The Badly Behaved Shares Synth-Pop Excellence
Published
Soulless City - Lauer Remix (Single)
The Badly Behaved
The Badly Behaved’s latest offering, "Soulless City - Lauer Remix" takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through the dark, dystopian landscapes inspired by Alex Proyas’ 1998 film "Dark City". This synth-pop track, enhanced by Lauer's remix, stands out with its catchy, upbeat, and mesmerizing beat that captures the essence of a city cloaked in perpetual darkness.
From the moment the track begins, it envelops the listener in an electronic soundscape reminiscent of the film's anachronistic setting. Richard von Kalmar, the mastermind behind the song’s creation, skillfully merges a driving electronic bassline with a series of complementary melodic lines, crafting a track that is both danceable and thought-provoking. The initial bassline, which Lauer reverses in his remix, provides a gripping foundation that propels the track forward.
The structure of the song is particularly notable for its dynamic use of key changes. These shifts create a stark contrast between the verses and choruses, effectively mirroring the film's interplay of darkness and light. The sombre verses evoke a sense of desolation and bleakness, representing the perpetual night of the city, while the choruses burst with a surprising uplift, much like the rare, fleeting glimpses of the Shell Beach pier that symbolize hope and escape in "Dark City".
The vocals, provided by Richard von Kalmar and Stewart Irving, are another highlight. In Lauer’s remix, Irving’s vocals are processed through a vocoder, adding a robotic, otherworldly quality that complements the track's futuristic and noir themes. This vocal treatment, coupled with the song’s pulsating rhythm and lush synth layers, creates an immersive listening experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The single was released as part of a three-track EP on April 22, including the Original Version and a Radio Edit of the Lauer remix. Girlfriend Records has once again delivered a track that is both innovative and reflective, solidifying The Badly Behaved’s place in the electronic music landscape.
