hxly xo - Synthetic Fauna

Heyo! So, I’m Hyperoxia, the other half of this project(or the other half of Hz’s fragmented mind, whichever you chose is fine) and I definitely have not procrastinated this until the very last minute, but, nonetheless, its here. I also do want to preface this by saying that I am NOT an expert in sound design, I’m just someone who really enjoys music, especially electronic music. Now with that short intro out of the way, are you ready?

To Our Eyes, The Sky Was Open

            When you look up at the sky, what do you see? Clouds? Birds? The Liveleak Logo? To our eyes, the skies are open, and so is this world. An endless sea of possibilities and somehow, you’ve found your way to my review. On the opening song to “Synthetic Fauna”, hxly xo crafts an incredible dreamy and lightweight tune that pulls you in, beckoning you to explore the continuation of the album further and invites you to get outside and be adventurous. Regardless of where you live, be it the concrete jungle or the actual jungle, “To Our Eyes, The Sky Was Open” aims to remind us that after all, there is a whole world out there to be explored.

So, what are you waiting for?

Gem Club

            “You swear your words convince the world, that we are so different”.

            What is your favorite gemstone? Do you like rubies? Sapphires? Maybe emeralds? How about diamonds? Whatever it may be, there’s probably a little Cambodian boy working far below minimum wage mining them for you. The very essence of this song has a unique sound, almost as if the song is reminding us that as humans, we are all truly like gems, beautiful yet flawed, and unique, yet all part of a club. We as humans are beautiful, much like an Opal, yet flawed in our very design. We all have vices; we all have issues. But it’s important to remember that this is what makes us unique. Unique in our own way, much like the various gemstones, yet still the same at the end of the day. We all fit into groups based on interests, location, culture, etc. Yet, we are all unique in our own ways, we all long for something, whether it be tangible (the gems the Cambodian kids mine for you) or intangible things. “Gem Club” reminds us to embrace our Uniqueness, and to understand that our flaws don’t define us.

After all, it’s not about where you’ve come from, it’s about where you’re going.

Przac (w/ Levi Ryan)

            Much like the antidepressant the song is named after, music itself can act like one. I believe it was the co-owner of this project (Shoutout to Hz; definitely a name) who said that Music is one of, if not, the most beautiful forms of art to have graced us. Who knew that funny sounds out of a computer could convey a wide range of emotions? Who knew that there is essentially a song for just about every situation a human could find themselves in. With its somber mood, and dreamy tones coupled with lyrics that I for the life of me cannot decipher, “Przac” acts as an insight into what it means to feel sad just as many other songs do, but I think the song really shines in the sound design. While the somber tones help illustrate that sadness is a valid emotion, the dreamy tones help illustrate that, whatever you may be going through,

It DOES get better.

Mmoths (w/ Piivyur)

            Wow. This was, just wow.

            Like a moth to a flame, we are all drawn to SOMETHING. Now that something is different across the board for us. For me, it’s Pokémon, music, and old school Japanese cars. For you, it may be something else.

            But this album. This song. Like a moth to a flame, I was (say it like funny green man yoda). Hxly xo and Piivyur came together and created something MAGICAL. Pure. Magic. The start is dreamy, and with some quite nice vocals to boot (I still cannot completely decipher what is being said, must be the fact that apparently, according to various people, I listen to music too loud.) it lays a solid foundation. With its dusky vibe and snares(?), about halfway in is when the magic happens. I don’t know how they did it, or what they did. But they pulled a shadow wizard money gang. The entire song transforms, now a night vibe/night drive-esque song, we bear witness to an amazing amalgamation of chords and breaks, the breaks even affecting the chords themselves. This to me is easily without a doubt, the highlight of the album. I believe that “Mmoths” shows us that there is magic in everything all around us, all at once.

This is truly the Mona Lisa of the album.

Hold Me Down (feat. Aukina)

            Have you ever felt like you were being held down? By something, or someone? Maybe you’ve found yourself on the wrong end of things after an insane mohawk sporting Indonesian male ties cinderblocks to your feet and drops you into a water filled cavern (if you understand the reference, +1 brownie point*).

Man is it good to see hxly xo back alongside Aukina, and they certainly did not disappoint. Being both dreamy (a common occurrence you’ll see amongst the songs of the album) and otherworldly, the two sounds mesh together very nicely paving way for a song that begs the listener to dig deep in solitude and search for whatever it is that is holding them down and cut ties, even if its people. “Hold Me Down” serves as a message to break free from the constraints of people and things that hold us back from living as ourselves and serves us the message that there is no weakness in solitude.

Because at the end of the day, the people around you can only INFLUENCE your actions. You are the sole commander of your actions, and thus, how YOUR life plays out.

Voyage

            Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about ten? I think a better question is, what is it that you want to do in those five to ten years? And I don’t mean things like getting your degree and working your dream job to get money, because this is already assuming that. I mean, how else can you afford your dream lifestyle? For me, that question is easily answered with one word.

Travel.

Far easier said than done, I know, but, I’d love to see the world and experience all different kinds of cultures and cuisines. With a super intricate and almost mystical sound design, “Voyage” continues to build upon the idea that there is a whole world out there to explore. However, as the wise Ferris Bueller once said (or twice), “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” “Voyage” not only further builds upon those ideas set forth by other songs in the album, but also serves as a gentle reminder to enjoy the journey along the way. Don’t rush things. This world will (hopefully) always be here, so take your time and truly experience it.

He's said it once, and he’ll say it again,

“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

-Ferris Bueller

Post-Avalon (w/ Ozi)

            Much like Avalon from Arthurian Legend, I only exist inside your head. Rent free.

            For those that enjoy bass, and speed (not the drug), behold the best song on this album for night drives. Rejoice. Unlike its Arthurian Legend counterpart, this song is all sorts of futuristic, cyberpunk-esque sounding goodness (Think Akira, Psycho-Pass, Ghost in the Shell, Blade Runner, and The Terminator). And just as you think you’re going to get the harder, better, faster, stronger sequel, you instead get the director’s cut that EXPANDS on the lore. The entire second half is both the same song and a different song. No longer are you evading authorities in (insert your favorite city) 2142, now you’re sat against your vehicle of choice contemplating the choices that led the authorities to pursue you in the first place, now contemplating your next move, maybe even remembering a family you’ve had to leave behind in order to ensure their safety. And it does all that, while STILL maintaining that futuristic/cyberpunk-esque vibe, now transitioning more to drum and bass.

As Above 444

            “ANGEL NUMBERS! ANGEL NUMBERS! ANGEL NUMBERS!” -American Women in University (probably)

Is this liquid? I’m sure the co-owner will reprimand me if I get this incorrect. But man, this was a joy to listen to. It sort of reminds me of the beauty of cityscapes across the board. There’s a certain beauty in seeing the sea of lights at night and the tall buildings that tower over us. Seeing the added contributions of people, all coming together to produce these wonderful advancements in architecture and culture. Something about sitting on the rooftops of buildings looking down below as the cities that house us refuse to sleep. In this sense, I believe that “As Above 444” serves as a very gentle reminder that while yes, it’s important to take your time, do not stop. Do not fall prey to stagnation, because at the end of the day, once the moon rises,

This world moves on, with or without us.

Lavender Heart

This was definitely an interesting song. Filled with an energy only found in crack addicts in Zoo York, “Lavender Heart” is a very eclectic song. It’s a journey filled with wild energies and free spirits. And just like the crackheads in Zoo York, the song isn’t afraid to display this energy. Neither should you! It’s okay to release your inner crackhead every now and then, just don’t do crack. I don’t think I’d have to say this, but apparently you have to tell people to go outside for them to actually do it nowadays.

Somewhere Deep (w/ Shy Tea)

            Hey, now we’re somewhere deep (hopefully not that deep seeing as how we’ve had an insane Indonesian man tie cinderblocks to our feet and dump us into water). But hey, looks like he can’t tie a knot for shit. So you’re free, and what are you met with? Kicks, and chords. Yet another song that pushes its listener to go out and explore. I again (no surprise here) cannot tell what the vocals are saying definitively, but the whole mood of the vocals combined with the mood and energy of the song sound like the singer is longing for something. What that is, is beyond me. But I think that continues to reflect on the idea that we all long for something. Someone. Solitude. Something. It’s different for everyone. I know it’s a little cheesy based on the title of the song, but the chords do heavily remind me of the ocean.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now at the halfway mark. Just need to change the cassette over to side two, and we can commence with the second half.

Found Footage

            Sorta like the Blair Witch Project, just minus the gore, the missing people, and the witch.

            What seems to serve as an intermission for the other half of the album, I think it’s still important to touch on the sound design of this song. Mysterious, mystical, foggy, dusk, dawn. All words I had in my notes to describe this song. Horror even, and atmospheric. Removing the lyrics, I can’t help but feel this song deserves a place in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon soundtrack. If you’ve ever played the games, there’s one song in particular that you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Balm (feat. open close)

            And we’ve come full circle with the futuristic/cyberpunk vibes. Now, not only have you created your plan of action, but you’re putting it into action. Think of The Odyssey. This is your final journey before the end, so make every action count. Only this song isn’t about your final journey, it’s about the smaller journeys and adventures you pursue along the way. The song knows you’re capable of greatness and is practically begging you to pursue it. But don’t just pursue greatness. Obsess over it. No “what could have been” at the end of your story, only “what was”. I’ve said it at least once before, and I’ll say it again,

There’s a whole world out there to explore.

Lay With Me

            “Lay With Me” is yet another dreamy and atmospheric song. With beautiful chords that sound like a harp, and some intermittent drums combined with snares(?), it really is such a dreamy song. With sound design that emulates what it may just sound like in a dream world, where sleep is plentiful, one can’t help but lay down and take the song in.

Among the Roots

            Regardless of the life that was lived, we will all inevitably end up among the roots.

            Hey look, another song that inspires the listener to get out and explore, though this time, there’s a plot twist, one that you’ve surely never seen before! The twist this time is, go touch grass. But seriously, another song that pushes the listener to go explore the great outdoors. Another dreamy, ambient masterpiece. This time, with an emphasis on getting to know our far detached cousins. Getting to know the flowers, bushes, trees, and other plants is important. Understanding that, as I said earlier, we will all be among the roots eventually.

Dependence X2 4U

            “Dependence X2 4U” opens with some somber sounding vocals that eventually paves way to a sound that very much emulates the sound Vesky has been creating. It’s a very atmospheric and ambient song with hints of downtempo. Instilling a sense of longing again, this time sounding like the longing for a person is strong. The want for someone is okay, but I think it’s important to remind ourselves that it isn’t needed. It’s very much a want, and not so much a need. Just remember that you are all you’ll ever need. You don’t need someone else to make you happy, that comes from within.

Granular (w/ THRSHXLD)

             Man, this song has to be my second favorite off of the album (it’s a close call with a song you’ll see later down the line). First off, we’re introduced to the song with a dreamy set of vocals and sound, but soon, just as we think the song is going to slow down, or even stop, we’re transported somewhere completely different. This song has some HEAVY Bonobo vibes and I am ALL FOR IT. The kicks (I believe they’re kicks) are very Bonobo like, and then we get into more kicks(?) or some other instrument, and the Bonobo vibes continue. “Granular” to me, is a masterclass in showcasing the depth at which hxly xo is capable of, with help from THRSHXLD of course. This song is another one of those “go outside and see the world”, but with an energy that artist like Bonobo capture immaculately. However, this time, unlike all those other times you told yourself you’d go outside, this time you will.

Tesselate

                             Tesselate does something very well, and that is BRINGING BACK THAT CYBERPUNK/FUTURISTIC VIBE BACK HAHA YOU THOUGHT WE WERE DONE???

Jokes aside. There is definitely a somewhat somber vibe to it. A lot of the breaks have a very industrial/tech feel to them, so maybe it isn’t too far off to say it has a futuristic/cyberpunk vibe to it. I mean, some of the sounds even remind me of Terminator Salvation. I think this, combined with my thoughts in the last song, just goes to show the depth at which hxly xo is capable of.

Alice

                             “Alice”, much like your first real relationship, leaves you with a sense of wonder. The drums certainly keep you coming back for more, but it’s the overall sound design that has you BEGGING for more. Again, also leaving the listener with a sense of exploration. I mean, if one could find beauty like this song in every nook and cranny of this earth, who wouldn’t want to explore that?

Break The Fall

                             “You only want me around to break your fall, I’m leaving”.

                             This is the song that was in close contention for second place. Finally a song with vocals I am able to decipher for the most part. With an amazing set of vocals sampled from swsh’s “Break The Fall”, hxly xo does an amazing job reworking it. I mean, can we talk about the piano chords? I mean, it’s unfair really. You’ve taken a song with an amazing set of lyrics, sung by someone with amazing vocals, turned it into a drum and bass song and added PIANO CHORDS? Just another testament to the sound design capabilities of hxly xo. I don’t think I’ve listened to an album with this much range and variation in sounds in a long, long time. With lyrics that again, further push the idea that it’s okay to break free from the restraints that some people or some things may hold on you. If it means success for yourself in the future, it’s important that you see your own success and wellbeing through until the very end.

Download Your Style

                             Remember those anti-piracy commercials at the start of movies that would say “You wouldn’t steal a car” eventually followed by “You wouldn’t steal a movie, piracy is stealing.” Like, yeah I get that, but I never really understood why you would equate stealing a car to pirating a movie online. Like, they’re two completely different things. One is a distributed form of media that the actor and actresses make bank off of regardless, that will eventually be distributed far and wide, and one is an actual tangible item I use to get to my classes.  And even if you could directly equate the two by making a car something I could pirate online by downloading, are you dumb? Of course I’m going to pirate that, especially if it means I can skip the added dealership costs (looking at you people who artificially jack up the price for the new Nissan 400z).

Anyways rant over

“Download Your Style” is a break/glitch scattered, tech vibe, drum heavy masterpiece. It definitely is not the song I would have chosen to end the album off on, but it is nonetheless a welcome finish. An upbeat song to end off on that is the direct opposite of the dreamy start we had is a nice touch. The drums, snares(?), and kicks(?) are so well put together, it’s almost a shame the song must end. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

With that, I do believe that this is the end of the review. There were some very memorable songs, such as Mmoths and Granular, and some to be quite honest, were just enjoyable. Regardless of my choice of words, I do believe that in the end, the entire album was incredible. Nothing in this world will truly be perfect because perfection is a subjective term. The meaning changes depending on who you ask. Regardless though, hxly xo and those who helped with the album have created something truly awe-inspiring with this album. This is an album that will continue to see extended run time as the new year dawns upon us.

As for that, my rating for (my) album of the year is a solid 3 anime references out of go touch grass (8.5/10)

 If you're interested in checking out the album, "Synthetic Fauna" is available on streaming platforms, and if you wish to support the artist directly, available to purchase via bandcamp.

I also do want to touch base a bit more on the final song title. “Download Your Style” is as true as ever, especially in today’s age. In the age of technology, where everything is at our fingertips, I do believe that art is a form of fashion. And no, I don’t mean NFT’s and wearable collectables. I mean, what better way is it to understand who someone truly is than to ask them about art. In this case, music. What better way to understand someone than listening to the music they enjoy. Sure, clothing itself can still tell you the type of person someone is, but I think nothing does it better than music. And with digital platforms at the forefront of it all, what better way to express that entire idea than download your style. It certainly does like like we do doesn’t it?

Before I actually leave you lot for the new years, I do want to say thank you to you, the reader, for accompanying me on this journey. Accompanying us, actually, Hz and I. I also want to thank the wonderful co-owner Hz for inviting me to participate in this project. Last of all, I want to thank the pioneers of the electronic music, and the people who continue to push the boundaries of this amazing genre of music we call electronic.

I hope each and everyone of you enjoys your new years.

Till next year,

Hyperoxia

*(P.S. brownie points MAY or MAY NOT result in a free brownie. They probably won’t. But never say never.)