By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis:
Mike Archer is a newly appointed fire watcher in the Wyoming woods. While he’s never done anything like this before, he needed something new after his mom passed. Now he hopes to spend his days in a tower above the trees looking for fires and working on his new book. But things aren’t as quiet and peaceful as he hoped. Strange interference blasts over his radio at night and he starts seeing and hearing creepy noises in the woods. But are these odd occurrences actually happening or is he just going stir-crazy?
Tower 4 is produced by 7 Lamb Productions, and this was my first time experiencing one of their podcast series. Overall, I was very impressed with the production quality of both the first and second series. The narration and sound effects were perfectly balanced and, for the most part, these elements were executed well. There were one or two moments when the score and sound effects matched the audio levels of the narration, so the dialogue was drowned out and it made it a little difficult to hear. But, on the whole, the production is first-class and makes for a highly enjoyable listening experience.
As for the story? Robert Lamb is on writing duties and straight away I got major Firewatch vibes, and to be honest, from the artwork and synopsis, that is what I was hoping for, in many ways, as I was looking to scratch that Firewatch itch. There were also so familiar themes and influences from other properties such as Lost, Gravity Falls and Stranger Things. The influences are present, but this is no rip-off and Tower 4 is very much its own creation. I thought the pacing and the writing were excellent, with interesting and complex characters layered into the story. As well as the over-arching mystery, Tower 4 also explores themes of loss, isolation, trust and abusive and toxic relationships. The thriller, mystery, sci-fi and horror elements were also beautifully balanced. I found myself completing both the first two series within a week because the story is really addictive and after finishing one episode, you find yourself immediately wanting to move on to the next one!
So, a great story and a good quality production… all that’s left is the cast performance! Tower 4’s lead is Mike who is voiced by Jack Austin. I was very impressed with Austin’s portrayal of Mike and feel that he really brought something interesting to the character. On the other end of the radio is Amber, the more experienced Firewatcher, and she is voiced by Gina Coyle. I was very impressed with Coyle’s range and delivery, she is really well cast for the character. While individually, both actors do a great job, they really shine when they interact with each other. There is a natural and organic chemistry, and even though these conversations take place over the radio, they do feel very personal and authentic. You will find yourself really engaged and engrossed with these two characters.
The only real negative I have in regard to Tower 4, is that I will now be twiddling my thumbs until the next series lands, and it might be a little bit of a wait! With that said, it just means when the next season does eventually get released, I can re-listen and refresh myself with the first two series again!
Tower 4 is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery thriller! With perfect pacing and intriguing characters, this is definitely a podcast series worthy of your time!
X-Geeks 