Jamie Blacker has been active since his last full album, “Electronic Substance Abuse,” focusing on standalone singles. He’s now set to release “Sounds For Your Happiness,” featuring the single “Pound of Flesh.” The album has 12 tracks over 75 minutes, tackling deep emotional themes such as rage and isolation, with listeners referred to as “happiness clients.” Mastered by Stephan Sutor, it follows his 2022 project “Designer Carnage” and is set for release on July 5 via Negative Gain Productions. ESA will also perform in Italy and France this summer. Given the emotional depth explored in this upcoming album, how do…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Apoptygma Berzerk is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic single “Kathy’s Song (Come Lie Next to Me)” with a digital reissue of the original maxi-single, originally released in 2000. This marks a significant milestone in their evolution from electro/EBM to a more melodic futurepop sound. The reissue, set for June 12, features celebrated remixes, including those by Beborn Beton and VNV Nation. In addition to this, frontman Stephan L. Groth has been busy with various projects, including the recent "Music For Cars EP" and the compilation "An Introduction to Pitch Black Drive," highlighting diverse acts from his label. Discussion…
New Hampshire’s dreampop and alt-rock band Replaced By Robots recently released a new single and video for "Since You Broke My Ouija Board," a track from their EP, The Experiment, which reflects a heartfelt exploration of grief after vocalist Heather Joy Morgan’s Ouija board was broken. This incident serves as a metaphor for longing and connection, with praise given to guitarist/drummer Adam Wade for his contributions. The EP, produced by notable figures like Paul Kolderie and Josh Hager, marks the band’s evolution from their previous incarnation, Lovesick. What do you think about how personal experiences, like the broken Ouija board,…
Summary: The Young Gods return with "Appear Disappear," their first album of original material since 2019, marking a powerful and tumultuous comeback. Embracing their roots, the Swiss sample-rockers deliver hard-hitting tracks that reflect contemporary struggles, blending tribal beats with bold riffs. The album navigates themes of resistance, warfare, and self-discovery, transitioning from frenetic energy to contemplative calm. As they celebrate their 40th anniversary, their enduring vigor suggests that they are far from fading away. Discussion Prompt: Given the Young Gods’ ability to adapt their sound while maintaining their core identity, how do you think such evolution impacts the longevity of…
W.A.S.T.E. drummer Vanessa E, known as Vanessa Saw, returns with her full-length debut album Exorcism under her project Ratio Strain after a year-and-a-half hiatus. The album features the lead single "Liberosis" and includes the previously released track "Liminal," delving into the struggle of confronting inner demons and the choice between fighting or accepting one’s fate. Set for release on July 25 via Negative Gain Productions, the album showcases Vanessa E’s talent both in performance and production, with mastering by David Christian. What aspects of our inner struggles resonate most with you when it comes to the balance between fighting our…
As summer approaches, the anticipation for autumn—the prime season for shoegaze—grows. The updated Spotify and Apple Music playlist “Shoegaze 2025” showcases standout tracks, including the hauntingly nihilistic “Camp Blu” featuring Mogy, and KennyHoopla’s catchy “Ashes to Ashes.” Other notable additions span diverse sounds, from dreamy pop to introspective indie rock, encapsulating the varied emotions of the genre. Given the eclectic mix of artists and styles, how do you think the evolving sound of shoegaze reflects the emotional landscape of contemporary listeners? Read the Full Article
Orphx: Three Decades of Rhythm and Noise pays homage to the influential Canadian industrial duo Orphx, celebrating their evolution and impact over more than thirty years. Co-authored by Ximo Noguera and Albert Freeman, the book chronicles their journey from their raw beginnings in the 1990s to their current status as pioneers in dark and experimental electronic music. It explores their unique sound, influenced by industrial rhythms and noise, and reflects on their ability to reinvent themselves while remaining relevant in a dynamic genre. Featuring contributions from notable artists and exclusive interviews, it’s a must-read for fans and anyone interested in…
Summary: Andrew Krivine’s Reversing Into The Future – New Wave Graphics 1977-1990 explores the vibrant universe of New Wave music and its visual culture. The book is meticulously organized by band names, offering insights from influential designers and academics. It emphasizes the playful and intelligent nature of New Wave, drawing distinctions from punk’s energy and angst. Featuring artists from the UK and US, the book highlights how labels like Stiff Records and innovative design efforts played pivotal roles in shaping the movement. Discussion Prompt: How do you think the visual identity of music genres, such as New Wave, influences their…
Birmingham goth/rock duo Black Rose Moves will debut their Death Dance EP on June 13, featuring tracks like “Summer of Sorrow,” “Jessica,” “Shadow Dance,” and “Lips Taste Blood.” The EP draws from darkwave influences, inviting listeners on a captivating journey. Notably, it will not include their earlier single “Ghost Town.” They will perform alongside goth legends Gene Loves Jezebel on June 27, with additional shows to follow. As an emerging band in the darkwave scene, how do you think their unique blend of influences can shape the future of goth music? Read the Full Article
In a recent YouTube exploration, I came across three intriguing tracks: Forty Winks – Liadfh: A mix of fuzzy, distorted guitars and ethereal vocals from the US band’s new EP Love Is a Dog From Hell. The standout track, “Commie Boyfriend,” is also worth a listen. Slowwves – Evangeline: A Cocteau Twins-inspired shoegaze piece featuring fellow Thai band Death Of Heather, blending fragility with noise. Featured on their album Perfect Evasion. Subsonic Eye – Aku Cemas: This indiepop/dreampop gem mixes Malay and English lyrics, part of the upcoming album Singapore Dreaming, set to release in June 2025. These tracks showcase…