Synth Single Review: “Talk To Me” by Beckett

by Karl Magi

Beckett’s “Talk To Me” explores the need to reveal old secrets and clear the air. The song opens as soothing notes drift ethereally, creating a hushed fragility. Sharper sounds shiver in the distance as the tentatively brushing notes slow and the bass adds an electric crackle. The drums rush on while the scintillating synth exudes calming light and the bass pulse rumbles.

After orchestral hits, Beckett’s compellingly silky voice wraps around my ears and carries me into the song. Soulful strength erupts from the vocals as they explore the feelings within the lyrics. Another orchestra hit bursts as the chorus shines with dynamic agility, the rhythm pounding with excitement.

Brassy sounds add more radiance as chimes levitate delicately and the vocals slip with velvety grace. The underlayer drives forward as Beckett’s fervently burning voice captures all of the song’s sensations. The drums flourish and the chorus flashes with fire, driven by the throbbing underpinnings.

Luca Ricardo’s guitar leaps and flies, charging into a solo that pours out unadulterated power and yearning. Beckett’s lustrous, liquid voice blends with the blues-inflected guitar while the funky groove locks in with bending tones. As the song ends, Beckett’s vocals mingle with Luca Ricardo’s crying guitar, deepening the emotion.

It’s a mystery to the narrator that the song’s subject never thought about him until he came back. He adds that “it ain’t what it used to be—this town is 30 years down the track.” He isn’t here to reminisce because “I left when I did and only got one regret.” It’s getting late and he has his next connection. “In this dead-end town, you’re the only thing I can’t forget,” which makes him wonder if that’s why he returned.

He’s been waiting for the other person to speak their mind. “I’m back, I’m here, but not for long, so say what you’ve been holding on.” He wants to see the song’s subject one final time, reminding them, “Don’t you remember it was them who told me to go?” He insists they talk to him, as it may be the last chance to clear the facts. There are “secrets on every face,” and he isn’t home anymore and won’t be coming back.

“I need to know the truth. They covered it up, told me I should let you be,” he says of those who hid the other person away. He concludes, “I never understood why they said you had to leave. I now know—another lie.”

Synth Single Review: “Ephemeral Storm" by eLxAr & Roberto Montoya

by Karl Magi

eLxAr & Roberto Montoya’s “Ephemeral Storm" is about overcoming fear and moving forward. The song begins as solidly rhythmic bass undulates beneath a scintillating synth carrying a majestically wistful melody while Roberto Montoya’s affecting voice unfolds with lyrical expression.

The beat throbs as the synth gleams like a light beam breaking on seawater and Roberto Montoya's voice is full of intense melancholy, mirrored by Alexandra Chirilă's silky sound. The adventure within the words is reflected in the engaging vocal performance while the synth sparkles like a ray breaking through dark clouds. As thunder rumbles, the two singers bring together their beautifully heartfelt voices and touch me deeply as they do so.

Roberto Montoya’s guitar slips past with a dreamy glide while his deep vocal expression is mirrored by Alexandra Chirilă's own feeling. Rain falls as the main melody is transported on a lambent synth while the guitar intermingles with tentative gentleness. The vocals are gripping as they echo out over the underpinnings and the strings softly illuminate the music, wrapping around me as ocean sounds fade into silence.

“The weather seems to hold fast when a gale wind starts to bend the masts and sails in the storm,” even as the storyteller sees the shore ahead. He had a chance to “prove my resolve,” yet he couldn’t bring his strength to bear. Waves crash over the bow, clouds pour out and “the stars are on the move beyond the great horizon.” With the storm approaching, he longs to rise above his fears.

“It turned into a time for courage at heart, the chance was there to prove my resolve,” and this time he understands he can’t let it slip away again. So, gathering what strength he has left, he rows straight into the storm.

Synth Single Review: “Backstreets of My Heart” by Electrobite & B1ZB1Z

by Karl Magi

Electrobite’s “Backstreets of My Heart” explores the intimate connection between two people. The song commences as gently overlapping synths slide into the music with neon brightness. The lead singer's voice surges with nostalgic, dreaming emotion as the background flickers like blue-tinted street lights. A sharply guiding rhythm supports the chorus as it moves with tender emotion while the funky guitar pulse swirls around the drums.

I enjoy the resonance of the lead singer's performance, as it conveys the liminal quality of the song. The beat moves like a highway under rushing tires while the bass rebounds. As the string section adds a graceful feeling, the vocalist engages me fully with his rich performance. The chimes add tremulous radiance, like distant city lights on the horizon. The vocals float with disembodied smoothness before the disco strings wrap around the underlayer pressing forward. The string section slides out before the song slips to a conclusion.

As the song’s subject and the storyteller drive into the silent night, “the city sleeps under stark neon light.” As the other person takes hold of the wheel, the storyteller says they don’t need Google Maps to know where to go. He goes on to say, “You drive the highways to my heart, you know each turn and every part.” He adds, “I’m like a child falling in love every mile.”

Our narrator says the song’s subject has the keys that make him spark and “you know the back streets of my heart.” He likens the other person to the view from far-away stars as they “ride all night until the morning arrives.” They don’t care about the red lights as they “feel the breeze from the hot, hot summer air.”

Synth Single Review: “Tequila Sunrise" by UFO82, Dug Masters & Rogue FX

by Karl Magi

UFO82, Dug Masters & Rogue FX’s “Tequila Sunrise" captures all of the love and passion of the tropical sun. The song starts as waves wash and seagulls call while a solar synth flashes and Latin percussion adds more tropical flavor. Hollow panpipes drift with wispy elegance as the radiant main melody dances with easygoing passion. Rogue FX’s caressing vocals wrap around me like the gentle glow of a sunrise while the funky low end grooves.

Trickling notes sparkle with all the clarity of Caribbean water as the percussion drops out and Rogue FX captures all of the relaxation and gentle emotion within the lyrics. The synth flickers with poolside sensations and the sailing panpipes add a peaceful exhalation. The active percussion rebounds as sensual vocals slide with smooth fervency.

The rhythm presses on while the groove becomes even more undeniable and Rogue FX injects desire and affection into his aquatically flowing performance. The background evokes white sand beaches, rustling palm trees and watching the sun come up after an intimate night.

As the song’s subject and the narrator “lay down in the last of the summer sun,” they slip into an easy, glowing peace as sunset approaches. The narrator reminds us to savour the moment “as the sun comes down around you.” They’re “chilling on that vibe,” drinks barely touched at their side as their conversation drifts freely. They’re “waiting on that sunset moment” while inspiration flows and “those memories—you know, all goodness for the soul.”

A shot of tequila, maybe a splash of sangria and the storyteller says it’s “great to be here” as they toast all of “nature’s wins” in a sundown serenade. He adds that it’s “the Earth’s communication to count all your blessings as you breathe out and feel alive.” The perfect moment lifts them onto a magic carpet ride. Waves splash against the beach, stress evaporates and their faith and love are renewed. They wait for the sunset so they can feel “the joy of life again, a solar daisy chain.”

Even if others can’t be with them “far away across the skies where all time stands so still” they’re still sharing the “nirvana around us,” as the “sundown serenade is a tequila sunrise.”