NYVES’ heavy synths are a far cry from the hard rock of their two members’ previous projects (including Demon Hunter and Project 86), but their ‘80s-tinged electronic is nevertheless impressive. “Just Give Up” looses a hard-rock snarl over a stolid chunk of synthwave, the video’s black-and-white palate reflecting the spartan sensibilities of the song’s evenhandedness. It takes a couple key elements from NYVES’ past — eardrum-crushing snares, rippling bass — and gives them a futuristic sheen, plating smooth chrome over the frenzied metal spirit thrashing within. In other words, its misanthropic words and off-human music are synthwave through and through — and, more importantly, synthwave done right.
“‘Thematically, “Just Give Up” deals with the struggle of feeling helpless or powerless. The song’s lyrics are essentially an offering of life’s big questions—specifically, ‘what’s it all for?’” says NYVES’ Ryan Clark. “This is something that everyone is faced with at one time or another throughout life, and I think it’s healthy to share feelings on it.”
NYVES released June 23.