ØPALS’ new single ‘Middle of the Night’ bubbles with positivity, personality and charm. The track was written as a celebration of overcoming mental health struggles, recognition of the hard work and strength the battle takes, and the importance of building each other up. As a result, this electro-pop anthem provides music to dance to, whilst establishing an important message.
ØPALS is headed by singer-songwriter Ale Gibson, and they made their debut in 2020 with their single ‘Better.’ One year on, they’re gaining traction, with their 80s tinged synths and well-crafted lyrics that inspire and uplift. “I wanted to write this song with the intention of becoming the best version of yourself,” Gibson explains. “‘Shining bright in the middle of the night’ represents overcoming the darkness that is mental illness.”
The drop from the verse to the chorus is sublime, starting as a simple finger click, the drums build throughout the verse. They pick up a more intricate rhythm before dropping out and becoming a simple marching drumroll in the chorus. With this beat, the chorus acts as a call to arms, and conjures up images of an army of people, marching as comrades and singing together:
“We Follow our hearts / The dreams that we’re chasing / We’re searching for love / In all the right places / We’re fighting our fight / Our aura’s amazing”
‘Middle of the Night’ is an instant serotonin boost. From the opening piano chords and Gibson’s deep, smoky voice singing ‘A beating heart’s a treasure chest made out of gold’, it’s impossible not to feel good. If you’ve ever struggled with your mental health, this song feels like a support system, congratulating you on getting this far on your journey and urging you to carry on the good fight. 2021 feels like the perfect time for a song like this to be released, with everything that has gone on in the past year. After all of these struggles, this is a positive message we all deserve to hear.
‘Middle of the Night’ is an incredibly well-developed pop song, with all the elements that a pop track needs. It has a simple, catchy hook that will stick in your head, a strong beat, drops and lifts in all the right places, a danceable melody, and lyrics that really mean something. This single release has cemented our excitement, to see what ØPALS has in store for us next.
