Two Tracks for Your Weekend
Two Tracks for Your Weekend
The 80s are back, thanks to two rising synth-pop stars. Yes, you read that right—the golden era of synth-pop is making a return, and two emerging bands are leading the charge: Close to Monday and Ryal. Fueled by nostalgia and an undeniable love for music, these two acts are proving that the genre is far from fading—it’s only getting stronger.
Close to Monday Brings New Life to a Classic
Close to Monday took on the ambitious task of reimagining Duran Duran’s legendary track Come Undone. For lead singer Ann, this cover is a deeply personal journey back to childhood.
“Recording this track felt like coming full circle,” says Ann. “Duran Duran’s music was a soundtrack to my youth, and this cover allowed us to honor that influence while layering our own voice and perspective onto the song. Singing on stage has been my dream since childhood, and this track is a greeting to my inner child and our manifesto to all listeners to make their childhood dreams come true!”
The result? A stunning reinvention of Come Undone that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Ann’s hypnotic vocals, paired with crisp production and immersive synth work, transport the track into 2025 while preserving its original soul and paying deep respect to the legendary British band.
To celebrate the release, Close to Monday launched the #HeyChildStayWild challenge, inviting fans to dance along to a snippet of the song while revisiting something they loved doing as kids—a nostalgic call to embrace the past while moving forward.
Photo by Briana Balducci
RYAL’s Love Letter to NYC: Skyscraper – Remix
Meanwhile, RYAL is making waves with Skyscraper – Remix, a reimagining of their most streamed song. Described as a love song to New York City, the track was inspired by the mass exodus that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, when over 320,000 people left NYC, many walking away from lifelong dreams.
Harder to let you go
The city that loves you so
Where you grew up and grew a pair
The dreams that have found me there
These heartfelt lyrics, repeated throughout the chorus, are elevated by a masterful blend of synths, guitars, and percussion, creating an infectious rhythm that mirrors the energy of the city itself.
Originally recorded with a live band—featuring John Davis on bass, Dan Rieser on drums, and Aaron Nevezie on guitar—Skyscraper struck a chord with audiences, who saw their own experiences reflected in the song. Now, the remix injects a fresh, high-energy synth sound, reinforcing Ryal’s deep-rooted connection to NYC’s ever-evolving heartbeat.