NINA and Radio Wolf showcase the dark and light of their immersive electronic sound on their debut collaborative album Jukebox Dream Vol. 1
Championed for their engrossing blend of electronic pop and alternative rock, NINA and Radio Wolf‘s collaborations have invariably seen them establishing a unique sound as a pair that highlights the best of both artists while also showcasing an affable chemistry that shines through each new release. The duo’s first collaborative album Jukebox Dream Vol. 1 offers them the first real chance to flesh out this sound and make a more all-encompassing body of work together.
The album opens in atmospheric fashion, with ‘Don’t Trust The Night’ boasting a dark, synthwavey appeal to it that provides the perfect platform for NINA’s angelic vocals to float over, immediately showcasing the contrast between light and dark that so often feels so devastating through their sound. The track immediately sets the tone for the album and sees the duo putting their best foot forward.
The breathy and more intense feel of ‘My Dark’ makes for a captivating listen that has an instantly danceable appeal to it throughout while continuing to showcase the engrossing murkiness of their sound. The lyrics explore a range of feelings and emotions in a stream of consciousness fashion, like they are spilling out and revealing the innermost thoughts that often lie within the surface.
‘To See You’ is a track that has more of a soaring feel to it throughout, the track is the breakaway success of the album and it is easy to see why. NINA’s vocals especially are at their spellbinding best on the track, and she gives a multi-faceted performance that articulates her longing and passion in no uncertain terms.
The slow-paced and heartfelt nature of ‘The Ghosts of Prom Night’ makes for a really resonating and charming listening experience, punctuated by a memorable chorus that serves as a truly uplifting moment, offering the kind of glossy catchiness that would feel perfect for an 80s coming-of-age movie.
There is a laid-back and romantic allure to ‘Galaxy Eyes’ that has a gentle lightness to it that serves as a contrast to some of the album’s darker moments, with the lyrics surrounding themes like being in love in the kind of detail and soft charm is easy for people to resonate with. The synths and guitars here especially really set the tone for a lush time.
There is a really slow-burning and deliberate feel to ‘Cosmic Highway’, an atmospheric track where you can literally feel the intensity rising as its pulses ripple underneath the soundscape and it grows increasingly intricate and fully-formed, making for a rewarding listening experience that feels engrossing throughout.
There is an upbeat and poppy charm to ‘Lost In This Forever’ that evokes the kind of spirit of bands like CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, endlessly catchy and alluring while holding onto the hallmarks of their sound that make it feel so creative and ambitious.
The album closes out with ‘Jukebox Dream’, a track that opens with some really fun, Southern-style guitars and a vibrant feel that gives its way to a slick darkwave sound that spends the the rest of the track mutating and shifting, making for an immersive listen that refuses to settle, constantly evolving and developing and showcasing the full breadth of their appeal.
The album does a great job of establishing the sound that the duo possess and then shapeshifting it into different moods without ever sacrificing what makes it feel unique, evoking different feelings while maintaining the kind of sharp cutting edge that their dreamscapes thrive off. The album feels atmospheric, pulsating, dancey, ambitious, and haunting, and that it never feels like it has to compromise any of these strengths as the push and pull it to different corners of electronic pop and rock feels masterful in its execution.
