Elevated Focusion – Mind Games (Album Review)

Set for release on 4/10/26, Mind Games by Elevated Focusion is an ambitious exploration of eclectic electronic music that feels deeply personal and creatively unrestrained. Inspired by what the artist describes as a lifetime addiction to music, the album carries the sense of someone pouring every influence, every obsession, and every sonic experiment into one cohesive project. It is global in scope, collaborative in spirit, and unafraid to blur genres in ways that feel both chaotic and carefully considered. With all tracks mixed by Chris Conway, there is a consistent sonic polish holding together what could otherwise be an overwhelming range of styles.

From the outset, the album makes its multicultural identity clear. There is a strong sense of worldly influence woven through the production choices, melodic structures, and instrumentation. Guitars, sitar, nyckelharpa, didgeridoo, Chapman Stick, throat singing, rap verses, and electronic beats coexist in ways that should clash but often work surprisingly well. Elevated Focusion does not merely sample different cultures for aesthetic value. Instead, the album feels like an intentional merging of musical languages, creating a soundscape that is constantly shifting yet recognisably unified by its atmospheric electronic core.

The vocal performances across the album are one of its greatest strengths. Luna Ivara’s contribution early on pairs beautifully with a distinct and characterful guitar tone, setting a standard for how well voices and instruments are matched throughout the project. Ivan’s performance brings a more classic, almost new age pop sensibility, delivering simple lyrics with sincerity and warmth. There are moments that feel cinematic and introspective, like something you would listen to alone in your car at night, letting the music fill the silence between thoughts.

As the album progresses, the modern electronic edge becomes more pronounced. Some tracks lean into a sharper, more electric sound that feels current and club ready. Stacey Andromeda’s vocals introduce a contemporary pop energy that at times recalls the theatrical intensity of artists like Lady Gaga, particularly in the layered backing vocals that add depth and drama. Alexandra Livshitz brings a distinctly European tonal quality to her performance, complementing production that flirts with techno textures and pulsing bass lines. The presence of multiple languages throughout the album reinforces its global identity and adds to its sense of scale.

There are clear nods to different eras as well. One section carries an unmistakable 80s sci-fi atmosphere, with synth textures and instrumental tones that feel retro yet shadowed by something darker. The vocals in these moments occasionally evoke the theatrical moodiness of David Bowie, particularly in their dramatic phrasing and sense of tension. Elsewhere, the album dives headfirst into club territory, delivering tracks that feel built for underground dance floors in Berlin. At times, the production channels a bold, hyperpop confidence reminiscent of Charli XCX if reimagined through a colder, more European electronic lens. These club leaning moments are mixed cleanly and hit with energy, though occasionally they can feel slightly sparse, as if the build up promises more than the drop ultimately delivers.

The collaborative risk taking is especially evident when genres collide directly. Rap flows smoothly over electronic foundations, while throat singing weaves through choruses in ways that should feel jarring but instead create a striking contrast. The dynamic between male rap verses and intense female vocal lines adds a dramatic push and pull that keeps the album from settling into predictability. Some vocal performances feel almost siren-like, wispy and echoing, luring the listener deeper into darker, more ominous sonic territory. There are moments where certain vocals sit a little too high in the mix, slightly overpowering the instrumentation beneath, but these are relatively minor production imbalances within an otherwise well mixed project.

Instrumentally, the album is adventurous. The inclusion of nyckelharpa adds a textured, almost medieval resonance against modern electronic beats. The sitar paired with techno rhythms is an unexpected combination that proves surprisingly effective, creating a fusion that feels both spiritual and futuristic. The didgeridoo contributes depth and atmosphere, grounding some of the more synthetic sections with organic vibration. Even when a track feels minimal or intentionally empty in parts, there is often an ominous undercurrent building tension beneath the surface.

Lyrically, the album tends toward simplicity, but that simplicity works in its favour. The words are often direct, allowing the emotional tone and sonic layering to carry the weight. Some hooks feel immediately accessible, while others are more about mood than message. What matters most is how well the vocals are delivered, and in most cases, they are performed with confidence and clarity.

Mind Games ultimately succeeds because of its boldness. It refuses to choose one lane. It is club music, cinematic electronic, experimental fusion, modern pop, and dark techno all at once. Not every moment lands perfectly, and there are occasional stretches that feel slightly repetitive or less impactful than their build ups suggest.

SCORE / Excellent – The overall experience is immersive and undeniably creative. Elevated Focusion has crafted an album that feels like a personal manifesto, shaped by years of listening, absorbing, and loving music in all its forms. Mind Games stands as a testament to how music can serve as a meeting point for cultures, genres, and emotional states, all colliding inside one expansive sonic world.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Link to album: Mind Games

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