When Night Equals Dayâ is the superb new single from Indie Synthpop duo, Phonseca, which brings together Bristolâs much respected keys/synth player Matthew OâConnor and radiant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.
Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock.
Both touring and featuring on albums released on labels as diverse as Rocket Recordings, Invada Records and Dishy Recordings, his creative input has featured on many projects. Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This began the process which resulted in âBetween A Dreamâ, the debut Phonseca album, which came out in 2019.
The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. Matthewâs classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1âs – The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second âEverything Lasts Foreverâ, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.
âWhen Night Equals Dayâ, the second single to come from the new album, captures the emotional heartbeat of Phonsecaâs indie synthpop, electronica sound. The trackâs unhurried pulsing beats, icy ambient synths, desolate piano and sweeping drones make for a deep, contemplative listen. A wintry, never ending glacial atmosphere pervades the track, conjuring lonely and dark winter nights. What begins as a fragile cry for help, evolves into something more resilient. Then by the refrain âWhen Night Equals Dayâ, itâs realistically introspective again.
âAs with the whole album, these songs have a nocturnal feel and this one is no exceptionâ, says OâConnor. âLyrically I was inspired by classic songs like Kraftwerk – Computer Love and Soft Cell – Bedsitter and other songs too that are so evocative the images freely play out in your mind. The title refers to the Spring equinox, and by complete coincidence this was when we were recording the vocals at Invada. Itâs my favourite lyric and possibly my favourite song on the album and another amazing vocal from Kristina, completely embracing the song and meaningâ, he further reveals.
An unflinching song about relationships, capturing a sense of disbelief, when a spark you saw in someone has long faded, âWhen Night Equals Dayâ is full of heart on your sleeve emotions and a wistful melancholy. Itâs ultimately though, a song of strength and independence.
New Phonseca album âEverything Lasts Foreverâ is to be released on 21st March via the Old Bad Habits Label.
On March 28th, Phonseca will launch the new album at The Hen And Chicken, Bristol. Tickets here.