Quebec dream-pop duo Ghostly Kisses, comprised of Margaux Sauvé and Louis-Étienne Santais, are stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight with their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Darkroom,” set for release on May 17th.
Their debut, “Heaven, Wait,” cultivated a devoted following across the globe. Fresh off successful tours and collaborations with artists like Ry X, Men I Trust, and Pomme, Ghostly Kisses embarked on a unique project called “Box of Secrets.” This anonymous platform invited fans to share their most intimate thoughts, offering a glimpse into the shared tapestry of pain, loneliness, and yearning that post-pandemic humanity felt in the digital age.
“Darkroom” emerges from this introspective journey, a shimmering sonic mirror reflecting the kaleidoscope of emotions unearthed in the “Box of Secrets.” Each track dances on the precipice of darkness, Sauvé’s ethereal vocals acting as a guiding light as themes of turbulent love, heartbreak, and an aching desire for connection intertwine.
The lead single, “On & Off,” pulsates with the push and pull of a cyclical relationship, its lyrics drawn directly from insights found in the “Box of Secrets.” This introspective approach marks a shift for the duo, who traditionally wrote separately, allowing space for individual experiences to shape their art. “Darkroom” sees them harnessing the collective pain and yearnings of their fans, refracting them into a kaleidoscope of their own, creating a profound connection that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
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The album’s sound is a kaleidoscope, too, a departure from the dreamier textures of their earlier work. Co-producers George FitzGerald and Oli Bayston inject a new electronic palette, while longtime engineer Alex Ouzilleau and string arrangements by Gabriel Desjardins add depth and drama. This evolution is born not just in the studio but on the road, where Ghostly Kisses tested their music with audiences for the first time, forging a direct line between their art and their listeners.
Singles like the Björk-esque “Golden Eyes” hint at the vulnerability and raw emotion woven into the album’s fabric. Rushing electronic winds swirl around Sauvé’s layered vocals, punctuated by wordless male harmonies reminiscent of Gregorian chants, amplifying the heartbreak and yearning embedded within.
“Darkroom” is a shared experience, a space where individual stories illuminate the darkness and offer a flickering hope for connection, even in the face of isolation. This spring, Ghostly Kisses will embark on a world tour, carrying “Darkroom” across Europe and North America, including a date at Montreal’s Church of the Gesu on May 23, further strengthening the bond between artist and audience.
North America Tour
- May 23 – Montreal, QC @ Church of the Gesu
- May 24 – Ottawa, ON @ Club SAW
- May 25 – Quebec City, QC @ Imperial Bell
- May 29 – Boston, MA @ Cafe 939
- May 30 – Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
- May 31 – Brooklyn, NY @ National Sawdust
- Juen 01 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
- June 04 – Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village
- June 05 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
- June 07 – Denver, CO @ Globe Hall
- June 08 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
- June 11 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
- June 12 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
- June 14 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar
- June 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Tracklist:
- 01 There Is No More Space
- 02 Keep It Real
- 03 Golden Eyes
- 04 Lonesome Hero
- 05 Ocean
- 06 Calm Down
- 07 On & Off
- 08 Silver Screen
- 09 Crimson
- 10 Within
- 11 Beneath The Clouds
- 12 Carousel
Photo credit – Fred Gervais
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