Photo by Matt Allen
The Philadelphia synth-pop duo of Morgy Ramone and Trey Frye, known as Korine, blend new wave nostalgia, early emo, and punk with a modern pop sensibility, contrasting upbeat rhythms against sullen, emotionally evocative lyrics. Their latest single, “Train To Harlem,” is a gorgeous new wave anthem about the lowest moments of human experience. Often these tragedies play out in the underground tunnels of the NYC subway system, the labyrinthine passageways, and screeching noises, something out of a modern take on Hieronymous Bosch.
Korine’s solidly contemporary take on 80s-style synth-pop is on full display here, illustrated with a beautiful clip directed and edited by Kelli Mcguire, of a woman (played by Phantomphreak) navigating the subways alone: suspicious, paranoid, unapproachable.
“A dance track within a harsh reality —hinting at triumph and repentance,” the band says.
Watch the video for “Train to Harlem” below:
Forming in late 2017, the duo’s debut EP ‘Corsage,’ a moody, lo-fi set of self-recorded synth-driven tracks, gained the band quick traction and a series of tour dates through 2018. The tour garnered the attention of Philadelphia-based label Born Losers Records, who went on to release the band’s debut album, ‘New Arrangements.’ Frye and Ramone then released an acclaimed two-track 7” titled, ‘Uncrossed/To You,’ in the fall of 2019. 2020 saw the release of the band’s most mature set of songs to date, the sophomore album, ‘The Night We Raise,’ which heavily expanded the signature sound of the group while continuing to showcase the pair’s DIY mentality.
Following a year of isolation, Korine returned to touring in 2021 with a full US Tour supporting chillwave pioneers Small Black and continued into 2022 with several festival appearances, including their international debut at Wave Gotik Treffen in Leipzig. Korine have announced their new album, Tear, with is set for release on February 17th, 2023.
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