Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., you’re cruising through a neon-lit city, and the world feels both empty and alive. That’s the vibe CATBEAR nails with their latest single, Darkness, a darkwave alt-pop gem that dropped on September 10th. If you’re into moody, immersive soundscapes that blend pulsing synths with ethereal vocals, this track is about to become your late-night anthem. Let’s dive into why Darkness by the Brighton and South London-based duo is a must-listen for fans of synthpop, synthwave, and everything in between.
A Sonic Dive into the Void
Darkness is a masterclass in balancing haunting and euphoric vibes. Built on a foundation of pulsing synths and a down-tempo beat, the track feels like it was made for a cinematic moment—think an anti-hero staring into the abyss or a quiet drive through rain-soaked streets. Zoe Konez’s ethereal vocals float above the mix, pulling you into a world of introspection with lyrics like, “Take another look into the darkness, you will find me out there.” It’s raw, vulnerable, and universally relatable, circling themes of release, acceptance, and finding solace in life’s darker corners.
The production, handled by Zoe in her home studio, is intimate yet expansive. The synths hum with a retro glow, evoking the moody brilliance of Depeche Mode or the cinematic edge of Drive’s soundtrack. Fans on social media have already dubbed it “The Cure scoring Drive” and “Robyn gone goth,” and honestly, those comparisons feel spot-on. The chorus hits with a powerful swell, lifting the track from introspective to anthemic without losing its emotional core. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you, whether you’re reflecting on your own struggles or just vibing to its hypnotic rhythm.
The timing of Darkness couldn’t be better. Synthwave and darkwave are having a moment, with artists like The Weeknd and Twin Tribes tapping into that nostalgic, neon-soaked sound. CATBEAR’s take feels fresh yet familiar, blending 80s-inspired synths with modern alt-pop sensibilities. It’s a track that’s as much about the feels as it is about the aesthetic, making it perfect for playlists like “Late Night Drives” or “Dark Synthwave Vibes.”
Meet CATBEAR: The Duo Behind the Sound
CATBEAR is the alt-pop brainchild of best friends Zoe and Sarah, two South London natives now based in Brighton. Their music is a love letter to the indie, synth-pop, and electronic sounds of the 80s, 90s, and 00s, wrapped in emotionally raw lyrics that explore joy, heartbreak, and everything that keeps us up at night. Since their debut single Beast of the Night in 2018, they’ve evolved from DIY house party gigs to a polished, synth-driven sound that’s earned them over 4.5 million Spotify streams and BBC Introducing support.
Their journey hasn’t been linear, but that’s what makes CATBEAR so compelling. Starting in a South London rehearsal room, they cut their teeth on indie guitar vibes before leaning hard into synths. Their debut album, Into the Light, was a snapshot of their early sound—shimmering pop melodies with a touch of longing. By 2023’s I Choose Love, they were diving into darker, post-punk, and darkwave territory, weaving in LGBTQ+ themes that resonated deeply with fans. Tracks like Girl Crush and In The Night showcase their range, moving between dreamy synthscapes and punchy indie pop.
Live performance is where CATBEAR truly shine. After opening for ARXX and touring with The Subways in 2023, they’ve honed a live sound that’s as captivating as their studio work. They’ve graced stages at The Great Escape and Bristol Pride, even sharing bills with icons like The Human League and Ladytron. With support from Arts Council England and Help Musicians, they’ve stayed fiercely independent, with Zoe writing, recording, and producing every track—and even packing merch from her Brighton home.
Why Darkness Matters
Darkness is more than just a single; it’s a preview of CATBEAR’s second album, For Now, For Ever, set to drop on October 24th. Alongside recent singles like Rush, Grow Up, and Carry On, it signals a duo unafraid to push their sound into new territory. The track’s raw honesty, paired with its lush production, makes it a standout in the current synthwave and alt-pop scene. Plus, with a headline show in Brighton on October 11th, CATBEAR are proving they’re not just studio wizards—they’re a live act to watch.
For fans of Depeche Mode, Twin Tribes, or even CHVRCHES, Darkness is a no-brainer addition to your playlist. It’s moody, it’s cinematic, and it’s got that rare ability to feel both personal and universal. Zoe sums it up best: “It’s about navigating those darker moods and finding the strength to keep moving.” In a world that often feels heavy, Darkness is a reminder that there’s beauty in the shadows.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
If Darkness has you inspired to create your own music, CATBEAR’s DIY ethos is proof you don’t need a big label to make waves. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy for independent artists to get their tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and more, all while keeping control of your work. Want to follow in CATBEAR’s footsteps? Sign up with DistroKid and get 7% off your membership through this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a small step that could lead to big things for your music career.
So, what do you think of Darkness? Are you feeling its moody vibes, or is there another CATBEAR track you’re loving? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about this synthwave gem!
