On the occasion of their first and upcoming US tour, which includes an LA show at Bar Lubitsch on Sept. 14, rising synth-pop duo Close To Monday are confronting cyberspace with their new electronic single, “Different.” Since debuting in 2019, singer-songwriter Ann and producer Alexander have kept busy for the past five years, dropping a new album nearly every year. In keeping with that consistency, a new song has come out monthly since the start of 2024, and August’s “Different” finds optimism amid a dark wave instrumental that’s pure synth-pop for the digital age.
Building upon a foundation created by formative inspirations for Close To Monday, such as New Order and Boy Harsher, the two smartly soundtrack their musings on virtual interactions with nebulous production meant to instill gloom and movement in an audience. The oscillating synths serve as a vortex from which Ann’s vocals guide listeners, gradually entering a cybernetic-sounding world backed by a nonstop beat that could have come out of an uncovered New Order drum machine.
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However, as sprawling as the instrumental may be, Ann and Alexander explore the equally complex concept of digital interactions in the lyrics, directly addressing the listener and questioning how they’re listening to this very song. Despite the almost dystopian subject, “Different” celebrates everyone’s uniqueness in the face of online trends that force people to assimilate rather than stand out.
“We’re deeply troubled by how people are increasingly viewing their uniqueness through the lens of trends, just to gather likes,” said the band. “Instead of expressing their true feelings, people are adopting those that generate more online engagement, gradually losing their individuality by blending into trends.”
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Although the state of music today is perhaps more welcoming of wildly different styles than in previous decades, the influx in trends from social media disrupts how people consume music for better or worse. The fact that an up-and-coming group like Close To Monday notices the change and actively challenges what music has come shows how seriously they take their art. And with their tour right around the corner, their recent output offers optimism for rousing shows concerned with making crowds dance rather than fleeting moments online.
Words: David Sosa
“Different” by Close To Monday is out now on streaming services. For more on their upcoming album and tickets to their tour, including an LA show at Bar Lubitsch on Sept. 14, follow them on Instagram.
CLOSE TO MONDAY PHANTOM TOUR
US Dates (More TBA)
9/13 — The Blue Moon Tavern, Seattle, Washington (8pm)
9/14 — Bar Lubitsch, Santa Monica, California (8pm)
9/17 — The Replay Lounge, Lawrence, Kansas (10pm)
9/19 — Underground Music Cafe, Minneapolis, Minnesota (7pm)
9/23 — The Bowery Electric, New York City (7pm)
9/25 — Icon Event Hall/Dada Gastro Pub, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (8pm)
