Balloon Ride Fantasy, a synth-pop/new wave band, premieres “Arcadia,” a dreamy pulsing tune inspired by fantasy fiction and pop nostalgia. “Arcadia” is from the band’s BRF EP, dropping July 20.
Made up of Chris Olszewski (lead vocals, producer), Phil Conley (guitars, synths), Bethany Conley (vocals), Brad Schneider (bass), and Jordan Wood (keyboards, synths), Balloon Ride Fantasy has shared the stage with The Chainsmokers, Chvrches, and Metric, as well as opening for The Naked and Famous at the Feed More Festival. In addition to music, Wood has appeared on HBO’s Mindhunter, and NBC’s Downward Dog.
“Arcadia” kicks off with coruscating synth layers leading into a new wave pop tune. Olszewski’s textured timbres pervade the lyrics with gleaming sonic hues, as Conley’s background vocals finance smooth sighing harmonies akin to gossamer tendrils. A simmering sax solo infuses the tune with taut harmonic pigments.
The rhythm of the track takes on an electronic dance momentum, infusing the music with a pulsing, driving energy. The combination of new wave pop flavors and dance brio gives the tune chic stylish tinctures of oomph, especially on the swelling colors of the chorus.
Shot with Ridley Scott-like interplays of dark and light, the video was filmed at Pittsburgh’s famous hot spot, Evaline Party House. The visuals depict an initiation party for a mysterious cult, governed by a lioncorn, which is a hybrid of a lion and a unicorn. Mannequins, masks, and glow sticks saturate the video with fantasy ambience.
With “Arcadia,” Balloon Ride Fantasy integrates creamy new wave flavors with the pulsating vitality of electronic dance. The result is a yummy concoction of stylish music.
Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.
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