Songs for Sabotage - "Night of Joy"
Jessica Louise Dye of High Waisted introduced me to Songs for Sabotage early in the pandemic when she appeared on the April 18th edition of Local Fidelity. I was immediately drawn to the gloomy atmosphere of the band’s first single, “Fire,” which paired the mesmerizing vocals of guitarist and frontwoman Lina Sophie with the evocative rhythms crafted by her partner Richey Rose. Sadly, the duo recently fled the rough and tumble streets of New York City for the sunshine of Los Angeles, and the songs on their recently released debut full-length, Night of Joy, document their experiences during the final months before their move - expounding on their interactions with toxic party people, the rat race, and feeling suffocated in a massive metropolis. In examining their past, they confront parts of their former lives head-on for a record that sounds like it comes from a place of darkness and turmoil.
The pulsing beats and textured guitar tones on Night of Joy carry the influence of the darker side of 80s new wave, drawing inspiration from the ghostly sounds of goth rock acts like The Cure and the electronic etchings of New Order. The duo sets the album’s stark mood immediately with opener “Sabotage,” which centers on a driving, looping beat and airy, yet haunting guitars. The music remains sharp and melodic on every track. “Urgency” packs a booming chorus that matches its namesake, and the album version of the previously released single, “Fire,” allows Lina Sophie’s striking voice to dissipate amongst a softer, more subtle beat. I’d characterize most of the record as melancholic sounding, both sonically and lyrically, but the pace picks up a bit starting with the more lively sounding “Drifting,” and continues it’s forward thurst on “Dust,” where the guitars spread out a bit more. The band includes a Peter Murphy cover, “Cuts You Up,” as the album’s closing track, a very fitting selection that perfectly complements their six original songs. Their version is anthemic, thanks largely to some harmonies that are perfect for singing, or shouting, along with.
You can purchase Night of Joy via Bandcamp. The record is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Keep up with the band by liking them on Facebook and following them on Instagram.
