Mitch Michelle and Rob Shinno kicked off their music careers in Detroit during the early 80s. The Dark Energy Arcade was a project envisioned all those years ago, but life got in the way and it was only in 2025 that the duo’s dream became a reality.
The Dark Energy Arcade is a self-titled 12-track debut album that fuses ‘80s pop-rock and disco music with modern EDM elements. This dazzling record takes listeners on a journey through heartbreak, memory, and neon-drenched dancefloors; all wrapped in a soundscape of shimmering synths and retro magic.
The album kicks off with “Love Torn,” an energetic track filled with soaring synths, electrifying guitar riffs, and a dreamy synth. The chaotic soundscape perfectly fits the theme of heartbreak to create a track that’s equal parts emotional gut-punch and electro banger. With its energy and mystique, Love Torn perfectly lays the groundwork for the rest of the album.
Further down the line, “Brand New Day” switches up the vibe by launching into an optimistic and sunny anthem. It’s almost as if the Beach Boys decided to experiment with New Wave and Synth-Pop. You get that feeling that this concept shouldn’t work, but Mitch and Rob pull it off convincingly and with style.
Midway through the album, things get more serious with “Lies.” This one’s darker and more grounded, with heavier guitars, a dirtier drum groove, and a vibe befitting a smoky nightclub late past midnight. The catchy dance beat hides an incredibly raw track where the emotion creeps up on you without notice.
As track after track unfolds, you wonder where The Dark Energy Arcade has been hiding all this time. And the thing is, they haven’t. Individually, Mitch and Rob are icons of American Indie music, and their expertise shines through in the impeccable production of this album.
The song that really stuck with me was “Separation,” with its haunting opening and offbeat percussive synths. There’s something beautiful about its distorted chords and gentle delivery. The theme of class consciousness hits hard in a way that only the best synth-pop songs do. It’s a slow burn that lingers long after it ends.
And finally, we arrive at the closer: “Secret.” This track feels more retro and leans heavily into the 80s vibe of the album. After a rollercoaster of experiments, Secret settles you into something more familiar; an easy tune to wind down to.
Each song on this album adds a new shade to the emotional spectrum, but what really impressed me was how cohesive it all felt. You can tell this was a project crafted with love and intention. Mitch and Rob may have parted ways for a few decades, but this album proves their creative chemistry never left.
ONLINE:
https://thedarkenergyarcade.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/thedarkenergyarcade
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDarkEnergyArcade