A riveting, theatrical synth-pop attract shines all through Cry & Dance, the brand new EP from A Thousand Mad Issues. The undertaking of William Barradale channels the melodrama of ‘80s icons like The Associates, Depeche Mode, and Mushy Cell whereas carving its personal house with lyrics steeped in queer adolescence, need, and self-discovery. “All of the artists that I like have some type of misery or frailty or launch of their efficiency, it’s about that catharsis,” Barradale displays.
“Extensive Awake” opens the EP in spectacular kind, showcasing the undertaking’s balancing of trendy moodiness and hooky immediacy. Arp-y synths and solemn vocals ascend steadily. “And now my bones, they shake,” they let loose throughout a magnetic expanse, the place starry-eyed synths and expressive backing vocals infuse with replay-inducing invigoration. “My worries preserve me unsleeping,” the vocals proceed, capturing sleeplessness, nervousness, and the reluctant however essential reliance on others to remain grounded. Ensuing observe “Lady” exudes a extra sensual intrigue, paying homage to Depeche Mode in its brooding synth tones and “a well-recognized voice…” vocal momentum; the refined string infusions right here additionally show spine-tingling, as do the lyrical views of lust, need, and infidelity.
One other standout observe, “Native Guys” continues to tout an immersive reflection of need — right here located inside a combination of glimmering and darker synth work, because the vocals navigate seamlessly with confession-like ardour. “I used to search for love in them,” they exude with palpable craving, retracing unreciprocated infatuation with heterosexual native males in suburban cities — and the hope for them to “see the opposite facet of me.” The EP closes robust as nicely with “She’s on the Run,” which feels particularly indicative of the Associates affect in its dreamy synths and escalating vocal immersion, after which the finale “My Automotive” — a heartrending, smitten synth-pop charmer with a lushly absorbing captivation. With Cry & Dance, A Thousand Mad Issues captures each the grandeur and fragility of pop’s darker corners, remodeling vulnerability into one thing cinematic, defiant, and deeply human.
The EP releases on October third.
