Slow Magic Explores Reflection And Growth On Sixth Album, 'Emotion Engine'

**Three years after the release of his last album, Slow Magic masterfully weaves through a complex array of feelings on Emotion Engine.**

Fourteen years after debuting his project, Slow Magic remains one of the best at letting his music speak for itself. On his sixth album Emotion Engine, he’s succeeded at that once again.

Arriving by way of Seeking Blue, Emotion Engine is a deeply personal record that explores the complexity of feelings and how struggle, growth, and change are key parts of the human experience. The album is Slow Magic at his best, drawing from the sound archives of his past while also tapping into something new. It’s a creative homebrew that’s supported by nostalgia, but leans on innovation and evolution.

In March of this year, Slow Magic began rolling out Emotion Engine with the lead single “Lost” featuring Elohim. That was soon followed by “End Credits” alongside The Chain Gang of 1975, “Hanami” with yutaka hirasaka, “Half Alive” with artemis orion, and “Need U” with A Beacon School. Each single encapsulates the chapters featured on the album, from the tactful introduction to its wistful end.

“I’m hoping Emotion Engine provides a sense of connection and captures emotions that don’t need to be explained,” says Slow Magic.

Opening with the remniscient track “Memory Card,” Slow Magic whisks listeners away into a vivid soundscape teeming with possibility. The second track, “Half Alive,” carries further into that environment. The iconically crisp percussion serves as a vessel for artemis orion’s silky vocals, allowing her catchy lyrics to linger in the listener’s mind. It’s a delicate prologue, but one that sets the stage for the remainder of the album quickly and precisely.

Much like the faceless aspect of Slow Magic’s persona, the album excels at stirring up emotions before lyrics or words come into play. The opening to “a train I never took” carries a foreboding weight later to be shed in the second half as the tempo jumps and lighter elements are introduced. Similarly, “Celebrity” begins at a fast pace with an unintelligible vocal chop, eventually reaching its climax illustrated by powerful percussion.

Although the instrumentation is enough to provoke thought, the vocals featured adeptly add to the emotional depth. The penultimate song “Dreams” embarks on a journey at a much slower tempo than the rest of the album, pulling listeners into a surreal expedition of yearning. It’s pensive yet, at the same time, floaty and showcases just how reflective Emotion Engine is.

Alongside the release of Emotion Engine, Slow Magic has also released a companion video game aptly titled Memory Room. A cozy game at its finest and entirely accessible in a browser, Memory Room lets fans play as the producer himself. The setting is confined to his room, where players are tasked with interacting with a variety of objects to help him overcome his writer’s block. Players can also plug in their own MIDI or use their keyboard to compose music in-game.

Known for his captivating live performances, Slow Magic has perfected the art of capturing raw emotion since he debuted the project in 2012. His last album, Forgotten Feelings, was released in 2023 and featured well-loved tracks like “222” and “Avoiding Pain.” Since then, he’s kept listeners occupied with singles like “Let U Go,” “hearts/scars,” and “Such Great Heights.” Starting August 15th, Slow Magic will embark on a tour featuring stops all over the country, including Seattle, Philadelphia, San Diego, and more.

Listen to Slow Magic’s latest album Emotion Engine on the streaming platform of your choice.