“See you on the other side”
The popular new wave English rock band Duran Duran just released the perfect album for spooky season. The album title DANSE MACABRE is a French medieval phrase referring to a dance of death. Each song on the album is thematic to the Halloween spirit. Duran Duran also includes their own synth-pop spin on several iconic tracks by Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and more.
The album opens with a rework of their 1981 song “Night Boat.” The new version exaggerates elements of the original with the inclusion of church bells and an ominous string section. It is suspenseful as if it belongs in the soundtrack of a scary movie. Duran Duran’s captivating harmonies are complemented by the depths of an elaborate orchestra and haunting synthwaves.
They transition to a bass heavy funky dance track titled “BLACK MOONLIGHT.” In the depths of the chorus comes a whistling ghost sound common within many Halloween classics. The song is about dancing into the dark of night, “Under the black moonlight / Taken in possession by the music and beguiled.”
Sprinkled throughout DANSE MACABRE are covers, handpicked to align with the theme. On track four, Duran Duran covers the Billie Eilish song “bury a friend” from her 2019 album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? On track nine, Duran Duran covers The Rolling Stones song “Paint It, Black” from their 1966 album Aftermath. On track 11, Duran Duran covers the Siouxsie and the Banshees song “Spellbound” from their 1981 album Juju. On track 12, Duran Duran covers the Talking Heads song “Psycho Killer” from their 1977 album Talking Heads ’77. The covers have been applauded for staying authentic to Duran Duran while also respecting the original work.
Track five “SUPERNATURE” is a cover of Cerrone from their 1977 album Supernature (Cerrone III). It tells a story similar to Frankenstein. How science opened the door for “Creatures down below” to “[Grow] up in a way that we’d never seen before / Supernature.” The monster was “Angry with the man / ‘Cause he changed their way of life / And they take their sweet revenge.”
Track eight “GHOST TOWN” is a cover of The Specials. In the cover, Duran Duran maintains their ’70’s funk / pop-rock style; whereas in the original, The Specials have their signature reggae touch.
Track 10 “SUPER LONEY FREAK” is inspired by Rick James’ “Super Freak,” a song in every Halloween playlist. The bass in Duran Duran’s pre-chorus follows a similar structure as the well-known Rick James bass line from “Super Freak.” Differences are found in the lyrics and melody. Duran Duran’s character is “Lonely in [their] nightmare / Let me in.”
More Duran Duran reworks on DANSE MACABRE are “SECRET OKTOBER 31ST” and “LOVE VOUDOU.” The title track “DANSE MACABRE” and album finale “CONFESSION IN THE AFTERLIFE” are both new to Duran Duran’s collection. “CONFESSION IN THE AFTERLIFE” is a gloomy ballad that brings the album to a close, “And I will see you on the other side / See everything you leave behind.”
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