Dilemma - Velvet/Sundown
From the gritty streets of NYC emerges Velvet/Sundown, the latest EP from Dilemma, the brainchild of producer Alex Elias. This dark pop experiment takes us on a genre-bending ride, blending nu-metal and industrial rock with darkwave, dream pop, and synth-wave aesthetics. It’s a cerebral and kinetic soundscape, evoking the neon-lit pulse of the late 90s and early 2000s electronic culture. If you’ve ever wished for a modern soundtrack to Wesley Snipes’ iconic Blade blood rave scene, Velvet/Sundown has you covered.
Ethereal Vibes Meet Club-Ready Energy
At its core, Velvet/Sundown is an atmospheric journey. The EP’s opening tracks lean into ethereal, dream-like territory, layering lush synths and haunting vocals over subtle electro beats. These moments feel like floating through a dark, smoky room at a house party just before the energy picks up.
Then come the remixes, which shift the EP’s dynamic entirely. Ground To Dust’s Dub Remix of Sundown plunges the listener into a grimy, hard-hitting club vibe, wrapping up the collection with a dose of raw, gritty energy. This evolution from ethereal introspection to dance-floor chaos highlights Dilemma’s versatility while keeping electronic fans fully engaged.
Hits and Misses: Velvet Smooth or Sundown Shadows?
While the EP is an overall win for its stylistic cohesion and nostalgic appeal, it occasionally treads familiar ground. The reliance on well-trodden 2000s synth-wave motifs might feel overly derivative to some listeners seeking something groundbreaking.
On the flip side, the carefully curated remixes inject much-needed freshness, redefining the original tracks and adding new layers of depth. These moments make Velvet/Sundown stand out as a versatile project, capable of transforming a quiet night into a high-energy rave or a cerebral introspection session.
Closing Out Under Neon Lights
The beauty of Velvet/Sundown lies in its duality. It’s a soundtrack for both shadowy introspection and sweaty dance floors. Alex Elias has crafted a refined and resonant sound, leaving a tantalising promise of what’s to come from this dark pop pioneer.
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