The Badly Behaved have followed the path of electropop since their formation in 2020, heavily inspired by 80s synth melodies. The duo, comprised of vocalist Colé van Dias and songwriter, producer and vocalist Richard von Kalmar are based in Berlin. They return off the back of their successful debut studio album from May 2022, Who Am I. The album maintained their electronic focus whilst drawing on elements of other genres, rewarding them with a no. 1 on the European Indie Music chart.
The release of their latest EP She Has A Way combines a blend of an original cover, a remix and some different edits. The beginning synth line provides a striking opening which contrasts from previous releases that saw a more gradual build into The Badly Behaved’s fusion of synthpop and classic house features.
Von Kalmar’s 80s and 90s influences from the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Royksopp and Kraftwerk certainly come to the fore. A tight drumbeat drives euphoric synths at a slower tempo, forming a more dance inspired sound. This also helps van Dias emphasise the story of the song more, where a manipulative girl ‘knows everything’ about her partner, getting the better of him.
The song certainly falls on the side of ‘experimental’ electronic music, bringing the retrospective sound of the past to the modern day. ‘She Has A Way’ adds powerful support to The Badly Behaved’s set and a genre that is back on the rise. It is perhaps what electropop needs more of to provide a breakthrough like when Human League’s ‘Don’t Want You Me’ helped to pioneer the original movement.
Remix and edits
German producer and DJ, Lauer, has experienced collaborating with a range of different artists. This time he brings his disco-deep house infused spin to ‘She Has A Way’. This remix helps to reveal some of the build-ups throughout the song to a greater extent. Lauer does a good job in emphasising the dance nature of the song. Drawing out a taste of Berlin nightlife in this mix where synthpop meets classic house, the collaboration will also help to widen the reach of The Badly Behaved’s sound.
Across the slowed and reverb version and the instrumental mix, it is much easier to spot the expertise of producer Jamie Sellers. Sellers has worked with the likes of Little Simz, and pop acts including Alesha Dixon and Ronan Keating. This choice of producer was a great fit for The Badly Behaved’s EP, which hones in on the pop aspects of the duo’s style. ‘She Has A Way’ will undoubtedly help to elevate the profile of The Badly Behaved, and they are set for another single release in November 2023.
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