Cryptic messages, a love language you speak
Stewing on it, stewing never here to stay
Double take and disappear until stars align
Sitting, hoping, watching, waiting for a sign
Picture it: amid the obscurity of longing and unexpressed emotions, an individual recalls an elusive moment from a profound connection. They’ve refrained from overt expressions, like sending flowers, but feel deeply ensnared in their emotions during the darkest times. This fleeting encounter has left them with a yearning, a desire for validation or reciprocation. Despite being consumed by time and daily life, they’re trapped in a liminal space, perpetually awaiting a sign of shared sentiment.
Drafted in Buffalo’s frosty embrace, this gorgeous, if gloomy, vignette is captured in “Waiting For A Sign,” stirred to life by post-punk quintet Deluxxe. Waiting For A Sign‘s lyrics, drenched in the passion one finds in Echo And The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes, and the heartrending romance reminiscent of Sad Lovers And Giants.
The song’s accompanying video clip, masterminded by the creative duo Dr. Biff Riff & Greg, serves as a delightful throwback to the late-80s era. Adopting a lo-fi VHS aesthetic, it transports viewers back to a time when visuals were grainy and infused with character. Craftily designed to appear as though it’s been recorded over a vintage cassette, the video exudes a charmingly frugal ambiance. This low-budget vibe, reminiscent of days gone by, offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, complementing Waiting For A Sign‘s essence beautifully.
Watch “Waiting For A Sign” below:
Deluxxe’s songwriting is precise and meticulous, yet doesn’t forfeit an ounce of allure or magic.While their roots entwine with the grit of bands like Violent Way, Bad Blood, and Exhibition, their passion for the likes of new wave, post-punk, and darkwave birthed their inaugural record, “If You Were Me” (out via Avant! Records).
One can’t help but sense that the chilling winds of their hometown have left their mark on this album. It’s cold to the touch, yet profoundly metropolitan. Echoes of The Chameleons and The Sound are evident, but it’s the contemporary rhythm, akin to Modern English’s “After The Snow” era, and the distinctive hooks reminiscent of Julian Cope, spiced occasionally with a rawness channeling a youthful Paul Weller, that shine through.
Wondering how a sound born four decades ago can still feel new and chic? Deluxxe is the answer, living truly up to its polished name.
“If You Were Me” is out September 22 on black vinyl LP, limited to 300.
Pre-order here or listen below:
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