Imagine stepping into a Berlin nightclub, where the air hums with electric beats, and the dancefloor pulses with stories of love, liberation, and self-discovery. That’s the vibe The Hidden Cameras capture with their new album BRONTO and its focus track “You Can Call.” Led by the visionary Joel Gibb, this Canadian-born, Berlin-based project delivers a dazzling meta-dance-pop experience that’s as emotionally raw as it is irresistibly danceable. If you’re craving new music that blends synthpop sparkle with heartfelt storytelling, BRONTO is your next obsession. Let’s dive into why “You Can Call” and this album are making waves in the dance-pop and electro scene.
A Berlin-Inspired Dance-Pop Revolution
The Hidden Cameras have been breaking boundaries since 2001, when Joel Gibb founded the project in Toronto with a mission to weave gay love into music with unapologetic originality. Fast forward to 2025, and BRONTO—their seventh studio album, released on September 12—marks a bold evolution. Inspired by Gibb’s adopted hometown of Berlin, a city synonymous with nightlife and queer liberation, BRONTO swaps the folk guitars of their early “gay folk church music” for shimmering synths and pulsating beats. Recorded mostly in Munich with collaborator Nicolas Sierig, the album is a love letter to club culture, community, and the pioneers of gay pop like Lou Reed and David Bowie.
The focus track, “You Can Call,” is a glittering synthpop anthem that feels like it was tailor-made for the Eurovision stage. With its LED-bright energy and catchy hooks, it’s the kind of song that could rescue Germany’s ESC hopes with its infectious charm. Gibb’s playful nod to Eurovision’s campy, larger-than-life vibe makes “You Can Call” a standout, blending dance-pop flair with a distinctly queer cultural lens. The track’s melody is bold and uplifting, with lyrics that feel like an open invitation to connect—perfect for a night out or a solo dance party in your bedroom.
BRONTO itself is a sonic adventure, exploring everything from electro-house to cinematic instrumentals. Tracks like “How Do You Love?” tackle unrequited love with bittersweet strings from Owen Pallett and remixes from heavyweights like Pet Shop Boys and Boys’ Shorts. Meanwhile, “Undertow” dives into the emotional pull of past romances, complete with seagull samples and an 80s synth-pop remix by Vince Clarke. From the Ennio Morricone-inspired “Full Cycle” to the dubby downtempo of “I Want You,” Gibb’s songwriting transforms familiar phrases into something wonderfully strange and deeply moving.
Joel Gibb: The Heart of The Hidden Cameras
Joel Gibb’s journey with The Hidden Cameras is one of fearless creativity. Since forming the project, he’s pushed boundaries with a fluid lineup of collaborators, earning a reputation for crafting music that’s both provocative and heartfelt. His move to Berlin over 15 years ago has clearly shaped BRONTO, infusing it with the city’s vibrant club scene and history of resistance. Gibb’s ability to blend genres—folk, country, and now electro and synthpop—shows his versatility, but it’s his storytelling that truly sets him apart. On BRONTO, he plays with common phrases like “I want you” or “Don’t tell me that you love me,” turning them into fresh, emotionally charged narratives.
The album’s closing track, “Don’t Tell Me That You Love Me,” is a standout, echoing the folk-pop roots of The Hidden Cameras while looking forward. Written in 2007 and featuring vocals from that era, it’s a time capsule that connects Gibb’s past and present. Owen Pallett’s lush string arrangements add a cinematic depth, making it the perfect send-off as you leave the club, still buzzing from the night.
Why BRONTO Matters in Today’s Music Scene
In 2025, dance-pop and synthpop are having a moment, with artists leaning into nostalgic 80s vibes while pushing modern production techniques. BRONTO fits right into this trend, offering a fresh take on the genre while staying true to The Hidden Cameras’ roots in queer storytelling. The album’s collaborations with icons like Pet Shop Boys and Vince Clarke signal its relevance, bridging generations of electronic music lovers. Plus, its celebration of nightclub culture as a space of resistance and joy feels especially timely as communities continue to reclaim spaces for self-expression.
The production on BRONTO is a masterclass in using the studio as an instrument. Gibb and Sierig create vivid soundscapes that feel like a night out in Berlin—dazzling, emotional, and just a little chaotic. Whether it’s the disco banger “Quantify” or the Morricone-esque “Wie Wild,” each track invites you to lose yourself in the music. For fans of artists like Hercules and Love Affair or even Robyn, BRONTO is a must-listen.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
If BRONTO has you inspired to share your own music, there’s no better time to get started. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy for independent artists to distribute their tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and more, keeping you in control of your work. With this link, you can get 7% off your DistroKid membership: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a small step that could lead to big opportunities, just like The Hidden Cameras have seized with BRONTO.
Let’s Talk About It!
What do you think of “You Can Call” and BRONTO? Are you vibing with its Eurovision-ready energy or feeling the emotional pull of tracks like “Don’t Tell Me That You Love Me”? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what resonates with you! And if you’re loving The Hidden Cameras’ sound, check them out on Spotify, YouTube, or follow them on Instagram and TikTok for more.
