Synth Single Review: “Hour Zero” by Skylane Drive

by Karl Magi

Skylane Drive’s “Hour Zero” creates a gently haunting atmosphere. The track comes to life as haunted notes drift aimlessly above a darkly pulsating rhythm and thunderous drum beat. The elevated notes wander with disconnected darkness, trickling past like something hovering on the edge of vision. The melody, in contrast, is full of sweetly shining synth as it drifts with tenderness and peace. A hint of the earlier darkness returns, and the trembling foundation adds uncertainty.

A string-like synth reverberates with melancholy lightness as the entire track trembles with unreality. The rhythm is solid as the big drums hit hard, and raised notes gleam with contrasting brightness against the misty sensations emerging from the background. As the drums drop, metallic ticking comes from the cymbal and broken sounds drift past.

I enjoy the way balance is achieved as the track slides in thoughtful motion and radiant notes glisten. The underpinnings pulse with guiding shape as the string-like synth calls out in a mournful meditation. Nocturnal floating permeates the music while the beat shifts and the strings shine with luminescent delicacy. The track fades on a trembling underlayer moving with softly shifting tones.

Synth Single Review: “star of wonder” by Anniee

by Karl Magi

Anniee’s “star of wonder” is an ancient carol for modern times. The song begins as a soft sweep of sound drifts in and bells shimmer with flickering luminosity while the drum beat rebounds. Anniee’s powerfully moving voice carries a melody with ancient weight and lyrical elegance.

The solid rhythm throbs as the bells scintillate like stars set in night’s velvet veil and Anniee’s voice captures all of the coruscating emotion within the words. The synth melody is tinged with melancholy despite its ethereal grace, carrying me along with a timeless feeling. The vocals are full of deep emotion and worshipful energy and then silence falls.

Our storyteller describes a “star of wonder, star of light, star that aches with beauty bright.” She doesn’t know where the star is leading, but she doesn’t want it to leave her and asks it to “guide us to thy perfect light.”

She speaks of this same star burning on through the night and says, “Hope is fleeting, pain repeating,” before wondering how we will ever make it right. She says, “Star of wonder, star of light, show the way through endless night.” Despite not knowing where the star is leading, she adds, “still I’m believing, guide us to thy perfect light.”

Synth Single Review: “Flakes’’ by Sonic Gap, Sine by Sine & Hycst

by Karl Magi

Sonic Gap, Sine by Sine & Hycst’s “Flakes” captures all the beauty of a winter festival. The track commences as a glockenspiel glitters with a melody that is wistful, dreamy and full of gentle affection. Rich bells echo in the background and a trembling, guitar-like synth strums with tenderness as the drums flourish and rippling tones create an undulating pattern. Iridescent notes glint like sunlight on fresh snow as the whistling lead synth carries a melody that wraps me up in loving sensations and the warmth of family and friends.

The drum beat is crisp and the softly levitating notes move with peaceful light. Broad sounds flare below to add weight while flickering tones glimmer. The main melody dances like tiny snowflakes falling from fluffy white clouds, forming a luminous carpet on the ground. The glockenspiel carries the melody with an emotion that deepens the music’s warming feelings. As the solid foundation collides, jingling bells add even more seasonal positivity while the melody glides like memories of holiday seasons past, remembering the snow as it falls with tentative fragility before silence settles in.

Synth Single Review: “Christmas Memories’’ by The Blue Book Project

by Karl Magi

The Blue Book Project’s “Christmas Memories” paints a reminiscent picture of a season filled with togetherness and love. The track opens with a bell-like synth ringing out in a joyful, bouncy melody as the drums skip with smooth grace. The shining melody sparkles on a brightly luminous synth, conveying uplift and positivity as it sings out. Bending notes dance with happiness and nostalgia, painting images of warm family gatherings and smiling faces.

The beat remains steady and easygoing while the lead synth contributes cozy feelings that wrap around me, reminding me of fond childhood holidays. The chiming notes flash again while a slightly creaky synth calls out with contentment. When the piano enters, it has a light touch that increases the affectionate reminiscence permeating the song. Once again, the lead synth pours out encouragement and a seasonal sense of community and connection as the rhythm gently guides the music into silence.