British, Synth-Pop Band DEAD CEREMONY Release "Heartache" E.P

Recently ROUGH ONLINE had the pleasure of reviewing Electro band Dead Ceremony’s atmospheric, Slow Jam-esque, Pop single “All This Noise,” which left us anticipating a new E.P, which the 4-piece dropped on July 27th, entitled “Heartache,” named after its’ catchy opening track. If you love the overlapping bass synth on Robyn’s 2010 single “Hang With Me” or similarly the production of Giorgio Moroder on Donna Summer’s famous 1977 Disco hit “I Feel Love,” then you will instantly fall head over heels for what Track 1 “Heartache,” has to offer. The lyrics “heart ache, heart attack, like a hurricane I’m coming back,” is sung using a simple yet hypnotic melody and of course lead singer Christopher Stewart’s voice, reminiscent of Bastille frontman Dan Smith, which at times sounds as though he is on the brink of breaking down in tears, at the forefront of an infectious, alarm-sounding synth played behind his powerfully emotional performance,  is an overall well-crafted piece of music with an addictive, drug-like production that you will without a doubt  have on repeat for the next week. What with its’ Hip-Hop style drum programming which drops in from the second verse onwards, giving “Heartache” the best groove possible alongside its’ memorable production, it is a song that alone would be enough to boost Dead Ceremony’s positive reputation.

“Energy” delivers a superb major to minor chord structure, specifically evidenced in its bridge section, which with its’ closed choir-synth chords played under Stewart’s soft, delicate vocals in the verses, a similar production to Mykki Blanco’s “Angggry Byrdz” from his 2013 E.P “Betty Rubble: The Initiation,” and a Trap-rhythm Electro beat, you are instantly hooked because of its’ contrasting step away from the dark-edge of “Heartache.” Although it is an uplifting number the music of “Energy” ensures that you’re not leaving the club, especially during the outro section where the adlibs “you’ll be our energy,” are repeated again and again and again via a simply beautiful melody, with a voice reminiscent of the clear, radio-friendly Pop tone of Take That’s Gary Barlow which Rough Online absolutely love, leaving you crave for more of its’ meditative keyboard sounds.

Rough Online’s personal favourite from Dead Ceremony’s Heartache E.P is “You and Me,” that from the very first second throws you back to 90’s Eurodance with its’ bass line, and reminds you of the earthy sound of Moby with similar synths performed over an R&B-esque beat in the verses, which soon becomes a slow Dance track in the chorus, overall delivering a much more sensual number in comparison to the rest of their new body of work. It is the E.P’s stand out Electro Ballad, specifically because of the best moment from “You and Me”…its’ Middle 8, where a piano playing a simple yet emotive chord structure drops in and captivates you right up to the very end. It develops into a stunning outro of glittery synths and the overuse of hi hats, with lyrics that describes the process of letting the person you have fallen in love with in emotionally “leaving my worries, I’m letting you in, taking my chances, keeping you near, my mouth feeling heavy, I’m talking wrong, I’m making this up as I go along.” It is a moment that can easily bring you to tears because of how beautifully the music responds to Stewart’s words.

To sum up Dead Ceremony’s new E.P “Heartache,” in four words, it is…an Indie Pop masterpiece, and deserves critical acclaim for Stewart’s great Pop song writing, which includes catchy hooks, memorable melodies and emotional vocals, as well as exciting Dance music production, all of which requires a standing ovation. It is a portfolio of work that exceeded Rough Online’s expectations and has become one of our favourite bands from 2018 so far. Listen to one of the best E.Ps Rough Online has heard all year, out now on download and stream from all online stores…Dead Ceremony’s “Heartache.”