Arizona-based band The Real Anthem blend synth-driven melodies, atmospheric guitars, and soaring lead performances on “Damage Control,” a hook-laden alternative-dance single. Evoking the dark electronic textures of Depeche Mode alongside a more contemporary production approach, the track balances nocturnal synths and driving percussion with increasingly forceful guitar work.

The track’s production excels in its balanced interplay of synths and guitars, within a spirited lead presence that navigates seamlessly to a title-centric hook. “Hidden hands that speak in signs, tell a tale of broken times,” Shawn Helton’s delivery resonates, here complemented by synths and percussion as guitars gradually re-enter — from suave twangs to a more distortion-laden warmth, as he declares “there’s damage control in all that they do.” Helton’s defiant tone and melodic prowess remind fondly of Dave Gahan in the verses.

A memorable bridge unveils past the two-minute turn, where a “damage control!” exultation drives into a question of “how long will we endure these times?” — bolstered there by twanging guitar layers, bustling bass, and steady percussion. Ascended harmonic enthusiasm goes hand-in-hand with escalated guitars thereafter, arriving into a reprisal of the central hook. Rhythm-synced breathing and a brief yet impactful guitar solo prove stellar past the three-minute turn, with the subsequent conclusion satisfying wholly. “Damage Control” is a fully memorable showing from The Real Anthem.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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