Synth Single Review: Dead Serious by Magic Sword

Review by Karl Magi

Magic Sword’s Dead Serious radiates victorious menace as it unfolds. The track begins as the intimidating bass rises and expands outward into echoing space. A rapidly exploding, bursting drum beat shatters as the colossal bass moves. Arpeggios with slicing edges trickle as the tremendously heaving low end presses on. Brass-like synth rises with triumphant strength, towering above the pulsing drums and dense bass.

Dark nobility pours from the brass section as arpeggios flicker past. The delicately shimmering notes rush as the slashing bass thunders and trumpeting notes call out and fade. The low end is ferocious as laser-like warning sounds leap in rhythmic motion, the drums and bass bursting with each quick pulse while the nervous arpeggios spin. Now the track glides into a segment in which a gently glimmering synth cries out with dramatic strength as a rising howl echoes.

The massive drums rebound while the dramatic, string-like flashes intertwine. I enjoy this track's weight and shadowy majesty as the brass section rises with victorious luminosity while the low end shatters below. I also want to comment on the artwork, which fits the track's theme well, but it’d be cool to see a collaboration with an artist. As the track draws to a close, elevated sounds scream and fragile notes trickle with crystalline light.

A quickly sweeping sound moves before a violin winds out, carrying a rapidly dancing, intense melody to commence Dead Serious (MALO Remix). The colossal bass is still apparent from the original, but now a full choir cries out with dramatic energy while the string section arcs with brilliance.

A rough-edged, towering and effulgent synth shines above the reverent choir as the violin continues to move in angular lines. Ferociously gleaming synth and a rapidly ramping-up, warning sound now move above the threatening bass that heaves with tectonic power as the drums collide.

Wind sweeps and the string section calls out with melancholy and grace while the violin continues to slice in sharp-edged lines.The massive weight of the orchestra cries out, creating cinematic drama that draws me in. Brassy notes move above the crushing bass weight and now the choir lets loose with a chanting pulse that matches the battering drums.

A tightly winding sound rockets forward as the apocalyptic choir screams a warning. Wobbling sounds move as the broken beats and ominous bass thunder. Unstoppable strength fills this remix as it hits hard and the strings add underlying warmth to the churning muscle around them. The track ends on a piano carrying a fragile melody out into silence.

Synth Single Review: “Infinite Ocean’’ by Aisle 9

Aisle 9’s Infinite Ocean is an evocation of the beauty and atmosphere of the ocean. The track starts as massively throbbing drums move with a smoothly brilliant synthesizer that washes in gliding waves as breathy air flows. The drums are strong but elegantly smooth as the bass pulses in long lines and worshipful vocal sounds drift. Refulgent chimes ring lightly, suffusing the music with a sunset glow, while the low end throbs on.

Unfurling, caressing synthesizer tendrils slip out into the flow of the music, waving like sea plants under the blue water. I breathe in, breathe out and can almost feel the salt air washing over my face as Aisle 9 evokes oceanic beauty. I also like the concept of the cover art but would be happy to see a future collaboration with an artist.

Vibrating, softly touching synthesizers shimmer and hover like mist across the water. The bright chimes evoke sunlight breaking through the haze to flicker on the water's surface. A rounded, easily slipping synthesizer extends in long planes, curling around me and moving past while the chimes dance with tender light and the drums shape the music. Now the track floats with consummate delicacy while the bass moves like the tide, inevitable and endless, while the sparkling chimes fade to silence.

Synth Single Review: Disco Stalker by CainxD'84

Review by Karl Magi

CainxD'84’s Disco Stalker combines massive percussion and bass with radiant synth energy. The track starts as a creaking synth moves beneath rapidly sparkling arpeggios that undulate smoothly. The gigantic drums thunder in pulses and the lithe synth unfolds with gliding lightness. The drums accelerate to become a propulsive heartbeat as the rushing bass pushes them faster, while the gleaming synth skips out in a brightly luminous pattern.

The low end takes on a rapid disco pulse as the lambent synth bursts with intense brightness. Now colossal bass rumbles as an elevated, intensely shimmering synth calls out in a thrilling pattern while the drums pulse strongly. As the cascading synth pours out brightness, I feel energized and full of excitement.

The clapping percussion and rushing drums move beneath a brilliantly glistening synth. The oscillating bass towers as the rapidly twirling synth flies, exuding power and speed, as the drums pulse in uneven motion. A scintillating synth moves athletically above the unstoppable low end, rising and falling with consummate ease. As the track ends, the bursting synth floods the music with pure adrenaline, cascading before silence falls.

Synth Single Review: Heart First by Saturday AM

Review by Karl Magi

Saturday AM’s Heart First conveys a message of self-discovery, resilience and hope. The song starts as ultra-crisp, clean drums throb and a strong guitar with a wide-open tone dances. Aaron Boyd's rich, smooth vocals wrap around me with warming, hopeful energy as they carry the main melody.

The guitar rings out with brightness as the chorus rises with encouragement and joy. Now the drums rebound and Aaron Boyd captures all of the celebratory, expansive emotion implicit in the lyrics. The chorus moves while the explosive guitar and the powerfully pounding drums propel the music. Now the guitar unfurls with gem-like clarity, flickering with a melody that exudes optimism.

The song slips into a segment in which a flickering synth spins out before the chorus rises, lifting my heart with its message. Now Matt Freeland’s guitar sails out in a graceful solo, capturing tenderness and affection, as the drums pound. A glimmering synth flashes with radiance before the song comes to an end.

The storyteller tells the listener to "put your heart first and see what's buried underneath" with all of the fear, doubt, light and sound. He reminds us to "hear that voice echoing, telling you to dare to dream" and tells the audience that he'll wait for them like the sea.

Our narrator points out that inside all of us, there is a story of "all we are, all we've become." He adds that in all of us, there's also "a shadow of a dream that's only just begun." He says that we should listen for a faint voice and "be still and listen close" as it whispers that we should "come follow me, put your heart first and see."