A new single with stylishly dark electronic vigor, “Cry” from London-based artist Strange DNA explores the tension between vulnerability and transformation through glimmering synths, haunting melodies, and an emotionally charged performance. The project draws from personal experiences of identity and feeling like an outsider, shaping those themes into a cinematic dark-pop sound where difference becomes a source of strength.
Throbbing synth pulses establish a darkly intriguing soundscape immediately, quickly bolstered by pit-pattering percussion and blaring electronic adornments. Strange DNA’s delivery shows an ability to traverse both gloomy introspection and heightened, glimmering allure throughout. The propulsive synths venture into the “another idealized…” melodic subduedness initially, ascending in charisma in the title-touting lead phrasing. Effervescent synths and backing harmonic whimsy add wonderfully to the central hook, flowing with vibrant replay-inducing immersion as the production crosses the one-minute turn.
The “I cry” delivery that continues into touches of guitar distortion around the 01:30 mark is reminiscent of a lovely cross between the avant-garde electronic productions of SOPHIE and the art-pop pursuits of Grimes. An especially moving moment appears at the three-minute mark, where energized synth work — with shades of MGMT — arrives alongside an excitable, high-pitched falsetto entrancement. Those exhilarating harmonic layers venture into another “I cry” refrain as powerful, glitzy synths progress their magnetic flow. “Cry” is a stylish, strongly memorable electronic pop success from Strange DNA.
—
This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
