We Speak Music
Vision Video Delivers Masterful Tune ‘Balaclava Kiss’
The highly anticipated recent single from modern goth rock band Vision Video, “Balaclava Kiss,” is set to captivate listeners with its brooding atmosphere and soaring melodies. This single offers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come in their upcoming album, set to dominate playlists later this year.
“Balaclava Kiss” intricately weaves together poignantly poetic lyrics and lavishly layered instrumentals, showcasing the band’s signature blend of ethereal synths, driving basslines, and evocative guitar riffs. Frontman Dusty Gannon’s mesmerizing vocals, dripping with raw emotion, soar over the dynamic soundscape below. Co-vocalist and keyboardist Emily Fredock perfectly complements Dusty’s commanding melodic lines with her striking vocal tone and powerful performance prowess.
Vision Video remains unwavering in their exploration of the human psyche in their lyrics, and “Balaclava Kiss” is no different, delving deep into the complexity of the human condition. Speaking on the creative process of the single, frontman Dusty Gannon 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!”
With such an important sentiment at the heart of this single, “Balaclava Kiss” is poised to become an instant classic in the rock realm. Showcasing their unique brand of modern goth rock, Vision Video cements their place as torchbearer of the genre right now.
Rome and Red, the sibling duo behind The Keymakers, have been making waves in the electronic music scene since their 2017 debut. Known for blending soulful melodies, live instrumentation, and electronic beats, the brothers are carving out a unique space in an often-saturated genre. Their latest single, “Separate,” cements their place as artists who defy genre conventions while crafting deeply emotional and resonant music.
A Unique Musical Journey
The Keymakers’ sound is shaped by their distinct musical upbringings. Rome, trained as a jazz saxophonist and R&B vocalist, brings a deep sense of musicality and emotional depth to their work. Red, on the other hand, honed his skills as a DJ, blending tracks at college parties and building an instinct for dynamic, crowd-pleasing beats. Together, their different backgrounds merge into something truly unique: a sound that pulls from jazz, R&B, electronic, and pop, creating a fusion that feels fresh and forward-thinking.
This eclectic mix of influences is on full display in their music, which has already attracted a global audience. With over 3.8 million streams and placements on 17 Spotify Editorial playlists, The Keymakers are a force to be reckoned with. Their presence on popular playlists like New Music Friday and Time to Dance is evidence that their sound transcends borders, resonating with listeners from the U.S. to Spain and Denmark.
Separate: A Heartfelt Exploration of Distance
The Keymakers’ latest single, “Separate,” stands out not only for its pristine production but also for its emotional depth. Written about Red’s personal experience with long-distance relationships, the song captures the bittersweet emotions of love, heartache, and longing. “Separate” begins with a delicate piano melody, quickly evolving into a layered sonic landscape of electric guitar, synths, and subtle percussion. The brothers strike a perfect balance between digital and physical sounds, creating a track that feels both intimate and expansive.
Vocally, Rome delivers a performance filled with vulnerability, perfectly complementing the track’s lyrical themes of separation and longing. His R&B roots shine through, especially in the chorus, which feels like a cry of both heartache and hope. The production is polished yet raw in its emotion, giving listeners space to feel the weight of the song’s message.
A Masterclass in Live Performances
While “Separate” is a testament to The Keymakers’ ability to create emotion-driven studio tracks, the duo is equally impressive live. Their performances are not simply DJ sets; they are multi-instrumental experiences. Rome and Red incorporate live drumming, saxophone, guitar, and sampling into their shows, offering an immersive sonic journey that takes electronic music to new heights. Fans in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston have already been captivated by their ability to blend live instrumentation with electronic beats, creating unforgettable experiences.
Pushing Boundaries with Every Release
After relocating to Los Angeles in 2020, The Keymakers have been steadily evolving their sound, and “Separate” is a clear sign of their growth. By balancing organic instruments with electronic elements, the duo has found a way to make digital music feel personal and human. This ability to infuse soul into electronic music is what sets them apart from many in the genre.
Their dedication to pushing musical boundaries extends beyond just their recorded tracks. In August 2024, they were featured on Sirius XM’s Diplo’s Revolution with a Guest House Mix. This appearance highlights their versatility, showcasing their talents in both high-energy mixes and emotional ballads.
Final Thoughts
The Keymakers are more than just rising stars in electronic music—they are innovators, creating a sound that resonates emotionally while thrilling listeners with its genre-defying production. “Separate” is a prime example of their ability to merge the personal with the universal, transforming Red’s experience with long-distance relationships into a track that many can relate to.
As Rome and Red continue to evolve and refine their sound, they remain artists to watch. Their unique blend of soulful, electronic music is a breath of fresh air in today’s musical landscape. With upcoming releases and their continued commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances, The Keymakers are poised to revolutionize the industry—and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
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