Author: Ritualcontrol

Three weeks ago, John Foxx announced a new compilation LP titled “No One Driving,” which gathers all the singles, B-sides, and related tracks from the “Metamatic” era on vinyl. Set for release on September 12, 2025, it features a nostalgic design reminiscent of 1981’s Canadian compilation. Foxx will also host in-store signings across various UK locations. In conjunction with this, a limited edition “Metamatic” T-shirt is available, appealing to dedicated fans. Is nostalgia the driving force behind the revival of vinyl releases and merchandise like the T-shirt, or is it a sign of a larger trend in the music industry…

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Alfa Pentatonik, originally formed as Pentatonik in 2002, is set to release their second EP in the Gamma series, titled Gamma II, on July 18. Featuring the single "Kone yskil," the new release blends heavy guitars and dark vocals with dance beats and intense synths. The EP sees contributions from Harri Hytönen and Sami Lindqvist, enhancing its diverse sound. With members active in various other metal projects, the band’s evolution promises to intrigue fans of the genre. Given the incorporation of dance elements into their sound, how do you think the fusion of industrial metal and electronic music affects genre…

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Hiiro Issiki, aka Jigga, creates a sensory journey in music that melds ambient introspection, industrial techno, and cinematic depth, reflecting the complexities of modern existence. His latest album, Tannins, features six tracks, each a fragment of existential exploration—from the clashing traditions of "Out Of The Blue" to the haunting decay in "Sabi." With a brilliant balance of conceptual depth and raw emotion, Issiki invites listeners to navigate through blurred memories and unending echoes. As we immerse ourselves in such profound sounds, how can musical experiences like Issiki’s reshape our understanding of both personal and collective human emotions in today’s hyperstimulated…

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Il gruppo Cosmetic è un esempio di coerenza artistica nel panorama indie rock, con Bart e Alien al centro della scena. Alien, che è diventata bassista dopo la sua esperienza come vocalist, descrive il suo passaggio alla musica come un’avventura inaspettata, cimentandosi con strumenti e creando un suono unico. Con la sua predilezione per il fuzz e l’influenza di band come i My Bloody Valentine, il loro album “Plastergaze” incarna il perfetto equilibrio tra melodie eteree e ritmi robusti. Quali sfide pensi che incontrano le band emergenti nel trovare la loro identità sonora in un panorama musicale così affollato? Read…

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Los Angeles synthwave and dark electro group Sleek Teeth has released a new single titled “Same,” following their self-titled EP. The song explores themes of human degeneration and societal discord, highlighted by lyrics like “We see the same signs” and “Commit the same crimes anyway.” Its music video, co-produced by the band, features direction and photography by Adrian Stucker. Released on June 24, “Same” is available on Bandcamp and Spotify. The band is set to perform upcoming shows in L.A. and San Antonio, including a Halloween gig in San Francisco with ADULT. and Still Ruins. Given the song’s themes, how…

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“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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