Fever Ray has announced a live album titled The Year of the Radical Romantics, encapsulating the essence of the “There’s No Place I’d Rather Be Tour,” which supports their 2023 album Radical Romantics. This project features live recordings with a talented ensemble, blending songs from both Radical Romantics and 2017’s Plunge. Accompanying the album is a book that explores character sketches and insights into the creative journey behind this new era, emphasizing the narrative depth and artistry that Fever Ray brings to their work. The album, set for release on July 25 via Mute Records, is available for pre-order and…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Philip King, known for his role as the bassist of Lush and touring member of The Jesus and Mary Chain, has turned his focus to curating musical history with the release of his double-album compilation, All the Young Droids: Junkshop Synth Pop 1978-1985. This collection highlights the innovative DIY electronic music that emerged alongside the punk movement, featuring 24 tracks that embraced home recording techniques and affordable synthesizers, yet often went unnoticed in a competitive industry. Remastered from old vinyl and enriched with King’s liner notes, the album illustrates the concept of "beautiful failure," merging the definitions of junk and…
Chicago’s avant-garde outfit Kaput has unveiled Relative Traumas, a pocket-sized poetry chapbook by co-founder Nadia Garofalo. Edited by Candice Louisa Daquin, it explores deep themes of grief and love, enhanced by artwork from various collaborators and a striking foreword by Leah Brundige. Garofalo, a prominent figure in Chicago’s art scene, has previously partnered with bands like Ganser and Heavy Feelings, showcasing her multifaceted artistic talents across music and film. What do you think the intersection of poetry and music reveals about the themes of grief and love, especially in the context of contemporary art? Read the Full Article
Independent Project Records is releasing Jeffrey Runnings’ poignant posthumous album “Piqued,” crafted with an analog 8-track home studio, just before his untimely passing due to cancer. The album blends rich sonic textures reminiscent of the late 60s and post-Punk, weaving together introspective melodies and minimal lyrics. Songs like “Batman Forever” and “Elegy” encapsulate Runnings’ journey with both beauty and dignity, while the bonus tracks offer a nostalgic glimpse into his earlier works. As we explore the raw emotions reflected in “Piqued,” it raises an intriguing question: How does an artist’s personal struggle with mortality shape their creative output, and what…
FÏX8:SËD8 has debuted their hard-hitting single “New Eden,” from the upcoming album “Octagram,” set for release on October 3, 2025. The album features eight tracks, each approximately eight minutes long, and explores themes of infinity and the influence of organized religion. With progressive elements, diverse vocals, and polyrhythmic experimentation, “Octagram” builds on the band’s established dark electro sound while expanding their musical boundaries. What do you think the significance of the number eight is in this context, especially regarding concepts of infinity and control within organized religion? Read the Full Article
Galya Bisengalieva, a Kazakh composer and virtuoso violinist, challenges musical boundaries with her innovative work. Following her haunting album Polygon, which reflects on the dark history of Kazakhstan’s Semipalatinsk Test Site, she unveils Polygon Reflections—a collaborative reimagining featuring a diverse group of contemporary artists. This project not only deepens the historical narrative but also transforms it into a dynamic soundscape that intertwines personal and cultural memories. As we contemplate the themes of history and identity in her music, how can art serve as a powerful tool for reexamining and healing collective traumas? Read the Full Article
Raven Black returns with a hauntingly theatrical music video for “This Little Piggy,” directed by Oskar Alvarado. The animated spectacle blends horror and humor into a visceral anthem for outcasts and misfits, showcasing the band’s signature macabre style. This release serves as the fourth single from their upcoming album Black Sonata, produced by Grammy-nominated Ulrich Wild, set to drop on September 12. Pre-orders are available now, following their previous singles “Fxck You,” “Burn,” and “Death Waltz.” What themes of outsider identity and societal rejection do you think the band explores through their music and visuals, and how do you believe…
Front Line Assembly released Caustic Grip 35 years ago, marking a pivotal moment in their evolution with Rhys Fulber’s full integration into the band. This album, which includes iconic tracks like “Iceolate” and “Resist,” was originally launched in 1990 and is now being reissued on vinyl to celebrate its anniversary. Fans can look forward to purchasing bundles featuring exclusive items, and the band is gearing up for the Industrial Nation 2025 Tour, showcasing classics from their WaxTrax! era. With ongoing solo projects from lead members, the legacy of FLA continues to expand. Given the longevity and influence of Caustic Grip,…
Pierre and Romain Audoynaud, alongside their sister Charlotte, fuse music, spoken word, and visual art into a dreamlike experience. Their debut album, Hyperboréen, transports listeners to an imagined North, where classical instruments meld with electronic soundscapes, crafting an ethereal atmosphere. Live performances translate these intricate layers into unique rituals infused with improvisation and immersive visuals. What do you think is the impact of blending various artistic forms—like music, poetry, and visual art—on the emotional experience of an audience? Read the Full Article
Summary: The review of "Shades of Life" by The Bleak Picture describes it as a melodic death-doom album that, while drawing on familiar influences from key genres, struggles with monotony in its songwriting. The album’s strengths lie in its heavy riffs and emotional weight, especially in standout tracks like "Silent Exit." However, it falls short of delivering a truly innovative experience, ultimately feeling like a pastiche of established sounds rather than a fresh contribution to the genre. Discussion Prompt: What elements of innovation do you believe are essential for an album to stand out in an established genre like melodic…