“I’m not giving up
I’m begging for your trust
Can I crawl in your skin
& feel your warmth again”
Consider, if you will, the archetype of the lovelorn soul, embarking on a quixotic quest for the affections of a disinterested paramour. This individual, a veritable martyr to the cause of unrequited love, engages in a Sisyphean effort to mend the emotional fractures of their beloved. Each barbed comment and derailed dream, rather than serving as a wake-up call, only fuels their resolve.
Ah, the things we do for love – or, in this case, the love that isn’t quite there. In a display of devotion that would make even Romeo hesitate, our protagonist reshapes themselves into the very embodiment of their partner’s desires, with a disregard for self that borders on the absurd. One can’t help but admire the persistence, even as we gently suggest that perhaps it’s time to turn the page on this particular romantic novel.
In this spirit, the Atlanta, Georgia-based dark synth-pop duo Teardux emerges with “MEND,” their second single (following XCESS), that artfully addresses these age-old conundrums. Valerie Andra’s voice is a haunting siren call in the darkness, while Dylan Anderson expertly presides over synthesizers and electronic percussion, crafting soundscapes that are both energetic and soul-stirring. Together, they explore the shadowy territories of darkwave, reminiscent of bands like Nuovo Testamento, Echoberyl, Twist of Shadows era Xymox, Vandal Moon, and Leathers. Teardux, however, distinguishes themselves by blending these influences with a distinctive synth-pop flair, creating a sound that is both familiar and uniquely their own.
MEND deals with the pain of unrequited love and desire to genuinely help a broken partner. The lyrics depict a deep longing for connection and validation, underscored by a sense of desperation, almost to the point of losing their own identity. There’s a palpable sense of being emotionally wounded, relying on the partner’s love for healing and fulfillment. The lines also hint at an unbalanced dynamic, where the narrator is willing to conform to the partner’s fantasies and expectations, perhaps at the cost of their own well-being. The mention of “cruel words” and “broken dreams” implies a history of pain and disappointment, yet there’s a relentless pursuit of love and acceptance.
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