An Interview with THE CALM GREY (2/2)
In our two-part interview, we talk with The Calm Grey about “In Between Sadness.” Did you miss the first part? No problem—you can read it here.
Ruhr Region Melancholy Meets Danceable Darkness
Despite its somber tone, “In Between Sadness” never sounds hopeless. Wavy guitars, flowing synthesizers, and driving rhythms lend the album an elegant lightness. Rio calls it “melancholic dance music for Lumpi the vampire,” while Mirco describes it as “sad songs for a dance floor shrouded in fog.” “These Grey Alleys” in particular stands out as a single—dark in its lyrics, yet surprisingly catchy. Per Anders Kurenbach’s remix is also likely to find its way straight onto the dance floors of dark-wave clubs.
A monument—and a new beginning
Their hometowns also play a role: Rio speaks of “Polish melancholy” and the influence of the Ruhr region, while Mirco refers more to “the slowly creeping melancholy in Bielefeld.” “In Between Sadness” is a musical tribute to those we’ve lost—and a testament to how healing art can be. Or, as Rio puts it: “The people we’ve lost wanted us to keep going.” Mirco sums up the forward-looking perspective: “Life will go on.”
Jan Schütz (Meersein)
Lineup:
Rio Black – Vocals
Mirco Rappsilber – Instruments
Watch the video for “These Grey Alleys”:
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