Album Review: Synthetical Merge

EDM can sometimes scare people. It’s a multi-faceted genre with a lot of sub genres under its belt, so it’s hard to know where to start if it’s what an artist or band creates.

CookyB shouldn’t be worried, however. This is definitely in his wheelhouse, as an EDM artist who clearly has the passion for EDM, he creates a world which is pretty accessible.

Synthetical Merge is a new album for him released in 2024, and although there isn’t anything I can find about previous releases, singles, EP’s or otherwise, it doesn’t really matter.

Synthetical Merge is a carefully curated piece of which the ten tracks tell their own unique story, which is impressive when you’re relying on a soundscape of sorts.

Meshing subgenres (to my ears) of EDM like Ambient, Techno, Trap, Glitch Hop (a sub genres of Dubstep) and so much more, CookyB has a strong talent for filling in gaps musically that we don’t often think of.

Let’s take Buen Ritmo for example. To my ears it has the genius of Trent Reznor. Actually a lot of Synthetical Merge feels like it has a Reznor nod in some way. You have an idea in mind with what ingredients are there, but what is actually thrown into the bowl is a little bit random and a better than expected product.

There is a lot of thought here and if I take the self-titled track, Synthetical Merge as another example, there is a nice balance between euphoria and tempo, but without feeling overstimulated, the kind of overstimulation that can make someone feel in a state of hyper intensity . It’s like a version of EDM lounge music, but with thought.

But, if you are after something in that hyper intensive realm, you’ll find that here too. Take a listen to Stamina. It has a driving beat with a rising tempo. It’s moody and has that kind of intensity with some vocal samples added that creates a fuller sound. Dreamscape however is definitely a techno lover’s dream, but that’s not to say it’s generic. There are layers that CookyB has created that gives it edge, giving the listener a unique listening journey.

Synthetical Merge is a unique EDM listening experience. It has a solid production showing passion and care. If you let it, it’s a profound listening experience that I encourage everyone to get on board with.