NINA + RADIO WOLF - My Dark + Bluesbreaker
Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné
2023 was quite the year of re-emergence and re-imagination for Berlin-based Synthwave Queen, NINA. We saw a darker and sultrier side with her collaborative EP entitled “Lust” with Los Angeles and Athens, Greece artist Kid Moxie, distributed by cult label Italians Do It Better. Then she returns to solidify her throne as the one and true Queen of Synthwave with the explosive full-length, “Scala Hearts” - the collaborative LP with legendary British producer and songwriter, Ricky Wilde. This time, Nina doubles down with her frequent collaborator, partner-in-crime and ultimate stage companion, Berlin-based Canadian producer and songwriter, Radio Wolf with back-to-back singles entitled “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” - arguably, the best offering to date from their project together. Both tracks burn with playful and tantalizing dark romance, yet each one carries its own distinctive and infectious vibe.
“My Dark” is the more experimental of the two. The track starts off with a groovy electronic bass arpeggio dripping in cool, bringing Pulp Fiction vibes to mind with Nina singing her verses in this coy yet icy tense delivery, sprinkled with sultry breathy effects in between. Then the song drops into a vivid and super lush dark neon noir chorus - a particular stylistic vibe expected from Radio Wolf. One of the most interesting sections is the bridge with haunting, unsettlingly beautiful, glistening arps that seem to transport listeners into the Twilight Zone, followed by Radio Wolf’s tastefully tempered yet efficient guitar atmosphere work. Part retro-futuristic analogue with a very slight touch of darkwave, “My Dark” is danceable throughout and ends in a wistful resolve with a brief semi-acapella from Nina.
Then things get raunchy with “Bluesbreaker.” Upbeat and lo-fi, the track sends vintage bluesy rock vibes packed with some grit with the heavy bass and guitar hooks and full, rocked out drums. Radio Wolf showcases his guitar lead bravado, combined with special effects that emulate synths and electronic sounds at times, with Nina’s jeweled and seductive vocals providing a cooling effect in the heated atmosphere. “Bluesbreaker” is a fantastic new brand of electronica-infused rock and roll that is much-needed.
Both “My Dark” and “Bluesbreaker” are quite a surprise turn in both artist-producers’ repertoires, both presenting familiarity while exploring new territories in a stunning new direction that’s fresh and breaks away from genre formulas. Both releases bring something mighty and new to the table.
“My Dark” is out now. “Bluesbreaker” comes out on March 15th.
Enjoy both on iloveninamusic.bandcamp.com
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