A happy February to one and all in the ChipWIN Nation! This month, I have the distinct pleasure of Stokin’ the Forge with the smooth jams of Moscow’s own Balloonbear. His latest album, ‘Forever Online’ is a great mix of new tracks and friendly remixes thereof.

Balloonbear began work on the album a little over a year ago. He had released his previous album, Prime, in July of 2012, and his friends in the Russian chiptune community were encouraging him to release something new. ‘Forever Online’ began to be compiled from a series of tracks Balloonbear had previously only played live.

Come the summer and the completion of ‘Datagoth’, Balloonbear felt that ‘Forever Online’ was complete. While finding a label that would take the album initially proved frustrating for Balloonbear, Barcelona’s independent netlabel Lowtoy saw the promise that’s plainly evident in the album.

Forever Online by Balloonbear

‘Digital Detox‘ opens the album with bright and snappy instrumentals whose upswinging character breathes excitement into the start of the album. At roughly the minute mark, that spiritedness gives away to a moment of determination. In those few seconds, the track moves an octave lower, infusing the return to the prior energy with tenacity and drive. However, it is the last twenty seconds that really shake things up. The entire motif collapses, a foreboding bass groove fills the gap, and what’s left is a sense of anticipation mixed with confusion.

Forever Online by Balloonbear

For a moment, ‘Forever Online‘s hopeful and floating leads would have someone believing it may be a track that was wistful or reminiscent in character. That initial character is shattered by a bass strum that’s potent enough to invite the question of which instrument set is actually in control of the music. Together, they tumble into a dirty dance track that vibrates with combination of the two energies, and while each motif temporarily takes control of the theme, its their combination that makes the track great.That fact is what makes the ending all the more poignant. As the bass falls away, the lead is left alone, and its tone shifts from cheery to regretful before fading out.

Forever Online by Balloonbear

Citing inspiration from IAYD, Balloonbear lets himself explore sounds in ‘Datagoth‘ that are on the gravelly end of the auditory spectrum. Bearing some similarity to ‘Forever Online’, this seriously danceable piece of music has its theme shift between gritty and radiant tones. The key difference is that here, the two distinct instrumentations are working together to make something that demands all listeners cavort along to its siren song.

The whole affair invokes memories of a close-quarters dance pit. When the music is at its darkest, memories of the smell of sweat and the sound of people grinding their shoes into the ground bubble up. During its bright moments, the track invokes the fond remembrance of hands in the air and a unity brought by good music. When it all wraps up, it’s less a finale and more the satisfaction of a good workout.

As a bonus, ‘Forever Online’ comes complete with remixes put together by VRUMZSSSR, Zan, Reboot Me, and Orbital Strike. ‘Forever Online’ is treated to two unique re-imaginings by VRUMZSSSR and Zan. Reboot Me remixes ‘Born to Lose‘, and Orbital Strike gives new life to a track from Prime, ‘Eat My Neighbors‘. Each is a solid listen, and these contributions from Balloonbear’s compatriots make a great album that much better.

Available via Balloonbear’s Bandcamp site ‘Forever Online’ can be acquired for the low, low price of “Whatever you feel like”. I encourage everyone to give it a listen, because the experience is well worth the time. Given that it’s a gift from Russia with love, I also encourage giving Balloonbear some love in return so he can keep on cranking out solid work.

Now get out there, make some chip, and spread the love!

–VF

Balloonbear:

µCollective | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | vk



Lowtoy:

website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | vimeo | flickr

Forever Online by Balloonbear

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