Suit of Lights (a.k.a. Joe Darone) has just released, as of today, the new single titled ‘Tug of War’. Consisting of what I call a brilliantly executed quasi-mashup of genres colliding into and melding with each other with no effort whatsoever, to still retain that hook and special something is what makes a good songwriter.
And, what we get here, is a mix of prog-rock, pop, classic AM, and even some classical bits blending into a song in the style of the classic writers such as Paul McCartney and Roger Hodgson. Of course, we get those ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ moments as well, but what ‘Tug of War’ is as a whole is a solid hook with it’s own personality and brightness that lights the eyes and gives that smile that lets you know that everything is alright. Especially in times like these.
We can all see how toxic our public discourse and weaponized identity politics have become. ‘Tug of War’ is a plea for sanity.
– Joe Darone
About Suit of Lights
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 ’80s 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 (2020), 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.
“In the title track, I name the protagonist ‘The Great Pretender,’ better known as ‘God’, who is playing hide and seek forever and ever” Darone explains.
Beginning with birth in “Tag,” and ending with death in “Ring of Roses,” you’ll recognize familiar children’s games reimagined in the context of modern misadventures in the human condition.
LINKS:
http://www.suitoflights.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HWBVb1WoUEv9rYVUoRm3L
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/suit-of-lights/id70791524
https://soundcloud.com/suitoflights
