Arcadia was a British supergroup formed in 1985, consisting of three members of the iconic new wave band Duran Duran. The band comprised of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor. The group's name was inspired by David Bowie's dystopian film 'The Hunger,' in which Catherine Deneuve's character, Miriam Blaylock, owns an Art Deco nightclub named Arcadia. After five years of success with Duran Duran, Simon Le Bon and his bandmates decided to branch out and experiment with a new sound, which gave birth to Arcadia.
Arcadia's unique sound was a departure from the upbeat, danceable tunes the three had received over the years with Duran Duran. Instead, they leaned towards a more atmospheric, introspective sound that incorporated a variety of styles ranging from jazz, funk, and rock to new wave and electronica.
The trio's debut album, So Red the Rose, was released in 1985 and was met with critical and commercial success. The album's lead single, "Election Day," became a massive hit in the UK, Europe, and the US, charting in the Billboard Hot 100.
The band's music videos of their songs were also a significant part of their appeal. They used this medium as an opportunity to showcase their artistic and creative abilities. In videos like "Election Day" and "The Flame," they utilized Art Deco-inspired visuals that aligned with their musical style.
Arcadia demonstrated that Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor were capable of producing outstanding music even when stepping away from their original band. It proved that their talents extended beyond the contemporary pop-rock sound that Duran Duran had been known for.
However, Arcadia was a short-lived experiment, lasting only for a brief period. The members eventually went on to resume their work with Duran Duran, rejuvenated by their experience with Arcadia.
In conclusion, Arcadia showcased the musical prowess and artistic abilities of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor, and their willingness to branch out even further into their artistic experiments. Even though the band was short-lived, the music they created has left a lasting imprint on the pop music scene of the 1980s. For the band members, Arcadia was a significant moment in their journey, which offered something new to the audience and helped them grow as musicians.
Arcadia So Red The Rose £8.65 plus shipping and customs CD - Emi Records Release date: 23/Feb/2004 Delivery to US in 18-22 workdays (ordered) Arcadia Arcadia £17.57 plus shipping and customs LP - Electric Valley Release date: 20/Jun/2025 Delivery to US in 5-9 workdays (in stock) |