PilotRedSun’s ‘Achievement’ is Distinctively Human

By Andrew Schafer

Published April 2, 2026

PilotRedSun and the vast majority of his creations, if not all, are an enigma. There is something distinctively alien about his works and their surrealist nature. His animations are absurd, yet there is a certain authenticity that shines through it all. No matter how off-beat his creations are, there is purpose behind them. I believe his talent for creating strange yet meaningful art is best shown on his 2016 debut album “Achievement.” 

Having been kicked off in the late 70s and early 80s, Electronic Dance Music sprung off of genres such as funk and disco, which had begun incorporating electronic elements into their songs. Soon, EDM took a life of its own as musicians began creating entirely electronic music. Starting in the early 90s, the term Intelligent Dance Music, or IDM, started coming into use by musicians as a way to describe experimental electronic music focused on more complex rhythm structures and unconventional sound design. “Achievement” is an album that falls under this IDM genre, being made up of electronic and chiptune instrumentals.

The album opens with its mysterious first track, “Greetings.” The song is moderately paced, making for a somewhat slower and comfortable opening to the album. Much of the album has this slower, methodical pacing, with a few exceptions. The most notable song is the fourth track, “warsaw.” The percussion is fast and more prominent than in other songs. This, combined with its punchy melody and inquisitive tone, makes for one of the most memorable tracks on the album. To be honest, “inquisitive” is the word that captures this album’s tone best. Every song sounds like it’s asking you a question about the album and the way you interpret it.

One more stand-out track I’d like to bring attention to is “8-train.” This song is much more upbeat and jovial than the rest of the album, with a whimsical sound to it. The title holds true as I feel it captures the feeling of taking a train ride through an open field on a sunny day. The juxtaposition to this song comes a few tracks later from “snow day,” a much darker, slower song. It manages to sound snowy while also feeling incredibly uncomfortable. It creates the image of being snowed-in. It is cold, claustrophobic, yet nostalgic and still fitting for the winter season. 

When it comes to deriving meaning from instrumental tracks, the imagery it helps you create in your mind paired with the titles are key to taking in its emotional weight. This album excels on that front with almost every track. While not every song might hit in the same tone as “warsaw,” there is still plenty to enjoy for any fan of instrumental electronic.

March 29th, 2026 marked the 10 year anniversary of “Achievement.” Since its release, PilotRedSun has released a few EPs, now under the name “PilotRedSky.” Whether another full length album will be released is yet to be seen, but I’m certainly all in. 

Final Rating: 7.9/10

Favorite Track: “8-train”

Least Favorite Track: “bodybuilder”

“Achievement” by Pilotredsun is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Youtube.