Malibu Hot Flush – Too Much (2023)
Drawing together their experiences on different previous projects, modular artist Tim Bleasdale and singer and guitarist Luigi Tiberio create the duo Malibu Hot Flush. Flitting tones of Pet Shop Boys between a layer of New Order and Depeche Mode, the UK-based pair bring audiences an edgy modern-day electropop vibe with nostalgic flair. Following their well-received debut single ‘Make It Matter’ last year, the lads have turned heads on an international scale with features from music blogs (Find No Enemy, TPJL News, Hot Press, Bored City), radio stations (Amazing Radio, BBC Radio 6) and numerous playlists. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Too Much’.
Preceding their upcoming self-titled album, ‘Too Much’ has a reminiscence to Pet Shop Boys with the 80s synth-pop sound becoming associated with Malibu Hot Flush. As with their debut track ‘Make It Matter’, a nostalgic shot back to the wistful, whimsical and hazy 80s is felt. Yet, despite the yesteryear vibe, the lads keep ‘Too Much’ fresh inserting an industrial lo-fi pulse beneath the hazy pop swirl giving it a fresher feeling. Bleasdale explains that “musically, we’re trying to pick out the discordant elements of the melody and build on the texture of those…”
What I find interesting about ‘Too Much’ is how the charming flow of mellifluous synth-driven pop aligns with a darker, deeper and more sinister theme. Touching on mental health issues, the single follows an internal dialogue between the protagonist and his mind. A chaotic, confusing and profound sense of inner turmoil is uncovered in the journey of self-discovery. Tiberio explains that “I’ve had a lot of reflection around the mental health of musicians in a post-pandemic world. The internal dialogue happens between our main character and his mind, almost like a heated conversation with his consciousness…”
In addition to the single, Malibu Hot Flush have released a music video for ‘Too Much’. You can view the video below or on their official YouTube channel. Please note, this music video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from Malibu Hot Flush, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
