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After much anticipation and a lot of hard work behind the scenes, sci-fi pop duo darkDARK have released their brand new album, Ghost Complex which came out on 17th November 2023. If you are not familiar with their music, then the thing to remember that what makes the pair that extra bit special is that their music is an experience with the key being to embrace the rhythm and the energising force which draws you in.
So with that being said, let us take a closer look at the record itself, beginning with opening track with Face With No Name which is filled with such beauty and powerful lyrics which just capitate but also resonate, especially lines such as ‘I have was a face with no name, all of my thoughts were the same’. Although softly spoken, they nevertheless are some of the striking words which leave an impact. I love the style of darkDARK and the approach that the duo have taken especially with this first track, and for a first time listener resembles the likes of bands such as London Grammar.
Having set the scene, the album transitions nicely onto Cult and the way the beat leads at from the outset is like a boost of energy just flowing through your heart. Again we have some awesome lyrics to get your mind curious and active with the texture and the intricacy of each line. The depth within the songwriting of darkDARK is so inspiring and a credit to the duo’s many strengths. For instance if we take ‘it’s a state of mind, it’s of state, when you are getting dressed, your getting dressed to succeed’, this is just infused with such wisdom.
After a nice and gentle start, Arcade follows next and provides something a little more upbeat whilst still remaining within darkDARK’s unique style. What I really enjoy in particular about this track is other than an opportunity to hear even more of Genevieve Vincent’s fantastic voice, but also the creative skill of Chris James as he injects light into the song with some pretty exceptional sounding synth, which just enhances the experience of the song even more.
Ghost Complex has already lured me so far and already its helping to shape a positive first impression of darkDARK within my mind. Once you are past the first stage of getting familiar with the first few tracks that is only the beginning because once you start to delve even deeper into the heart of the album then the intricate nature of this record only continues to grow even more powerful, with both Genevieve and Chris wasting no time in being experimental and pushing the boundaries - What If being a prime example of this as well as River Parleons.
Trying to pick out a favourite track was a bit of a challenge because each track brought so much value and sparkle to the wider identity, however if I were to pick out a couple then one choice would be We Had Everything We Needed as their is so much detail to it from the lyrics to Genevieve’s voice to Chris bringing his own artistic flair.
The second choice would be Petals (Planetary Escape Through Artificial Learning System) because the lyrics are just so poetic and I am just a huge fan of the whole refreshing energy that the track radiates from the inside out. If you listen ever so closely you may even be able to hear a little tease of Chris duetting with Genevieve on vocals which is a nice touch.
With Ghost Complex being made-up of 12 tracks, there is so much variety on offer with this album, but to fully under and appreciate its pure beauty is by having an unfiltered and wholly open mind. All you need to do is take that first step, and when you don’t well just let darkDARK lead the way as they introduce you to one of the most special body’s of art and music you will ever encounter.
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Article By Thushara Chandrasiri
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