Memories Of Light by Xan Alexander: A Retro-Electro Journey That Sticks With You
If you’re into those dreamy, floaty electronic vibes that make your brain feel like it’s floating in zero gravity, Memories Of Light by Xan Alexander might just be your new favorite thing. Released back in 2010 on Ouroboros Music, this album is a wild mix of ambient, electro, and Berlin-School goodness. It’s got tracks that’ll take you to another dimension—or at least make you feel like you’re chilling in some neon-lit cyberpunk cityscape. The album was released across the UK, Europe, and the US, so it’s got global street cred too.
Let’s talk about two tracks that really stuck with me: “Reflection” and “Klausified III.” First up, “Reflection.” This one hits different. It starts off all soft and moody, like watching clouds drift by while zoning out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. But then—boom—it builds into this lush, layered soundscape that feels like standing under a waterfall made of sound. I dunno how Xan pulled it off, but it’s hypnotic without being boring. Like, you feel something when you listen to it, ya know? Not every track can do that.
Then there’s “Klausified III,” which is just straight-up fun. If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like if Kraftwerk went rogue and decided to write the soundtrack for an '80s sci-fi movie, this is probably it. It’s bouncy, glitchy, and kinda robotic, but in the best way possible. There’s a moment around the halfway mark where everything clicks together perfectly, and suddenly you’re not just listening—you’re living in the music. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you wanna grab a joystick and pretend you’re flying through space or something.
The rest of the album has its moments too. Tracks like “All Roads Lead To Warrington” and “Psi-Gamma (Demo)” keep things interesting, though they don’t quite hit the same highs as the ones mentioned above. And yeah, there are a few tracks like “Dark Angel (BS Demo)” and “Storm Bringer II” that feel a bit repetitive after a while, but hey, no album’s perfect, right?
What’s wild about Memories Of Light is how it manages to balance chill-out vibes with these bursts of energy. One minute you’re lost in thought, staring out the window like a philosopher, and the next you’re tapping your feet like you’re at a rave in someone’s basement circa 1992. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, familiar yet weirdly futuristic.
Here’s the kicker though: I couldn’t help but notice how many versions of “Klausified” and “Distorted Reality” are crammed onto this thing. Like, dude, we get it—you love those titles! But honestly, even with that little quirk, the album still works. Maybe because it feels personal, like Xan just let his creativity run wild without overthinking it.
So yeah, if you’re into electronic music that takes you places without needing words to do it, give Memories Of Light a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up zoning out during work meetings or accidentally naming your firstborn Klausified.
