Walking the Tightrope’s Edge — Ottawa Darkwave Duo Violentene Debuts Video for “Thin Lines”

Have you ever walked a tightrope edge, not sure which way is down?

Ottawa’s illustrious darkwave duo, Violentene, emerges anew with the unveiling of their latest dreamy synth single, “Thin Lines.” With this new track, the band offers a tantalizing glimpse into their soon-to-be-released EP, “Human Drama,” slated for an October 2023 debut.

The inception of “Thin Lines” can be traced back to 2022, birthed from a solitary synth patch. A spark of clarity ignited the creative process, leading the composition into the able hands of Mvrijo. Eschewing over-elaboration, the track was conscientiously molded to retain its authentic sentiment and untouched resonance. It delves deep, grappling with the vertiginous nuances of human cognition, painting narratives of the fragile boundaries between the tangible…and the deranged. The musical influences evoke the haunting beauty of acts like CHVRCHES, Depeche Mode, Ladytron, and the ethereal strains of LEATHERS.

Augmenting the track’s sonic depths is its cinematic counterpart: a visual feast co-directed by the talented triumvirate of R. Marckwort, Mvrijo, and Alexis Zeville. The lens captures the ethereal Kari Duguay, both actor and model, set against the majestic backdrops of Ottawa’s most emblematic landscapes. Throughout her odyssey, she’s relentlessly pursued by an omnipresent shadow, seeking an elusive liberation from its grasp.

Watch the gorgeous video for “Thin Lines” below:

Digital Zen Studio is the creative hub where the project was brought to life. The production and mixing were handled by Roland Marckwort and Mvrijo. When it came to mastering, the responsibilities were shared between Bryan Lowe and Joao Carvalho.

Roland Marckwort started Violentene in 2017 as a desire to reconnect with early ambient/dream pop musings he began with Venus Swirls in the late 90s. That project led to electro outfit Liquified, releasing two successful and acclaimed CDs and much chart success, as well as a label deal with World Domination Records.

After a short DJ stint, Roland moved on to the indie-new wave foursome Politique, who released two albums, many a sold-out show, and a Canadian mini tour during 2008-2012. In 2017, Roland collaborated with NYC singer Dani Mari (Primitive Heart) and produced and released two EPs: “Denial” and “Phantom Youth,” both gaining a strong underground following with the shoegaze-dream pop crowd.

Mvrijo has been singing since her teens and has fronted popular Canadian indie rock and pop acts. Mvrijo and Roland connected locally in Ottawa in late 2019, with the focus being able to play live finally and work locally and so began work on the Otherworld EP quickly – her inclusion into Violentene has been the perfect missing piece, fulfilling the vision the duo has embarked upon.

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