Montréal’s indie rock and synth-pop outfit TOPS usher in the world of their upcoming album Bury the Key with the release of their latest single “Chlorine” (May 2025). Effortlessly blending classic ’80s synth-pop textures with emotionally rich lyricism, the band crafts a retro-modern atmosphere that feels both meticulously curated and deeply personal.
🌸 Why It Strikes a Chord
1980s Grace, Reimagined
With sleek synth lines and minimal but kinetic arrangements, “Chlorine” channels vintage electronica and pop-rock elements without falling into imitation. It’s nostalgic—but never stale. There’s a polished freshness that lingers just beneath the retro glow.
Emotional Vulnerability
Vocalist Jane Penny shares the story behind the song:
“I was hanging out at the bar, hoping to see someone I knew was bad for me... Both alcohol and chlorine are poison. I kept getting close to people who hurt me—but I still loved them all.”
That tension—between longing and decay, between desire and self-awareness—gives “Chlorine” its heartbreaking depth. It’s a portrait of romantic intoxication, painted with delicate honesty.
🎧 Musical Highlights
Vocal Delivery: Jane Penny’s shimmering, melancholic vocals nestle perfectly within the song’s velvety synthscape.
Production: Self-produced by the band, the track balances restraint and intricacy—every synth flourish feels deliberate, every silence meaningful.
Sound Design: Retro synth riffs dance over crisp basslines and soft, brushed drum grooves, offering a dreamy homage to the ’80s with a modern clarity.
🔍 Context & Pre-Release Energy
The Album: Bury the Key is due out August 22, 2025, via Ghostly International—marking the band’s first release on the label.
Evolution of Sound: As a follow-up to 2020’s I Feel Alive, this album leans into darker, more cinematic tones, while maintaining TOPS’s signature “soft-focus” clarity.
Industry Buzz: According to BrooklynVegan’s May 28 announcement, “Chlorine” reinforces the band’s mastery of retro-pop aesthetics.
🎯 Why It Stands Out
Relatable Complexity: The song explores the universal paradox of knowingly gravitating toward what hurts us—rendered with elegance rather than melodrama.
Aesthetic Finesse: Minimal yet textural, the production leans on vintage synth-pop motifs while sounding entirely of the now.
Emotional Precision: Jane Penny’s performance delivers a kind of subdued devastation—beautifully warm and quietly aching.
🎧 Final Thoughts
“Chlorine” is a shimmering confrontation with the toxicity of love—wrapped in the satin glow of ’80s synth-pop. As it examines themes of emotional self-sabotage and longing, the track offers both sonic nostalgia and lyrical poignancy. It sets the stage for Bury the Key as one of the most refined and emotionally resonant indie-pop releases of 2025.
