AA Side Single Review: “Secret / Bad Connection” by Michael Angelaux
by Karl Magi
“Secret” sweeps with a jet-like sound before rising to a tight crescendo and stacked up drums tick and a hi-hat swings before the bass explodes along with a vocal sound before Michael Angelaux’s distinctively soul-infused voice carries the main theme with the flair and style one would expect.
The beat is reverberant and encourages booty shaking while the classic ‘80s chorus repeats with verve and energy. Like a silk tide, Michael Angelaux’s voice wraps around me, carrying with intensity and passion, while the message of the lyrics is delivered with panache. Equally Nick Rixon gives the production a burnished depth.
The background leaps with unrestrained power while the chanting chorus adds emphasis. Expression fills the vocal performance as the melody twists with a mysterious quality before the song ends.
As the song's subject swims "across the moonlit sky every night," the protagonist promises not to tell anyone and reassures them that it's okay. He adds, "we know the truth is never black and white, but can you keep this confidential, wrong or right?" He doesn't want them to step into the light and reveal their secret.
Our narrator can keep a secret just for the other person and asks, "but can you keep a secret baby, just for me?" He adds, "hush don't talk about it now." He asks the song's subject what kind of man they take him for and says, "furthermore, one peep and I will be out the door."
Revealing that he'd be threatened by the secret truth, the main character says, "social suicide is not my thing, this precious jewel must be protected now. " He points out that he isn't doing this for his entertainment but because, “shame and glory will never go hand in hand." He concludes, "remain undercover, my suffering lover, don't think you understand."
A shadowy sound sweeps before the lively rhythm dances and Yazoo’s “ Bad Connection” comes into being with a rushing, popping energy as the motif at the beginning releases luminous strength. Michael Angelaux catches Alison Moyet's unmistakable delivery with his own fresh and individual interpretation, delivering mixed emotions with a playful sensation.
The synth choices animate the song in a new way as the drums skip with an irresistible groove and Michael Angelaux makes me smile with his honest interpretation of the original Yazoo track. Shining tones flicker in contrast to deeper hidden emotion as a telephone rings.
The foundation presses on while the glittering theme spills before Michael Angelaux channels the original with his own twist. A synth transmits the main theme with neon effulgence before the song ends.
The narrator talks about desperately trying to call the song’s subject before he leaves town. With his car ready and her bags packed, time’s running out and he's afraid he'll never reach the person he loves. The lyrics capture the emotional fallout of a final try at communication before a break up, as the broken phone line symbolizes the distance between the characters.
