Pure Obsessions and Red Nights Release Dark Cover of “Take On Me”

Pure Obsessions & Red Nights have released a new single, a dark electronic cover of a-ha’s hit “Take On Me” from 1984/1985. The release comes after the completion of their conceptual “The Night Trilogy,” which was built around the character Mr. Strangler and solidifies the band’s shift into synth-driven dark pop.

The original “Take On Me” by a-ha was a global synth-pop hit in 1985, topping charts in the US and the UK and winning multiple MTV Video Music Awards in 1986. Pure Obsessions & Red Nights have taken a different approach with their cover, stripping away the bright, radio-pop style of the original and replacing it with a heavier electronic and gothic sound. The band shared their inspiration for covering the song, mentioning how it shaped their taste in music and desire for memorable choruses.

Producer and band founder Philippe Deschemin explained the production process for the cover, stating that it evolved into a rough, punk version with sharp guitars, smooth bass, and percussive drums. The use of an API console during production aimed to create a sharp and aggressive tone. The band hopes that this version will resonate with their fans.

The official video for the cover is available on YouTube and the track can be found on streaming platforms like Spotify. This new single follows the release of “The Night Trilogy,” a series of albums that includes “Let Your Obsessions Run Wild” (2022), “Heirs of the Red Nights” (2023), and “Nightbreed” (2024). The trilogy is available on Bandcamp and major streaming services.

Pure Obsessions & Red Nights will be touring Europe in early 2026 to support the new cover and “The Night Trilogy.” The tour will include dates in France and Germany, with additional shows to be announced. The band, formerly known as Porn, is led by multi-instrumentalist Philippe Deschemin and has been creating dark synth and narrative-focused music since 1999.

Their work often involves recurring characters and interconnected story arcs, such as Mr. Strangler and Sadie, who appear across albums, EPs, videos, and literary material. The project has gone through various phases, including the “Mr. Strangler Trilogy” and “The Stranglings Trilogy,” both exploring dark themes with a mix of accessible melodies and darker lyrical content.

In recent years, Pure Obsessions & Red Nights have delved further into darkwave and synthpop, releasing singles like “The Call Of You Life” and “Don’t Let the Night Die in Vain.” Their albums from 2022 to 2024, known as “The Night Trilogy,” combine vintage synths, darkwave atmospheres, industrial rhythms, and 80s synthpop influences. The albums have been remastered and can be found in a three-CD digipack set.

Overall, Pure Obsessions & Red Nights continue to push boundaries in the darkwave and industrial rock genre, creating music that combines accessible melodies with darker themes. Their latest cover of “Take On Me” showcases their unique sound and production style, setting them apart in the music industry.