Pastel Ghost – Abyss

Review

Remember when electronic music had that perfect blend of heart and darkness? That's exactly what Pastel Ghost delivered with "Abyss" back in 2015. This debut album reminds me of those late-night MTV videos I'd stay up watching when my parents thought I was asleep - all shadowy and mysterious yet somehow comforting. The delicate vocals float through the tracks like fog in an 80s music video, while those shimmering synths create this dreamy atmosphere that feels like you're wandering through the best parts of a John Hughes film, but with a darker edge.

The moody, immersive tone of "Abyss" takes me back to my Walkman days, when I'd listen to music with my eyes closed and imagine I was somewhere else entirely. The tracks hit that sweet spot where catchy melodies dance with melancholy undertones - kind of like how the best New Order songs made you want to dance and cry simultaneously. There's something so cinematic about the production; it creates these expansive sonic spaces that feel like they could be the soundtrack to your most vivid dreams.

What makes "Abyss" so special is how it captures those universal feelings of longing and vulnerability while wrapping them in this gorgeous electronic package. If this album had a time machine rating, it would feel right at home in 1987, playing in cool underground clubs with smoke machines and blue lighting. Yet somehow, it also belongs perfectly in 2015, showing how timeless these electronic elements can be when crafted with care. For fans of synth-driven music with emotional depth, "Abyss" creates the perfect soundtrack for those contemplative midnight hours when your thoughts drift toward the beautiful and mysterious. - Jessica