Arctic Lights are an alternative rock band from Cork, Ireland, whose electro and guitar infused tracks invigorate and lead the senses astray in a voyeuristic journey of striking synths, jagged riffs, pulsating beats and sensuous vocals. Comprised of Liam O’Callaghan (Bulkhead) on vocals/keyboard/guitar and Edward Butt (Emperor of Ice Cream) on bass, Arctic Lights are a dynamic duo that’s fuelled by emotion, that permeates passion from its deepest depths. They are also a band that drifts effortlessly between the dark realms of the subconscious, whilst beaming from euphoric heights.
They are a band whose intermix of melodic rock, crosses over into pathways of postpunk, whilst interlocked within the dark matter of alternative rock. Musically diverse, Arctic Lights are an all consuming affair that seduce the senses and broods in the underworld of demi-gods of love, lust and transformation. They are a colourful rumble of power pop, space-rock, baroque-rock and synth-pop that soar, explode and collide with the dream-pop bubbles of Indie-rock. They are a duo that levitates over the skylines of post-punk, in a spin of political musings, elated emotions and slither in the murky waters of noise-rock.
Following the release of their debut EP “Tabula Rasa” in January 2021, Arctic Lights have been busy in the studio working on their latest EP, which features their new single “Fade Away”. Released on April 1st 2022, Fade Away is the band’s first collaboration, with guest vocals of Ireland’s Cat Dowling, whose latest album “Animals” has been making waves across Ireland and further afield. As a single, Fade Away sees Arctic Lights add another string to their bow, that enhances the nonchalant ambience, with a more sumptuous soundscape. Through the contributing vocals of Dowling, Arctic Lights shines from mystical realms, whilst creating an arcane ambience.
A stunning track, Fade Away is a force of nature. It’s an intimate affair. It’s love on the run that burns in the wild woods and rises from the embers of post-punk. It’s a gravitational pull, a spell-binding track that seduces the senses and simmers in the shadows of goth rock. Through the tantalising lyrics and tribal beats, Fade Away creates an atmospheric backdrop of percolating passion that seethes and flares in its secret hideaway place. As a dynamic duo, it’s through the sensual vocals of both O’Callaghan and Dowling, that Fade Away smoulders in the midst of the witching hour, that swings like a pendulum, between dusk and dawn. Earthy and delicate, aloof and fierce, as a vocalist, Cat is a powerhouse of talent, that effortlessly evokes a sense of drama, like a windswept siren. It’s through her captivating contribution to this track that Fade Away shimmers from the superlunary of neo-folk whilst feasting on an appetite of alternative rock. Along with the racing riffs, and brooding bassline, Fade Away flickers like light escaping through the faraway trees, reflecting from the moon, whilst feeling the smoky breeze.
“Fade Away” is released on 1st April 2022 and is available via Bandcamp and all digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music etc.
Fade Away featuring Cat Dowling | Arctic Lights (bandcamp.com)