When In Rome has dropped new song “Don’t Stare at the Sun” in anticipation of their forthcoming album Illumination.
Legendary English synth-pop duo When In Rome released a new song titled “Don’t Stare at the Sun.” The song is a confident and uplifting new single built around determination, resilience and the impulse to move forward, transforming the uncertainty of its origins into something passionate and resolute. It also blends the band’s signature synth-pop foundation with elements of new wave, art rock, dance rock and the theatrical sweep of the New-Romantic era.
As with their last song “Human Nature,” this new song was also written during the lockdown period. “Don’t Stare at the Sun” pushes against the feelings that emerged from the strange atmosphere of everyday life back then. It turns frustration into a determined reminder to question what you hear while also holding onto your own sense of optimism.
The song will be part of the duo’s forthcoming album Illumination. Andrew Mann says that most of the songs are written during lockdown period, so it reflects a lot of people’s actions and thoughts at the time.
I can remember hearing a man from the World Health Organization warning the public about the sun and not to look at it. It all seemed pretty scary and ridiculous to us at the time, and that triggered us into writing the song.
Musically, the song embraces the dance-driven direction at the heart of the album with its synth-pop melodies and new wave textures colliding with the urgency of indie and experimental rock. As a result, “Don’t Stare at the Sun” has an expansive energy that is suited both on a dance floor and on stage.
Meanwhile, the combination of electronic pulse and rock instinct gives the track momentum, pushing forward its message – of not dwelling in uncertainty, but breaking through it. But also to continue to move forward even when the world around us feels difficult to understand.
Forthcoming Album
This single continues the latest chapter for When In Rome. Illumination will mark their first full collection of new material in years. In this album, you can expect Andrew Mann and Clive Farrington revisiting their synth-driven sound while expanding it through contemporary production, dance rhythms and a broader experimental streak.
The recording process has brought together a team of collaborators. Al Judd (Information Society, Devo, Wang Chung, The Fixx) crafted the pre-production mixes. Nick Jackson (producer of The Fixx) helped in refining the material. Devon Loughheed was in charge of the final production and mixing, helping shape the polished and cinematic sound of the new album.
The album is definitely something fans can look forward to dance to.
You can follow the duo’s official Instagram to keep up with news of their forthcoming album.
Press Release
