Never Really Gone

Never Really Gone is the sixth studio by alternative pop duo Indigo Peak. It is their first studio release since 2011's 'Hunter/Prey' and the first to be released on the duos own label IPR.

Background
In a December 2020 interview with Fault Magazine, member Andre Cassenove stated that whilst they'd been on a ten year hiatus, they had continued to produce material, which was cited as the inspiration for the albums title. 'Cocaine', one of the last tracks to be added to the album was selected as the first single release and became the duos first number one since 2009's 'Fire! Scream!'/'Pornographic'. It is was reported to have been the track that influenced the overall sound of the LP. 'Cocaine' was well received by critics with NME calling it "a more mature look at the Indigo Peak creative process." A further track 'Stockwell', was offered as an instant grat track to all who pre-ordered online formats of the single. 'Stockwell' showcased a more vulnerable side to the duos standard fare and is said to have been inspired by member and writer Yannik's first encounter with popstar Justyce. During their Intimate and Live online gig in December 2020, Indigo Peak debuted album cut 'Good Enough', which was well received by fans and critics. This track was reported to have been inspired by Yannik's divorce with popstar Jake in 2012. Following the gig, 'Good Enough' was released to streaming platforms as a promotional single.

In a press release dated January 4th 2021, Semble Management announced that Indigo Peak would release the album on February 5th of that year alongside the single 'Never Really Gone'. It was revealed that the album would contain 12 tracks including collaborations with Emily Henning, Jack Stevens, Shell Ruin, Justyce, Alesha and Lena Moskalyova of Neoncity. The cover art and tracklisting were revealed by Indigo Peak via their official website on January 5th, 2021. A deluxe edition was announced containing alternative artwork and three additional tracks on January 13th 2021.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the entirety of 'Never Really Gone' was recorded and produced at Andre Cassenove's home studio. Collaborative acts, for the most part recorded their vocals remotely. The brothers drew some criticism in January 2021 after Andre Cassenove Tweeted a photograph of Alesha recording vocals in person.

On January 26th 2021, Indigo Peak tentatively announced that they would headline Mighty Hoopla in London's Brockwell Park on September 4th of that year.

Influences
The album is influenced by the rave culture of the early to mid 1990's. The LP incorporates elements of Dance, EDM and Electronica. During their Fault Magazine interview the brothers dubbed the album "an acid trip."

Visually, the album sports a grunge aesthetic and uses 90's photographs of partygoers throughout. In Flaunt Magazine Yannik Cassenove stated "I found myself feeling incredibly nostalgic for the 90's. I think most adults have those same feelings about the decade that spanned their childhood."

Documentary
Supporting the release of the album was 'Never Really Gone: A Documentary', a collaboration with streaming giant Netlfix. The 1 hour, 39 minute special showcased the duo as they recorded their sixth LP whilst discussing the music that influenced their process. Interviews with 1990's producers are featured.

Tracklistings
All tracks written and produced by Indigo Peak except where noted

Critical Reception
In a pre-release review for the album, NME writer Becky Rogers said "this album is a journey in nostalgia for anyone who misses a good old fashioned dancefloor" adding " this is everything you'd expect to take away from an Indigo Peak album yet everything else you might not."

Trivia

 * This is the second time Indigo Peak have collaborated with Alesha, the first being 2009's 'Filthy Preacher'/'Shoot To Kill'. In addition, Indigo Peak sampled Alesha single 'The Hunted' on their 2011 single 'Love Is Violence'.
 * Although writing/producing music for Emily Henning previously, this marks their first musical collaboration.
 * The duo have previously collaborated with Shell Ruin on 'Arcadium' album cut 'Dub Me To Hell'. As well as 'The Devil Below', which served as a bside to 'Red Raw'.
 * Indigo Peak have recorded with Jack Stevens three times. The first being their single 'Electric Eccentric' and the second being 'Hunter/Prey' album cut 'The Stars'.
 * Yannik Cassenove began dating popstar Justyce (real name Justyn Wolfe) during their recording sessions.
 * Lena Moskalyova is the lead singer of Neoncity. The band stated in a 2020 interview that Indigo Peak had inspired their creation.