Imagine this: you’re navigating the whirl of the Country Skateaway as a preteen in 1989, the thrill of new hi-top roller skates beneath your feet. Amidst the dizzying lights and the taste of root beer and subpar pizza, you spot your crush. Yet, before you can muster the courage for a conversation, your rivals, Julie and Nicki, sweep in with their poodle perms and the unmistakable scent of Electric Youth, leaving you to nurse a fluttering heart in your heart-patterned sweater.
As you find your rhythm on the rink, steering clear of the more adept skaters, an unexpected tumble sends you crashing to the floor, courtesy of Julie’s mischief. In the midst of your embarrassment and pain, a surprising savior appears: your crush, offering a comforting hand and the solace of the wall bench. “You took quite a spill! How about a root beer?” he proposes, igniting a spark of hope with his unexpected attention and the promise of a phone call, despite the strict two-minute limit enforced by your dad.
At this moment, the essence of “Losing Game” by Kontravoid, featuring Chelsey Crowley from Nuovo Testamento, is deeply intertwined with these timeless memories of the late 80s. With its mysterious intro, the track conjures a shiver of anticipation, leading into a surge of driving bass lines and hauntingly romantic vocal hooks, encapsulating the tumultuous emotions of youthful desire and heartache.
Losing Game perfectly captures that liminal space of the music at the end of the Cold War era, sounding like a combination of Paula Abdul and Exposé with a whisper of Nitzer Ebb and Front 242. The strange and almost Lychian accompanying video feels like a bizarre crossover, not unlike that darn cat from the classic video for Abdul’s Opposites Attract — but instead of that frisky feline, it’s the eerie spectre of a series of masked interlopers. Not Zorro; not the Gaston Leroux Phantom…lo, it’s a cavalcade of Kontravoids, busting out some fierce choreography from Neil Schwartz (aka 80s Baby) and Ashley Welch.
Watch the video for “Losing Game” below:
Under the ever-watchful hollowed eyes of Comedy and Tragedy, Kontravoid’s masked mystique has endured for over a decade. Ever since the release of his self-titled LP in 2012, the Canadian-born, LA-based Cameron Findlay has perfected dark pop with a unique composition that moves eloquently through the EBM, electro, and darkwave genres. His past releases, such as 2019’s “Too Deep” and 2021’s “Faceless,” have no trouble reaching the most derelict corners of foggy, strobe-lit clubs, leaving listeners with no choice but to dance. With an uncanny softness and unmistakable songwriting ability, Kontravoid composes heart-wrenching songs that are both captivating and drenched in melancholy – showcased on 2018’s “Undone,” which has been lauded as a fan favorite since its release.
On stage, Kontravoid demands the audience’s attention with his powerful performance, masterfully balancing his specific concoction of harsh beats and signature rhythmic bass lines. He’s toured alongside Boy Harsher, ADULT., Drab Majesty, and HEALTH, and has remixed the likes of Schwefelgelb and Kris Baha. Truly a man of the shadows, Kontravoid is an unparalleled fixture in the dark electronic arena.
The anticipation for Kontravoid’s latest creation, “Detachment,” is palpable, with its arrival set for March 1st through Artoffact Records. The launch event will be held at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles, and it promises to be an unforgettable night where Kontravoid’s artistic talents will be on full display. The lineup includes Buzz Kull and God’s Mom, as well as DJs G.S.E.D and Sayaka Nono, who will be spinning an array of tunes throughout the evening.
The single release of “Losing Game” marks the final preview of the album, which will see its release via Artoffact Records this Friday, March 1st!
Order your copy of Kontravoid’s Detachment here.
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