Duran Duran has been one of my favourite bands since their early days. However, I must admit that I haven’t been able to connect with their latest album, “Danse Macabre,” even though I gave it a chance. Of the covers they have shared on this new body of work. Personally, I believe that the band should have avoided remaking The Specials’ “Ghost Town,” but they did a great job reimagining Siouxsie and the Banshees classic “Spellbound.” However, regardless of my own preferences, I appreciate Simon Le Bon and the band’s unreservedly ambitious streak in continuously evolving their sound after 40 years together.
On reflection and when observing streaming stats, it seems many listeners (myself included) agree that “Black Moonlight” is a standout track of this album release. Its blend of goth tropes with the bands signature sound makes it instantly recognisable and unforgettable. With Simon Le Bon’s powerful vocals, eerie and spacey synthesizers present. However, the masterstroke is the reunited guitar dream team of John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Nile Rodgers. It’s no wonder listeners, myself included, are captivated with this track, as these are unequivocal elements meshing the album together.
As a major part of any Duran Duran release, music videos are as important to them as the music itself. The band has always exhibited an artistic streak with their videos that has continued over time. The video for “Black Moonlight” is directed by the GRAMMY-winning director Jonas Åkerlund. (Known for his work with Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga). The video is a visual narrative that depicts the band, engaged in a séance while set in a haunted house. Simon, John, and Roger all appear engaged in the experience. Yet it is keyboardist Nick Rhodes, who in particular, seems to relish every bit of his eerie role. The supernatural concept of the track and video work together seamlessly as a suitable fit for the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Regardless of how many listens I give the album “Danse Macabre,” I feel it unlikely it will ever grow on me. To their credit, there is no denying that “Black Moonlight” is a retro-gothic classic. Its stylizing and musicality are exceptional, and Duran Duran has the power to ignite a sense of true goth-pop nostalgia.
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