The new album from New York-based project Elevated Focusion, Dark Nights presents a riveting eclecticism that spans various realms within its electronic-minded production—from rock, pop, and jazz to funk, reggae, and world music. Alongside the atmospheric, melodic production is a consistent thematic pull, encompassing stories that all take place during “dark nights.” The album is an immersive success from the artist behind the project, formerly known as Jonny Rythmns.
With a darkly stylish synth-pop allure, the opening track “Club Hell” moves into a hooky intrigue amidst twinkling keys and a declaration: “Club Hell’s the place to get down.” The punchy, spoken-word vocal vigor follows with temptations of VIP status and bone-shaking charisma; the nightclub sounds like a heck of a time, full of nocturnal atmosphere and dangerously enticing intrigue. “Dark Nights” brings us straight to the dancefloor, with more upfront vocal passion and buzzing club-ready synths combining for an invigorating excitement.
“Night Time Lover” melds dreamy vocals with a climactic electro-pop rise, reminiscent of Röyksopp & Robyn collaborations—but with a darker edge. Vocals reference standing “close to the edge” and being lost in one’s head, conjuring visions of wandering in the nighttime streets as ghostly lingering effects and sporadic synth-bass weave in. “Hot Gothic” arrives next, exuding a sensual allure when the sun sets. “She’s sadistic and so twisted, and I’m so willing…” the vocals entice alongside lush synth pads, arriving into a gripping chorus reminiscent of Depeche Mode’s moodiest pursuits.
A more immediate pop appeal shows on “Zombiefied.” References to “creatures of the night” pair with glimmering synths to continue the night-minded spirit, though set within an effervescent, pop-minded approachability that struts a compelling radiance in the infectious rise. “My heart suddenly stopped,” the vocals caution prior to the soaring “I’m in love with a guy” admissions; the track showcases the project’s ability to retain a consistent tonal theme—night-minded allure—within dynamic tonal pursuits ranging from dark club-set buzzing to lusher pop brightness.
The album’s second half continues the impressive balance of compelling songwriting and engaging atmospheric vigor. “Drip Drop” resembles a Reggaeton influence within the danceable electro-pop arsenal, while the ensuing “Broken Riddles” balances distortion-heavy ardency with serene vocal intrigue, asking “what was I thinking?” with grippingly introspective appeal. “Disco Devil” concludes the release with an infectious proclamation, reveling in being the “disco devil,” as whirring synths and energetic percussive pulses surround enjoyably. Dark Nights is a strongly melodic output from Elevated Focusion, succeeding in both danceable frenzies and dreamier pop inclinations.
