Dragon Welding – "The Naughty Step"
A Bold Evolution in Electro-Noir Sound
UK electro-noise-pop duo Dragon Welding has a new album, "The Naughty Step". It shows a shift in their sound. It includes new singer Nik Cockshott and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Golding. This collaboration brings together tracks that mix thoughtful lyrics with creative electronic music.
The album starts with "Up And Away." This track blends new romantic vibes with synth-wave and new wave. It creates a thoughtful and uplifting mood. The title track, "The Naughty Step," features a lively "stop-start" animation video. The award-winning graphic artist Andy Royston, who also provided the band with the album artwork, made it. I'll add it here for you straight away.
Dragon Welding – "The Naughty Step" (video)
The downtempo song, "Hiding Things For Fun", is definitely one of the stand-out pieces on the record. Andrew sees it as a journey through lost ideals due to age. It also means putting things in the wrong place, both literally and metaphorically. Nik adds depth to the song with his emotional singing—pulling listeners into its thoughtful story.
Thoughtful lyrics with ersonal and societal insights
The lyrics of "The Naughty Step" are thoughtful and reflective. They mix personal insights with observations about society. Andrew explores life's complexities with them. He explores themes like losing ideals, feeling alienated, and seeking self-realization.
The words are honest and highlight the challenging parts of ageing. They focus on time and the losses we face, both physical and emotional. The lyrics stand out because they ask deep, universal questions without using clichés. Andrew and Nik show the chaos and struggles of modern life. Their work invites you to think deeply and provides a healing listening experience. The songs connect deeply with listeners. They provide a chance for introspection and emotional release.
Nik Cockshott's unique vocal style
"The Naughty Step" blends three styles seamlessly: a dash of OMD synth here, some electronic Portishead vibes there, and a good sprinkle of New Order on top. Each piece reveals new details that keep you coming back.
Nik sings with a unique blend of warmth and melancholy. His style is reminiscent of Martin L. Gore (Depeche Mode), Marc Almond (Soft Cell), and David Sylvian (Japan). Perhaps you can also hear a bit of Talk Talk? It's best to just let the songs work their magic on you.
A rich listening experience
With their hypnotic electronic elements, the tracks combine nostalgia and innovation. This blend of familiar and futuristic sounds makes the eleven songs an exciting experience. They're a great listen, even for those who are new to the project.
With "The Naughty Step", Dragon Welding are exploring their musical boundaries. Andrew's skilful playing and Nik's great vocals have made a fun and captivating album.
