Irish synth‑pop/darkwave duo mischa and the bear return with a fierce new single, “Evil” — the lead track from their forthcoming EP True Colours, set to arrive in August. Blending industrial grit, distorted synth lines, and a restless electropop pulse, the duo deliver a high‑energy cut that will resonate with fans of Crystal Castles, Grimes, Snow Strippers, and the chaotic glow of the indie‑sleaze era.

“Evil” revolves around a simple but unsettling motif: a phone that refuses to stop ringing. What begins as a dance‑floor‑ready synth barrage gradually mutates into something darker, echoing the tension of an early‑2000s house party where the fun has tipped into something slightly sinister. Beneath its neon‑lit surface, the track explores the compulsive pull of technology, doomscrolling, and self‑destructive habits — and the creeping sense of being watched online by an unwelcome presence. You never know who’s on the other end of the line, or what part of yourself is calling back, but the temptation to answer remains.

The duo explain: “We liked the idea that the caller could either be a stalker or your own addiction calling you back. We also wanted to write something punchy and fun, that sounds like you could have heard it at a basement house party in 2009. One of the synths in there is called ‘Luigi synth’ because it reminded us of Luigi’s Mansion — super spooky fun vibes.”

With “Evil”, mischa and the bear sharpen their hybrid of darkwave, electropop, and playful menace — setting the tone for True Colours, which promises to push their sound into even bolder territory. Link