CC DUST – “Never Going to Die” (Singles Going Steady)

Pryor Stroud: Charged with gargling synths, metronomic percussion, and a vocal ripped straight out of the ’80s fem-rock playbook, “Never Going to Die” is the debut single from Mary Jane Dunphe’s new synthpop project CC DUST. While on the surface this is a relatively straightforward electro-punk ballad, the details here deserve additional scrutiny: the foregrounded synthesizer drones are rough-edged, thick, even dirty, and Dunphe’s voice — a hoarse, up-from-the-gut warble — seems determined to fight against them. It’s as if she’s trying to free herself from the track’s sonic muck and, by extension, the oppressive sense of mortality that has begun to feel like a shackle against her skin. [7/10]

Emmanuel Elone: “Never Going to Die” is a decent synthpop tune. Taking an enormous amount of influence from LCD Soundsystem, CC DUST brings a kooky synth instrumental and beefs it up with an infectious vocal melody and chorus. While there isn’t too much in the way of diversity or great songwriting moments, “Never Going To Die” will at least make you bob your head, if not get you to dance outright. It’s sweet, poppy and catchy, but not much else. [6/10]

Chris Ingalls: The song crashes in out of nowhere like a highly anticipated guest at an ’80s costume party. The synths are brash and edgy and the vocals are emotional and heartfelt. It has an anthemic feel, strutting around the club with purpose. The synthetic instrumentation is almost like an unhealthy sugar rush, but it’s an irresistible groove and nobody gets hurt. [7/10]

Jordan Blum: It’s an interesting combination of styles (soulful vocals mixed with an electronica foundation), but I could do with more variety and actual instrumentation. It’s a bit monotonous, too. As for the video, I like the home movie approach in theory, but it’s not very compelling, either. For some reason, it all reminds me of Sia and Björk (both of whom are far more engaging at times). [5/10]

Chad Miller: The melody and synths here are really amazing, and they’re great at taking you back in time. There are a lot of especially poignant lyrics that really stick out among the textures which are exacerbated by the emotive vocals. [8/10]

SCORE: 6.60