New Music: Romance Writers – Art and Science

For Irish writer and producer Alec Hughes, his new project, Romance Writers, was born from a time of change, which in turn led to more changes.

Hughes is originally from Dublin and now lives in València, and it is the latter that brought about his current musical direction. Hughes previously worked in an indie-disco and synth-pop sleaze vein – Art and Science, by contrast, has an intoxicating, off-kilter Depeche Mode / Strokes / Metronomy mix of bass-led alt-rock and EBM-flavoured electro. Tense and sensual, occasionally discordant before hitting some rather smooth vocals and beats, it’s difficult to define but very easy to dance to.

“I got inspired to write this song as I crossed the bridge next to the City of Arts and Sciences in València, Spain,” says Hughes. “I heard someone sound checking a bass drum at 116 bpm, so I rushed home, laid down a drum pattern and got out my guitar. That hot September day, Art and Science and Romance Writers were born.”

“The song is about loving my new home and wanting to pay homage and contribute to its art, culture and community.”

Art and Science is out now to stream on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Spotify. For further listening options and to connect with Hughes and Romance Writers, follow the project on Instagram and Facebook.