UPFRONTBEATS

Electronic duo Pale Blue makes a highly-anticipated comeback on Crosstown Rebels with their mesmerizing sophomore album, ‘Maria.’

Comprising eight captivating tracks, the album takes listeners on a transcendent journey through electronic soundscapes. Pale Blue, consisting of Mike Simonetti (Italians Do It Better) and Elizabeth Wight (Silver Hands), have gained critical acclaim since their debut album, ‘The Past We Leave Behind,’ in 2015. With a series of expansive EPs on Simonetti’s 2MR imprint, the duo has further intrigued and captivated audiences with their exploration of acid-infused dancefloor anthems and gripping electronica. Now, with ‘Maria,’ Pale Blue delivers a uniquely raw yet seamlessly polished voyage into their idiosyncratic musical world.

‘Maria’ opens with the ethereal and intricately crafted dreamlike melodies of the aptly titled track, ‘Spells.’ The album then navigates a range of electronic realms, encompassing pop influences and immersive sonics that captivate and engage the listener. The first single, ‘Dive,’ weaves a hazy yet resonant web of polyrhythms and textures, guided by Wight’s captivating vocals. ‘Laura’ introduces sparkling lead synths amidst sweeping tones, creating moments of pure bliss. ‘Ice Is Falling’ offers a stripped-back and haunting production, with Wight’s vocals carrying eerie tones and evoking a sense of hair-raising intensity.

The second half of the album showcases the second and third singles, ‘No Words’ and ‘Together Alone.’ ‘No Words’ exudes playful tones that complement the wistful and floaty soundscapes of ‘Together Alone,’ both tracks entrancing listeners in a hypnotic trance. Closing out the album, ‘The New Year’ reveals a delightful pop-leaning gem built upon electronic foundations, featuring a slinking acid-tinged bassline. Finally, ‘The Last Song’ concludes the album with an anthemic and rosy glow.

Maria’ exemplifies the innate connection and bond between Simonetti and Wight as they craft their music. Across the eight productions, the duo effortlessly straddles the border between electronic and pop genres with grace and finesse. Simonetti drew inspiration from classic rock LP sequencing, resulting in a coherent concept and a natural flow throughout the album. While maintaining a techno essence, the tracks possess a captivating blend of melody and emotion, making them stand out as more akin to rock music than traditional dance music. Pale Blue’s ‘Maria’ not only showcases their artistic growth but also delves into the universal theme of love, providing a relatable and immersive experience for listeners.

Pale Blue’s long-awaited sophomore album, ‘Maria,’ on Crosstown Rebels, is a captivating and enchanting musical journey. From the dreamlike melodies of ‘Spells’ to the haunting beauty of ‘Ice Is Falling’ and the anthemic glow of ‘The Last Song,’ Pale Blue showcases their versatility and unique sound. With ‘Maria,’ the duo continues to push boundaries, effortlessly blending electronic and pop elements while captivating listeners with their heartfelt lyrics and emotive compositions. This album solidifies Pale Blue’s position as a dynamic force within the electronic music landscape, leaving us eagerly anticipating their future endeavors.