darkDARK drops new record ‘Ghost Complex’

darkDARK is a thrilling musical duo formed by Chris James and Genevieve Vincent whose sound delivers a symphony of cinematic synths entwined with modern pop, creating an uncanny yet irresistible sonic landscape. Genevieve, a classically trained composer, producer and former music supervisor, pairs her compositional finesse with Chris’s skills as a composer, mixer and sound designer, who’s left his sonic mark on global brands like Nike, Google, Levi’s and Audi.

The duo made their entrance in 2017 with the enchanting EP Heathered, earning them accolades from both fans and critics. Since then, their musical journey has seen the release of multiple singles, a second EP and a full-length debut record.

With Genevieve based in Los Angeles and Chris in Austin, their collaborative process involves a rhythmic exchange, passing ideas back and forth until they find the perfect auditory sweet spot. Now, the duo unveils their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Ghost Complex, a 12-track sci-fi pop concept record that propels listeners into a dystopian yet captivating narrative.

The album’s core premise revolves around two self-aware AI entities that grapple with their humanity, or lack thereof. As pioneers of the PETAL program, their consciousness is constructed from the dreamlike remnants of human memories, preserved in the face of humanity’s twilight.

Opened by “Face With No Name,” the album starts with the soft tones of electric piano, hovering in a stretching reverb as Genevieve’s hushed vocals thread beautiful melodies, crafting a dreamy intro to the immersive journey the album presents. Blissful and restrained, the first song gently spins a swaying fabric of intricate sonic texture and alluring melodies, lifted by the sparse rhythm of a kick in the final moments.

“Cult” raises the energy with the rattle of a bass synth, pulsing deeply alongside the steady kick beat as sonic elements swirl around before Genevieve’s voice enters. Deliberately cold and spacey, she crafts a subtly intense vibe as the beat builds up and distant instrumentation peppers the mix with weaving lines, resulting in an enveloping alternative pop outing that draws you deeper into the universe of Ghost Complex.

Next up, “Arcade” pops with bright synth lines riding the snap of drums as the vocals flutter above, laying down playful and upbeat melodies above the vibrant electronic pop arrangement. Injected with darkDARK’s knack for threading memorable hooks and energising beats into their sound, “Arcade” serves up an uplifting and infectious sound.

Other highlights on the record include “Design Manual,” with its shimmering synth sound, punching drums and glistening vocal leads all wrapped up in darkDARK’s exquisite sound design. Title track “Ghost Complex,” kicked off with stuttered rhythm of soft percussive shots and contrasting synth tones. Genevieve’s vocals glide in to stitch balletic leads into the engaging tapestry that perfectly balances a delicate arrangement with smooth energy.

The album closes with “Never to Be Found,” a cinematic soundscape that builds from a stripped back sound of mellow kick pulses and tender vocal timbre to an epic sound of tapping cymbals, layers of vocals and synth textures to craft a mesmeric finale to their sensational new album.

Listen to Ghost Complex below