The emergence of Disdarken is no ordinary tale—this is a duo forged in isolation, crafting sounds that defy convention. Based in Tilburg, Netherlands, Disdarken is the brainchild of Alan V. Niculae and Nick Carmine, a collaboration born during the throes of the COVID era. What began as an exploration of LoFi and Synthwave has since evolved into something far greater—a sonic force teetering between shadow and light. Their recent release, Droid (February 21, 2025), stands as a defining moment in their journey, a bold statement ahead of their upcoming album, Keep The Dark Inside.
From the first moment, Droid erupts with an electrifying surge—deep, pulsating synths intertwining with thick, distorted basslines, setting an ominous yet thrilling tone. The opening feels like stepping into a futuristic dystopia, a world where melody and intensity collide. The percussive elements hit like calculated bursts of energy, crafting a groove that’s impossible to ignore. There’s an undeniable weight to the sound, a sense of urgency that mirrors the track’s thematic depth.
Nick Carmine’s vocals emerge like a voice fighting against the noise—raw, emotive, and gripping. There’s an underlying vulnerability in his delivery, a personal struggle that seeps through every note. His voice weaves through the song with a perfect balance of grit and melody, carrying the weight of the lyrics with an authenticity that resonates deeply. Alan V. Niculae’s production is nothing short of masterful—layering heavy synths, pulsating rhythms, and melancholic undertones to create a soundscape that is both cinematic and deeply personal.
Lyrically, Droid is a reflection of Carmine’s personal experiences with autism, tackling themes of societal acceptance and the relentless search for belonging. The track doesn’t just tell a story—it embodies it. Every note, every lyric, every sonic texture contributes to the narrative, making Droid more than just a song; it’s an experience, an outcry, an anthem for those who have ever felt like an outsider.
The instrumentation is a fusion of grit and fluidity—distorted synths stretch and bend, heavy bass grooves provide an undeniable pulse, and industrial elements creep in like distant echoes of the past. The track seamlessly blends electronic and organic textures, creating something that feels both mechanical and deeply human. The breakdown sections introduce hauntingly beautiful melodies, allowing brief moments of reflection before launching back into the relentless, driving energy of the chorus.
With Droid, Disdarken doesn’t just introduce themselves to the world; they make an unforgettable entrance. It’s heavy, melodic, groovy, and deeply meaningful—a precursor to an album that promises to keep listeners on the edge of their emotions. As the world awaits Keep The Dark Inside this summer, Droid serves as both an invitation and a warning: step into the darkness, embrace the sound, and prepare to feel every note in your bones.
Listen to “Droid” on Spotify
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