Darkwave/Synth Project SILENT FIGURES Covers Roky Erickson’s ‘Goodbye Sweet Dreams’ ‣ CVLTARTES

Darkwave/Synth-Punk collaborative music project Silent Figures has dropped a stirring cover version of the legendary Roky Erickson’s ‘Goodbye Sweet Dreams.’

The project is led by Oakland-based musician and DJ Davey Bones (bassist of The Ink Bats and founder of The Hanging Garden dance party and radio show).

Largely electronic, Silent Figures explores themes of isolation and personal turmoil with hypnotic dance beats and hook-filled music that explodes with counter-points of joy and hope.

Aside from the standard digital release, Silent Figures’ version of ‘Goodbye Sweet Dreams’ comes with a music video shot and edited by Akiko Sampson and Winter Zora of Psychic Eye Records.

The track also features backing vocals contributions from Josie Dot (The Ink Bats) and Miss Kel (Esses). Additional versions on the digital release include a piano version featuring Grant Skibitzke on piano, a remix by Matia Simovich of INHALT, and a remix by Zac Campbell of The Kentucky Vampires.

Silent Figures architect Davey Bones states: “Silent Figures is a product of the pandemic. Like many of us, this disaster has made me re-assess who I am and who I want to be. I know I want to be a better and more prolific musician in order to make the biggest contribution to the music world as I can, as well as make music with my friends, so I decided to start this project. Our first song is a tribute to one of my heroes Roky Erickson. I’ve always loved this song and his music.”