Belfast's own Dark Tropics, the captivating duo of Rio and Gerard, are back with a brand new single, 'Whispers', and it's every bit as stunning as you'd hope. Their collaboration felt almost destined, born from a shared creative vision that pulls from a seriously diverse pool of inspiration, ranging from the iconic sounds of Radiohead and Aretha Franklin to the raw energy of The Velvet Underground.

But it's not just music that fuels their fire. These two also draw heavily from the world of literature, citing acclaimed writers like William Somerset Maugham and Paul Auster, alongside the distinct poetic voice of John Cooper Clarke, as key influences. This blend of inspirations has helped them forge a partnership built on pure instinct and cleverness. Their signature sound, which they affectionately term 'pop-noir', is a gorgeous fusion of timeless, cinematic elegance and a sharp, modern sensibility. The result is music that manages to be both deeply moving and incredibly exciting.

Dark Tropics craft their immersive soundscapes using analogue gear and classic recording methods.This gives their tracks a genuine, lived-in feel that appeals to both modern listeners and those with a taste for the classics. Lyrically, they delve into the rollercoaster of human emotion – from the intense heat of desire and the delicate ache of heartbreak to the sharp pain of being let down and the glorious spirit of standing tall against it all. They capture these universal feelings with a depth that's both powerfully evocative and incredibly easy to connect with. How deep you want to get lost in the world of Dark Tropics is entirely up to you.

Speaking about their latest offering, Dark Tropics shared, "Whispers is about throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of the greatest nights of your life."

The duo have already been making waves, earning support and airplay from some major names. Steve Lamacq at BBC 6 Music has championed their music, which even led to a performance on the BBC 6 Music Introducing stage at Brighton's Great Escape festival.Across the pond, they've received extensive airplay in the USA, featuring on Anne Litt's 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' and Kevin Cole's new music show on KEXP. Prestigious publications like 'Clash' and 'Billboard' have featured them and debuted their singles, and they recently supported Belle and Sebastian on their completely sold-out Irish tour.

For more from Dark Tropics, be sure to follow the band on Instagram and TikTok.