator’s mind, reminding him of “my tortured past and all the things I’ve left behind.” He points out that constant striving will cause a “sickness” to creep into our minds and cloud “our deepest thoughts” while revealing regrets.

The storyteller says that he still wants closeness with the song’s subject “despite all you’ve put me through.” He adds that they’re unable to stop “digging up the past” and wonders when they’ll get go of it. He knows that they’re really longing for peace to arrive. As the song ends, he questions when enough is enough, concluding that “this treatment is so rough. Time to let it all go."

“Jump In” kicks off as piano notes unfold in a dynamic line and hard-hitting drums burst. Glowing, nasal-sounding synth sings out before Positronic's encouraging, dreamy voice carries the heartening vocal melody as the solid drums drive on.

Wriggling, elevated synth has an engaging effulgence as Positronic's voice captures deep love. The main melody is permeated with warming feelings as delicate piano flits above tender vocals. Energizing piano chords dance as bass and drums create strong motion. Positronic's voice is emotive as it carries the yearning vocal melody and the big drums explode.

The question of whether the storyteller and the other person should stay or go is posed as the song stars. He adds that nobody can be sure of the direction in which the wind will blow so “we can walk away or we can stay.” He points out that they can’t only have one “foot in” so they have to start having faith in each other.

Our narrator calls on the other person to “jump in with me” and see what might happen. He says that it is both of them until the end. He wants the other person to“make a stand, take the plunge with me” and do so holding hands.

There won’t be any fence sitting for the storyteller, he says they have to pick a direction. He asks if they can give up without a fight and asks for mutual belief in one another. He adds, “Time to let our guard down, let faith be our glue.”

As the song winds down, the narrator says they have come to a crossroads. There’s no time to dabble so they have to either “get out or… let our fears go.”

Darkly tumbling, rapidly whirling bass undulates to begin “Losing Control.” Positronic's voice chants out in a deep expression of pain and hopelessness. Hammering drums throb on as rounded arpeggios twirl and glittering synth flickers. The song’s low end shoves the music on while Positronic's voice aches effectively, conveying betrayal.

The vocal melody is tinged with shadow as the drumbeat punches. Flaring synth flurries and oscillating bass writhes before panpipe synth spins out a breathy melodic pattern. Raw emotion fills the vocals as the drums and bass heave forward. There’s a lacerating edge in the music, leavened by sunny synth glow.

Our narrator says that every night he’s left alone after the sun has set. He talks about how the arguments he and the song’s subject have and the games they play “chill me to the bone.” He points out that “it’s surreal, it’s the deal” and the fight keeps him holding on.

The teller of the tale says that everything “comes down and turns around” as he loses self-control. He says that the “world may drown and fade away” so that all that is left is the other person.

It is painful for the narrator as the other person says they won’t quit on him but then they walk away. He says that the lights dim and “fade on out” but the other person is “off to go and play.” Ultimately he concludes that “you always seem to let me down, every time you come around.”

“Blue Song” comes to life with softly rippling synth evoking light on blue water. Positronic's voice is caressing as soft-edged, deeply floating synth adds peaceful feelings. Softly brushing, elevated notes skim and Positronic skilfully infuses his voice with powerful love and need.

Easy-going synth ripples with aquamarine tranquility and Positronic's voice is accented by radiant notes. Trickling synth glitters with warmth while the vocal melody pours out dreamily. Shining, digital-sounding notes have a sunlit radiance while the drums and bass shape the music. As the song ends, a sense of powerful emotional connection fills every auditory element.

The storyteller says the other person in the song let him in when they were young, “ our hearts were pure and love was on our tongue.” He never wants to “be untrue” because it's still the time for them and he wants to be with the other person. He points out that over time “the words haven’t gone way” and he hopes to speak them before he dies.


It is both of their lives and the narrator says it is time for them to “look into each other’s eyes and never say goodbye.” He adds that he’d miss the other person if they left or if he left them one day. He calls them the “stars that light the sky before me, the sun that warms the air around me.”

Our storyteller says that his heart has always been with the other person and all the time he spends living without them “brings an emptiness I never knew.” He adds “here’s to us making it through” because otherwise he’d be “so blue.”

He says that, for him, the other person has been in his heart from the beginning and “it with me, hand in hand until the end” so he asks them to make a stand with him. It is the case that “the sun can burn out, the moon can cease to shine” but he’ll always consider the other person his best friend and “my heart will be with you until my end.”

Conclusion

Into The Blue carries me into a realm of intense expression, deep emotion and layers of synth sound that curl around me and pull me inward. I find myself experiencing all of the varied mental states that Positronic has created in his music.