The Flood (Dark Light Remix) is the latest release by Los Angeles-based Darkwave/Industrial duo Night Tongue. A remix of the original 2019 seven-minute-long gloomy and doomy track that was based around a guitar, this version centers around a piano and Carisa’s ethereal vocals. What I love about Night Tongue is the contradiction between the familiarity of their goth vibes and the aesthetics presented in many genres. The Flood is a prime example of how their compositions are delicate, intricate, and woven with dark emotions. The track begins with the piano and Carisa’s calm breathy chest voice with a sizzle of reverb on it. It’s enough to accentuate the preexisting wailing method she uses in her singing, but doesn’t reach the point of making you hear an echo, thus creating a feeling of loneliness and longing to be heard. That flood the band is addressing here is a metaphorical rather than a physical one- think of Pink Floyd’s infamous Wall – that the lyrics beautifully paint a mental picture of. The tender way Carisa sings the lyrics “Alive, I garner the fields of her flight” after the second verse ends are joined by electronic percussion in a moment that’s nothing short of brilliant. Andrew’s piano parts add a new flavor and slightly differ in the melodies instead of mimicking the original version’s guitar, and that alone speaks volumes about his mastery and command over his compositions. Carisa is a god-tier soprano who can seamlessly belt in a mixed voice to reach her second passage without losing the texture or resonance of her voice. For some people, it might sound like she’s doing it all in her chest voice, but it’s just a clever mixed register and excellent command of the composition’s higher parts. There was not a single moment where power was compromised for passion, and this is what sealed the deal for me. If you grew up listening to artists such as Evanescence, Within Temptation, and Lacrimosa like I did, then you will enjoy the familiarity of the vocal style. You will also be impressed by the breath support that only vocalists like Floor Jansen could aspire to have. These guys are a great new addition to my playlist, and their industrial brand of Darkwave/Electronica doesn’t feel out of place amongst gothic and symphonic rock/metal bands who’ve got the same lyrical themes and aesthetics. It’s safe to say “The Flood” delivers all its promises, and then adds some.