Melbourne duo Apollo On Fire have unveiled their captivating debut EP City Lights. With four tracks of rippling sonic texture and transportive melodies, dream pop has never sounded so shiny.
City Lights is myriad of moods, expertly blending breathy vocals, drums, guitar and keys to produce something truly special. The duo consists of Mitch Bateman (vocals, guitars, keys, programming), and Dan Armstrong (drums, programming).
City Lights signals a glorious debut from Apollo On Fire, featuring four glittery dream pop tunes to get your heart thumping.
Joining forces in the winter of 2017, Apollo On Fire quickly developed their dynamic brand; dark emotional poeticism fused with an ’80s pop groove, and just a touch of modern dance beats. Influences for this hybrid sound stretch far and wide; ranging from Nine Inch Nails to The 1975, Bruce Springsteen, Arctic Monkeys, and The Cure.
Lead singer Mitch Bateman describes the record as, “A contemplative take on the dissolution of a relationship. There’s so much baggage that can come with the end of love, this EP kind of explores that. It’s also not always a choice, often at least not for one person.”
All four songs flow with an invigorating poetic drive, forming a soundscape coated in texture and mood. Opening track Say It First grips you with its stripped back and romantic inflection.
You & I accelerates through crunchy drums and a piercing pop tempo. Let Down rings with a rock pop flair, making use of rhythmic guitar and airy vocals. And Stay closes the EP through fiercely commanding lyrics, electronic beats and an alt-rock shine.
Apollo On Fire brace us for their bright future with their debut, City Lights. As an EP bound in character and charm, we are left all the more eager for the outfit’s upcoming Australian tour this August.
City Lights is available now across major streaming services.
