Yop’s “In Vile Viciousness” is a striking synth-driven post-punk EP that echoes the sounds of iconic bands like Joy Division and Bauhaus. Hailing from Ballina, Ireland, this two-piece delivers a robust four-track experience reminiscent of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Each song flows with darkwave elements and classic post-punk energy, utilizing drum machines and atmospheric effects to tap into a nostalgic sound while maintaining a modern edge. The craftsmanship showcased here hints at their potential breakout if the post-punk resurgence continues. The interplay of nostalgic sounds and contemporary execution raises an interesting question: How do you think today’s post-punk…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Mandy, Indiana has unveiled their new music video for "Cursive," which offers a shift towards techno influences compared to their earlier single, "Magazine." This track highlights collaborative creativity within the band, featuring rhythmic contributions from drummer Alex MacDougall and synth player Simon Catling, while vocalist Valentine Caulfield’s bilingual lyrics dive into profound themes. The album, URGH, set for release on February 6, includes 10 tracks produced alongside Daniel Fox and reflects a tumultuous world through its content. As they prepare for a tour across Europe, the band’s evolution is clear. Thought-Provoking Question: How do you think the blend of different…
In 2025, Kenzi Hale released nine singles from her FIRES project and collaborated with Danny Rendo on three singles from Someone Else’s Reflection. While FIRES was known for its emotionally charged content, Hale has transitioned to a new artistic identity, Dead Celebrity, marked by the single “RAW.” This shift introduces a more confrontational and energetic style, contrasting sharply with the vulnerability of FIRES, which she describes as “cutting your heart out with a knife.” She remains open to revisiting FIRES in the future but feels the need to explore new emotional landscapes for now. What do you think drives an…
Summary of 2025 Buying Stats and Top Albums In 2025, music purchases decreased significantly, with 153 titles bought for $966.65, marking a 21% reduction in spending compared to 2024. The average cost per title rose slightly to $6.31. The breakdown of formats included 53 CDs, 76 downloads, and 20 vinyl records, alongside a few Blu-Rays, DVDs, and cassettes. The record market, faced with limited releases and rising prices, posed challenges for finding desirable titles, particularly in preferred formats like vinyl and CDs. Notable albums of the year included: Nostalgia Deathstar: They Kill The Flame – A blend of anger and…
Masonique has released a new music video for "Rearview Mirror," a tribute to their late bandmate Keith Martinez, highlighting his contributions as a musician and visual artist. This video continues the thematic journey from their prior work and reflects on the challenges of an absurd year. Their album As the World Burns, launched in June 2024, has allowed them to focus on live performances since its release, featuring Martinez as a crucial member. Given the band’s poignant dedication and exploration of loss through music, how do you think art can help individuals process grief and celebrate the lives of those…
Josh Loughrey celebrates a decade of his gothic electro project Doors in the Labyrinth with the release of Catalyst, a collection of demo tracks from 2015. This anthology features 13 songs that laid the groundwork for his 2016 EP, showcasing Loughrey’s evolution as an artist. While some tracks were performed live and shared with fans, others represent more improvisational beginnings. Released today as a name-your-price item on Bandcamp, Catalyst acts as a historical document, allowing listeners to appreciate the raw origins of Loughrey’s music. Given the significance of this retrospective release, one could ponder: how do early demos shape an…
After disbanding Cobrakill in late 2024, guitarist Randy White shifted to a darker sound with his new band, Atomic Assassins, focusing on industrialized nü-metal. The band, featuring vocalist Damon Ryder, bassist Morbid, and drummer Sinister Nevermore, draws inspiration from acts like BILE and Rammstein. Their debut EP, "Damage Control," is set for release on February 14, 2026, with the single "Killing Time" already available on streaming platforms. Discussion Prompt: How do you think the transition from glam metal to industrial nü-metal reflects the evolving landscape of rock music, and what does it say about the current cultural influences on new…
In 2025, the author reflects on a year filled with personal renovation projects and the ambitious goal of downsizing their extensive CD collection. The rise of digital downloads has transformed their music consumption; they now juggle physical and digital formats and take advantage of music streaming. Concert attendance soared in the latter half of the year, with notable performances from bucket list acts like Peter Godwin and DEVO, underscoring a connection between music and personal joy amid tumultuous times. Given this mix of nostalgia and new experiences, it raises the question: How do our evolving music preferences reflect our personal…
ReGen Magazine kicks off 2026 with a hopeful message amidst global strife, emphasizing the power of music and the arts for solace. The first Weekly Update highlights recent album reviews, news about emerging artists, and interviews with notable figures in the underground scene. While new merch is delayed, there’s excitement about upcoming projects and a commitment to engaging the community more deeply. Curiously, in an industry often defined by rapid shifts, how do you think the evolving landscape of music and art reflect societal changes? Read the Full Article
Nick SoLow and Alice Taylor have unveiled their debut album as Krimea, titled Are You Human?, set for release in early 2026. The album is influenced by their shared passion for ’80s synthpop and modern post-punk, with production by William Benedetti. They’ve teased the album with two singles: “This Pleasure,” reflecting SoLow’s personal turmoil during the pandemic, and “Die-Monds,” critiquing the superficial allure of wealth. Both singles are currently available on streaming platforms. Given the themes of societal reflection and superficiality in their music, how do you think this duality will resonate with audiences in an increasingly individualistic world? Read…