#main verse (almost convinced me i'm real)

[electrodreamer]

ic tags

visage (the sound of the future)

about (love's our only mission)

aesthetic (perfect song is framed with silence)

musings (a half-forgotten song)

headcanons (dream beyond dreams)

crack (the og amazon alexa !!)

music (just turn on the music)

wishlist (summer memory that just never dies)

main verse (almost convinced me i'm real)

modern verse (if love is the answer)

android verse (turning our days into melodies)

human verse (lonely stars hiding in the cold)

trigun verse (to the stars)

miles harding (given me too much to feel)

madeline robistat (happiness arrive)

electric polycule (a game of love)

[capow02]

Freak Show >:) and/or Want if it’s not cheating to do two songs :3

This is amazing, my very first response and you've somehow managed to find two of the sio songs I have the most to say about! Get ready for an essay.

Freak show is an absolute masterpiece of a song. You know you're in for a treat when you hear the magic sparkling sounds fade in, Cody delivering his first two lines with nothing but guitar chords in the background, and then the strings, drums, and absolutely epic guitar riff that masterfully lead into the first verse. I've always thought this was an amazing way to open the song. The verses are really strong, and Cody's "yeahhhh" at the end of the first one, along with the drums, is incredible and a perfect lead in to the chorus.

And oh my god, the chorus. It might be my favourite ever sio chorus to date. It's so catchy, with Cody's "I lost myself in make believe" blending so well with the "I don't wanna go"s. I'm always so unbelievably happy to hear it, and if I'm alone you best believe I'm singing it as loud as I can. The "you want reform" line masterfully adds some variance to the melody, while still being catchy as hell, and the decision to cut the instrumental for the last line was a perfect choice. Amazing.

And the bridge? It puts so many other bridges to shame. The "la da da"s were a master stroke, especially when they continue behind the lyrics. And then, Cody must've thought "Oh, you're not dead yet? Let's finish you off" when he decided to, on the last "you can't break me", pause the instrumental for half a second. I want to go back to the moment he chose to do that and personally thank him. It gives me goosebumps every time.

And even after all that, the way Cody goes higher when he sings "decieved" and "tainted bliss" in the last chorus is transcendent, and just the perfect capper on the perfect song. And I haven't even talked about the lyrics, which are so relatable when you've tried to change your personality to fit in with others. It's so inspiring, and singing "I've become who I am" and "you can't break me" at the top of your lungs is really freeing.

So yes, freak show is a perfect 10/10 song, my favourite from cinematics, and my second favourite sio song ever. I wonder if anyone will submit my number 1.

And want, my favourite song off upside down, where to start with this one? The beautiful and almost sombre opening is an immediate attention catcher, and very unique for a sio song. The way the pre-chorus builds up to the chorus itself is mesmerising and dramatic in a way that never fails to keep my attention, like I know I'm about to hear something important. And I am, because the chorus is so heartfelt and real, but also really catchy in a lowkey way.

In the bridge, Cody delivers one of his best vocal performances with the long "youuu", and the way the background vocals combine "this isn't what I really want" with "I gotta say" scratches my brain in a really satisfying way. And the backing vocals at the end are just perfection. Listening to this song feels like you're going through an extremely important experience. And that's not even the main reason why I love this song so much.

While freak show was relatable, want feels like Cody has reached into my brain and written a song about my own personal experiences. Having only just figured out that I'm aroace after convincing myself I wanted a relationship for years, lines like "so sure but so confused" and "I guess I found another way to lie" hit me straight in the feels. The chorus especially hits, because I only figured it out when I actually began a relationship. So, if you asked me this a year ago, I would've said this was a very average song. But now? I belt out that chorus with feeling whenever it plays. It's probably my most relatable sio song tied with lonely dance, and according to my top 30 list, it's my 13th favourite ever sio song.

9/10! Also, epic kill the lights reference.

[oflgtfol]

perfect machine is a sinister song on it’s own but i guess the main reason why i'm convinced it’s so truly evil is mostly because it is immediately followed up by telekinetic. so maybe if you look at perfect machine in isolation, you can make the case that it isn’t about an abuser, but is just about someone who’s like self-loathing and self-sabotaging their relationships, which is a lot more uhm. lenient of an interpretation

but considering how story-driven divisions is - even moreso than transmissions or vessels, since each song on divisions directly ties into the next via a linear narrative - i don’t think that the perfect machine/telekinetic duo is an accident, and so i don’t think you really can listen to perfect machine in isolation, otherwise you won’t get the full picture

perfect machine immediately opens with these lyrics:

Show me your insides, show me your secrets Show me what you desire - I can fake it Show what you wanted, so I can be it And if I bend just right, I can make it I didn't want you I wanna watch you change from a butterfly and into chains

this whole verse is about the speaker manipulating someone into believing that they're someone they aren't. they're lulling their partner into a false sense of security by using their own desires against them. and the main reason that this doesn't strike me as some sort of self-loathing "i'm not who i say i am, wahh i'm not a good person, i manipulate everyone i love into loving me back wahhh" type thing is because of that last line - they didn't want this person, they just wanted to control them. this isn't about self-loathing and wanting to be loved back, this is about control and the manipulation it takes in order to have that control.

and then the first chorus emphasizes this further:

Lay your heart into my perfect machine I will show you what you wanted to see Just a mirror till I get what I need The reverie was not of me You never saw nothing Never saw nothing

the speaker presents an idealized, fake version of themself, a mirror reflecting their victim's desires. and they only do this for their OWN desires - "till i get what i need." and ultimately, this fake version of themself is nothing like who they actually are. it was a mirage, a reverie, a dream. there was nothing genuine behind it - "you never saw nothing."

verse 2 offers something pretty notable which will come up again later in this post:

I should've let you know, you should've ran for cover I'm just a parlor trick, a two-bit counterfeit

these two lines highlight the harm that this person is doing. "you should've ran for cover" as in, this was something to run away from. there is an actual danger in this situation and because the person didn't actually run away, there is actual harm being done.

and the second line here is really interesting. the words "parlor trick" and "counterfeit" serve to continuously demonstrate how the speaker is putting up an act - continuously builds up the idea of this fake persona, this LIE. and keep the use of the word "counterfeit" here in the back of your mind.

i'd also like to draw attention to the tone of the song in general. it is very dark - a lot of starset songs typically have very high choruses, between how high dustin sings and just the general rise in volume/intensity/emotions. but instead, this chorus is very relatively chilled out. in fact, there is no real "high" point in the song at all - rather, it is a slow crescendo that builds in intensity over time. that makes it feel very subdued, and the buildup almost seems to creep up on you - like, it hides itself until the last minute. just like the speaker does. additionally, the song sounds so dark because the main instruments are very deep synths, and dustin sings in a lower register than he typically does. and as the song grows louder and more intense, those heavy droning guitars join the mix. all in all, it all comes together to create a mounting sense of dread and unease. there is no "high" point, there is no hope or happiness, just this slow crawl of danger that steadily builds...

... and eventually leads into telekinetic.

the very first verse of telekinetic literally starts with the word "fake," immediately after a whole song about faking a persona. the rest of the verse goes like this:

I'm just a puppet in your play You pull the strings and I obey High, that oxytocin hit me just right there It's counterfeit Zombie, zombie, could it be a hex? Got me, got me, you took another victim Mercy, mercy, put me in check With your hands wrapped 'round my neck

now the reason i truly, honestly, cannot hear this song as anything but an extension of perfect machine is well, because of the "Fake" opening, but most importantly, because of the use of the word COUNTERFEIT. it is such a weird word, and to my knowledge starset has never used it any other song before. so the fact that it is in these two songs specifically, and they're played back-to-back, and follow a similar narrative? they are absolutely connected.

perfect machine is from the perspective of the abuser - the person who is manipulating their partner, who seeks control - and telekinetic is from the perspective of the victim - the person who is realizing the extent to which they have been controlled.

that entire first verse is just expressing that sentiment in various ways. puppets, zombies, hexes all speak to being controlled and manipulated, and ultimately, the very visceral and physically violent image of being choked out by hands around their neck. nevermind the fact that they literally refer to themself as a victim.

and then the chorus continues that violence:

I can't breathe at the thought of you It's a telekinetic issue Set me free, I've been caught in you Overcome with a heartsick voodoo

"I can't breathe" referencing the physical choking, but also the fact that they're being choked just at the mere THOUGHT of the person. hence, telekinetic - like they're being choked, regardless of whether or not they have physical hands around their neck.

and the phrase "heartsick voodoo" is another reference to puppeteering, but i also can't help but think of it as another callback to perfect machine - heartsick voodoo, like perfect machine's "lay your heart into my perfect machine."

likewise, while the main melody of perfect machine is very low contrast between the chorus and the verses, telekinetic is the exact opposite. the verses are quiet and deep, while the choruses go so absolutely high register and wild and loud. it wildly oscillates between these two different sounds - just by sound alone, the music itself makes the speaker sound like they're in distress. and then, of course, the breakdown where dustin screams:

I fell for this lie Serotonin I'm coming down from this high A puppet inside and you're the reason You take my control Mind, body and soul In this lie

all this in comparison to perfect machine, with very level and low-contrast sounds, the steady buildup. perfect machine's sound is so level-headed and deliberate, as opposed to the highly volatile and emotional telekinetic. like a victim in distress, vs. a predator in full control.

in summary: telekinetic is 100% about an abusive relationship. and it must be connected to perfect machine, given the level of care that starset puts into their storytelling in general, but especially the storytelling in divisions as an album. there's no way it's a coincidence that these two songs were placed next to each other and have lyrics that parallel each other and narratives that complement each other

and so, while perfect machine as it's own song doesn't have too many violent lyrics, it's placement with telekinetic casts it in an absolutely chilling light

[saltandburn-ilovesamwinchester]

Salem Nights

Dean x Reader

Warnings: fluff, smut

A/N: I really enjoyed this! Hang in there folks!

The tapping sound of keyboards and swishing of papers filled the bunker's library. There had been zero cases in over a month and now that it was October, your were sure to find something. The scary movies weren't cutting it anymore, now you needed something real.

"I've got nothing," Dean huffed and threw the news papers onto the table. Sam's expression the same. "Maybe there isn't..."

You threw your hands in the air shushing the room. "I think I found something," your excitement boiling. You giggled and showed the computer screen to Sam and Dean. "Supposedly, there was a siting of a witch in... wait for it.. Salem Massachusetts. Every year, two weeks before Halloween, some young girl goes missing an' you wanna know what everyone says about all the victims, they were last seen walking past the main cemetary after visiting the local historic sites."

"Wait a minute," Sam laughed. "This could be any story someone made up and Salem is known for it's 'spooky witch stories'. Why does this excite you so much?"

"Sam," you squeaked and looked at Dean for help, but finding the same confused brow raise. "This is Salem we're talking about! Have you never seen Hocus Pocus? Come on dude, I know the two of you are getting restless just as much as I am. I don't ever complain about going on the cases that you guys choose. Please let me have this one!"

Dean rubbed his hands across his face before a smile spread across his lips. "The kid's got a point," he said and looked towards you, your eyes looking at the table after hearing the nickname. He only used it because it annoyed you. You put your feelings to the side for a minute and looked up to find those beautiful green eyes on you. "All of us will go crazy if we sit here any longer. I'm sure we can find some activities to enjoy while we are working."

You couldn't hide your excitement any longer, jumping up and walking up the library steps. "I'm going to pack my bags," you laughed and raced to your room. "This is going to be amazing," you screamed over your shoulder.

"We leave at three," you heard Dean's voice echo.

...

The next morning you woke up to Baby's engine purring. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty," Dean said and caught your tired eyes in the mirror. "I was starting to wonder if you were going to sleep the whole way. This is your trip after all."

You laughed and sat up further in your seat looking between the boys. "Ya know, Dean, you could just wake me and tell me to get in the car. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you like carrying me when I am still asleep." You smiled your best smile, running your hands through his short hair.

"Yeah, yeah," Dean blushed and fiddled with the radio, trying to distract himself from your touch. He finally found his classic rock station and the last advertisement was going off, followed by the tune of a familiar Halloween song.

"Oh no," Sam and Dean groaned. They knew you would be singing in a heart beat. "This must be some special playlist or something they are doing," Sam sighed and sat further into his seat.

You couldn't help but giggle and started to sing the first verse. "I put a spell on you," you leaned into Sam bumping his shoulder. "Because you're mine," you slid your ams arcoss their seat now nudging Dean. For a split second he found your face, his tongue slipping past his lips to wet them, until his wondering eyes found the road again. The fall colors outside the Impala windows made his eyes and face seem brighter. He was showing his age in the yellow and orange light and you shivered.

Sam looked at the two of you like you had went crazy. "Wh.. what Sam? Can't keep up," Dean cleared his throat trying to adjust his stiff jeans the best he could. "I put a spell on you," Dean hummed quietly.

"This is going to be a long trip," Sam rolled his eyes and looked out his window.

...

The Impala rolled into town as the sun was setting. You couldn't believe how beautiful this place was. The old buildings from left to right. You couldn't hear the conversation from the back seat, but you could have sworn Sam said he had seen the word 'witch' at least five times already.

Dean pulled into the first hotel as soon as you got into Salem. "Maybe once we get settled we can start one of our tours," Dean looked at you as you made your way to the front office. "Two rooms, please," he smiled at the clerk. The girl behind the counter typed something into her computer and handed Dean the keys, one for you and the other for him and Sam. Oh, how you wanted to be sharing that room with Dean.

You were happy to find that your room wasn't but two doors down and not across the hotel from the guys. A blast of warm air comforts you when you step through the door frame. There was nothing special about the room, but you did smile at the fall colors that decorated the room. Maybe you weren't the only one who thought Salem would look weird without them.

Once you threw you things down on the table the small room had to offer, you checked you hair and makeup you did on the ride there. "As good as it's going to get," you smiled and twirled your ponytail. You jumped when the sudden knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts.

"Coming," you sang and bolted for the door. Before you, the two Winchesters stood. "Ready," you asked and stepped outside.

"Hey, I spotted this shop right as we came in. I figured we could check it out first," Dean smiled at you and your knees almost buckled. Did he really see the store and think about you?

...

The three of you stopped just outside the shop door and looked in different directions of the store. The wood on the building was stained from years of weather, hex bags hung on the shutters and small signs were tapped on the windows. "On sale. Cast a spell on any friendship jewelry," Dean read and laughed. "Hey, what if I buy you something and you buy me something and we see what the 'spell caster' has to say about us?"

"Great," muttered Sam. "I'm going to find us something warm to drink. You two go and geek out."

"You're on Winchester," you giggled at his offer and walked through the tiny room before waving goodbye to Sam. The smell of sage hitting you fast, sending you and Dean into coughing fits. It was almost too funny. "I'll take this isles," you pointed at the men's jewelry. "An' you take that one. We meet at the palm reader's table and then our first tour," you ordered.

It didn't take much convincing Dean and you hummed to yourself looking at the beaded jewelry. You were admiring a beautiful hand crafted watch when you read the note at the bottom of it's box. Watch your soulmate fall for you. "Sounds cheesy. What the hell," you laughed and put the cover over the box.

When you found your way to the palm reader's table, you spotted that familiar leather jacket and a calmness in those beautiful green eyes. Apparently Dean didn't want you to see what he picked out for you because his box was closed too.

"Next," you heard the gypsy behind the booth say. You and Dean slid in across from her and smiled at the older lady. "Oh, I know just the spell for you two," she smiled and her dimples showed for a split second.

Dean made a nervous glance towards you and you saw his hands shake. You bumped into his shoulder playfully like you had in the car, his smile reaching his eyes. You hadn't heard her spell end and the small lady cleared her throat for your attention. "That'll be seven fifty, doll face," she said and Dean fumbled for the change. "One more thing," she added. "Before the sun completely sets, before you wear your jewelry, you must pass the old Witch House or the spell doesn't work."

With a quick goodbye you and Dean made your way out the door, finding Sam outside with three cups of cider. The blast of cold air hit your nose and cheeks in a matter of seconds. “Damn it, it’s cold,” Sam mumbled before taking a sip of his apple cider. “The two of you can have this. I’m going back to the hotel to research.”

You and Dean giggled as you watched the baby brother scoot between tourists on the busy street. His head ducking every sign that hung low and his ‘I’m sorry’ to everyone he bumped into on the small sidewalk. “Hey, maybe we should hit that witch house first like the lady said,” his eyes finding yours again and he reached for your free hand with his. “In case we see someone or something trying to get you,” he smirked when your eyebrows raised at his touch.

“I like the sound of that, Winchester.” You smiled and gave his fingers a light squeeze before wondering further down the busy street. Leaves were falling and swaying in the cool breeze all around you, and the bright shade of the sun made the small town glow with its orange and yellow beams. Your eyes caught sight of the witch house tour sign outside a iron gate covered in the thickest of vines and leaves. “Well this is it. It’s more beautiful than what I was expecting,” you let out a deep sign and turned to Dean. You were a little shocked to find his gaze on you instead of this house.

“Mmhmm.. I have to agree,” he smiled and brushed a stray strand of your hair behind your ear.

You were caught in each other’s stares and blushes when a small woman with a slim figure walked up to you. “Will the two of you be joining the tour tonight,” her voice chirping when she spoke and you nodded yes, not trusting your own voice to speak. “Right this way, then.” She smiled and gestured towards the larger crowd. You looked at Dean one last time and nodded at the group to join them.

“Before we go in there,” Dean smirked. “Do you think we can exchange our gifts now,” he asked and his face lit up even more.You had never seen the hunter before you so happy about something so small.

“Okay, Dean. Close your eyes.” You watched his eyes flutter and adjust to the movement before you pulled the small box from your bag and took the top off. The glass clock shining in the sun light. “Alright, open.”

There was so many emotions that crossed Dean’s face in that moment, you couldn’t tell if he liked it until he gave you his best ‘ Dean Winchester’ smile. “This is beautiful handwork, Y/N! I love it, thank you,” he licked his lips and gave you his wrist to wrap the band of the watch around it. You smiled when a thought about dressing Dean Winchester crossed your mind.

“My turn,” you giggled and put your hands over your eyes like a little kid.

“Okay, open,” Dean’s voice almost a whisper. You put your hands down at your sides and then they came to your face, covering your mouth. The dainty necklace swinging from Dean’s fingers. “I know you love fall so much, I wanted you to have something to remember tonight by. And I know you like the color red..” he trailed off when he caught your blush, staring at the little red pumpkin on the small chain.

“Dean this is the sweetest thing. I love it so much.” You turned from him and pulled your hair over your shoulders, waiting for him to drape the necklace in its place. He turned you around to face him when he was through. “Come on, let’s not keep them waiting.

There was more to the tour than history and the chill in the house. There was a small tension that lingered throughout the group, gasping and humming to the neat information that went through one ear and out the other. You stopped in the large hallway of that old house, the floors creaking beneath your feet when you swayed back and forth. “Dean, did you find something,” you turned to him and his face lit up before pulling you closer to him.

“Yea, I think I did,” his eyes reflecting from the glow of the sun through the large window in the room. “An’ she’s been beside me this whole time,” he said before his lips met yours. His fingers drew slow circles into your cheeks, his tongue licking your bottom lip just before exploring your mouth. Dean’s lips were so soft and smooth and all you could do was feel. Feel him all around you. His weight shifting on each foot before breaking the kiss.

“The spell,” you said in realization before kissing him again. His hands roamed freely around your waist, up your back, and through your hair. You squeezed your legs together, trying to fight that sensation there and losing. All you wanted was Dean. When you stepped back again you saw the many faces from the crowd you were with and they started whistling and clapping for the two of you. You flashed a smile towards them and back at Dean. “Let’s get back to the room, handsome,” you whispered before leaving a kiss on his pink nose.

The walk back to your room was pure torture and when you slipped through the bedroom door and heard the door slam shut behind you Dean had you pushed onto the bed. The warmth of his body over yours all too real. His breath tickling your neck from the light kisses he left there. Dean’s fingers grazed down your thighs and to your shoes, removing them from your feet then his as well. When he crawled up your body again you were pushing each other out of every layer of clothing until his naked body hovered over yours. He looked into your eyes before leaning in close to your lips again. “Y/N, are you sure you want this,” he asked brushing your hair behind your ear like earlier that day, trying to find any hidden discomfort.

“Dean,” you pleaded and ran your fingers through his hair and down the center of his neck. You watched him lean into the touch there. “There has never been a day where I didn’t want this.” You watched the small smile spread across his face. Dean found your lips again, his teeth pulling your bottom lip and letting it pop back. His hand held your wrists above your head and his other hand spread your legs further between the two of you. You knew Dean was tall and strong but you never guessed he was this soft and sweet. His lips never breaking from yours. Your breathing faltered when you felt his fingers move in circles over your clit. The pressure building there. “Dean,” you moaned into his mouth and arched you back off the bed.

Dean’s fingers slowly made his way to your dripping heat and he teased you there with a bitter sweet back and forth motion.He took his time and watched you adjust to him. You had watched his hands for years on the job, wondering what they were capable of. Now you were in the middle of closing yourself around them taking in two knuckles at the same time. “You’re so wet and ready for me, sweetheart,” his voice sounded so hot, and his fingers still pumped in and out of you causing you to scream out and hit your high. He let you ride his hand until you came down, leaving small kisses from your shoulder to your lips, dropping your hands.

Running your hands down his chest and past his waist, you felt his breath hitch when your fingers began to wrap around him. You gave him a few pumps before smearing the precome on his tip down his member and over the vein that ran on the underside of him. “Do you liked that baby,” you cooed in his ear when you felt him come down from spilling in your slick fingers.

You felt Dean tease your folds again before his tip eased through you. The stretch was sinfully sweet and the breath the two of you let out in unison turned you on even more. This seemed so right with him. The twitch between your legs pulled you from your thoughts and made you gasp out loud, leaving that comment and the case you were there for behind.

…

That’s all for now, y’all! Please let me know what y’all think! All mistakes are mine. Like, share your little hearts out! Annnn Happy Halloween! ❤️💋

@waywardbaby @imperiusimpala @leatherandapplepies @idreamofplaid @plaid-lover-bay25 @waywardnerd67 @maddiepants @sammyimpala-67 @oldfreakything @idabbleincrazy @the-magic-rabbit-99 @tumbler-tidbits @shatteredabby @destielhoneybee @cosicas-cuquis @heycasbutt @flamencodiva @coffee-obsessed-writer

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