Drab Majesty ‎– Modern Mirror

"Modern Mirror," the third album by Drab Majesty, is a darkwave and synth-pop album that received generally favorable reviews upon its release in 2019. The album draws inspiration from Ovid's myth of Narcissus, reinterpreting it for a modern audience by exploring themes of self-obsession and the impact of technology on relationships in the digital age. The lyrical exploration of these themes are both intriguing and worthy of investigation. The album's connection to the Narcissus myth might be a little difficult to piece together without knowing it beforehand, as the narrative is somewhat abstracted by the poetry.

The album maintains Drab Majesty's signature darkwave electronica sound, blended with synth-pop and dark dream-pop elements. Featuring echoing guitars, moody synth pads, and reverb-washed vocals, creating a distinctive sound the songs stretch and twist into newly abstracted forms, demonstrating the band's continued musical exploration and the band's ability to balance slightly melancholic tones with glistening melodies, similar to bands like The Cure or New Order.

Many reviewers praised the album as a worthy successor to Drab Majesty's previous work, with some even claiming it surpassed their earlier efforts. Personally I found the album infectious and layered, encouraging repeat listens to appreciate its depth.

"Modern Mirror" is considered a strong example of contemporary goth aestheticism, recontextualizing the kohl-eyed 80s goth look for a new generation. The album's neon-soaked soundscapes were consistently described as fully realized and lived in. "Modern Mirror" has solidified Drab Majesty's place in the darkwave and synth-pop scene. It is praised for its intriguing concept, emotional depth, and ability to blend classic sounds with a fresh perspective.

Ripped to MP3

A1 - A Dialogue

A2 - The Other Side

A3 - Ellipsis

A4 - Noise of the Void

B1 - Dolls in the Dark

B2 - Oxytocin

B3 - Long Division

B4 - Out of Sequence