Dean Griffin of Southern California delivers a smoldering nugget of retro-futuristic pop with his new song, “Lights Out.” Drawing forth the silky grooves of 80s R&B with an updated bite, there’s a late-night energy and seductive allure that courses throughout this music.
"Lights Out," a song that Griffin co-produced with Joseph Guadiana, achieves an elusive balance between the past and the present. Griffin's silky voice is accompanied by panels of luscious synth and slinky bits of funk, creating a musical universe where time gains a foothold and space becomes frozen. Everything from the bite of the percussion to the sparkling basslines seems perfectly poised while remaining deliciously relaxed.
Lurking beneath the lovely production is a deep meditation on connection beyond words alone. Griffin captures the fleeting, mesmerizing moment when two souls connect beyond the flesh and the outside world goes dark.
The outcome is music that embodies the essence of a classic while also feeling contemporary; it is a fitting accompaniment to both a dance floor and a nocturnal drive. Dean Griffin doesn’t just revisit the past; he rewrites it from his perspective. It’s a big, glossy statement from an artist who has a good feel for how to set a tone.