Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Rare Kreature shakes up the post-punk scene with a unique blend of dark surf, dark wave, and dream pop. Originally a solo endeavor, Rare Kreature has since expanded to include a cadre of skilled contributors who enhance the group’s gothic flair and stage visuals.
Their latest 7-track collection, Sleeping Secrets, builds on the momentum of their 2022 single, Nowhere Seen. This new release plunges into a world where stark, raw guitar work collides with lush, stormy harmonies, crafting an atmosphere where darkness and light coalesce. Sleeping Secrets boldly embraces ’80s new wave roots, channeling the spectral vibes of Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Clan of Xymox, and Ultravox.
Moments of existential crisis and reflection merge with the physical act of driving in the opening track, Hyperspeed. The song captures the tension between movement and stillness with a chanting chorus and relentless dark surf guitars, ultimately depicting a chaotic, uncontrolled halt that symbolizes a deeper emotional or mental breakdown. Next comes the atmospheric whispers of Entregar, which faces adversity with a facade of bravery and invulnerability. The song delves into themes of denial, confrontation, and resilience, portrayed through a journey of self-awareness and acceptance.
Play For Yesterday delves into themes of catastrophic failure and irreversible mistakes that lead to downfall and regret. With stark, disturbing imagery, the song portrays a dramatic collapse of expectations, marked by intense self-criticism and admonishment. It reflects a detachment from past successes and projects a bleak future, highlighting a deep-seated personal disappointment and the unalterable repercussions. The album shifts tone with the soaring instrumental Sälice, an echoing, contemplative piece that evokes the stylings of Chromatics.
Nowhere Seen conjures a vivid image of a secluded, mystical landscape, suggesting an adventure both literal and metaphorical. It captures the spirit of a youth who seeks solace and awe in nature’s pristine enclaves. The lyrics weave through themes of discovery, introspection, and a quest for truth, driven by a yearning for clarity and peace amid obscured realities and societal facades. Centering around personal transformation and the calming influence of nature’s simple counsel to “just breathe,” the song proposes a journey towards spiritual awakening and renewal.
Serrated Luvvv conveys a turbulent emotional state tied to a destructive relationship, referred to as “serrated love.” The song delves into themes of betrayal, loss, and a return to origins for resolution or closure. It reflects on the inevitability of one’s fate and the enduring impact of past connections, culminating in a near-perfect but ultimately flawed partnership.
The album concludes with the spectacular Armageddon (All Night Long), which explores a deep sense of foreboding and inevitability. Themes of personal turmoil and existential dread are articulated through metaphors of geographical and emotional landscapes. The lyrics also touch on betrayal and the urgency to make significant actions count in the face of looming disaster.
Listen to and order Sleeping Secrets below, and order here:
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