Debut Single: Perfect Dark - 'Red Lights'

Review: Perfect Dark - 'Red Lights'

Released: 7th March 2025

Self-Release

The blog's first review submission comes in the form of Manchester 3-piece - Perfect Dark, making their debut with a ripping Alt-Metal single. The band consists of Dan Gibson (Vocals), Sam Monks (Guitars), and Calum Osbaldiston (Drums).

The band have a wealth of experience between them, Dan spent years honing his craft as a singer/songwriter whilst dabbling in electronic music production. Sam is a seasoned session musician across a variety of genres, and Calum carries the touring and studio knowledge with him from his previous project 'Where Oceans Burn' - amassing over 1.5million streams and most recently, a main stage performance at Radar Festival in 2023. But listening to the track you wouldn't think this is the band's first official venture into releasing music as a trio. A debut single most bands would crawl over broken glass for.

'Red Lights' opens with the an angelic clean vocal and a synth driven feel. You could even be fooled into thinking you'd stumbled across a new R&B banger, that is, until the guitars and drums kick in with the force of a freight train. The lyrics paint a picture about reflecting upon a lost love with a melancholy tone permeating throughout the track.

'Red Lights' Cover Art

After the second chorus though, I felt like there was something missing that could take the track to the next level, but before I could even finish the thought, a stuttery build-up gives way to the breakdown which smacked me in the eardrums, accompanied by a blistering screamed vocal. When this gets played live, you can guarantee a melee in the pit.

A really solid, well put-together debut single from the Manchester outfit. If you're a fan of the likes of Sleep Token, Bad Omens & Normandie, they're certainly one to keep an eye on. Go on lads.

Socials:

Instagram: @perfectdark.wav

Email: officialperfectdark@gmail.com