Storytelling is a crucial knack for any form of music, and as we experienced the EP "Atlas of Heart" from the talented pair SYNNX, we couldn't help but admire the immense number of details stacked in both the narrative and construction of the songs included in the compilation. Throughout the length and breadth of this EP, there are out-of-the-box and leftfield compositions free-flowing between styles— traversing over the boundaries of Western and Eastern music cultures— and forming a distinctive hallmark that speaks volumes of the passion that must have been involved in crafting this.
Getting acquainted with the creators, things start making more sense: The American duo SYNNX (consisting of vocalist Lynx and pianist Nova) may have just made their introduction to the indie scene, but they are classically trained musicians, alma mater of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. For their newly launched alias, they want to venture into the avant-garde realms of Theatrical and Symphonic rock. Simultaneously, they are notably skilled at blurring the lines between cultures (as demonstrated in their EP several times), paying homage to their Asian heritage by involving folk themes and instrumentation.
In the span of one year, "Atlas of Heart" was conceived and contains six multi-dimensional productions that deserve to be talked about individually. So, here's what we thought about those.
1. Atlas of Heart
A cascade of pianoforte welcomes here and soon accompanies Lynx's steadfast vocals (a constant and unwavering force in the EP). The orchestration here is strongly influenced by Chinese opera, balancing dexterously between subtle moments and elevated, marching sequences. Further impressive are the vocals, introspective yet unrestrained while delivering high notes. The message ingrained in this bigger-than-life enactment is dedicated to desires and the yearning of the heart that can prove to be the greatest motivation for setting oneself free.
2. Hypnagogia
As the title suggests, "Hypnagogia" is a sublime and unexpected offering: it's teeming with spacious electronica and ambient sound design which wraps the tender vocal rendition, replete with picturesque lyrics. This introspective tune is a pleasant surprise as the second track easily transitions into the upcoming lead song.
3. Spinning
"Spinning" is the leading number of this EP and has a forward-leaning and creative approach in its demeanor— fluidly carving itself a sonic niche resembling art-rock— the streamlined cadence of bass and drums are adorned with classical instruments like emotional strings and piano. Here, the vocalist underscores that even though one can often lose oneself to unending and intricate challenges, not losing self-determination should be the priority notwithstanding life's difficulties.
4. Trade
Assuming a swifter and up-tempo mood, "Trade" is equally genre-bending and progressive in its construction; fusing grungy Americana-style guitars roaring in cohorts with the anthemic drums and empowering vocals that ramp up during the powerful choruses. This performance tackles avarice and the ultimate cost that greed exacts despite its ever-tempting allure. Taking it a notch further, there's an operatic breakdown at the end that doubles down on this subject, containing an epic crescendo featuring dialogues between precautionary vocals (acting as a 'judge from hell') and the lead vocals taking the antithesis role of a beguiling demon.
5. Spaceship (Prelude) and Spaceship
Prior to its denouement, the EP takes us to the "Spaceship." The prelude that comes before the finale song is an instrumental that gradually builds up with rippling piano and melancholic violin. The artists incorporated a cool detail with Morse code samples (deciphering into "Atlas of Heart" and "Much love from SYNNX"). Transitioning into the main rendition, the previous instrumentation extends further and develops into a hybrid that lies somewhere between alt-rock and cinematic soundtrack. In this, the singer grieves about her existence, saddened by deterministic forces of the universe that strip away free will (Tidal waves have brought me to this swirl//Intentions don’t matter when I’m pushed by the world), yet dreaming to turn into the metaphorical spaceship to escape reality.
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