*Taps Cigar into the Ash Tray*
*Takes a small sip of Hot Chocolate*
;Oh my goodness. Hello there, forgive my ignorance. Time seems to pass me by quicker by the hour. I truly do wish you well.
*Picks Cigar back up*
As I reach the end of my ever-revolving life that consisted of mere letters repeated over and over a thousand times more in the form of reviews, journalistic entries, musical feedback, and interviews and other forms of sonic commentary, I must admit such a life consumed with passion does often leave one alone.
*Blows Smoke from Cigar, followed by a deep stare*
But do I regret my decisions in life? No, I can’t say I do. I was one of the rare few who could spend his life doing exactly what he loved, and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful. But you might be asking yourself in this moment in time, why am I telling you about this? Why reminisce now? Well, that’s where the fun begins.
*Pulls Out Framed Journal*
*Coughs*
(The Shadowless Masquerade)
Oh yes. I remember the day as if it was just behind me. April 16th, 2025. The man (who referred to himself as F8L) reached out to me and offered his debut album as a suggestion for listening and, if possible, reviewing. At that time, my young friend, I wasn’t the type to say no to a new opportunity.
*Puts out cigar*
In fact, that trait continued decades after this day as I figured, why say no to fresh opportunities? Doesn’t seem right. So I didn’t, but even though I agreed to most, this album stood out to me most as it contained a rather magical atmosphere that I can’t quite remember feeling before or since.
You see, this was no ‘ordinary’ album. Ordinary in the sense of structure or concept: ‘Set of songs, a clear beginning, middle, and end’— the usual set up. Rather, this one was an excellent expression of so many different ideas and inspirations that it was near impossible for my boy to capture just one!
*Starts smiling contagiously at the frame*
Oh, what a marvel this thing was. I tell you boy he had everything in this! Inspired by such things as
-1800s
-Dark Romance
-David Bowie
-Opera
-Italian Noir
And even BIRDS!
*Laughing uncontrollably*
Do you hear me boy? EVEN BIRDS! Can you believe in such diversity? To this day I still can’t, it’s remarkable to say the least. What was it he said to me that day? Oh yes!
‘If Tyler The Creator’ (A Prominent rapper from the 2010’s and the 2020’s) and Salvador Dali (A Famous Spanish artist from the early 1900’s) had a baby’
Boy, if you could only meet him. He was truly one of a kind
*Takes another sip of the hot chocolate*
Oh? How did it sound? Did I not explain that yet?
*Gives a quick loud shot of laughter*
My goodness boy, time really is coming for me
Before I explain, let me ask you. Can you try envision what a surreal dark romance set in Italy 1984 would sound like? You can’t can you? Well you’re in luck because in a few minutes you’ll know because THAT is what this album is!
It was out of this world, it had an array of different styles, production, music, instrumentation, conceptual ideas, lyricism I mean it had it ALL.
You could be listening to a piece of beautiful orchestral piece and then one minute later an introspective hip hop verse then wait another 3 minutes and your in the world of black and white noir with chills up your spine.
Wait another 10, you get hit with some atmospheric singer song writer influence music. Wait another 20, and your hit with a pop banger you’d expect to hear from David Bowie! (Oh he was considered by many as the greatest pop star of our generation, next to Michael Jackson but that’s for another time)
Oh let’s not forget, Monica Vitti (The Actress) was admittedly the biggest influence for him across this album’s creation. I’ll be honest boy, I never knew of this actress until he told me about her so many years ago but regardless, I’m never one to judge what people or things inspire an artist and let that be a lesson for the future!
*Takes another drag of the cigar*
Plus oh yes my goodness his vocal performance were absolutely stunning! He could really sing BUT not only that but he knew how to switch up his style of singing depending on the style of music was being played!
More harmony? More harmonic? More gritty? More emotional? More serious? He could cover it all!
*Lights up the cigar once more*
Oh? You have to go? No that’s fair, not much you can get from a skeleton like me ha-ha. But please before you go, take what I said into consideration. I won’t even pretend to understand your music today, which I’ll be honest depresses me to no end because of my nature of profession. But regardless if you can find.. OH WAIT
*Get’s up and grabs a special labelled CD*
Look, I don’t know what products have CD players anymore, I’m sure your parents or relatives should have something stored away with one but if you can find one then please give this a listen. Consider this your first entry into the world of music (real music) ha-ha
Anyway, that’s my time boy. My time has come. I’ve spent my time, done my job as best as I could, it’s time for the next generation. But you know what will remain timeless?
THE SHADOWLESS MASQUERADE
https://open.spotify.com/album/4F9Wwty68tL3xXbaso8lhF?si=hf7P3Kk9TLaKnTOFxJRbaw










