PREMIERE: The Ultra Split The “Universe In Two” With Atmospheric Track

Only 18 months after joining forces as atmospheric electro-rock duo The Ultra, vocalist Joel Alexander and guitarist/producer Paul Dogra have dropped their impressive debut single Universe In Two. The track is the first from their forthcoming EP ‘When The World Turns Out Its Lights’, and its sonic suspense will have you hanging out to hear the rest next month!

A blend of piano and synthesiser notes make for a sparse atmospheric opening, setting the scene for an intriguing tune. There’s the perfect amount of space on the track for frontman’s deep, sultry vocals, perfect for fans of City Calm Down’s Jack Bourke.

Restrained percussion throughout the verses allows the melody to shine, creating a tantalising build throughout the song. With the welcome addition of heavier bass and stronger vocal belts, the song takes on moody, dramatic weight at the halfway point. This is Coldplay’s Violet Hill without the rock edge, and it’s just different enough to work.

Open spaces and blue skies give the video a stadium feel (think U2’s Beautiful Day clip), and it’s nothing if not dramatic. Complete with edgy flickering effects, intense close-up shots and footage of band members wandering in straight lines, it will leave you fascinated and confused, yet strangely satisfied.

Coincidentally, The Ultra say Universe In Two was partially inspired by U2’s With Or Without You. “The inspiration for Universe In Two came from wanting to create a soundscape and slow-building intensity for the listener, wanting to take them on a journey,” the band says.

The Ultra’s debut EP ‘When The World Turns Out Its Lights’ is set for release on Friday 14th of October, and the boys are currently preparing for a few Australian launch shows with dates TBA – in the meantime, check out the Universe In Two music video below!