david toma - dead pixel

David Toma

Dead Pixel
Riopelle Records; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

David Toma is an artist who is slowly improving his arsenal of sounds. He has only been producing electronic music since 2012 but has already released a number of albums through Bandcamp. His latest Dead Pixel sounds more refined than his previous work. He implements production techniques that sounds that draw from a broader palette. The piano was a major component on Analog and still is a major element throughout his songs. However a lot of the other sounds have gotten beefed up and feel more integral to the music. 

The album kicks off with an intergalactic track entitled “Nostalgia” that infuses an ample amount of synths with impressive programming. Toma pours good amounts of reverb onto the synths which make them sound huge as they intersect and collide with each other. This in my opinion is one of Tomas’ most accomplished tracks.

“Follow” has a straight up Eurodance vibe that is mighty catchy. I enjoyed the light elements, which danced upon the surface. “Uncharted Territory” sounds like contemporary new age music while “Wave” has a funky synth line that was quite easy to get down with.

“Writer’s Block” is the first song that has a piano that sounds like an analog version while “Ripple Effect” is a smooth sounding track that produces a sedative-like effect. Arguably the highlight on the album is the title track “Dead Pixel,” which has advanced programming techniques. Toma implements technically and creatively impressive rhythms while the piano provides the main melody.

Toma is still a work in progress but it is enjoyable seeing him evolve and perfect his craft. Dead Pixel is a solid effort.

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