In an age where music often chases trends and algorithms, Syndarian’s Time Away emerges as a rare and necessary offering—one that invites listeners to slow down, lean in, and truly feel. Released on March 3, 2025, this seven-track album is a stripped-back, introspective odyssey that delves deep into the heart of personal growth, loss, reflection, and hope. Hailing from Hibbing, Minnesota—the same Iron Range town that birthed Bob Dylan—Syndarian wears his influences with reverence but not imitation. Time Away is the sound of an artist stepping confidently into his own creative identity.
What makes Time Away so compelling is its cohesiveness as a conceptual body of work. It’s an album meant to be listened to from start to finish, not just skimmed for singles. Each track builds upon the last, revealing layers of vulnerability, introspection, and raw emotion that feel refreshingly unfiltered. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Pink Floyd’s atmospheric soundscapes and Guns N’ Roses’ grit and emotional intensity, Syndarian bridges genres with ease, crafting a sound that is uniquely his own—equal parts folk, alt-rock, and poetic confession.
Opening track “Loving You” sets the emotional tone. Delicate acoustic strums open into a haunting melody, with Syndarian’s gravel-tinged voice unraveling a story of bittersweet memory and quiet heartbreak. It’s a gentle entry point, but one that immediately captures attention through its sincerity. There are no gimmicks here—just raw truth set to melody.
From there, “Spirits” taps into a dreamier soundscape. With echoes of The Wall-era Floyd, it floats in and out of consciousness, blending ambient textures with lyrical introspection. The song explores themes of ancestry and unseen forces, with a layered chorus that feels both ghostly and comforting. It’s a standout track that leans heavily into the album’s metaphysical undertones.
“Mirage” shifts gears with a more driving rhythm and bluesy guitar work. It’s the sonic equivalent of chasing something elusive—a hope, a person, a version of oneself that feels just out of reach. Here, Syndarian’s lyricism shines brightest. Lines like “She disappears with every step I take / but I still follow her into the flame” evoke the poetic ambiguity of Leonard Cohen, wrapped in a distinctly modern aesthetic.
The midpoint of the album, “Vanity,” is perhaps its most emotionally potent moment. A scathing yet introspective look at ego and self-deception, the track balances aggression with grace. Gritty electric guitars simmer beneath an almost whispered vocal delivery, creating a contrast that hits hard without ever becoming overblown. The honesty here is palpable—and uncomfortable in all the right ways.
“Harm” follows with a softer, more introspective tone, pulling back the sonic density for something more intimate. It’s a meditation on past mistakes and emotional wreckage, filled with regret but also glimmers of redemption. The track’s sparse instrumentation allows Syndarian’s storytelling to take center stage, which is exactly where it belongs.
With “Birds Eye View,” the album begins to ascend. The song is panoramic, both sonically and lyrically, zooming out from personal pain to explore broader themes of perspective, resilience, and letting go. The instrumental arrangement here—layered guitars, soaring synths, and subtle percussion—lends the track an expansive, almost cinematic quality. It’s a song that begs to be played on a long drive, windows down, heart open.
The album closes with “Hindsight,” a reflective, soul-baring finale that perfectly ties the entire journey together. It’s about understanding the path only once you’ve walked it—a quiet, honest reckoning with the past. Syndarian leaves listeners not with resolution, but with peace. Time Away doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but it provides space to sit with the questions.
What truly makes Time Away a standout is that it was entirely written, recorded, and produced by Syndarian in his home studio. This DIY ethic adds an extra layer of intimacy to the project. Every note, every lyric, and every production choice is intentional and deeply personal. You can hear the isolation and dedication in each track—a labor of love, pain, and growth.
Syndarian may be relatively new to the larger indie scene, but Time Away firmly establishes him as an artist with vision, purpose, and heart. It’s an album that doesn’t shout to be heard but instead quietly commands attention—and rewards it with something real. In a world of constant noise, Time Away is a rare gift: sincere, immersive, and utterly unforgettable.
