Delectably dark, Kelly Phoenix’s ‘No Mistake’ feels refreshingly unique and ornate amidst a seemingly endless collection of emo pop rock identical tunes. Born after running a singular Cure sounding drum loop, No Mistake feels innately ominous and dark, carrying with it a sense of despair and dreariness. The vocal harmonisation, particularly the high notes that Phoenix hits is particularly exemplary. On top of that, the scintillating electric guitar section that’s added in between gives a whole new dimension to the piece. You can see first hand how Phoenix’s more primary field of influence and comfort, that being r&b, is able to blend so strangely yet effectively with this style of dark and brooding alternative rock.
‘No Mistake’ is a dreamy ride, an almost nightmarish soundscape brought to life through this cinematic arrangement of overbearing and haunting riff and dark atmospheric production. It’s a stylistic coming together that I haven’t really ever had the pleasure to experience. The combination of this sultry and seductive r&b vocal performance, exemplified by smoothly executed harmonies somehow matches perfectly with the dark and brooding rock arrangement it sits within. A masterful confluence.