Author: Ritualcontrol

“The Names” unveil “Swimming With Brian Jones,” a haunting single from their upcoming album “Encore!” that blends post-punk and new wave influences. This track serves as a metaphorical dive into memory and the passage of time, inviting listeners to ponder their connection to the iconic Brian Jones. The EP features a poignant original version, a dreamy remix, and a live rendition, all encapsulated in a visually arresting black-and-white video filmed on a Belgian beach. What does “swimming with Brian Jones” symbolize in your personal reflections on legacy and memory, and how do we reconcile our nostalgia for lost icons in…

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The author reflects on a collection of tour shirts that once belonged to them, detailing their emotional significance and the memories tied to various concerts. From The Cramps’ “Stay Sick!” to Dick Dale’s unforgettable performance, each shirt represents a moment, a connection to music and culture, and the bittersweet necessity of letting go due to space constraints. The posts capture nostalgia for live music and the personal impact these experiences left behind. ### Thought-Provoking Question: How do our physical mementos, like tour shirts, shape our memories of experiences, and what do we lose when we part with them? Read the…

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Human Impact has released a music video for "Collapse," the lead track from their album Gone Dark, filmed during their live show at Petit Bain in Paris. The video, produced by Mariexxme, showcases the band’s electrifying performance and combines past live footage to amplify the intensity of their sound. Critics have likened the album to "your soundtrack to the revolution," tackling themes of resistance against corruption and authority. Gone Dark, available across digital, CD, and vinyl formats from Ipecac Recordings, was co-produced by Chris Spencer, Jim Coleman, and engineered by Andrew Schneider. How does the raw energy captured in live…

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Casual Smart: "Cranes" Single Summary Cardiff’s Casual Smart has released "Cranes," a vibrant blend of anti-folk and bedroom rock, featuring lush piano arpeggios, textural guitar tones, and driving drums. The track showcases a captivating and dynamic sound reminiscent of Black Country New Road, combined with introspective storytelling. It evolves from a serene opening to a powerful climax, marrying emotional depth with a DIY ethos. Pianist/vocalist Peter Martin highlights its themes of love and place, marking it as a significant step in their musical journey. Discussion Point: How do the themes of love and connection to place influence your perception of…

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LA-based alt-rock collective Beauty In Chaos has released ‘Made Of Rain (Almost Acoustic),’ showcasing the talents of Ashton Nyte and Whitney Tai from their latest album, Signs In The Heavens Reality Upside Down. Founded by guitarist Michael Ciravolo and producer Michael Rozon, the collective aims to create music that embodies resilience and hope, a theme echoed by Nyte’s reflections on the song. Tai further describes the accompanying video as a mystical experience celebrating friendship and artistic expression. With the intersections of hope, resilience, and artistic collaboration, how might music serve as a conduit for emotional healing in our lives? Read…

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The latest single from Warm Gadget’s Sorrows album, titled "Debutante," features Page Hamilton from Helmet on vocals and guitar, showcasing the band’s industrial/metal sound. Released on July 25, the maxi-single includes remixes from notable artists within the genre, such as Fact Pattern and Lament Cityscape. ReGen’s Lucia Z. Liner praised the track for its catchy hooks and powerful riffs without leaning into self-parody. Sorrows dropped on October 4 and is available in digital and CD formats. What impact do you think the collaboration with well-known artists like Page Hamilton has on the identity and appeal of a band like Warm…

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In a recent interview with ReGen Magazine, John Alexander Ericson of the Swedish synthpop duo The Northern Territories discusses their long-awaited return with the new album, A Star in Orbit Still. After 25 years, Ericson and collaborator Stefan Sääf reveal how their enduring friendship and creative synergy made their reunion feel both natural and necessary. The album blends nostalgic elements of their earlier work with contemporary influences, reflecting themes of personal and global observations. Additionally, they aim to bring humor into their creative process and have included a few notable covers in the deluxe edition. With positive responses from fans…

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Wisp has officially announced her debut album, If Not Winter, set to release on August 1st under Interscope, alongside a headlining international tour in 2025. The album is described as a "hero’s mission," filled with themes of exploration and magic, while her latest single "Save Me Now" has a lyric video available for viewing. The tour kicks off on August 22nd in Washington, DC, with stops in major cities across North America and Europe. As Wisp embarks on this exciting new chapter, how do you think her experiences and journey will shape the sound and themes of her debut album?…

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Thalie Némésis’s EP Catarsi Apotropaica is a defiant soundscape reflecting the chaos of today’s world, blending militaristic rhythms with deep bass and Eastern influences. Tracks like "A Barbaric Language" and "A Demi-Mots" explore themes of resistance and impending doom through potent lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. The music serves as a powerful commentary on our times, merging elements of Greek and Armenian traditions into a hauntingly modern narrative. Given the EP’s exploration of existential themes through diverse musical influences, how do you think art can serve as both a reflection of and a response to societal turmoil? Read the Full Article

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On June 21, Chicago darkwave act Lunar Paths released the Consequences EP, featuring collaborative tracks with Irish post-punk band pMad and Australia’s Killtoys. The project is inspired by the parlor game "Exquisite Corpses," where the bands created songs around shared percussion tracks. The EP includes two new collaborative tracks and the previously released single "Zero Trust Mentality." This initiative led to a total of nine tracks that will also be part of the upcoming Exquisite Corpses album, set to release in early August. Given this innovative approach to collaboration, how do you think the practice of sharing isolated musical elements,…

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