The Devils
Dark Circle

"Dark Circles" is the title of the only album by this atypical formation, The Devils, namely Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran, formerly of Arcadia and former producer of Kajagoogoo and The Dandy Warhols, along with the first singer of Duran Duran from 1978, who now also has a solo career, Stephen Tin Tin Duffy.

Atypical Album, emotional, because it takes you back to what the evolution of the Dark period would have been if they had only recorded it back then, and instead it is a production from 2002.

The recordings, however, are based on songs written in the '80s when the two were already friends and Duran Duran was forming. Moreover, keyboards and synthesizers from that era were used, with digital sounds crafted as always by Mr. Nick Rhodes, for example, with his true-to-life camera machinery sounds or other noises that magically transform into samples for "Dark Circle," using modern production techniques. The result is a sound between past and future with electronics in the foreground and Duffy's esoteric lyrics.

The meticulously detailed album opens with Memory Palace and continues with Big Store. Even from the first listens, you think, wow, I want to listen to this again because the keyboard layers blend completely with Duffy's voice, which frames many pieces, interspersed with deep sounds. Relaxing, yes, it might seem heavy at first listens due to a succession of dark sounds like a layered cake, but once understood, the album becomes Ambient, in perfection.

All tracks are interesting from "Signals in smoke" to "Become Alive" to "Barbarellas" to "AzTec Moon" but the one I listen to with the most relaxation is "Hawks do not share", a gem of rare beauty and a track where peaceful moments alternate with strong sounds, as if to contrast that very peace.

The album, made up of 12 tracks, closes with the instrumental "Tinsel Ritual", also relaxing, dark, and esoteric, for a record that should be part of any genre lover's collection.

The Devils returned to their careers after this album.