Words by Alex Boyd.
The Manchester alternative music scene has over the years heralded a multitude of incredible artists. As a bustling hub of culture there are hundreds of dimly lit bars, clubs and venues where creativity gathers. So now, newcomers to the UK music scene, Perfect Dark have emerged to show the world who they are and what they’re about with their debut single ‘Red Lights’.
The trio follow in the footsteps of alternative music titans such as Sleep Token, Bad Omens and Normandie, blending dark pop and RnB style vocals with soundscapes and unrelenting down tuned guitar work. Their focus is a refined mixture of catchy vocal hooks, ambient synth work, and complimenting riffs, all of which convey deep emotions throughout.
From first listen anyone can imagine this as a starting point for the band’s potentially huge career. The song opens with vocalist Dan Gibson singing alone with an almost melancholy tone, painting a picture lyrically about what seems to be a reflection of a lost love. The listener becomes hooked as the line “and now we’re falling apart again” grabs and demands their attention just before the drums and guitars make their presence known like a freight train. To say that this track is influenced by Sleep Token would be an understatement, as the guitar and drums sound like something straight off of Take Me Back To Eden in the best possible way.
As the track continues to build the band come to the breakdown and show off their years spent as a part of the heavy music scene. As these low notes rumble and kick drums pound their way into the listener’s memory Dan gets to show off his versatility as a vocalist with some monolithic screams.
It’s easy to imagine where ‘Perfect Dark’ are able to take their career from here. A vast number of artists are trying to make pop music with breakdowns currently, but few are able to capture the listeners attention and create something memorable as they have.
Perfect Dark Instagram | TikTok
Overall rating 8/10
FFO: Sleep Token, Bad Omens, Normandie