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Band: The Mystic Underground
Album Title: So Close, So Far
Release Date: 16 January 2026
Label: Re:Mission Entertainment
Genre: Synth-Pop
Tracklist:
01. Someone Who Knows The Words
02. We Could Be Fugitives
03. Darkness Hides At Dawn
04. Fabulous And Divine
05. Drowning
06. Heartsick, Wayward And Forlorn
07. Fun At Parties
08. We Just Came To Dance
09. Mistakes Were Made
10. Wrote A Song
11. The Past Won't Let Me Go
The Mystic Underground have spent years threading personal history and big‑city grit into dance‑oriented synth-pop, and here that craft is on full display. So Close, So Far is the duo's sixth studio album and arrives as an 11‑track statement from artists fully at ease in their own skins. Comprised of New York City‑based collaborators Vladimir Valette (vocals, lyrics) and Benedetto Socci (keys, production), The Mystic Underground blend new wave and electronic dance music into a cohesive, polished and engaging whole.
From the early single "Darkness Hides At Dawn" — released in October 2025 with an extended remix and accompanying video — the duo utilise persistent electronic rhythms, layered synths and straightforward arrangements to establish the album's mood.
The record opens with "Someone Who Knows The Words", a timeless and highly danceable track that, for me, stands as the album's strongest moment. Brilliantly produced, its smooth vocal delivery and effortless pull towards movement set a clear threshold for what follows.
"We Could Be Fugitives" tightens the focus, bringing a sense of urgency and forward motion. "Darkness Hides At Dawn", with its dark, sturdy beat and gliding synths, feels like the album's emotional core. While effective, the track occasionally seems restrained, hinting at moments where a fuller release might have elevated its impact. "Fabulous And Divine" shifts towards a more overtly pop‑leaning approach without sacrificing nuance. Its hook‑driven structure nods to classic '80s synth aesthetics while maintaining a reflective undercurrent. "Drowning" follows as one of the album's more immersive entries — a confident, catchy track that would sit comfortably on any modern synth-pop playlist.
The mid‑album run of "Heartsick, Wayward And Forlorn", "Fun At Parties", "We Just Came To Dance" and "Mistakes Were Made" circles the album's established tone. These tracks are well‑written and elegantly produced, though restrained enough not to rise above the surrounding material.
"Wrote A Song" offers a welcome shift in perspective. Its classic sensibility feels refreshed through thoughtful arrangement and striking vocal melodies, giving the track a distinct presence. The closing number, "The Past Won't Let Me Go", expands outward to end the album on a more open note. Its gradual sweep provides a sense of resolution, allowing space for reflection while reinforcing the record's recurring themes of memory and shared experience.
What So Close, So Far communicates most effectively is a very specific mood: the sensation of being present in an emotionally charged space without ever being overwhelmed by it. As Valette has noted regarding the record's themes of collective upheaval and romantic persistence, this is music forged from lived experience.
The album is a thoughtful, dance‑ready set that seldom surprises but frequently satisfies — particularly for listeners drawn to synth‑driven reflection rather than maximalist spectacle.
Review by Tiffany
Rating: 7,5/10
