Published by Mason Oldridge, 23 October 2023
New wavers Duran Duran introduce their Halloween-themed album after their 31st October gig in Las Vegas last year.
The concept album contains a mix of new songs, covers and reimaginings of past songs, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout. Their efforts for a fun record can be heard and the spooky theme is identifiable too, with some eerie sounds akin to their sinister sounding 1993 hit Come Undone.
Some tracks carry strong energy such as the title track and the unexpected cover of Billie Eilish’s Bury a Friend. Le Bon’s vocals might not suit this 21st century hit but it is elevated by the heavier instrumentation that keeps it fresh. Other features feel more dated however; guest guitarist Nile Rogers brings his Motown-inspired funk and soul feel to Black Moonlight, leaving the single feeling more like it belongs in the 70s with its unoriginal lyrics, whereas their mashup between an old non-single and the Rick James hit song Super Freak is a chaotic pairing with an unnatural transformation.
Overall, the new album is messy and a bit too stale for a place in today’s musical landscape.
4/10