Is the Pandemic a fever-dream? Was it just a missing span of the calendar? A worm-hole? What would the soundtrack for these missing years be like? Would it be dark and gloomy, bright and hopeful….or, both?
STATIC PHANTOMS was born out of that very question.
The Pandemic convinced Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth (the brain trust behind STATIC PHANTOMS) that a studio project would be a perfect opportunity to pass the time and get creative by exploring the music and themes of a different age of anxiety-driven pop: the New Wave music of the 1980s. If you know the two musicians and their respective projects (Monta at Odds, The Republic Tigers, Emmaline Twist), you know they are well-versed in ‘80s synths and guitars. But with this project, they wanted to be even more faithful to the decade.
As STATIC PHANTOMS, the duo takes their cues in production from beloved acts from the ’80s like The Glove, Tones on Tail, Tears For Fears, Soft Cell, and others that made sounds more extensive than the sum of their parts. They spent the dark days of the Pandemic creating songs that ran the gamut of guitar-driven anthems to more synth-laden sounds, from gothic meditations to lounge pop explorations.
“We wanted to pull out the sonic tricks that made the 80’s such a rich period of experimentation,” says Nemeth. ”New Wave and Pop Music were often created by duos or trios that utilized the studio to create a vibrant and massive sound from a minimal amount of core musicians.”
“What makes this project different for me is the ability to explore more of the rock side of New Wave and Post-Punk,” Moore says. “It alters my synth playing and challenges how I approach chords and melodies. I also love sprinkling tasty little bits on the chord progressions that Krysztof came up with. It was freeing not to have to be in charge and just have fun with songs that touched on my inspirations."
While Moore masterfully helms the production of the songs, this project marks the exciting debut of Nemeth on lead vocals. He reflects, “When these songs first came together, I wrote lyrics for them, not knowing who was going to sing them. Eventually, it became apparent in the spirit of what we were doing that I should just take on the vocal responsibilities. I took it as a fun challenge for myself as a musician in learning how to balance vocal and guitar duties.”
The duo will be releasing their debut single with hometown label The Record Machine this winter, followed by a full length this summer. They also hope to bring STATIC PHANTOMS to the stage later in 2022.
STATIC PHANTOMS sounds like an echo in time, yet firmly present in the now.