Today in artist spotlight we have another favorite of mine: FM Attack and his new album: The Never Ending. This is a 8 track LP which was released on 7th May, 2021.
We kick off with Days Like These - it immediately hits with its massive bass, crispy clear snares and catchy arpeggios. Later some really clever reverbs and echos complement the experience with some pleasant filter tweaking. Usually the first impression is very important. This track really makes a strong first impression. The solo later is cleverly echoed with another lead.
Lonely Nights is sweet synth ballad. The beautiful reverbs and smooth pad sets the mood while the nicely arranged leads prepare the scene for a strong baritone! Vocals are sung by Shawn Ward - FM Attack himself - and his voice really fits this song. The vocoder applied later in the background also emphasizes the feeling the song delivers.
Footprints sets up a nice atmosphere with its phased supersaw, smooth pads and cool pluck bass, accompanied by the usual crisp snares. After a pleasant short lead we hear Shawn's top class singing again. The reverbs are abudant here, filling the air with the song. I could imagine listening to this track while driving.
The next song Hypnotize does not start as mysteriously as its name suggests, in fact it’s a fast paced one. Nice reverbed lead with some very catchy bass and leads. The vocoder makes a very well calculated comeback here, then as a surprise we get 80s claps and cowbells! The modulated filtered pads in the bridge connects to the second half naturally where we get all the goodies that was showed to us before.
The beginning of So Blue is a sweet choir, followed by a nice plucked guitar-like synth. It’s another synth ballad on the more emotional side. The usual high quality drums and bass leads us into the vocals. Shawn brings really strong additonal emotional charge. The whole song is so powerful yet so soft. This song features additional vocals by Stella Ward.
The following one Cinematic starts with some bells and a typical synth bass with massive snares. The arpeggios come in next, introducing us to the heavily reverbed and echoed lead. The track stays true to its name, delivering a solid score.
Starlight starts with saw pads and the friendly plucky bass with a very strong kickdrum - which then lets in some more snares and claps! It feels a bit like New Order’s Blue Monday yet it’s completely original. The female voiceover and vocals is a nice touch as well as the phased sounds. This is another fast paced song, on the happier side.
The closing song Nova Child is another mesmerizing synth ballad starting with soft sounds accompanied with multiple fitting arpeggios and fantastic reverbed and phased synths galore. A relaxing and absolutely satisfying ending of this album.
While it may not be apparent but this LP is a Bandcamp exclusive. It’s a really high quality masterpiece, bringing a lot of joy into these times.
Highly recommended!