Ekko the Strange crafts a decadent musical landscape in his latest album, Mystique. In this second venture, the album unfolds like the hours of twilight, tempting listeners with tantalizing rhythms and otherworldly keys, urging them into the delights of the evening. Ekko explains that his moniker is a nod to life’s little quirks.The rich cool vibes of Mystique are drawn from the unique sensations of travel, reminiscent of the intrigue and estrangement Bowie captured while in Berlin.
The lyrics to Ekko’s latest single, Vamps, convey a deep emotional journey of two individuals drawn together by a powerful, perhaps forbidden, attraction. The repeated phrase “sin after sin” suggests a repetitive cycle of actions, possibly mistakes or risks, that ultimately lead to rebirth and transcendence. The night and moonlight act as guiding forces, emphasizing mystery and transformation. Its shuddering goth plume of melody and whispers envelop the listener in glorious, urgent intrigue.
“‘Vamps’ is about realizing that we all are a circle of animals surrounded by wrongs yet breaking free from the stigmas and fucked-up views that the world can place upon us,” he says. “Solidarity in chaos.”
In the captivating video helmed by Talena Garten, a forest-bound young woman stumbles upon an arcane gathering: fire eaters, conjurers, and night beings. They’re immersed in a dance and fire-lit ritual, seemingly venerating a mysterious, sorceress-like figure.
Watch the video for “Vamps” below:
Ekko wears many hats for Mystique – writer, performer, and self-producer. He’s fashioned a collection of stirring, moody songs set against a backdrop of echoing vastness. Born from the muted expanses of Les Bois, ID, he’s presently found more often in Warszawa, Poland. The album got its finishing touches with J. Todd Dunnigan stateside, and a polish by Branden Funkhouser at Radiohouse.
“Living in Warsaw, Poland has inspired this record and my first record as well,” he says. “The city was destroyed during World War II. Since then, it has been rebuilt ashes of the past. I have great respect for the Polish people and the people of Central and Eastern Europe. I’ve developed some great friendships and have been inspired by different aspects of cultures outside of America. People, places, and life experiences have directly inspired this record.”
Ekko The Strange unveiled his earlier LP, Haunting Me, in 2020, but the era’s curveballs put the brakes on performances. Discussing his recent work, he feels Mystique has more depth than its predecessor. While retaining the profound ambiance of the debut, it adds a richer shade through haunting guitar nuances and raw synth beats. Mystique, out now via ©️HiFi Mantra Records – ©️All Wrongs Reserved feels like the background score to a pivotal life event, setting the tone for an evening’s wild revelry.
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