Swedish songwriter and music producer Jeppediinho’s newest (and debut!) album, Games of Life, is a shimmering, synth-filled paradise!
Games of Life opens with Illusion, full of clarity – both thematically and in its production. With glassy, sparkling synths, it deals with betrayal and the shattering of an illusion – one which feels less like treachery and more like a curtain lifting. We move on to The Wrong Time, which continues the upbeat tempo that Illusion set, with the addition of energetic vocals set against fast-paced synth percussion.
Lost In My Mind slows things down a bit: infusing a sense of suffocation, slowly building up until the walls around it are sky-high, leaving you wondering how you got in, and how you can get out; Find Myself continues the relatively slow pace, but adds notes of optimism and hope. Then comes I’m Unbreakable, a track that builds up confidence, exploding in a moment of self-belief, followed by Coming Back, which brings you back from the frenzy to a slower pace: a quieter moment to catch your breath before the energy comes back to make you groove.
What Are You Waiting For? goes straight back into that dancey feel Jeppediinho has so carefully built up – it carefully releases tension in bursts, keeping you engaged the whole time. Real Love is a mellow, keyboard-forward track that gives you a chance to reflect on what’s come so far, and what’s in store. It softens the glitter and shimmer that have prevailed so far, giving the album a moment of balance in its middle. We Are The Winners bursts forward with the determination of someone who’s survived a transformational ordeal and come out on the other side better for it, while Feels So Good is a free celebration of life and liberation, and the unbridled joy that can pour out when you follow your heart’s call.
The last three songs of the album are contemplative, even within the upbeat electropop signature tone Jeppediinho has carved out for himself. What’s Your Mentality? is a reflection on how your attitude affects the way you perceive things around you, and the value of keeping a positive, free-flowing mentality. The Power Inside slows things down for a moment of introspection – bringing you face-to-face with the fact that your strength may be difficult to call on sometimes, but it always exists. The album closes with The Raven, a funky track drenched in hopeful electronica, showing off Jeppediinho’s prowess as a music producer – an apt closer to this belter of an album! Give it a listen here.