“I’m moving on to what’s best for me.”
Amarionette is a self-described nu-funk/rock band hailing from Las Vegas. Since current lead vocalist Issy Berry joined in 2018 with the AMVRI EP, Amarionette have carved out a solid niche for themselves in the modern rock scene.
Amarionette’s sound blends the progressive post-hardcore of bands like Dance Gavin Dance and Strawberry Girls with a healthy dose of influence from ‘80s pop icons such as Michael Jackson. On their new album Gemini, the band adeptly showcase the full range of their musical strengths, from high-energy anthems to more soulful, groovy cuts.
Opening track “Simple” sets things off with a bang, quickly settling into a tight riff-driven groove. “Simple, if we come together, we can make a better life,” Berry croons, establishing the romantic lyrical themes of much of the tracks here.
Guitarists Nick Raya and AJ Sarmiento provide consistently excellent work throughout, effortlessly balancing technical grooves with pop accessibility. Standout single “Criminal” opens on a synth melody that wouldn’t feel out of place on Michael Jackson’s Bad, and Berry’s soulful vocals soar over the track’s musical twists and turns.
The band proves its range on much of the album’s back half, with “Moving On” settling into a mid-tempo groove propelled by a killer lead riff. Berry sings emotionally of walking away from a relationship where his partner was never satisfied, and the song feels like a bittersweet ode to attempting to find new happiness on your own.
Elsewhere, “You’re Not Alone” tackles darker subject matter while still retaining Amarionette’s knack for pop earworms. The song focuses on the emotional traumas of a teenager growing up in a toxic home, with Berry’s lyricism telling a surprisingly poignant story for a song clocking in under three minutes.
Gemini continues Amarionette’s recent run of consistently strong releases. While most of the album doesn’t deviate too far from their well-honed blend of progressive rock and funky pop, there’s enough lyrical and musical depth to reward repeat listens, delivered with enough groove to make any pop music fan want to get up and dance.
8/10
Gemini will be available on October 21st via self-release, and you can pre-order the album here.