Roses For Raychael // Nyctophobia [Video Review]

Song: Nyctophobia

Band: Roses For Raychael

Release: Nyctophobia (Music Video)

Area: Newcastle, New South Wales. Melbourne, Victoria.

Date of release: 18/08/2018

Genre: Melodic Alternative/Post-Hardcore

Reviewer: Michael Dixon

Record Label: Independent

Tracked, Mixed & Mastered: Rhys Zacher at Spinlight Studios

Videographer: Ben Kalgovas Photography

For Fans Of: Closure In Moscow, The Amity Affliction, Bring Me The Horizon.

"I was always terrified of the darkness, but I found something worse to fear. Just 'cause living in the shadows is not what I wanted. Doesn't mean I don't belong here. Easy to breathe in relief when I hear the front door slam shut. Heart-stopping disbelief to know I'd survived another hunt. You can't make me do anything that you want."

It’s been almost a year since we last heard from Newcastle/Melbourne-based Melodic Hardcore outfit Roses For Raychael. Since then the band have been furiously working behind the scenes to write, track, mix and record a collection of new material for their debut album. The album which is titled, "All We Leave Is Ashes", is set for release in October this year.

Musically, their new single 'Nyctophobia' adds to the rich tapestry of previous songs 'Premonitions' and 'Easier Said Than Done' with dramatic string sections, theatrical piano chords, well-balanced screams and clean vocals from Tye and Jono, crunchy guitar riffs, powerful guitar solos and bouncy melodic rhythms. Lyrically, the band explores similar territory from the past with a focus on confronting your fears, inner demons and mental health issues. The visual metaphors used to described these themes are very effective.

The music video for 'Nyctophobia' was filmed by Ben Kalgovas and uses black and white photography mixed with shots of deep red coloured roses, bright red lighting on the band members and explosions of water. He also uses split screens and mirrored imagery of the each of the band members which effectively conveys the emotion behind the lyrics of the song. It’s a very simple narrative but one that works for the track and showcases all the hard work that went into releasing it.