An Engulfing New Single from Cupid Spell

A brand new single release from Cupid Spell just dropped and has a very unique approach and format of blending what I would consider to be alternative pop with post-punk, and this cinematic atmosphere that pulsates and breeds such thick laid melodies that you can't get them out of your head.

"Looks Alike" takes certain attributes of super vintage style songwriting and brings it into this '90s underground alternative platform and set of tonalities and the combination of that almost '50s style songwriting and '90s style tonality gives the song something really beautiful.

This is a track that flows naturally, and there are loads of layered textures to this from synths and keys to guitars and vocals, but it all falls together like puzzle pieces and builds out this incredible aesthetic that you want to hold on to.

One of my favorite aspects of this track is how the vocals follow certain synths in bringing out melodic hooks, and that's really important with music like this because those are the elements that stand out.

there are a few different synthesizers and keys going on, so that you have different textures happening, but they all blend super well.

Some of the synthesizer sounds are a little edgier, while others are smooth and sort of 80s-oriented.

The bass line, tone, and approach, along with this hugely spacious sort of underbelly, all pay tribute to classic post-punk as well, and so you have this great track that's danceable but also edgy as it brings out colorful and flavorful Melodies and tones, but still has that air of darkness floating around in there.

I definitely love the attention to detail when it comes to the tones of the instruments here because you can tell a lot went into that specifically.

The way all these melodies overlap each other and come together is pretty incredible. It's almost orchestrated in a sense, and I love that factor because it adds to a sense of theatrics when it comes to a track like this.

It's not an overly theatrical song, but the way that it's woven and built is something that creates depth, and using the right tones, instruments, and timings to layer those so that there is a depth there is where the orchestration really comes in.

This all lets the song feel very lush. There's a full-bodied soundscape to this song, but there's also a dreamy undertone to it all as well.

I love both the orchestrated, edgy, come dark, light, and dreamy blend that you get when listening to this song. It's very subtle but also intense at the same time, which is hard to describe but comes through with a certain elegance, almost.

I definitely get attached to songs like this because of the arrangement and tones of everything. It is indeed sort of graceful and beautiful while still holding on to this air of vintage '90s feels and vibes.

This track reminds me of some of the stuff I grew up listening to, and they really managed to capture some of that aesthetic incredibly well.

The vocal approach is very robust. It's sort of deep-toned and one of the more theatrical elements of the song as well because it borders on something that feels almost operatic during the bigger chorus parts.

There's definitely a particularly unique and gorgeous sonic presence to this track, and it's very easy to jump in the waters and float with it. It actually feels great to do exactly that.

Now, this is one of those songs that I would suggest listening to with headphones on because of those layers and that depth.

It really will take you for a bit of a ride when you let yourself get surrounded by all the tones and textures.

While you listen to the single, take a read through of our interview with Cupid Spell, below, so you can really get a knack for where they were coming from and what inspired the song.

Remember where you heard this first.

Buzz Slayers: Hey guys, thanks for taking some time with us! Let's talk a bit about "Look Alike"! The song was like cinematic post-punk with vastness and classic synths, piano, and that New Wave undertone!! 

Where did this single come from? 

Mandy: “Look Alike” was written as a submission to an online folio called “Lover’s Eye”. The theme of this particular issue was the life and work of David Lynch. Lynch holds a special place in our hearts and we felt compelled to write something in his honor. 

Buzz Slayers: I am hearing some great approaches here! Can you give us some of your biggest musical influences? 

M: Our influences are all over the place but for this particular song we were inspired by Julee Cruise and the music of Twin Peaks (David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti).

Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band? 

M: This is our first time doing a music project together and my first time doing one at all! We had wanted to work together creatively for a long time and this submission was a wonderful opportunity to get started. I tagged along with Josh while he was touring as Twice Dark earlier this year and, while watching from the audience, had the thought “I wish I was up there, too…”. We came up with the name in the car on the way home and started practicing and writing soon after. I’ve always loved writing and singing and Josh is very talented at composition so together I think we make a great team. 

Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing or planning any tours or live shows? 

M: No plans for any shows at the moment but it’s something we’re working towards :) 

Buzz Slayers: Do you guys write songs together, or is it one or two of you that bring them to the rest? 

M: So far our process has been Josh writing the music and Mandy writing the lyrics separately and then coming together to make it all work. But, we’re open to other ways of working together, we want to do whatever is best for the music. 

Buzz Slayers: Now that this is released, what's next for you guys? Will there be more singles coming? 

M: Yes! We have more songs in the works and we hope to do an EP or album very soon. 

Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?

M: As I write this I am listening to Eurythmics. I’ve also been listening to the album Mandylion by The Gathering on repeat lately, it’s one of my favorites. I revisit it often. 

Buzz Slayers: What kind of advice would you have for other bands getting their music out there? 

M: I think something I’ve been trying to keep in mind is not getting too caught up in the numbers and “likes” and all that on social media. I think those kinds of metrics discourage a lot of people from ever even putting their art out into the world at all. So, I think put your stuff online if you’d like, but also get it in front of living, breathing people and remember the internet isn’t the whole world. 

Buzz Slayers: What can you say people might expect from this release? 

M: If they’re Lynch fans I hope the love and respect we have for him comes through and if they’re not I hope they can connect to it anyway. Duality, masking, and the light and dark within all of us are themes I think a lot of people can relate to. 

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