Pure darkwave of Shadowplay with Chiaroscuro
From Madrid, Shadowplay continues refining a distinct voice within contemporary darkwave, standing firmly between 80s heritage and a modern reinterpretation of the genre. Chiaroscuro is a six-track EP that works as a clear statement of intent: this is not about nostalgia, but about reinterpreting that legacy through a more introspective and emotionally aware lens.
Drawing inspiration from 80s new wave icons as well as the modern resurgence of darkwave, Shadowplay builds its sound around analog synth textures, reverb-drenched guitars and melodies that constantly explore the contrast between light and shadow — a concept perfectly aligned with the EP’s title.
Between February 2024 and mid-2025, several tracks were introduced as singles, including “Ego Death,” “The Memory Of Falling In Love,” and “Sympathetic Joy,” already hinting at the project’s emotional tone and aesthetic coherence. The EP is completed by “Hello Love,” “Gazing,” and “Feel It Anymore,” expanding both the narrative and sonic arc of the release.
We had the opportunity to see Shadowplay perform live at the latest edition of Barnadark Fest, where these songs gained additional weight and confirmed that Chiaroscuro is not only a well-crafted studio work, but material designed to connect on stage.
A compact, cohesive and honest EP that moves confidently between melancholy, emotional memory and refined sonic elegance.
Ego Death
“Ego Death” was the first single from Chiaroscuro and serves as its most direct introduction. Driven by a fast and steady tempo, the track advances with conviction, anchored by a prominent synthetic bassline that shapes the pulse alongside a firm kick and snare pattern.
Distorted guitars alternate between power chords and melodic riffs, balancing the electronic core of the track, while layered synth pads and sequences reinforce its dark and contemporary atmosphere. Vocally, the performance remains clear yet restrained, carrying a subtle melancholic undertone that fits the emotional backdrop.
Production-wise, the mix is polished and precise, keeping the vocals consistently at the forefront. A strong opener both for the EP and for live settings.
The Memory Of Falling In Love
This track slows the pace and moves into more introspective territory. Built around a repetitive synthetic bassline, it sustains rhythm and harmony with a sense of contained forward motion.
Clean electric guitars shaped by reverb and delay add spaciousness, allowing each element room to breathe. The electronic rhythmic base maintains a steady mid-tempo pulse, reinforcing the reflective tone of the piece.
The vocals settle into a lower register, emotionally restrained, with understated production that keeps the lyrics central. One of the most elegant and emotionally resonant tracks on the EP.
Sympathetic Joy
Positioned midway through Chiaroscuro, “Sympathetic Joy” blends electronic rock momentum with a melancholic undertone. A solid synthetic bassline drives the track from the outset, while guitars alternate between rhythmic chords and melodic phrases.
The vocal delivery once again remains controlled and clean, supported by moderate use of reverb and delay that adds depth without blurring clarity. The spacious and well-balanced mix reinforces the EP’s sonic coherence and identity.
Hello Love
“Hello Love” leans into the darker, more minimal side of the EP. The track is built on a persistent synthetic bass and a firm, contained rhythmic structure.
Vocally, it approaches a spoken-word register at times, strengthening the introspective and almost narrative character of the song. Synth textures create a dense background, while distorted guitars appear sparingly, adding texture without overwhelming the balance.
A restrained and cohesive piece that shows Shadowplay comfortable within more austere dynamics.
Gazing
With “Gazing,” Shadowplay introduces a slightly more dance-oriented direction without abandoning their dark aesthetic. The synthetic bass once again anchors both rhythm and harmony, while a melancholic lead synth repeats a simple, nearly hypnotic phrase.
The structure relies on repetition as a core device, building tension through subtle layering rather than dramatic shifts. The production remains clean and balanced, using reverb carefully to preserve rhythmic impact.
Feel It Anymore
“Feel It Anymore” works as the most intimate and emotionally open moment on the EP. Moving away from a predominantly electronic atmosphere, it leans closer to melancholic indie rock, with clean guitar lines setting the tone from the beginning.
Bass and drums maintain a discreet but steady presence, leaving space for a soft and expressive vocal performance that centers on emotional erosion — as suggested by the title. The production remains clear and measured, with subtle delay details adding continuity.
An honest and understated closing track that highlights Shadowplay’s versatility and leaves a sense of openness.
Conclusion
Chiaroscuro confirms Shadowplay as a solid and evolving presence within contemporary darkwave — capable of engaging with 80s tradition without becoming trapped by it.
Across its six tracks, the EP balances electronics and guitars, tension and restraint, presenting a clear and recognizable identity.
An elegant and carefully constructed work that positions Shadowplay as a name to follow within the international darkwave scene — and suggests there is far more ahead beyond this debut EP.
