The Dark Energy Arcade – The Dark Energy Arcade
After decades of separate paths, Mitch Michelle and Rob Shinno have finally realised their youthful dream. The Detroit duo, who had been making musical plans back in the eighties before life took them in different directions, presents “The Dark Energy Arcade,” a debut album that feels like a warm embrace of the past while simultaneously making a fresh statement for the present.
The story behind this album is as captivating as the music itself. Rob Shinno earned his stripes as producer of the five-time San Diego Music Award-nominated band Hemisphere, while Mitch Michelle became known for cult classics like “People In The News” and “Offering”. When they found each other again through their shared love for synth-driven pop, something magical emerged. The result is a twelve-track journey that honours their nostalgic roots without being trapped in the past.
The album opens powerfully with “Love Torn”, a shimmering synthpop anthem that sets the tone for what’s to come. Rob Shinno’s enchanting vocals float over sparkling synthesiser textures, supported by an impressive music video that perfectly captures the duo’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. The track deals with heartbreak but simultaneously delivers a message of moving forward through the pain, with a kind of quiet confidence that immediately sticks in your memory.
“Forever” immediately showcases the duo’s versatility by mixing melancholic tenderness with danceable rhythms. It’s a track that could have dominated the charts in the eighties, yet sounds surprisingly fresh today. “Idiot’s Party” brings rebellious energy that contrasts with the ethereal soundscapes of “Dream Time”, where you sink into dreamy sound layers.
Throughout the album, Mitch and Rob effortlessly navigate between different emotions and moods. “Brand New Day” radiates ethereal optimism, while “Lies” hits hard with a high-octane beat and infectious chorus. However, the emotional core of the album lies in “Separation”, an introspective moment of deep poetry and melancholy that stands out as one of the strongest tracks.
“Move” shifts gears toward rock territory and gives space to guitar textures and driving rhythms, before the album closes with “Secrets”. This synth-heavy dance track invites listeners to get lost in the beat and leave the world behind. It’s a perfect closer that bundles the album’s danceable energy.
Mastered by Baltimore’s Mat Leffler-Schulman, “The Dark Energy Arcade” sounds like a professional love letter to synthpop. Mitch’s masterful arrangements and Rob’s soulful performance create a rare synergy that balances between introspection and joy, longing and celebration. The album isn’t a simple throwback, but a thoughtful reinterpretation that expertly combines pop-rock, EDM, disco and new wave sensibilities.
More than just a musical project, “The Dark Energy Arcade” is also a statement of unity and inclusion. Rob, who is openly gay, and Mitch share a mission to celebrate diversity, equality and unity through their music. This ethos radiates throughout the entire album and gives it an extra layer of meaning that reaches beyond just the notes and lyrics.
With “The Dark Energy Arcade”, Mitch Michelle and Rob Shinno have accomplished something extraordinary. They’ve breathed new life into a decades-old dream and delivered a record that feels both timeless and timely. The album pulses with heart, lights up with energy, and reminds us that great music and great friendships can defy time. For lovers of synthpop and retro-futuristic sounds, this is a debut that shouldn’t be missed. (8/10) (AFR Records)
