Outlook by Rushkeys: Album Review

by Damien Reid March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023

Outlook by Rushkeys: Album Review

Domas Ruškys, the talented mind behind “Rushkeys” blends electronica and downtempo into a chill mix to form his album “Outlook.” This incredible artist is based in Vilnius, Lithuania, and has been immersed in the musical craft ever since he was a youngin’. Altogether, his skills as a melodic storyteller are evident in this collection, as groovy beats intertwine with atmospheric effects and synths.

The music of Rushkeys is a combination of elegance and flow. It sort of pertains to the idea of “melodic zen”, especially the synthesizer’s tone in the opening track “Aurora.” The entirety of this piece is such a vibe from start to finish. Downtempo and electronica work in synergy to captivate this track. Next up is “Voyager”, an enchanting tune with elements of space music, LoFi, and a bit of electro-pop. Moving on to “Kira”, a track that initiates slowly with light keys and an atmospheric effect. Eventually, when the beats enter, Rushkeys ease into the heart of the track, where the tempo rises with a solid bassline. Hearing “Kira” reminded me a tad bit of Japanese-style electronica. Particularly in the slower sections of the track. The soulful aura of those parts embodied Tokyo’s neon streets, while Rushkeys’ chilltronica beats accented the picturesque sights of that metropolitan.

The album’s ambient themes are present in “Backwoods.” Here, a deeper synth arrangement is present, and the rhythm feels more intimate. Altogether, the ambiance is perfect when beats tag along.