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Dunedin-based artist ORPHEU5 leans into the strange, sensual and synthetic on new single Dark Love - a shimmering slice of progressive pop drenched in 80s synth nostalgia and postmodern attitude.
The track marks a bold step for the emerging project, created as a space to experiment with accessible yet boundary-pushing sound. Dark Love is a statement of intent, a smooth, pulsating blend of electronic alt-pop and warped vocal stylings that nod to hyperpop, new wave and the theatrical cool of 80s crooners.
What makes the track stand out is its deliberate contrast. Emotive, manipulated vocals cut through glossy, slow-burning production, delivering something that feels both intimate and unreal. The mood is slow and magnetic, carried by lush synth pads, subtle percussive elements and vocals soaked in autotune - used not as a crutch but as a stylistic weapon.
The name ORPHEU5 references the mythical Greek musician who could charm anyone with music, fitting for an artist reshaping pop through a lens of drama, edge and sonic experimentation.
As the song ripples out into the world, ORPHEU5 proves that even in a landscape overflowing with glossy pop, there is still room for mystery, texture and a touch of darkness.
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