Fort Wayne synthpop duo Funayūrei lock into dark electronic of the early ’80s as well as the more pop-centric sounds of synth pop and dark wave. They pepper their songs with Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Animotion equally with more modern fare like Electric Youth, Mecha Maiko, and The Midnight. Singer Mandy Kawa’s hypnotic vocals pair perfectly with Rob Parker’s steely production, creating an urgent electronic sound that looks to the past while paving a sonic path to the future.

On their third album, the urgent and driving Open Me Carefully, Funayūrei make a propulsive electro dance record that lays down plenty of grooves while also making an album for deep contemplation and long drives into the night. It’s the soundtrack to the party as well as for the fallout that sometimes comes with it.

“Damage” opens the album with ambient undertones but then it quickly shines neon lights into the darkness for a riveting and urgent track. If you’re familiar with the Drive soundtrack, this track and its vibe will be familiar. This toes the line between pop bliss and dark undertones. Kawa’s vocals hang in the air as Parker’s production simmers just under the surface. 

The title track pulls you into their mysterious sound world. It captures the heat of a night club’s dance floor as well as the lonely walk home, sweat on your face drying in the midnight air.

Tracks “Like Me,” “Missing You,” and closer “Too Late” build a steely sound world where inhibition and regret swirl together like club lights and body heat. This is EDM with heady intentions and heavy vibes of the highest order. 

Funayūrei’s 10 tracks link together like a concept album, each one a chapter in the journey. Open Me Carefully encapsulates the thrill of the late-night odyssey through propulsive rhythms, engaging melodies, and lush vocals.