At the beginning of the week, I shared the video for Kiev, Ukraine based synthpop duo Neon Black Dreams’ single Kiss of the Universe. The single is the title track from their debut album, a concept story that takes place in 1989 and explores the idea of destiny.
By Graeme Smith
The scene is set through the retro synths of opening track Reach for the Light. There’s a haunting darkness about the arrangement in the intro but the track is brightened up by singer Yara Glorien’s vocals. She takes on the role of protagonist in this story, and in this first chapter we get to know her, her hopes and her fears.
Keys, synths and backing vocals are provided by JJ and his love for film soundtracks comes through strongly in each track of this album. Dreams does this through a dark, industrial groove that wouldn’t be out of place in a ’80s action sci-fi film. Edge Of The World, on the other hand, feels a little more fantasy, with a rich sense of atmosphere and undertones of pop and R&B.
Eternity ups the tempo and takes us into dance territory before Paradise Lost hits the heart hard with its romanticism. Scream sit as the centre point of the story. A vibrant, psychedelic moment, it oozes with rock energy and a will to go on.
Another Day is a moody, reflective moment before Endlessly keeps the mood low and the emotion high. It feels like a perfect recreation of a late ’80s power ballad. Run then injects some energy through its pumping beat, synth melodies and electronic drum flourishes. It’s a highlight.
The album’s penultimate track is Never Give Up. It brings the drama with its complex keys and driving percussion before the story is closed by the seven and a half minute cinematic odyssey, Kiss of the Universe.
Neon Black Dreams have really pushed the envelope with this debut. Its mix of retro and modern influences gives it a unique flavour that will find fans young and old. What perhaps stands out most about it, though, is its sense of heart. The emotion of the story is brought to life beautifully through Yara’s vocals and JJ’s accompaniment. If you’re looking to get lost in something today, then Kiss of the Universe is for you. You can check out the whole album below.
