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A Sonically Lush and Lyrically Honest New Single from Eckotrigger

  • Writer: R.A.G.
    R.A.G.
  • 52 minutes ago
  • 6 min read

A massive new single release from Eckotrigger comes through with a damn near perfect blend of what I would consider to be post-punk, with classic new wave, taking elements of electronic music and creating vast undertones to build luxurious atmospheres that you end up falling right into.


"Pleasure & Pain" has a massive sonic drive to it. It is definitely spacious and ambient, cinematic and robust, but they come through in these wonderful layers of textures that you end up swimming through in the end.


The track has an amazing way of building as it starts off with more synthesizers and a classic sort of drum beat that is drenched in reverb, giving the soundscape even more depth and distance, which all brings us back to the whole post-punk aspect.


Now, the elements of electronic music are always present.


Aside from the main synthesizers, you have synth pads that are drawn out and really help add that expansive tonality and cinematic backbone, as I mentioned earlier.


During the verses, you're really pulled into the lyrics.


A lot of this song feels like it's based on the ups and downs in terms of a relationship in general, focusing on the struggles and joys that come along with it.


What's brilliant about how it unfolds is that the instrumentation can completely create a mood that aligns with the lyrics amazingly.


That's really important because when you have a song that's based on a personal attribute like being in a relationship and the emotional backdrop that comes with it, the mood of the track has to follow suit.


They were able to really nail the aesthetic of a single that was inspired by something from the late 90s.


The course comes up, and you have a massive hook that just gets embedded in your brain.


I actually had this hook bouncing around in my head for hours after the song had ended, and the only way to satiate it is to go and listen to the song again.


I love aspects like that because it shows pop sensibility. These guys definitely write music that has depth and hints of darkness, again, loads of ambience in its underbelly, but the pop is right there on the forefront.


It's the layering of tones that really makes this track special. They are able to create such a huge space that you end up floating alongside.


If you listen to the song with headphones, you'll have to reacclimate yourself to your own reality again once it's over.


The track serves as a great escape in that sense.


Aside from passionate performances, the vocals also have all kinds of great backing tracks that are also drenched in that same sort of reverb effect, but even more so. This also creates more distance and depth to the sound of it all, and at certain points, those vocals feel like they're used as instruments themselves.


This is a song that was very well done in terms of arrangement. You can tell there was a lot of attention paid to how the song would unravel and where it would end up in the end.


Thick layers of synthesized sounds fill any empty space and create a wave of sonic sheen for you to ride.


Everything about this track is very dynamically balanced. Yes, there is a rise in intensity throughout the track, especially during those choruses and towards the end of the song, where everything is full throttle; however, a lot of the single is balanced in terms of its levels and not letting vocals be drowned out by synthesizers or other instruments.


The drumming also adds a great drive to the track, pushing it forward, and some of that energy is pushed off of by the other instruments.


This definitely gave me a little bout of nostalgia again, simply because it does reach into a sort of '90s underground synth-pop, new wave, and post-punk set of approaches, but it's because it's done so well that it makes me feel like that.


You can clearly hear this is an absolute passion project, and the single still feels radio-friendly, even with all the honesty and personality, character, and emotion that's attached to it.


This is not a track you want to miss, especially if you really love the genres I've mentioned.


They hold a lot of old and new styles and approaches close to their heart and utilize a slew of influences to create their own thing.


Although it is familiar, it's also refreshing and lush.


This is a single that gives you plenty to chew on, and again, I would suggest listening to it with headphones on so you can really soak in all of those layers and tones coming at you.


About listening to the single, I wanted to have a sit-down with Eckotrigger to talk about where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for them.


So, while you listen to this track, have a read through of the interview we did with the band below.


Deep dive into this single and see how it affects you.


Hey guys and thanks for taking your time!! Lets start in with "Pleasure & Pain", which certainly brought on elements of classic post-punk and pop undertones! 


What was this track about?


Lyrically, the track is about the lure of pleasure and pain that one can have in relationships.


How did you guys start as a band?


We met in London by the advert Paul placed online seeking a Singer and co-writer and Joel was the best reply!  We then met up and worked on some demos that Paul had music for and it just worked perfectly. Joel now lives in Copenhagen while Paul is still in London.


Now that this is out there, are you going to be performing live at all? 


We have a show booked for November in Hamburg, Germany and are in discussion for a show in London towards the end of the summer.  For all our live shows we play in Copenhagen and London, we have live members who join us on stage.


I am hearing several approaches on this release! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?


We both have many influences that span many genres.  Some of these include Depeche Mode, The Cure, David Bowie, and Joel has always admired Peter Gabriel and Eddie Vedder.  But we also admire bands such as U2, Suede, and, The National.


Are you working on anything new? What's next for you?


We are finishing completion of several songs and always writing new material.  We probably have about 6-7 songs currently working on.


Did you produce this yourselves?


Yes, the final blueprint for the song is always produced by us and Paul spends much time on this.  However, we always co-produce and mix with Nathan at Fiction Studios in London who really helps to shape the final song and provides an independent ear with constructive feedback.  The songs would definitely not sound as good as they are without Nathan's valuable input!


Do you guys record at a big studio, or a home DAW set up? 


We record the basic blueprint of each song at Paul's home studio using Logic Pro and several plug-ins such as SoundToys, then we take it to Fiction Studios in London to work to a completion with Nathan who has an amazing array of synths and plug-ins and the vibe at the studio itself is just so great!


Is there one main songwriter that writes, or do you usually write songs together? What's your process?


We both write the songs.  It always starts with Paul writing the demo music and some type of initial blueprint which then he sends to Joel who will then write the lyrics and melodies.  Sometimes Paul may mention a particular mood or theme that Joel will then use as a starting point.  Joel will then send his demo ideas back to Paul who will use that to craft the song further to a more complete final demo.  Then we will take that to Fiction Studios to work on it with Nathan.


What would you say people can expect from this one? 


This is a slightly more upbeat electro song from us that uses live acoustic drums and electronic beats.


Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?


We really appreciate and thank you for your support and interest in our music and hope that it resonates with you in the same way it does with us.


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