In a dazzling fusion of nostalgia and innovation, The Dark Energy Arcade, the electrifying duo of Mitch Michelle and Rob Shinno, unleashes their self-titled debut album—The Dark Energy Arcade—a 12-track journey through time, emotion, and sound. Released on May 28, 2025, this album is more than just music; it’s a vibrant revival of an artistic vision forged in the 1980s and brought to life with striking clarity and contemporary flair.
Hailing from the Detroit area, Mitch and Rob were close friends and musical dreamers in their youth before life took them in different directions—Rob eventually heading west to San Diego. Decades later, that creative spark reignited. Drawing on their shared love for synth-driven pop and genre-blending experimentation, they set out to create an album that honors their roots while pushing sonic boundaries. With Rob’s pedigree as producer of the five-time San Diego Music Award nominee band Hemisphere, and Mitch’s legacy through cult classics like People In The News and Offering, The Dark Energy Arcade arrives with a wealth of experience, heart, and artistic integrity.
Opening with the dazzling “Love Torn,” the album immediately immerses the listener in shimmering synth textures, soaring melodies, and Rob Shinno’s captivating vocals. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video, the track sets the tone for the album’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, echoing synthwave elegance while anchoring its emotional weight in the present. The follow-up, “Forever,” continues the momentum, blending melancholic tenderness with danceable rhythms—a track that could have ruled radio charts in the ’80s yet feels refreshingly modern today.
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Each song contributes its own energy and atmosphere: the rebellious and electric “Idiot’s Party,” the ethereal optimism of “Brand New Day,” and the dreamy elegance of “Dream Time” showcase the duo’s range and fearless experimentation. “Lies” hits hard with its high-octane beat and catchy chorus, while “Separation” stands out as one of the album’s emotional high points—an introspective moment of depth and poignancy.
“Move” shifts gears with its rock-forward attitude, giving space to guitar textures and driving rhythm, before the album closes with “Secrets,” a synth-heavy dance track that invites listeners to get lost in the beat and leave the world behind. Throughout the album, Mitch’s masterful arrangements and Rob’s soulful performance create a rare synergy, striking a balance between introspection and joy, longing and celebration.
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From dream-pop ballads to foot-stomping dance floor anthems, The Dark Energy Arcade isn’t just a throwback—it’s a reimagining. It’s a vibrant tapestry of pop-rock, EDM, disco, and new wave sensibilities, all expertly mastered by Baltimore’s Mat Leffler-Schulman. More than a sonic achievement, the project is a statement of unity and inclusion. Rob, a proud cis-gay man, and Mitch, who is straight, share a mission of celebrating Diversity, Equality, and Unity through their music—an ethos that radiates throughout the record.
With The Dark Energy Arcade, Mitch Michelle and Rob Shinno have accomplished something extraordinary: they’ve breathed new life into a dream decades in the making, offering a record that feels both timeless and timely. This is an album that pulses with heart, lights up with energy, and reminds us that great music—and great friendships—can defy time.
Check the links below, discover more about The Dark Energy Arcade and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.thedarkenergyarcade.com
Bandcamp: The Dark Energy Arcade
YouTube: The Dark Energy Arcade
Facebook: The Dark Energy Arcade
