New Music: Michael Oakley – Falling Skyward

Falling Skyward is a perfect illustration of how Michael Oakley’s Prologue album introduces a pop aesthetic to synthwave, constantly evolving its dimensions.

The relentless bassline, the sounds of police sirens in the night, and, most of all, the reflections of glowing neon of the production that anchor the song, give the track a classic night-time ambience. Here, Oakley builds that around a pop melody and chorus designed to be sung along to, embracing the sharable nature of that genre.

Pitching the track ever higher into the heavens is Oakley’s vocal delivery. He plays against expectations other than in the chorus, his delivery letting the smallest infection carry so much emotion. As the track flows towards its conclusion, the vocals become soulful and assertive; futurepop flourishes become prevalent, willing the listener also to change their heart and be as one.

Prologue was released on NewRetroWave on the 29th of May and can be picked up in a range of physical formats on Bandcamp. Head to Oakley’s Instagram or Facebook socials for music updates from the Canada-based British musician.