Darkness Holds, Time to Bring Tonight
Sacramento post-punk outfit Creux Lies have returned with “Frozen,” their first single in two years. A glacial synth-driven marvel, Frozen is a song that not only reaffirms their place in the vanguard of the modern darkwave resurgence but also carves out an icy new chapter in their discography. With its hypnotic hooks and warm old-school sounding production, the track captures a sweeping romance, recalling the emotive grandeur of late ’80s/early ’90s Depeche Mode but elevated by Ean Clevenger’s powerful, sonorous vocal command.
“Frozen” transcends being just a song; it’s a masterstroke in the art of dark pop, weaving together sound and emotion with chilling precision. The lyrics sketch a stark, wintry tableau. Underpinning the verses is a soaring melancholic melody punctuated by deeply cinematic analog synth textures that ripple and pulse like shards of ice-breaking underfoot. The chorus—both haunting and immediate—swells with echoes of despair and desire, balancing heartbreak against an undeniable beat that demands movement.
In the band’s own words, “Frozen” marks a turning point:
“This track embodies our classic Creux sound while infusing production elements inspired by some of our favorite ’80s hip-hop tracks—lots of analog synths on this one. Our new synth player, Jon Mak, has brought a fierce energy and vibrant complexity, pushing our sound into thrilling new dimensions.”
Frozen will be available for streaming on all platforms and purchase on Bandcamp starting December 13, 2024. In the meantime, you can listen to the song below:
Hailing from the shadows of Sacramento, Creux Lies have spent the past decade forging a reputation as purveyors of elegant desolation. Their sound, equal parts melancholic and majestic, draws on the haunted echoes of the post-punk and darkwave movements, while carving out a space entirely their own. From the shimmering guitar work to the brooding synth textures and Ean Clevenger’s towering, impassioned vocal delivery, the band conjures an immersive world of moody anthems and introspective revelry.
The lineup features Ean Clevenger (vocals/programming), Barry Crider (guitar), Kyle Vorst (bass), and the newest addition, Jon Mak (synths/drums). Together, they create a sound that marries reverb-laden guitars, richly layered synths, and a rhythmic pulse that drives their music from introspection to dancefloor euphoria.
Since their debut album, The Hearth (2017), recorded in their home city’s Earthtone Studios, Creux Lies have been unrelenting in their evolution. Their sophomore effort, Goodbye Divine (2021), showcased a deeper, more expansive sonic palette, followed by a 2023 remix EP that saw them collaborating with darkwave contemporaries like Twin Tribes and Pixel Grip. Alongside their recorded output, Creux Lies have built a cult following through their electrifying live performances, sharing stages with luminaries such as Clan of Xymox, Drab Majesty, and Soft Kill, while appearing at revered festivals like Wave Gotik Treffen and Verboden Festival.
2024 brought a revitalized lineup with the addition of synth maestro Jon Mak, whose analog expertise has injected new vitality into the band’s creative process. This rebirth culminates in “Frozen,” a track that not only marks the band’s return but also heralds the dawn of a bold new chapter. As Creux Lies look to 2025 and beyond, the release of “Frozen” signals their commitment to exploring fresh terrain while staying true to the atmospheric roots that have defined them. A band once steeped in the nostalgia of goth’s golden era now strides confidently into its future.
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