Rating: 5/5 stars

The Halloween season closed with a special new wave treat with a few new tricks from the ‘80s titans, Duran Duran (“Future Past”). The band released their latest album, “Danse Macabre” on Oct. 27. Including three new songs, “Love Voudou,” “Black Moonlight” and “Confession in the Afterlife” the album is a mixed bag of covers and deep-cut remakes that do not disappoint. 

What makes this new album sparkle is its reunion of past band members Andy Taylor (”Love Saves”) and Warren Cuccurullo (“Missing Person”) on select tracks of the album. Right away, it is clear that what once was more of an undercurrent of goth notes across Duran Duran’s discography has become more prominent in the best of ways. Cuccurullo’s signature dreamy style of guitar is immediately recognizable on “Love Voudou,” making it irresistible to the ear. Cuccurullo is also present on the band’s cover of “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees (“The Rapture”), a bewitching spectacle that marries the two new wave icons perfectly. The same can be said for the new “Psycho Killer” taken from Talking Heads (“Naked”) featuring none other than Måneskin’s (“Beggin’”) bassist Victoria de Angelis. The selection could not have been more perfect as new and old worlds of music were brought together, ringing in a new era for the band.

Fellow guitarist Andy Taylor appears on almost every track, including “Super Lonely Freak” and the two remake tracks “Secret Oktober 31st” and “Nightboat.” In comparison to their respective 1981 and 1983 originals, the remakes are shining examples of how the band has matured yet still kept their original charm woven into their sound. There is of course noticeably less synth and buzz on these songs, but the added twinkling of music box notes on “Secret Oktober 31st” dares to upstage its original copy. The new “Nightboat,” which very fittingly opens this ominous and haunting album, leans more into its storytelling lyrics by featuring what sounds like an actual boat rocking and groaning in open water. The creaks and moans of the vessel make the track much less lighthearted than before but it completely works to heighten the spooky vibe.

On the topic of vibes, “Bury a Friend” is a great song in the hands of music industry veterans with actual talent. Duran Duran’s handling of Billie Eilish’s (“What Was I Made For?”) 2019 hit is nothing short of masterful, as lead singer Simon Le Bon’s clear enunciation of the lyrics made them sound as if they were his very own. The song is also much more danceable than before with a stronger bass as its backbone. As far as whose version is better is concerned, Duran Duran is the clear winner. 

The spot for best song on the album is highly contested between the closing track “Confession in the Afterlife” and “Black Moonlight,” which features Nile Rogers (“Chic Freak and More Treats”) from the legendary disco band Chic (“It’s About Time”). While the album’s title track should also not be overlooked for all its theatrics and deep gothic sound, the two former tracks possess a melodic spark not seen from Duran Duran in a long time. Overall, “Danse Macabre” accomplishes its goal of being the perfect Halloween party soundtrack without being too commercial or too niche to be appreciated by a larger audience, though longtime fans will certainly appreciate the love given to the more underrated remakes.

Image from Duran Duran via YouTube.com