In October of next year, Joe Darone will turn 50. For the last 30+ years, he has consistently created music and visual art. Darone’s musical journey began in the late 80’s as a founding member of the pop-punk band The Fiendz (whose career peak found them opening for The Ramones). He later joined The Rosenbergs, a power pop group that toured with Echo & the Bunnymen and Tom Tom Club, among others, and whose songs were featured in shows like MTV’s Undergrads and the opening theme for the CBS sitcom Accidentally on Purpose.
In 2003, Darone turned his focus on songwriting, and Suit of Lights was born. Collaborating with Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle), Steve Pedulla (Thursday), and Jamie Egan (Streetlight Manifesto), Darone released four critically-acclaimed albums under the Suit of Lights moniker: Suit of Lights (2005); Bacteria (2009); Shine on Forever (2012); and Break Open the Head (2016). Darone draws upon an eclectic range of influences including art-rock, 60’s pop, punk, new wave, metal, and baroque pop in the over 50 songs he has written.
In his latest album, Hide and Seek, due out August 28th, Suit of Lights’ DNA continues to expand and evolve. “The creation of my own studio has afforded me the time to experiment and create exactly what I want to hear,” Darone says. Named after the traditional bullfighting costume (Traje de Luces), Darone considers Suit of Lights as a metaphor for life’s juxtaposition of beauty and brutality and reflects that worldview in the music. Joyful pop melodies live alongside somber ones, optimistic lyrics alongside sardonic ones. Hide and Seek is an album of games. The cover art depicts consciousness emerging from an empty void, seeking adventure.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “Rock Paper Scissors,” one of the standout tracks on the new album. With its bouncy organ hook, elated melodies and infectious chorus, the song is a quick shot of arty, guitar-driven power pop that incorporates subtle influences of new wave and prog rock to make for a spunky and unique ear morsel that demands repeated listens. “I like upbeat melodies paired with dark lyrics. I’m using the children’s game as a vehicle to highlight the sociopathic nature of modern society: ‘What is your weapon of choice?’, says Darone about the song.
LISTEN:
For more music and info visit suitoflights.com.
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Digging this!!