When D’Arcy launched her debut album “The Art Of Flying” in 2022, we had no shortage of good things to say about it… in fact, we weren’t the only ones to rave about how mind-blowingly good it was back then and how significative it’s been for her and the scene. So, for the past two years, we’ve been flip-flopping between revisiting it and wondering how the inevitable follow-up might measure up.
While it feels like we’ve lived 10 years’ worth of world and personal events since “The Art Of Flying”, D’Arcy’s long-awaited follow-up is finally here, and we won’t have to wonder anymore if it lives up to the strong legacy of her debut, because of course it f*cking does… and more.
The first thing to learn about “5AM” is that it’s very different from the previous album. D’Arcy seems to have fallen even deeper in love with EDM, most likely due to the countless nights she spent DJing across New York City’s vibrant scene. The result is palpable in each track, featuring a stronger affinity for danceable beats and more electronic/synth-based compositions and arrangements. She has not fully left her rock influences behind, even if at first glance it may seem that way, because upon closer inspection, the album “feels” spiritually like a prog-rock album in the cut of King Crimson, Genesis, or even Pink Floyd. How does she subtly achieve such a thing and with a mostly electronic sound palette? With an insane amount of talent to kick things off, and whatever mysterious musical witchcraft she’s got up her leather-and-stud sleeves.
So, in case you’re wondering: Yes, D’Arcy has evolved and grown a great deal in just two years, leaning into the unmitigated plasticity and versatility of the digital, but her identity and the je ne sais quois that first drew us in has only gotten stronger, more captivating. A breakdown below.
hell
Opening with a haunting synth beat, “hell” draws on rave-goth influences to explore themes of dark obsession and resignation. The poignant line, “Heaven is when I’m with you / So if hell is where you go, I will follow you,” encapsulates a duality: it can be interpreted as the most romantic declaration or a cautionary reminder of the depths we may plunge in relationships. The track evokes a sense of urgency, as if love can both elevate and consume us, creating a captivating tension both musically and lyrically.
stranger
While “stranger” shares a sonic kinship with “hell,” it ventures into more enigmatic territory but is infused with a subtle upbeat energy. The rhythm is methodical and incisive, evoking an early 2000s techno/dance vibe that feels both nostalgic and fresh, enhanced by its intricate layering. The interplay of synths creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its hypnotic groove while contemplating the mysteries of connection and identity.
temptation (feat. Leah Wasilewski)
Minimalistic and avant-garde, “temptation” is even more elusive than “stranger.” With distorted bass and sharp snaps, it creates a decadent atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. True to its name, the track oozes a sensuality that crescendos alongside the music. Leah Wasilewski’s ethereal vocals weave through the soundscape, adding layers of complexity and depth to the exploration of desire.
brother
Diving into the deep house spectrum, “brother” incorporates dance and industrial influences. It features catchy hooks and nostalgic “cybernetic” samples that will resonate with fans of 90s arcade fighters. This track stands out as one of the most pop-infused on the album, thanks to its accessible, catchy structure and infectious energy.
ghost at the bar
“ghost at the bar” emerges as a neon-soaked synth-wave anthem, characterized by an irresistible beat that makes it the most danceable track yet. It balances upbeat rhythms with a bittersweet undertone, capturing the thrill of fleeting connections—eyes meeting across the bar, igniting a spark of excitement. The narrative unfolds like a cinematic moment, where the allure of the unknown mingles with the nostalgia of past encounters or fantastic what-ifs.
baby i love you <3
In this track, aside from a few choppy, distorted vocal samples, the focus shifts to a mesmerizing beat and an unorthodox synth arpeggio. It invites us to immerse ourselves in the simplicity of love, as a rich wall of sound envelops us, encouraging contemplation of those heartfelt words.
when i can’t sleep…
One of the album’s most thematically resonant pieces, “when i can’t sleep…” delves into the anxieties that plague us during restless nights. It captures the feeling of having your conscious mind unwillingly disturbed when your body demands peace, making it the most introspective track thus far, buoyed by its ethereal atmosphere. The haunting melodies and reflective lyrics create a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the internal battles we face, making it a relatable anthem for those grappling with their thoughts in the dark.
voicemail 6218
Though the sweet feminine voice in “voicemail 6218” is somewhat obscured by the familiar compressed tone of a voicemail, its emotional weight is palpable. D’Arcy’s opening lines—“Tell me how you feel / Time is running out / I’ve been thinking about only you”—underscore the urgency and significance of the message. This track radiates a giddy hopefulness, surpassing even “ghost at the bar” in its charm. It serves as a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in expressing feelings, capturing the bittersweet nature of longing and connection.
insomnia
With “insomnia,” D’Arcy’s flirtation with 80s synth-pop and retrowave becomes evident from the very first notes. Yet, the song evolves, showcasing her rock roots through powerful hooks that express a yearning to escape with the person keeping her awake at night. The pulsating rhythm and layered synths create a sense of urgency, reflecting the emotional turmoil of sleeplessness. This track embodies the struggle between desire and restlessness, making it a relatable anthem for anyone caught in the throes of late-night contemplation.
5AM
The titular track, “5AM,” forms a cohesive quadrilogy with its three predecessors, exploring the turmoil of sleepless nights filled with racing thoughts and vivid fantasies. While many songs on the album evoke a nocturnal vibe, these four tracks are intricately linked by their shared themes. “5AM” unfolds as a progressive electro-pop interlude, beginning with heavily processed vocals before transitioning into “cybernetic” bleeps and bloops that blur the boundaries between the virtual and the tangible. The interplay of sound and silence mirrors the disorientation of early morning hours, capturing the essence of introspection.
hold still
Opening with distorted guitar riffs and the phrase “When the party’s over,” “hold still” captures the aftermath of a chaotic night. Yet, beyond this surface vibe lies a heartfelt confession of love and devotion, as D’Arcy reassures her special someone that she will always be there to provide comfort and stability. The contrast between the raw instrumentation and tender lyrics creates an emotional depth, transforming the song into a poignant declaration of unwavering support amidst life’s uncertainties.
goodbye
In “goodbye,” another voicemail makes a brief appearance, leading us back to the infectious energy of EDM. With its driving house beat, thick bass, and captivating synth melodies, this track serves as a vibrant conclusion to the album. The upbeat tempo contrasts with the bittersweet nature of farewells, encapsulating the complexity of parting ways while cherishing the memories created. It leaves listeners with a sense of closure, inviting reflection on the journey while igniting anticipation for what lies ahead.
There is a 13th track to consider in this magnificent opus of D’Arcy’s. However, seeing how the words “Bonus Track” are attached to it, we will not be touching upon it today, leaving it instead entirely up to you, to keep what the spirit of a “bonus track” actually means within a record.
Broadly speaking, a sophomore album is extremely important to an artist, perhaps a “determining factor” in their career that they ought to treat with utmost reverence. It may not be as monumental as the first, or as empowering as the third, but it is a huge cut-off point. You made a first record and it went great? Awesome, but do you have the discipline and stubbornness to pull it off a second time? D’Arcy certainly did, and she did it her way. We’re glad to see her return so strongly.
Setting the bar so high for herself seems to have only fueled her ability to deliver an astonishing comeback with “5AM.” No more tossing and turning in bed for us, wondering if she can catch that lighting in a bottle a second time around—she’s got everything it takes to dominate the airwaves and streaming platforms, and this record is all the proof you need.
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