Synthpop Duo Camp Crush Release Dreamy Debut Album “Up at Night”
Marked by their signature waspy synths and retro reminiscence, Portland based Camp Crush’s highly anticipated debut album, Up at Night, showcases smooth yet powerful vocals atop a bed of, shimmering backtracks composed of impactful kick drums, pulsing bass, and swirling toplines that make your head and heart spin.
Heading off with the immediately memorable Close to Me, which is just pure radio candy, the duo sets the tone for the LP with a catchy and romantic number. Spilling into the glowingly nostalgic Gymnasiums, they waste no time in so vividly transporting the listener back to a more innocent time they may or may not have even experienced themselves. That’s just part of the magic of Camp Crush, the picture they paint with a delightfully expressive soundscape comes clearly defined by their eloquent storytelling.
It’s this kind of sprightly yet pragmatic approach that delivers so directly to the listener. Take for example, their track Distractions. While 80’s vibes run blatantly rampant through Camp Crush’s entire discography, one listen to Distractions and you’re certain the track belongs in your favorite retro romcom à la Beaches or Ghost. You can just picture the tears rolling down the love interest’s cheek through the gentle hazy glow of your well-loved VHS tape.
Jumping back into the futuristic fun of New Wave, Camp Crush’s influences, like The Cure and Berlin, are no clearer than in tracks like Mind’s Eye and Dark Hearts. Paired with the bouncier earlier tracks, and a somehow simultaneous nostalgic and new take on a cover of ‘Til Tuesday’s Voices Carry, one begins to truly drink in the scope and range delivered by this ambitious project.
The perfect marriage of authentically nostalgic synths and dynamic vocals, Up at Night is an immediate favorite for anyone who’s ever dreamt of New Order and Blondie to make an album together.
The musical brainchild of Jen Deale and Chris Spicer, Camp Crush is a synth-pop duo that has been making waves in the Northwest since its inception in 2017. Having released singles and EPs that have taken them on tour for eight years now, the two have finally unleashed a full length LP to rave reception, proving good things really do come to those who wait. Partnering with Jorge Elbrecht and local legend Rian Lewis to produce the Record, Deale and Spicer have clearly worked tirelessly to create something truly sensational.
While the evocative sound of the late 70s and 80s has risen in popularity among modern music makers in recent history, clamoring for a whimsical or even otherworldly vibe to add to their compositions, no other venture into the sounds of yesteryear have been delivered so genuinely and authentically as that of Camp Crush. There is something so uniquely deliberate and veracious about their music that truly sets them in another league. In fact, you could tell me Up at Night was a dusty 8-track pulled from my mother’s extensive collection of albums from her high school days and I wouldn’t think twice. It’s this verity that has, repeatedly, proven Camp Crush is nothing short of a powerhouse, and Deale and Spicer have cemented their pathway to a long and illustrious career. We will keep loving their work so long as they’ll keep blessing us with it.
You can keep up with Camp Crush, and keep an eye on upcoming opportunities to catch the duo live in action, on Instagram @campcrush, or on their website campcrushmusic.com. And be sure to check out Up at Night on Spotify or wherever you listen to music.
