Timescape: A New Reflective Rock Instrumental by Kevin Hartnell

May 24, 2024

Kevin Hartnell: “Timescape” – A Return to Classic Rock Textures

Overlook Hotel Records presents “Timescape,” a new single featuring the guitar work of Mat Williams.

“Timescape” (Catalog R237-083) is a new instrumental single released on May 24, 2024. Built around the fantastic lead and rhythm guitar work of collaborator Mat Williams, this track offers a refreshing departure from modern production trends.

Stylistically, the track is a love letter to the classic rock sounds of the 70s and 80s. Fans of the melodic guitar phrasing of David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) or the expressive textures of Peter Frampton will find much to enjoy here.

Feel and Structure Over Density

In a musical landscape often dominated by wall-of-sound production, “Timescape” places its emphasis on melody, pacing, and performance rather than stylistic flourish.

The guitars provide the core identity of the piece, moving with purpose and restraint. Mat Williams delivers lines that sing rather than shred. There is a clear sense of forward motion, supported by a rhythm section that stays grounded and unobtrusive. Nothing feels rushed or overstated, and the arrangement leaves enough space for the track to unfold naturally.

The Production

The production philosophy behind “Timescape” is clean and direct. Effects are used sparingly, allowing the instrumentation to retain an organic character that recalls late-1970s and early-1980s rock. However, it manages to achieve this warmth without leaning on nostalgia as a crutch. The result is familiar without being merely referential.

This balance allows the listener to hear the nuance in the fingers on the fretboard and the air in the room. It is a production style that values clarity over volume.

A Reflective Listening Experience

Ultimately, “Timescape” functions best as a reflective listen. It is not designed to demand your attention with cheap tricks, but it holds it through balance and intention. The track fits comfortably alongside music meant for uninterrupted listening rather than momentary impact.

If you are looking for an instrumental that carries the emotional weight of a classic ballad without the need for lyrics, this is it.

Credits

Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Bass, Rhythm Guitars, Keys, Percussion
Mathew Williams: Rhythm and Lead Guitars

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Plastic Horizon: The Voyager – A Cinematic Synthwave Journey

May 18, 2024

Plastic Horizon: “The Voyager” – A Cinematic Synthwave Journey

Plastic Horizon returns with a track that operates confidently at the intersection of synthwave propulsion and synthpop atmosphere.

It is New Release Day, and we have the latest track from Plastic Horizon. Titled “The Voyager,” this release operates confidently at the intersection of synthwave propulsion and synthpop atmosphere. Using a steady 126 BPM pulse as a foundation rather than a constraint, the track builds a sonic world that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Driving into the Night

The opening establishes a driving, anthemic 1980s sensibility. Tight sequencing, arpeggiated synths, and a locked-in rhythm section create forward motion that feels purposeful. It avoids the trap of being a simple nostalgic pastiche. Instead, it feels like a genuine continuation of the genre.

When the guitar solo arrives at the 1:16 mark, it functions as a narrative pivot rather than a simple flourish. The lead is melodic, restrained, and textural, reinforcing the sense of motion in the song rather than overpowering it.

Dynamics and Atmosphere

One of the defining strengths of “The Voyager” is its understanding of contrast. At 1:46, the first breakdown opens the track outward. The shift into a more ambient, spacious synth palette introduces contrast and breath, allowing the energy to dissipate without collapsing.

This dynamic push and pull keeps the listener engaged. The keyboard solo at 2:32 builds naturally from this space, expanding harmonically while maintaining clarity and intent. It feels composed rather than improvised, reinforcing the melodic identity established earlier in the track.

A Cinematic Conclusion

The second breakdown at 3:02 signals a structural turn rather than a repetition. Moving into a half-time outro, the track trades velocity for weight. It lets sustained pads, arps, and slowed rhythmic emphasis carry it to its conclusion.

The result is a controlled deceleration that feels deliberate and cinematic. It is not simply an ending tagged on; it is a destination. Rather than leaning solely on genre cues, Plastic Horizon uses structure, pacing, and instrumental interplay to create something that feels both familiar and considered.

Stream “The Voyager”

“The Voyager” is available on all of the usual streaming platforms and is also available for purchase/download on Bandcamp. You can support Overlook Hotel Records by streaming the track below.

#Synthwave #Retrowave #Cinematic #Instrumental #PlasticHorizon

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Syntheticult: 2 New Tracks of Darkwave Electronic Rock

April 2, 2024

Syntheticult has arrived as a potent new force in the label’s roster, offering a unique blend of darkwave, post-punk, and electronic rock styles in an instrumental format. For fans of heavy guitars, cold synths, and hanging out in dark rooms, this project strikes a perfect balance between melody and atmosphere.

Drawing from influences like late-period Killing Joke and the industrial edge of Gary Numan, Syntheticult creates something unusual: music where melody is embraced, but heavy guitars are utilized to drive rhythms while synths build texture.

Two singles have been released, “Full of Empty” and “Momentary Prolifics,” and they are now available for purchase/download on Bandcamp as well as all of the usual streaming platforms.

Review: Full of Empty

The first track, “Full of Empty,” leans into stark contrast and emotional tension. It balances darkwave atmosphere with a rigid electronic rock framework. The composition favors weight and repetition over melodic excess, creating a hypnotic effect.

The synth lines are deliberately cold and unadorned, creating a sense of emotional distance that mirrors the title’s implication. The rhythm is steady and insistent rather than aggressive, allowing the track to build pressure without escalation. Guitars and electronic elements coexist without competing, reinforcing the song’s bleak, inward focus.

Production-wise, it is controlled and dry, avoiding unnecessary sheen. The arrangement leaves space for unease, making “Full of Empty” feel less like a conventional song and more like a sustained mood, direct, reserved, and intentionally unresolved.

Review: Momentary Prolifics

“Momentary Prolifics” continues Syntheticult’s darkwave and electronic rock hybrid but introduces a slightly more kinetic edge. This track relies on movement and texture rather than traditional hooks, unfolding through layered patterns and incremental shifts.

Rhythmic elements provide forward momentum, while synth textures and processed tones introduce tension and instability. There is a mechanical quality to the pacing, offset by subtle variations that keep the track from settling into predictability. Very little feels ornamental; every element serves the structure or the atmosphere.

The production here favors clarity over density, allowing each layer to remain distinct. “Momentary Prolifics” functions well as an immersive listen, rewarding attention without demanding it. It reinforces Syntheticult’s focus on mood-driven composition rather than surface impact.

Stream the Singles

You can listen to both tracks via the players below. If you enjoy the blend of organic aggression and electronic precision, consider supporting the artist on Bandcamp.

#Syntheticult #Darkwave #ElectronicRock #KillingJoke #GaryNuman #Instrumental

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The Sounds of Nightmares 7 by Kevin Hartnell

The Sounds of Nightmares 7: Music for Campfire Radio Theater

March 29, 2024

The Sounds Of Nightmares 7: Music Composed For Campfire Radio Theater

Kevin Hartnell presents “The Sounds of Nightmares 7,” a massive collection of 50 tracks of original music composed for the horror anthology podcast Campfire Radio Theater.

This volume compiles the complete scores from three harrowing tales: “Ties of Blood,” “Desecrate,” and the claustrophobic thriller “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.” From the supernatural dread of a graveside séance to the crushing pressure of a nuclear submarine, these tracks represent a deep dive into fear.

More episodes are available at Campfire Radio Theater.

Ties of Blood

A rash of abductions in the small community of Red Hill leads a young woman to suspect her mysterious nocturnal neighbor might be hiding a sinister side. Nikki’s inquisitive instincts lead her into a dangerously precarious situation as the mystery deepens.

Desecrate

On All Hallows’ Eve, a graveside ouija board session descends into a nightmare unveiling a web of lies and betrayal between longtime friends… and perhaps a doorway to something far more disturbing.

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Wrestling with his own inner demons, the captain of a nuclear submarine must face the haunting prospect of a world perhaps beyond the brink of annihilation as well as a ghostly spectre tracking them in the abyss.

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#CampfireRadioTheater #HorrorPodcast #Composer #KevinHartnell #Soundtrack #Score

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Kevin Hartnell – “Endless Sky”

March 23, 2024

“Endless Sky” is now available on Bandcamp for purchase/download. “Endless Sky” was originally written for “Last Resort,” an excellent episode of Campfire Radio Theater, a horror anthology podcast. The power ballad features the incredible vocal performance of Josh Paulino.

Lyrics

Under an endless sky
The night would pass us by, again
The reverie of youth
Taught us to fly, again

Running through a field of time
Hand in hand, with dreams in mind
Innocence and love sublime
An abyss to seek and find

I was the first to fall
I knew I had it all, again
And yet just like a dream
I knew I had to wake, again

Running through a field of time
Hand in hand, with dreams in mind
Innocence and love sublime
An abyss to seek and find

Under an endless sky
Night passed us by
Again
Reverie of youth
Has passed us by
Again

Running through a field of time
Hand in hand, with dreams in mind
Innocence and love sublime
An abyss to seek and find

Credits

Released March 1, 2023
Kevin Hartnell – drums, guitar, bass, lead guitar, keys, lyrics, composition
Josh Paulino – vocals, backing vocals

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Plastic Horizon - Analog Nightmare cover art

Analog Nightmare: New Horrorwave Tribute to VHS Classics

March 22, 2024

Plastic Horizon - Analog Nightmare cover art animated

Plastic Horizon returns with “Analog Nightmare,” a track dedicated to the golden era of late-night television broadcasts and worn-out VHS tapes. This horrorwave/synthwave composition is a direct tribute to the fans of late 70s and early 80s horror cinema.

If you grew up watching classics like Phantasm, Halloween, Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, Evil Dead, or Creepshow, this track was written for you. It captures the dread of those midnight screenings.

A Study in Unease

“Analog Nightmare” leans into unease rather than momentum. This composition favors texture, tone, and cinematic atmosphere over overt melodic development.

The sound palette is deliberately narrow and controlled. Synth lines feel worn and slightly unstable, mirroring the warble of an old cassette tape. This reinforcement of tension is central to the track’s identity; rather than resolving themes cleanly, it allows motifs to linger and repeat, creating a slow-building discomfort that never fully dissipates.

Cinematic Texture Over Structure

Rhythmically, the track is restrained. The pulse serves as an anchor rather than a driver, keeping the music moving without pushing it forward aggressively. This gives “Analog Nightmare” a distinct quality closer to a background score or a late-night transmission than a conventional pop song structure.

Production choices reinforce this concept at every turn. Saturation, noise, and subtle degradation are used purposely, not as ornamentation, but as part of the narrative itself. The result is a track that feels claustrophobic and focused, designed for immersive listening rather than immediate impact.

For Fans of Darker Sounds

“Analog Nightmare” fits comfortably alongside darker electronic music that prioritizes mood and restraint. It avoids the clichés of the genre in favor of something more unsettled.

Go ahead, turn off the lights, turn up the music, and let the static wash over you. Have yourself a great weekend, if you can sleep.

#Horrorwave #Synthwave #Darkwave #PlasticHorizon #VHS #HorrorSynth

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Shame: New Darkwave Post-Punk Single from Before After Again

March 18, 2024

Before After Again - Shame cover art animated

Today we highlight the latest release from the electronic rock project Before After Again. Titled “Shame,” this track is a moody, atmospheric piece that sits comfortably at the intersection of post-punk, darkwave, and a restrained sense of groove. It is the perfect soundtrack for rainy days, sleepless nights, or late-night drives through the city.

While Before After Again is known for exploring the darker, more industrial corners of electronic rock, “Shame” introduces a rhythmic sensibility that sets it apart from standard genre fare. It balances tension with movement, leaning on rhythm and repetition rather than dramatic shifts or wall-of-sound layering.

The Unique Sound of Shame

What immediately makes “Shame” distinct from its contemporaries is the undercurrent. In a genre often defined by rigid, mechanical drum machine beats, this track offers something different: a steady, slightly funky foundation. The bass and rhythm elements lock together to provide a groove that keeps the song grounded. It is rare to find a darkwave track that makes you want to move in quite this way, but the rhythmic drive is undeniable.

This “groove-first” approach allows the other instruments to breathe. Guitars and synth textures are used sparingly throughout the arrangement. Instead of creating a chaotic wall of noise, they add sharp edges and atmospheric washes without crowding the mix. Nothing in the arrangement overstays its welcome, and each musical part feels placed with specific intent to serve the motion of the track.

Production and Atmosphere

The production philosophy on “Shame” is one of cleanliness and uncluttered space. The mix favors clarity and balance, ensuring that the unique rhythm section carries the song while preserving the darker character associated with post-punk.

Vocally, the track maintains a controlled, direct presence. The delivery avoids the melodramatic theatricality often found in goth or darkwave music. Instead, it reinforces the song’s inward tone, keeping the focus on the mood rather than a grand performative statement. The result is a track that feels self-contained, disciplined, and disciplined.

Lyrical Themes: The Cycle of Blame

The lyrics of “Shame” explore difficult themes of regret, manufactured change, and emotional scarring. They paint a picture of a relationship, or perhaps an internal dialogue, marked by a cycle of pain.

Phrases like “the blade that you use is rusted and cold” suggest deep-seated, possibly old wounds that are being reopened. The recurring line “savor the taste of the change” hints at a bitter acceptance of a new, darker reality. It is a narrative about a “captivated mind” left to wonder about shelter and safety that never arrived.

Full Lyrics: Shame

I don’t know
How you do what you do
Accept the way
The way that I feel

And the pain that I
The pain I’ve gone through
I won’t be fooled once again
Won’t be left here alone

To feel all the shame and the blame
As I savor the taste of the change
To feel all the shame and the blame
As I savor the taste of the change

A captivated mind
Will be left here to wonder
About all of the times
It was left without shelter

You don’t know
How you cut into me
The blade that you use
Is rusted and cold

And the screams that I
Deny come from me
They’re all piercing the wounds
While the blood pools the ground

To feel all the shame and the blame
As I savor the taste of the change
To feel all the shame and the blame
As I savor the taste of the change

A captivated mind
Will be left here to wonder
About all of the times
It was left without shelter

Stream the Single Now

“Shame” is available now on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp. If you are a fan of dark alternative music that prioritizes feel over volume, this is an essential listen.

You can listen to the track via the players below.

#PostPunk #Darkwave #ElectronicMusic #BeforeAfterAgain #Shame #Groove

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Plastic Horizon - Future of the Past cover art

Future of the Past: A Top 5 Cinematic Synthwave Track by Plastic Horizon

March 16, 2024

Plastic Horizon has a deep catalog of electronic music, but few tracks have resonated with listeners quite like “Future of the Past.” Currently ranking in the Top 5 tracks for the artist on Spotify, this composition fully embraces a retro-futuristic style that is as cinematic as it is catchy.

“Future of the Past” is easily one of the strongest productions in the Plastic Horizon discography. It captures a specific mood, optimistic yet wistful, driving yet spacious, that defines the project’s identity.

The Melodic Core of Future of the Past

The track is structured around a clear, repeating melodic figure that carries the listener from start to finish. Unlike more chaotic electronic compositions that shift wildly between themes, this central motif appears early and remains the anchor. It returns in slightly varied forms throughout the runtime, creating a sense of familiarity and consistency that is a large part of the track’s appeal.

The harmonic movement supports this melody with stability. Changes are incremental; instead of jarring modulations, the track relies on layering and subtraction to shape its arc. Pads widen and recede, and secondary lines enter briefly before falling away, ensuring the focus remains locked on that core motif.

Cinematic Sound Design

Sonically, “Future of the Past” is defined by smoothness and control. The synth tones are polished, with minimal grit or instability. There is little use of overt distortion here with the exception of the subtle guitar work; the sound design favors clarity and cohesion. This approach contributes to the track’s cinematic feel, evoking wide-screen vistas and neon skylines without requiring overly-dramatic dynamics or overwhelming volume.

The rhythm section reinforces this approach. The pulse is steady and unintrusive, firm enough to create forward motion but restrained enough to avoid pulling attention away from the melodic content. Percussive elements are clean and evenly placed, reinforcing the structure rather than driving intensity for its own sake, and finally peak in the breakdown.

The Guitar Lift

While the synthesizers provide the texture, the secret weapon of “Future of the Past” lies in its guitar work. Subtle electric guitars provide a crucial lift to the arrangement. They don’t dominate as lead instruments in a traditional rock sense; rather, they build texture and drive.

Particularly after the breakdown, the guitars push the track toward its conclusion, adding a layer of organic energy and drive that synthesizers alone cannot achieve. This interplay between the mechanical precision of the electronics and the human touch of the guitars gives the finale a triumphant, anthemic quality.

Stream the Single

If you haven’t heard this fan-favorite yet, now is the time. “Future of the Past” is available on all the usual streaming/downloading sites.

Please share, subscribe, like, ring the bells, add it to your playlists, and have yourself a great weekend!

#Synthwave #Cinematic #RetroFuture #PlasticHorizon #Instrumental

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Trinity & Triage – “Purposeful Mess”

March 14, 2024

Ten years ago, Trinity & Triage released a self-titled album with 11 tracks of psychedelic rock, progressive rock. Ralph Feetham composed the music, Deanna Quijada wrote lyrics and performed vocal duties, while Kevin Hartnell contributed various instrumentation, production, arrangements and mixing. Fans of Trinity & Triage should also check out the updated release of the first album as it contains extra tracks.

Fast forward ten years and the release of “Purposeful Mess” has arrived. The track was originally slated to be released on the first album, but didn’t make the initial cut. Fans of Kate Bush, Mazzy Star, Opal, and Dead Can Dance take note. We hope you enjoy this look into the archives from Trinity & Triage.

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Echo Legacy: “Negative” – Debut Minimalist Synthpop Single

March 14, 2024

Echo Legacy: “Negative”

Overlook Hotel Records presents the debut single from Echo Legacy, released March 11, 2024.

“Negative” (Catalog R237-074) marks the first release from the Echo Legacy project. It is a fairly minimalist track that draws heavily from the Synthpop, Synthwave, and New Wave styles of the late 80s and early 90s.

Fans of retro-electronic music will appreciate the stripped-back production and nostalgic atmosphere.