By: Staff
Every so often, an artist emerges with a sound that is undeniably compelling, one that channels heartbreak, regret, and self-reflection into something profoundly resonant. Syndarian, with this amazing album Time Away, is one of those artists. His music unfolds like a journey through deeply personal moments, delivered with an authenticity that is both rare and captivating.
Syndarian has crafted a sound that is both evocative and immersive, weaving together raw emotion, vivid imagery, and a delivery that feels deeply rooted in rock ‘n’ roll’s storied past. His music captures a spectrum of sensations, leaving listeners mesmerized by the sheer depth of feeling embedded in every note.
This latest collection of songs demands to be experienced in its entirety, as each track feels as if it builds upon the last, forming a cohesive and emotionally charged body of work.
We started with the first track, and from the moment we heard “Loving You,” we knew we were in for something special. Syndarian’s songwriting is intimate and vulnerable, inviting listeners into a world of unfiltered emotion and raw storytelling. Their willingness to expose personal truths is a breath of fresh air in an era saturated with superficiality and fleeting digital moments.
The opening lyrics set the tone for the entire experience,
"Some songs are written on paper / Some songs are written in your soul / Some songs are made so that you’ll always remember / Some songs are made so that you never have to be alone / But this song, this song’s about loving you."
Delivered with a haunting acoustic backdrop, these words immediately establish the song’s emotional weight. The vocal performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, smooth yet tinged with a delicate rasp, carried by an intricate cadence and intonation that grips the listener from the first note to the last. There’s an undeniable essence of Johnny Cash in Syndarian’s voice, an old soul quality that exudes wisdom, pain, and authenticity, yet remains entirely distinct to him.
The interplay between delicate fingerpicking and more forceful strumming mirrors the emotional highs and lows of the lyrics. Lines like,
"Did you hurt yourself when you were climbing up to heaven?"
resonate deeply, capturing the aching sorrow of loss and the unanswered questions that linger in its wake. This song embodies the wisdom of a timeless folk tale, urging listeners to cherish what they have while they still can.
The closing moments of “Loving You” left an indelible mark on us. As the song faded into the ether, it created the illusion of never truly ending, leaving its message suspended in time. It’s a masterful touch, reinforcing the song’s emotional permanence and its ability to live on in the hearts of those who hear it.
Moving deeper into the album, “Spirits” shifts gears with a more expansive yet subdued acoustic opening. The track carries a subtle Pink Floyd influence, as Syndarian described, with ethereal echoes, spaced-out phrasing, and a layered complexity that invites deep introspection. As the song unfolds, the addition of a resonant electric guitar halfway through adds an unexpected yet beautifully executed flourish, amplifying the song’s emotional reach. The vocal performance remains commanding, drawing the listener in with every syllable, making it impossible to turn away.
Then there’s “Harm,” which takes a darker, bass-heavy turn while remaining acoustically anchored. The gentler vocal approach contrasts with the weight of the lyrics, revealing a bleak yet captivating narrative. The line:
"Others get left behind to bleed,"
underscores the stark realities Syndarian is unafraid to confront. The song evokes the imagery of people lost in their own worlds, oblivious to the suffering around them. It’s as if we’re watching a live performance unfold from above, witnessing the bigger picture that so many fail to see.
Syndarian’s ability to craft songs that force us to reflect on our own choices and connections is remarkable.
"Ever look for heroes and find beat dogs? / Ever have a number that no one ever called?"
These lines struck a nerve, serving as a reminder to foster genuine bonds and remain steadfast in our convictions, lest we find ourselves adrift and alone.
There’s a quiet heroism in Syndarian’s songwriting, as he transforms pain into something profound and offer listeners a chance to find solace in his words.
Our shared journey culminates with “Time Away (B-Side),” where the final lyrics echo in our minds long after the song ends:
"I walk this road and I prefer it alone / It’s less convincing when I’m wishing I could be back home / I think of distant past and it fills me with dread / I wanna rewind, but it just takes my mind off the cold."
These words cut deep, encapsulating the weight of longing, regret, and the inescapable passage of time. The sadness is palpable, yet there’s a beauty in the way Syndarian shares his experiences with such poetic sincerity. We can only hope that creating this music has offered him some catharsis, because in sharing their pain, they’ve given the world something truly extraordinary.
Crafted entirely within the walls of his home studio, Syndarian’s Time Away,is more than an album, it’s an immersive narrative designed to be experienced from start to finish. Each track unfolds like a chapter, guiding listeners through an intimate odyssey of transformation, loss, and self-reckoning. Drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Neil Young, and Nine Inch Nails, Syndarian channels a blend of classic rock, blues, and raw storytelling into a sound that is entirely his own.
Hailing from Hibbing, Minnesota, he approaches songwriting as a means of processing life’s most profound revelations. As he puts it, "A journey from innocence to understanding. Grieving what I thought the world was and understanding what it is now."
We feel this is an amazing piece of work and will resonate with listeners everywhere.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream and share Time Away, by Syndarian.
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