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,…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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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…
Unforgiven Thoughts by Spite Cathedral is an experimental dive into a haunting sonic landscape, blending industrial, noise, drone, and post-apocalyptic elements. From the outset, the album conjures an unsettling atmosphere, mixing harsh mechanical sounds with ethereal melodies to evoke a sense of controlled chaos. Each track offers a distinct experience while contributing to the cohesive dark and futuristic aesthetic, with meticulous production that immerses the listener in a surreal dystopia. How do you think Spite Cathedral’s fusion of various genres influences the emotional impact of the album, and what does that say about the role of sound in conveying complex…
Sacred Bones Records has announced Marissa Nadler’s latest album, New Radiations, set for release on August 15. The title track’s music video, directed by Nadler, depicts a journey from icy depression to clarity, featuring a collage of her own artistic works. Collaborating with artist Jenni Hensler, the video blends digital and analog techniques to evoke a dreamlike state. The single showcases longtime collaborator Milky Burgess on electric guitar and synths, while Randall Dunn handled mixing. Available for pre-order, New Radiations follows Nadler’s previous works from 2021 and 2022. What does the blending of personal art and music in Nadler’s work…