He paints on a smile, the pleasure is mutual
Attack of denial, be still, it’s only for the wild
Bands often operate in a space where persona and reality blur—what the audience sees under stage lights can feel like a carefully crafted performance, yet offstage, there’s a raw humanity that seeps through. It’s in the laughter echoing down a backstage corridor, the casual banter shared during a long tour drive, and the glances exchanged while packing up gear at the end of the night. Even in the realm of the dark and dramatic, the sonically intense moments of levity shine through, reminding us that these darkly clad figures are real people, embracing more than just the doom and gloom of performance. It’s a balancing act of image and authenticity, which makes it alltthe more fascinating when both sides collide in a shared creative vision.
With this in mind, Miami Darkwavers Astari Nite unveils “Double Feature Matinee,” the fourth music video off their Resolution of Happiness album. Following the likes of “Ashtray Ballet,” “Bowie in Daydreams,” and “Tongue Tied Galore,” this latest release threads together the band’s penchant for darkwave, goth, and post-punk textures while reveling in a surprisingly playful spirit.
“Double Feature Matinee” unfolds with icy, scythe-like gothic rock guitar riffs and tenebrous vocals, channeling a dark, decadent energy reminiscent of that classic Anthony Newley-meets-Bowie blend. Yet despite its shadowy undertones, the track’s pulsing synth beats shimmer like a diamond in the darkness, marrying Astari Nite’s brooding aesthetic with an unexpected spark of nostalgia, joy, and vitality. The lyrics explore painted smiles, mutual pleasure, and the chaotic thrill of denial—urging listeners to abandon caution briefly for a taste of fleeting wildness. As the song shifts between haunting romance and puckish confessions, it drifts into dance-floor fantasies and introspective musings, weaving threads of desire, separation, and acceptance. Images of burning bridges, space invaders, and the weight of a deathbed muse coalesce into a brooding yet playful, curiously hopeful audiovisual package—gift-wrapped and perfectly timed for opening on Christmas Eve.
Regarding the meaning behind this track and its visual counterpart, vocalist Mychael explains:
“We had a few songs that we were very pleased with and wanted to share this year, so we released our Resolution of Happiness record a few months back, in the summer of June. This one song, in particular, ‘Double Feature Matinee,’ was quite playful! It is a real delight to play out at concerts, a song that I am not ashamed to admit is honestly about me.
So, we set out to create a music video with a little help from our friends! Snippets, if you will, were taken from a few special days and nights of our lives while traveling and playing in my new shoes.
Honestly, at this stage in my life, I find it to be healing, surrounded by individuals that simply enjoy being alive and are accompanied by a vibrant and cheerful personality.
The word ‘fun’ kind of drives me mad, though I’m finding that it’s okay to have some whenever needed. I personally can’t be gloomy all the time; you know what I mean? I would rather smile the most instead.
Happy Holidays and I wish everyone a lot of love going into the start of the new year.”
The accompanying video further cements the track’s aura. By stitching together candid moments from the band’s travels, it reveals Astari Nite’s more genuine side, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and even a dash of mischief. These fragments of real-life show that behind all the brooding aesthetics, there’s a genuine enjoyment of the journey—trading the perpetual gloom for occasional bursts of color.
Watch the video for “Double Feature Matinee” below:
ASTARI NITE’s signature style blends shadowy atmospheres and dynamic rhythms, inviting listeners into a world where 90s-laced alternative undertones merge with the dark wave and glam influences that set the band apart. “Double Feature Matinee” finds its home in their current full-length release, Resolution of Happiness, giving fans another chapter in Astari Nite’s evolving narrative.
Resolution of Happiness is out now
Looking ahead, 2025 promises more from Astari Nite, with two new singles titled “Ms. Rain on My Parade” and “Unisex Games” on the horizon. For now, “Double Feature Matinee” stands as a testament to the band’s ability to meld gloom and revelry, forging a path that’s undeniably dark—but never without a spark of light.
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