Vitriolic relationships stunted by modern technology inspired Portland, Oregon darkwave outfit Sex Park’s new single, “Obligation”, via Dowd Records.
With haunting synth strings floating over an uptempo, punchy beat, the lyrics are complemented by fluid, dream pop guitar. Their sound hosts knowing winks at Depeche Mode and Interpol, but also make easy comparisons to contemporaries like Editors and Spector.
Sex Park was formed in Winter 2015/2016 by Daniel Blumenthal and Paul Burkhart, brought together by a mutual love of post-punk, synth-pop, and 90’s dance music, as well as trap and grime. Burkhart’s minimal drum programming and melodic synth lines were a great foil for Blumenthal’s deep croon and technical, spasmodic guitar riffs. Guitarist Colin Buckley joined the band to accompany them on a West Coast tour to support Atrium, his elegant playing adding a dreamy new dimension to the band’s sound.
The band have also made appearances at Vancouver’s Verboden Festival and Los Angeles’s Part-Time Punks.
Sex Park’s upcoming full-length record features the band exploring territory from Acid House to Italo Disco – and even sampling opera, all while retaining their irresistible, distinctive synth-pop sound.
The single is releasing with a visually stunning music video from Neu Caligula, a psychedelic noir, futuristic mystery through time and space.
Watch below:
“Obligation” is Sex Park’s first release with Dowd Records, and is available on streaming and limited edition vinyl. There are also limited edition t-shirts along with the vinyl release.
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