by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
The shift from punk music to art pop and dance music has become increasingly common. With the artists setting aside the aggression of guitars and drums in favor of synths and programmed beats, it allows new worlds of synthetic exploration, following impulses less travelled. While it can feel clunky and almost pandering to the “poptism” trend for many, there are others who embrace their own synth pop wave with utmost sincerity, which brings us to Modal Melodies. The duo, comprised of Violetta Del Conte-Race (Primo!) and Jake Robertson (Alien Nosejob, Ausmuteants), are set to release their self-titled full length debut on May 13th via Anti Fade Records, a triumph of slow dripped disco and mutated synth pop. It’s a gorgeous record, avoiding pastiche to slink along with their own unique vision.
Having released lead single “Occupants” in early March, the pair return with “Standing Still,” our second preview of their upcoming record. The song features a syrupy slow disco beat and synths that sustain themselves into the either, while bass squiggles around the somewhat foreboding tonality. It’s light and airy, but there’s a shadowy undercurrent, like the sound of disco as the 70’s faded into the 80’s, and new wave emerged from the ashes. Del Conte-Race sings about dancing in order to forget her troubles, and it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. With the sultry groove like this, you’re going to want to dance. Trust me. The video, directed by Alex Millen and Maree Prokos captures a day at the beach, with beautiful shots slowly zooming in and out, capturing the colors or the boardwalk, with the duo making their presence known in the distance.