Like Disco, New Wave is a genre that never really went away. It rebranded and blended with emo, punk, synthpop, and maybe half a dozen other styles to become what many called “dark wave.” But no matter how many times it’s reshaped or reinterpreted, the heart of New Wave—its moody synths, punchy basslines, and anthemic hooks—remains unmistakable. Korine, the Philadelphia duo of Morgy Ramone and Trey Frye, pay homage to the past while moving forward, and their sound is both nostalgic and brand new. Their new album A Flame in the Dark is out later this month, but we’ve got the second single now.
“Twist the Knife” is darkwave heavy, synths brooding, lyrics about destruction and rebirth. Korine can balance moody emotional depth with rhythms that make you wanna move, and this track is no exception. Their sound is post punk and synthpop. Choir Boy and Twin Tribes come to mind but it’s still new and theirs. If you liked their earlier stuff you know how they can take melancholy and turn it into something catchy
If Twist the Knife is anything to go by A Flame in the Dark is going to be a banger—one that combines haunting moods with euphoric synth hooks for something both emotional and repeatable.
