End It -  Unpleasant Living : STILL KNUCKLE DRAGGIN LIKE IT AIN'T THANG!!!!!!!!! 

Hard City

Rating: Strong 9 / 10

LoveStroke Radio's "The Aurora SunShine Experience" – A Sonic Journey into Experimental Synth Pop

LoveStroke Radio takes listeners on an avant-garde voyage with their latest release, "The Aurora SunShine Experience." This experimental Synth Pop album explores the boundaries of sound, weaving together eclectic melodies, pulsating beats, and whimsical lyrics that collectively form an immersive sonic journey.

The album kicks off with "I want love. HOW MUCH LONGER?!?," setting the stage with its infectious beats and dreamy synth layers. The opener encapsulates the overall theme of the album – a quest for love and connection. The use of electronic elements creates a futuristic atmosphere, drawing the audience into LoveStroke Radio's unique universe.

"Welcome to another day where WE wish WE weren't here. WE BE FREE" shifts gears with a more experimental vibe, introducing a sonic landscape that feels liberating and ethereal. The escapism nature of the album is evident in "Reaching: N I R V A N A," where LoveStroke Radio creates a transcendent experience for the listener.

"MY Pay $" continues into a more introspective mood, with poignant lyrics and a stripped-down arrangement. This emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to the album, showcasing LoveStroke Radio's ability to balance silly-experimentation with genuine storytelling. With lyrics like "Number 69, your order's ready." LoveStroke doesn't take life too seriously.

"Dancing on: The Ceiling" is a playful and danceable track that brings a sense of FUNKY-JOY to the album. The simple lyrics paired with energetic synth arrangements make it a standout moment that showcases LoveStroke's versatility.

As the album progresses, "It's Cuffing Season. DON'T GO WITHOUT ME!!!" delivers a blend of nostalgia and contemporary sounds. The track feels like a love letter to the past, with a modern twist that keeps it relevant and fresh.

The electronic pulse continues with "MY line _ = <3" and "ALL IN (REVOLVIN')," both tracks contributing to the album's cohesive flow. LoveStroke Radio masterfully integrates different musical elements, creating an immersive experience that keeps the listener engaged throughout.

"AIR" and "FLY" introduce a sense of weightlessness, as if the listener is soaring through the cosmos. The ambient sounds and expansive synth textures create sonic landscapes that are both introspective and awe-inspiring.

"My Love under LOVE Thunder <3 STRIKING MY HEART <3" continues the romantic undertone to the album, blending sappy love and cosmic imagery. The intricate production and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track that tugs at the heartstrings.

The album concludes with "Sippin' SunShine!" and "I do believe the sun has flared up." These closing tracks bring the listener full circle, providing a sense of euphoric closure and reflection. The experimental nature of "The Aurora SunShine Experience" is encapsulated in these final moments, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of wonder.

In conclusion, LoveStroke Radio's "The Aurora SunShine Experience" is a bold and innovative exploration of the Synth Pop genre. The album seamlessly fuses experimental elements with infectious melodies, creating a sonic tapestry that is both immersive and captivating. LoveStroke Radio has crafted an experience that transcends traditional musical boundaries, making "The Aurora SunShine Experience" a MUST-LISTEN for those seeking a fresh and avant-garde musical journey.

Rating: Strong 8 / 10

Diving into Milky Chance's debut album, "Sadnecessary," Alternate . Guru takes you on a journey through a rich blend of folk and electronica. 

Here's a track-by-track review:

1. "Stunner": Opening with a mellow vibe, "Stunner" introduces the listener to Milky Chance's acoustic and electronic fusion, setting the stage for the album.

2. "Flashed Junk Mind": This track injects a dose of energy with catchy guitar riffs and a lively rhythm, showcasing the duo's ability to craft infectious tunes.

3. "Becoming": "Becoming" explores a more introspective side, with contemplative lyrics and a subdued musical arrangement that adds depth to the album.

4. "Running": Featuring a pulsating rhythm, "Running" is a dynamic track that highlights Milky Chance's knack for creating music with a strong sense of momentum.

5. "Feathery" (Slow version): The slow rendition of "Feathery" offers a different perspective, revealing the duo's versatility in playing with tempo and mood.

6. "Indigo": "Indigo" immerses the listener in a dreamy and atmospheric soundscape, showcasing Milky Chance's ability to create diverse sonic landscapes.

7. "Sadnecessary": The title track brings a touch of melancholy, blending acoustic guitar with electronic production, encapsulating the folktronica essence of the album.

8. "Down by the River": A well-known track, "Down by the River" features a memorable guitar riff, highlighting Milky Chance's talent for crafting radio-friendly yet distinctive songs.

9. "Sweet Sun": "Sweet Sun" radiates a sunny and optimistic vibe, contributing to the album's feel-good atmosphere with its infectious melody.

10. "Fairytale": Continuing the exploration of different moods, "Fairytale" combines folk-inspired elements with electronic beats, adding variety to the album.

11. "Stolen Dance": Perhaps the album's standout, "Stolen Dance" with its catchy chorus and laid-back groove became a chart-topping hit, showcasing Milky Chance's mainstream appeal.

12. "Loveland" (Studio version): This studio version maintains the album's aesthetic, combining folk and electronic elements in a way that defines Milky Chance's signature sound.

13. "Feathery" (Bonus Track): The bonus version of "Feathery" provides a fresh perspective, enriching the album with an alternative take on the original track.

14. "Loveland" (Bonus Track): The bonus version of "Loveland" complements the studio version, offering nuanced layers that enhance the listener's experience.

In essence, "Sadnecessary" by Milky Chance, as seen through the lens of Alternate . Guru, is a captivating debut that seamlessly blends folk and electronic genres. The album's diversity, catchy melodies, and distinctive sound make it a memorable and enjoyable listening experience, establishing Milky Chance as a notable presence in the folktronica landscape. Each track contributes to the album's overall appeal, creating a cohesive yet dynamic musical journey.

Rating: Solid 8 / 10

Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream" is a landmark synth-pop album, released in 2008. The duo created a unique blend of electronic, pop, and psychedelic influences in this album. 

Here's a brief overview of each track:

1. "Standing on the Shore": This track often sets the tone for the album, featuring a combination of atmospheric synth sounds and catchy melodies. It has a dreamy quality that introduces listeners to the band's sonic landscape.

2. "Walking on a Dream": The title track is arguably the most well-known and successful song from the album. It's characterized by its upbeat, infectious melody and optimistic lyrics. The track's popularity was boosted by its use in various commercials and media.

3. "Half Mast": This song continues the album's synth-pop vibe, featuring pulsating beats and ethereal vocals. The title might suggest a mix of melancholy and optimism, which could be reflected in the lyrics and musical arrangement.

4. "We Are the People": Another standout track, "We Are the People" is known for its anthemic quality. It combines uplifting lyrics with a powerful musical backdrop, creating an emotionally resonant experience.

5. "Delta Bay": The instrumental nature of this track allows the listener to focus on the electronic and atmospheric elements of Empire of the Sun's sound. It provides a moment of reflection within the album.

6. "Country": As the title suggests, this track might explore a more rural or pastoral theme. It's common for Empire of the Sun to blend different influences, and "Country" may bring in elements that deviate from the typical synth-pop formula.

7. "The World": This title hints at a broad and expansive theme, and the track likely explores a range of musical and lyrical ideas. Empire of the Sun is known for its imaginative and cosmic approach to music, so this track may showcase those qualities.

8. "Swordfish Hotkiss Night": With a title that's both intriguing and enigmatic, this track may offer a unique sonic experience. It's not uncommon for Empire of the Sun to experiment with unconventional sounds and structures.

9. "Tiger by My Side": The title suggests a sense of companionship or protection. Musically, it likely continues the synth-pop aesthetic, but the lyrics might explore themes of connection or loyalty.

10. "Without You": The closing track might provide a sense of resolution or reflection. Empire of the Sun often crafts albums with a cohesive flow, and the final track is crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Overall, "Walking on a Dream" showcases Empire of the Sun's ability to create a captivating and immersive sonic experience through their synth-pop style, layered production, and imaginative lyrics. Each track contributes to the overall narrative of the album, making it a notable release in the synth-pop genre.

Rating: Soft 7 / 10