Synthetic Horizon – Edward Grant (Album Review)
Synthetic Horizon – Edward Grant (Album Review)
Written By: Dan Eachus
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Genre: Electronic / Synthwave
Introduction
Synthetic Horizon — Edward Grant
Released: June 20, 2025 (EP, 5 tracks)
Award‑winning composer and electronic music producer Edward Grant channels his extensive experience scoring horror, fantasy, and thriller films into Synthetic Horizon, a meticulously crafted electronic EP that merges cutting-edge DAW production with dark, cinematic flair. Drawing upon his lifelong fascination with the shadowy and surreal, Grant stirs a compelling tension between noir textures and expansive synthwave landscapes. Let’s dive into the wonder of Synthetic Horizon.
1. “Spacenaught”
The opening track immediately simmers with interstellar tension. Deep, reverb-laden synth pads hover above a clockwork rhythm section, while minor-key melody lines evoke a lonely pilot drifting through cosmic void. It feels equal parts retro-sci-fi and psychological thriller—the perfect statement of Grant’s ability to conjure narrative tension with purely instrumental means. Great opening track.
2. “Unlimited Drive”
Grant shifts gears to a more urgent pace here. “Unlimited Drive” propels forward with syncopated electronic beats and sawtooth lead synths that mimic pulse-pounding adrenaline. It calls to mind late-night chases in neon-lit cities, underpinned by subtle horror undertones—echoing Grant’s background in suspense scoring. Outrun at its finest.
3. “Final Run”
A dramatic centerpiece, “Final Run” balances tension with emotional drive. A low-end motif cycles beneath sweeping pads that swell into an evocative lead theme, as if racing toward a critical breakthrough or catastrophe. This one sits so nice right in the middle of this album.
4. “Infinity’s End”
This one is my favorite of the album. The track is full of texture layers, breathy synth chords, and sparse rhythmic pulses. Well done and standing at the brink of the infinite, grappling with the void. An instant Synthwave classic that is sure to impress.
5. “Synthetic Horizon”
Closing the EP with its namesake track, Grant fuses all the EP’s threads into a climactic finale. Opening with ominous pads and unresolved tonal movement, it transitions into a shimmering build of arpeggios and driving percussion. Then, a soaring lead theme emerges—dark yet cathartic, as though light pierces through chaos. The production is lush, layered, and polished—exemplifying Grant’s professional DAW mastery. The track pauses just long enough to let its emotional catharsis land, then departs into the ether.
Artistic Vision & Sound Design
Across Synthetic Horizon, Grant continues exploring “nightmare textures”, dark melodies, and cinematic tension that marked his earlier Electronic Scream release. However, this EP reveals a more narrative arc—from tension in “Spacenaught,” through motion in “Unlimited Drive” and drama in “Final Run,” to introspection in “Infinity’s End,” and resolution in “Synthetic Horizon.” The flow feels intentional, like chapters building toward a visual climax.
His deep expertise in film scoring is evident: the tracks evoke visual landscapes more than they stick to synthwave tropes. Instead of nostalgic 80s references, Grant focuses on atmosphere and storytelling. His use of minor keys, ghostly pads, and precise tension builds mirrors effective scoring, creating emotional resonance without words.
The production excels: clean low-end punch, wide stereo imaging, well-balanced layering, and crisp, evolving transitions. This reflects his background working across Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi, and theatrical releases—where sonic clarity and dynamic range are essential.
Context & Relevance
Grant’s work thrives at the intersection of dark electronic score and synthwave-inspired soundscape. Having previously released Electronic Scream, a more synthwave-oriented album, Synthetic Horizon expands his sonic palette. He retains the noir emotionality but injects structural sophistication, making each track feel like a sonic tableau or mini-score.
For fans of cinematic electronica—and anyone who appreciates mood-first, story-driven instrumental music —this EP stands out as both polished and emotionally immersive. It’s well suited for personal listening or underscores in visual or gaming media.
Conclusion
With five evocative compositions, Synthetic Horizon demonstrates Edward Grant’s expertise in crafting music that speaks to the darkness within us, while offering glimpses of beauty. It’s an EP that melds filmic tension, athletic production, and hypnotic melodies into a single, cohesive journey.
Whether heard alone or placed beside his film score work, Synthetic Horizon proves Grant is an artist equally at home in the studio or on the screen. Dark, immersive, and meticulously composed—this EP is a testament to a composer who finds both narrative and nuance in synthetic sound. Be sure to pick up this album, you will not be disappointed.
https://edwardgrant.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic-horizon
