Columbus/New York City-based synth duo, Child of Night (C.O.N), unveil their dusky post-punk album for moonless nights on Conspiracy.
After previously covering Conspiracy’s opening track ‘Old Moons’, I knew the album would be a darkwave dream, and C.O.N definitely delivered.
‘Controlled Burn’ is a more industrial track for C.O.N that walks the edge of a knife. Resisting temptation and begging for release, this song cleanses the holds that remain. With sonic effects that seem to bounce back and forth, the reclamation they demand shows itself musically as the beats slowly solidify back to one. Firmly ripping power back with both hands, ‘Controlled Burn’ embodies the strength of maintaining boundaries in the most difficult times.
‘It’s Cold In Here’ is one of the more poetic tracks on Conspiracy that encapsulates a splintered loneliness. Searching for herself? Searching for others? We are left unsure. A muddied mirage of seeking out the lost, this song is a broken walk into the night. Accompanied by heavier beats like dragging footsteps, it feels as if you are there alongside vocalist Niabi in her hunt for these missing persons. A track for when what will save you seems irretrievable, ‘It’s Cold In Here’ walks with us all.
‘Controlled Burn, Pt.II’ opens with chippy synth and distorted effects. Highlighting their synth skills with an electric energy that would hit on any goth dancefloor, this instrumental is the ideal balance to the weighted themes of Conspiracy.
‘Incapacitated’ has my favourite opening on the album by far. A wobble-effect ushers in Niabi’s sombre vocals that plead to be acknowledged. Begging, throwing out the life ring to no avail, ‘Incapacitated’ is the ultimate resignation to not being saved. Screams unheard, pain unnoticed, this track cradles the invisiblility wound in disbelief. If your cries have ever fallen upon uncaring ears, this song will share in your grief.
Ripe with melancholy and intensity, Child of Night show their gloom-tune prowess on Conspiracy. Diving headfirst into their deepest sorrows and clawing back moments of strength, C.O.N. shares the darker aspects of the human experience. Frank and unguarded, Conspiracy lays the pain out but refuses to be boxed in by it.
Follow Child of Night on bandcamp | instagram | youtube | facebook