We Speak Music
counterglow ‘echoes of self’ – A shimmering debut from Hamburg’s dream-pop duo
Debut albums rarely feel this effortless. echoes of self, from Hamburg duo counterglow, is a dreamy, introspective collection that manages to feel intimate and expansive all at once. Lauren Goodley’s airy vocals drift atop Jonas Grell’s lush, jazzy synth production, creating a sound that feels like floating through both city lights and starry skies.
Standout tracks like “echoes” and “soon” showcase the duo’s ability to shift between reflective moments and infectious grooves. “Grow” captures an unpolished, deeply human performance, a glimpse into the creative process that makes the album feel immediate and authentic. This balance of ethereal production and emotional honesty is what makes counterglow memorable.
Thematically, echoes of self is about more than just sound: it’s a journey through the pressures, anxieties, and joys of early adulthood. Whether it’s wandering through late-night city streets in “dunno where it’s going” or the cosmic introspection of “new car,” the album is both relatable and transportive.
counterglow’s debut is a promising start for a project that clearly thrives on collaboration and experimentation. echoes of self feels like an invitation: immersive, reflective, and undeniably magnetic. If you’re looking for alt-pop that lingers long after the last note, this is it.
With images captured during one of their recent live performances, director Pablo Delpedro sought to highlight the intensity that is so characteristic of Dead Chic. The release of the band’s new single “The Bells and The Fists” was the perfect opportunity to illustrate this: a strange, shadowy track where flesh and steel collide, the soundtrack to a pagan ceremony unfolding somewhere deep in the bowels of the earth.
The video immerses us in the world of the four band members. Through their looks, their movements, their chaos and fury, we find ourselves at the heart of the storm, in the thick, sweaty atmosphere that turns each of their concerts into a dark and intense ritual.
Dead Chic originally formed from the partnership between Andy Balcon and Damien Félix. They met a few years ago while touring with their respective bands (Heymooshaker and Catfish), frequently crossing paths on the road and catching up backstage to discuss music, idols, and the possibility of collaborating. After a few years without crossing paths, they reconnected in the fall of 2020. Before discussing musical influences, Andy and Damien shared visual references, illustrations, and landscapes that would form the foundation and direction of their work. The idea of working together then took a serious turn, and after some exchanges, “Too Far Gone,” their first track, was released in 2022.
They were then joined by Rémi Ferbus on drums (known for his work with Kimberose, Mélissa Laveaux, among others), who had previously collaborated with Andy; and Mathis Akenginon keyboards, a long-time collaborator of Damien in Catfish. Over the years, through tours and travels, the musicians have honed their skills, enriched their cultural knowledge, and defined their individual styles. The combination of the four immediately sparked.
Dead Chic’s debut album ‘Serenades and Damnation’ is out now via Upton Park. “The Bells and The Fists” is something new that is a taster of where Dead Chic are headed for 2026.
-
We Speak Music7 days agoLimahl Returns With ‘One Wish For Christmas’
-
We Speak Music1 week ago‘Cuestión de Tiempo’ by Cohetes is Ridiculously Good
-
We Speak Indie Artist1 week agoD’chrome Foster Impresses With Phenomenal Single “Right Now”
-
We Speak Music1 week agoMayzee ‘Yes Or No’ – A Feel-Good Groove With Real Staying Power