The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

12/10/2007

A Spooky Tribute: Chromatics' Cover of Dark Day's "Hands in the Dark"

Minimal sound, maximum sexiness

I have been getting more into Italo-Disco lately, especially the music of Chromatics. They take the Italo-Disco style and put their own twist on it. While they maintain the sad romanticism and moody vibe of their forefather, Giorgio Moroder, their overall sound is more Noir-esque and even more minimal than music in the genre's past.

Electro Hostages

With their fondness for electronic minimalism, it's fitting that they should record a cover version of DNA-offshoot Dark Day's "Hands in the Dark," a super-minimal-detached No-Wave song from 1979, of which Chromatics can relate to. The band does a fine job of retaining the original's spookiness, while adding sexy desperation. It's a must-download for anyone into minimal-wave or electro-pop.

For more of the new Italo-Disco sound, pick up the Italians Do It Better Compilation, After Dark at Other Music.