Ryan Riviere – Carpathia (2021)
Ryan Riviere uses high strings and Cathedral keys to tell the story of a monster in ‘Carpathia’. Drawing on the sounds of classic horror films, the single uses this story to represent the idea that not everyone can make their dreams come true. Bringing an uphill battle and the fight to win regardless of the risks to our ears, it also makes us question what is holding us back.
The first single of this solo musical project, it is a culmination of electronic and analogue synths that tell a deep story. Dreamy yet morose, the single is an instrumental cosmos of rich tones and the spectrum of human capacity. The vibe of the single is also a taster for what Riviere’s album Full Spectrum will bring.
‘Carpathia’ zings to life with synths that zip past your head. There is a steady pace to the opening that slowly flows into a more melodic hum. The interplay between the zinging tones and the melodic movement is interesting as it forms a layered melody that has you floating while wanting to move forward. As you ride these layers, you feel like a weight is being taken from your shoulders but the lightness this brings is tempered by a heaviness you expect just over the horizon.
There is a wonderful cosmic feeling to the music like you are looking at the turning of a galaxy. Riviere is able to contain this galactic feeling with a delicate intimacy that comes from the play between the electronic and analogue synths. While floating in the cosmic space of the music, you are filled with the sense that you want to keep moving but can’t. There is a feeling that something is holding you back which becomes more apparent closer to the end of the single. However, there is a nebulous feeling to the music that makes it hard to determine what exactly is holding you back.
Ryan Riviere has you floating in a cosmic space while trying to move forward and being held back in the synth tones of ‘Carpathia’. The interplay of the electronic and analogue synths creates a layered feeling to the music. This allows your senses to float on the melody while trying to be drawn forward.
Find out more about Ryan Riviere on his website, Instagram and Spotify.
