On the highway early morning
See the Alps it is still snowing
Joy Division through the speakers
Whiskey sticking on the fingers
Over the last decade, the Greek duo Selofan, consisting of Joanna Pavlidou and Dimitris Pavlidis, have garnered attention for their distinctive blend of darkwave, post-punk, and ’80s synthpop. Their music has created a unique niche for them within the international music scene, fueled by their artistic integrity and continuous evolution.
The band’s spellbinding new single, Sticky Fingers, is a pulsing bittersweet synth-driven coldwave culled from their upcoming seventh album, Animal Mentality. The song has a cinematic, Jean-Michel Jarre vibe, with an icy, spiky, and ominous sound that gives it a whiplash feeling. It is a classic car accident death disc song in the tradition of Leader of the Pack by the Shangri-Las, Carroll County Accident by Porter Wagoner, Jan & Dean’s Dead Man’s Curve, but with a new wave twist. The lyrics describe a tragic car journey through the snowy Alps, filled with youthful joy and music, which ends in a fatal crash. The initial bliss turns to sorrow as the icy roads lead to a devastating catastrophic collision with fate, taking a life and leaving a haunting memory of loss. Evocative descriptions and sensory details, like the tactile “sticky fingers” and joyriding to Joy Division, enrich the atmosphere of the story.
Anyone who has gone on a road trip can easily envision the situation and put themselves in their place. The emotional landscape shifts dramatically throughout the song, however, encapsulating the shock of loss and the enduring weight of grief…we are suddenly confronted with a keen awareness of the fleeting nature of joy and the profound depth of solitude that follows tragedy.
Helmed by the keen eye of Tassos Gkoletsos, the video unfolds the tale of tragedy with a raw, unfiltered lens, plunging us into the world of a band of spirited friends, their lives brimming with unbridled joy and reckless decisions. It’s this stark contrast between their zest for life and the looming shadow of despair that strikes a chord, crafting a warning that’s as jolting as it is poignant—a masterful cautionary tale.
Watch the video for “Sticky Fingers” below:
Animal Mentality marks a milestone in Selofan’s career, marking more than a decade of musical innovation and growth. As Selofan continues to evolve, they remain at the vanguard of darkwave, pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of the human psyche through their haunting melodies and poignant lyrics.
Their seventh studio album is out April 10, 2024 via Fabrika Records.
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