Synth Single Review: “Creature of the Night’’ by Hollywood Brown

Hollywood Brown’s Creature of the Night blends fascination and dread, reflecting on the darker sides of attraction and the unknown. The song kicks off as bell percussion rings out, with an organ-like sound calling out in the background, adding to the increased sense of dread.

A flaring synth moves along with a punchy drumbeat and energetically shifting electric bass, carrying an enigmatic melody. Hollywood Brown’s voice is rich and dramatic, punctuated by organ-like synths spinning out a dynamic melody. The drums mingle with the groovy bass as Hollywood Brown captures the entertaining spirit within the lyrics. Ultra-cool organ licks move past while the shadowed and mysterious melody calls out above glistening synths.

Bass wriggles, and the organ plays out with an energizing and playful melody. I enjoy the way in which Hollywood Brown gets into this track with his performance. Hollow, pan-pipe-like synths descend with ghostly sensations as the raised synth carries a floating melody. Hollywood Brown’s voice is strong and full of expression as the jazzy organ shimmies through the music and the percussion keeps pumping. I enjoy the groove here.

The twisting chorus writhes through the music as a glowing synth expands. The drums punch the track forward as the vocals flow out with a sense of fun. Hollywood Brown's guitar unfurls in a bluesy, wildly shredding solo that lifts the energy level even more. The chorus jumps out again, adding shadow while the low end pushes on with a funky flow. Gliding pipes illuminate the song as it comes to an end.

Our narrator sees a lurking shape outside of his window and hears a lonely cry. The trees are "creaking when the wind blows," and our narrator wonders if he can believe his eyes. He thinks he can see a light somewhere in the night and hear something calling him. He asks, "Are you the devil in a blue dress? Are you the one for me?"

The storyteller asks the mysterious second character why they won't tell him where they're going and why their eyes are glowing. He says that he can feel "my heart beat slowing, my brain exploding." He points out that you might be able to run, but there's no hiding "from the vampire by your side." Time is running out, and so you must "free the nightmare from your mind."

Our narrator can see the shadows in the light and wonders if the song’s subject is a creature of the night. He says, "I turn around and I shiver; is that the smell of fear?" He looks into the mirror, but he can't see anything there at all. He asks, "Why do the ones that are marked all have a cross to bear?" He begs not to have a stake driven through his heart as he is "coming up for air."