Synth Single Review: “It's No Good (Depeche Mode cover)” by Fonz Tramontano & Calida J

by Karl Magi

Fonz Tramontano & Calida J's “It's No Good (Depeche Mode cover)” begins with more gossamer lightness than the original and replicates its ominous undertones with dense percussion and melancholy evoked with a bending end note. Calida J imbues the lyrics with distinct yearning, as deep and compelling as a storm brewing, while Fonz Tramontano creates a softer darkness than the original.

A less beak feeling permeates Calida J's performance, adding paradoxical tenderness. The melodic pattern defines the song with mingled emotional pain and expectation of eventual fulfillment. As the chorus moves, shadows drift with tones that gleam like diamonds in a velvet surround before the melody touches with tentatively trembling fingers. All of the emotion within Calida J’s vocals transfers to me with immediacy and passion before glittering bells add a tinge of hope to the hurt before the song ends on dark undulations.

Vowing that she'll take all the time she has, which is all the time in the world, the narrator says that it's written the stars and in a divine decree that the other person will be by her side. They can try to run but can't hide from her and she reminds them not to say that they need her, want her or love her because that's understood.

Our storyteller pleads with the other person not to say they're happy without her because she knows it can't be true as it’s no good. She reassures them that she'll be alright and will wait patiently until the other person sees the signs and runs into her open arms. She wonders when the other person will realize the attraction.

As the song concludes, the narrator asks if they’ll have to wait until their worlds collide until the other person opens their eyes and understands that they can't turn back the tide.