Vision Video's newest single, "Balaclava Kiss," dropped on July 10th, adding another gem to the modern goth rock scene. This track not only highlights the band's talent for crafting dark, atmospheric soundscapes but also teases the brilliance of their forthcoming album.
The song blends evocative guitar riffs, driving basslines, and ethereal synths to create a lush instrumental backdrop. Dusty Gannon's vocals are the star of the show, brimming with raw emotion and intensity. His voice navigates the song's dynamic landscape with ease, delivering a performance that's both haunting and melodically graceful. When Emily Fredock's voice joins in, the magic truly happens. Her striking tone complements Dusty's perfectly, creating harmonies that are both powerful and delicate, adding a rich layer of depth to the track.
"Balaclava Kiss" isn't just a feast for the ears; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Dusty Gannon's inspiration for the song stems from a vivid image of resistance—a balaclava being lifted for a kiss. This imagery becomes a powerful symbol in their protest against the rise of fascist ideologies and the erosion of human rights. The song's lyrics delve into these themes with poignant, poetic precision. Speaking on the meaning behind the track, Dusty shares,
"I take a lot of inspiration from my observations of interesting imagery that I see in the world. I saw a picture a while back of someone raising up a balaclava to kiss a person, and it felt like such a beautiful, dualistic image that inspired the spirit of the song. Balaclava Kiss is essentially a protest song that we wrote about the rise of fascist, right-wing ideology in the world. Here in America we're watching an intense commitment to the denigration of human rights, both through domestic and foreign policy. Seeing the unmasking of things like Project 2025 and Trump's appointed Supreme Court rolling back decades of legal precedents that protected human rights and freedoms is both alarming and sickening, but conversely the Democratic party supporting the unabashed attempted genocide of Palestinians is equally disturbing. This song is all about getting out into the streets and protesting, but in a non-violent, non-compliant sort of way- and with the police and corporate surveillance becoming so pervasive, balaclavas are an excellent way to subvert facial recognition algorithms!"
Vision Video's ability to merge dark, introspective themes with accessible, emotionally resonant music is on full display here. They channel the spirit of late '70s and '80s goth rock while infusing it with a modern edge, solidifying their position as key players in the genre.
Their previous albums, "Inked in Red" and "Haunted Hours," garnered critical acclaim, with praise from outlets like Pitchfork for their dreamy, danceable tunes. As they gear up for their next release, "Modern Horror," their growing fanbase eagerly anticipates more of their captivating sound and impactful performances. "Balaclava Kiss" is a testament to Vision Video's talent and vision, pushing goth rock's boundaries with a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
Listen To Balaclava Kiss on Spotify | Apple Music