Author: Ritualcontrol

Album Review Summary: Claudia Brücken’s Night Mirror Claudia Brücken’s Night Mirror, released on July 4, 2025, marks her fourth solo venture and showcases a fresh eclectic sound that builds on her storied career as the former lead vocalist of Propaganda. Co-produced with John Williams, the album introduces a rich sonic landscape, blending elements like acoustic guitars and banjo against the backdrop of classic synth motifs. Thematically, Brücken dives deep into resilience and the complexities of love and memory. Standout tracks explore both introspective moments and dancefloor energy, culminating in the poignant “To Be Loved,” where she withdraws vocally for a…

Sam Rosenthal, the electronic composer behind the darkwave project Black Tape For a Blue Girl and the founder of Projekt Records, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his minimal synth album Islands. He’s running a Kickstarter campaign to remix the album, which was initially recorded at his parents’ house. Collaborating with guest artists, this release offers a glimpse into Rosenthal’s evolving sound. Having previously conducted multiple crowdfunding projects, he is now offering various formats, including vinyl and cassette. As of now, the campaign is 59% towards its $6,000 goal. Here’s a thought-provoking question: How do you think the evolution of…

Since 2022, TimeMachine1985 has captivated audiences with its unique blend of nostalgic synthwave and contemporary themes, highlighted in their new single “Perfect Girl, Wrong World,” featuring vocalist Jessie Frye. This track delves into the juxtaposition of personal hope and disillusionment, set against the duo’s hallmark pulsating sound. The band previously gained recognition with a synthwave cover of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” which reached the top 10 on French radio in 2023. What does the combination of retro sounds with modern dilemmas reveal about the way we approach nostalgia and current emotional struggles in music today? Read the Full Article

Founded in 2008 by Richie Londres, Sol Invicto defies mainstream musical boundaries, recently releasing their new single “Initium,” originally penned in 2011. This 21-minute track combines dense industrial sounds with drum & bass and electronic structures, now available after being exclusive to fans. The release is dedicated to Jack, a special fan who found joy in the music, illustrating its profound impact. Featuring contributions from notable artists like Zach Hill and Stephen Carpenter, “Initium” emphasizes a deeper purpose in art—creating connections that heal and transform. What does it mean for music to serve a higher calling, and how can such…

“Beyond” by London’s These Sleeping Hands is a mesmerizing shoegazing track that captivates with its rich textures and bursts of patterns, making it a must-play. The album “Only When I Sleep” holds much allure, but the hypnotic nature of “Beyond” leaves one wanting to explore its depths without distraction. What is it about certain tracks that creates such a compelling fixation, making us desire to replay them endlessly? Read the Full Article

Deaf Club is set to release their second album, We Demand a Permanent State of Happiness, showcasing their evolution in songwriting while maintaining their hardcore punk energy. Led by the single "Nihilism For Dummies," the album builds on their debut Productive Disruption and features a more refined sound. Available for pre-order in various formats, it promises a mix of aggression and catchy hooks, continuing their critical stance toward modern society. What do you think the balance between energetic punk and polished songwriting says about the evolution of hardcore music in today’s landscape? Read the Full Article

Vlimmer, the post-punk project of Alexander Leonard Donat, has released a new single titled “Gleichbau,” accompanied by a German cover of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World.” The track explores themes of human connection and the inevitable changes time brings, with a blend of driving drum machines and evocative synths. Donat’s rendition of “Ordinary World” retains the original’s sentimentality while infusing it with rich bass and shimmering synths, creating a nostalgic yet fresh interpretation. The interplay between “Gleichbau” and “Ordinary World” raises poignant questions about the transient nature of relationships and what remains as we move through life. How does the idea…

Los Angeles electro and darkwave duo Hallows is gearing up for their third album release with the unveiling of their new single, “Regret.” Sung entirely in French, the track features classic 909 beats and a powerful bassline, reflecting the band’s roots in acid techno and electropunk. Lyrically, it serves as a rebellion anthem filled with discontent about the state of the world, drawing inspiration from Vincent Cassel’s performance in La Haine. Produced by Matia Simovich, the song was released on June 26, accompanied by a visually striking video directed by Alissa Wyle. “Regret” is the third single from Hallows, following…

Nuda and Bess have united as Alt Belle Collab (ABC) to deliver a powerful rendition of Nitzer Ebb’s “Join in the Chant,” infusing it with dark electro elements to protest current U.S. policies and combat misogyny within the electro/industrial scene. Although production was completed prior to the passing of vocalist Douglas J. McCarthy on June 11, the release now serves as a tribute to his legacy and the fight against the alt-right. This single is ABC’s inaugural release, following several earlier projects and accolades. What impact do you think tributes like this have on the music scene’s ability to address…

Blind Equation has released the music video for "Flashback," the second single from their upcoming album A Funeral in Purgatory, which explores the desire to relive life’s peak moments amidst the pain of knowing they may never return. Key songwriter James McHenry, who produced the album, emphasizes a blend of brutality and emotional depth, with contributions from Texas trancecore artist Strawberry Hospital enhancing the track. The album, slated for release on July 18 via Prosthetic Records, is described as the band’s heaviest yet, featuring collaboration with artist Johnnascus. As Blind Equation prepares for their upcoming tour and performances, it raises…