Sugar Scars cast a spell with immersive single, “Dark Charm”
With “Dark Charm,” Sugar Scars prove once again that they’re the kings of genre blending. The El Paso & Juarez duo, known for blending electronic psychedelia, indie dance, and shoegaze, return with a track that feels both familiar and entirely new. It’s the first taste of their upcoming sophomore record Dark Spark White Light, out November 21st, 2025, and it’s a reminder that they’re legitimately going out of their way to do things differently.
From the opening notes, “Dark Charm” picks up the pace immediately. The production is dense with texture, literally begging you to listen twice. There’s a touch of industrial grit layered into the electronic framework, adding a sharper edge to the band’s already mixed palette. The vocals, rather than sitting neatly on top, dissolve into the mix like an instrument themselves. They’re ghostly and hypnotic, giving the song a haunting aura that stays with you for the entirety of the play.
On one hand, it carries plenty of brooding emotions, leaning into that classic gothic feel. On the other, there’s a sense of euphoria buried inside the sound. Listeners feel that contradiction of joy and sadness that shouldn’t work, but absolutely does. That tension is the magic of the band!
The track also signals a natural progression from their debut, Rhythmic Body Reflexes. Where that record was expansive and exploratory, “Dark Charm” feels sharper, more focused, and in line with the future of their style. Dark Spark White Light could be their most ambitious and fully realized work yet, and honestly, we’d be surprised if it wasn’t.
If this first single is any indication, they’re preparing to release one of the most exciting alt-electronic records of the year. Until then, “Dark Charm” is more than enough to hold listeners over until the next drop. Grab some headphones and dig on in by clicking those links below, but don’t forget to follow along to stay tuned for the latest either.
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