Summary: In an interview with Chris Letourneau, David “Wolfie” Wolfenden of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry reflects on the band’s evolution from the post-punk scene of the ’80s to their upcoming final studio album, Strange Kind of Paradise. Formed in 1981, the band has faced a tumultuous history, including lineup changes and a significant hiatus. After reforming in 2003, they revived their sound and recently signed with COP International, releasing new material after over 20 years. Wolfie discusses the creative process behind the new album and the challenges of navigating the modern music landscape influenced by social media and streaming. He…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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The writer reflects on a nostalgic night with their friend, The RAHB, at The Grey Eagle, watching EXTC—a band featuring former XTC drummer Terry Chambers—perform live. The concert showcased numerous classics from XTC’s catalog, allowing fans to enjoy songs that had never been played live before. Despite concerns over the lack of original vocals from Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, the performance delivered a satisfying blend of deep cuts and hits, with exceptional drumming anchoring the show. The atmosphere was festive, with a good-sized crowd and quality sound. This experience highlights the enduring impact of music from formative years, especially…
Intrusive Pinky is set to release their new EP, Darkness, on June 2 through Les Disques de la Pantoufle. The Long Beach duo, Jacqueline and Diana, continues their electropunk exploration with a carefree attitude, minimal overdubs, and modular synths. The EP’s first two tracks, "Future Crusher" and "Hoops On Fire," are already available for streaming, and the title track features lyrics inspired by an 1816 poem by Lord Byron, addressing themes of climate change and cultural decay. Their debut, I Hate You, Patriarch Fuck!, has drawn positive reviews for its raw, energetic production. Given the blend of historical references and…
Statiqbloom, evolving since 2014, began as a solo project before becoming a duo that explored electro-industrial and EBM sounds infused with contemporary influences. After a hiatus, the project reverted to solo under Fade Kainer, delving into the Berlin-inspired techno-industrial scene. Their upcoming self-released album, Bled From All Sides, showcases a darker phase in its evolution, merging tracks from various compilations that highlight a gritty, hypnotic aesthetic. As Statiqbloom continues to redefine its sound, one has to wonder: How do you think the interplay of past influences and current trends shapes the trajectory of electronic music projects like Statiqbloom? Read the…
Sam Grundemann concludes her Twisted Frames series with the release of "How to Be a Serial Killer," a single from Staytus inspired by the 2008 film. The song explores buried emotional pain and the darkest thoughts we often keep unspoken, offering a cathartic performance. Produced by Matt McJunkins, it’s available on major streaming platforms and features a music video premiering June 12. Alongside previous singles like "68 Kill" and "Suburban Gothic," this track serves as the fourth and final entry in the series. Question for discussion: How do you think the metaphors of horror can effectively convey complex emotional experiences…
The final show of the shoegaze festival "In A State Of Flux" takes place at Arci Bellezza in Milan on May 31, 2025, featuring headliners Mondaze, known for their emotional new album Linger. The lineup also includes Heaven Or Las Vegas, with their cutting Italian indie rock, and the dark, melancholic post-punk band Grace Cale. While some may be distracted by the Champions League final, true shoegaze enthusiasts will choose the layered sounds of this festival instead. As the influence of genres like shoegaze continues to evolve, what do you think draws listeners to its introspective sound over the high-energy…
Rule of Two’s latest single “Dolores,” set to release on May 30, explores themes of self-doubt and manipulation, illustrated through an animated video that portrays a woman confronting her inner and outer demons. This track is the fourth single from their upcoming debut album, following others like “Beats of Failure” and “Speechless.” Since their formation in 2024, they’ve delivered multiple singles and EPs, with “Echoes” being their most recent release. The band is gearing up for live performances across Norway this fall. How do you think the themes of self-doubt and inner conflict resonate with listeners in today’s society, where…
Scenius, the French-Anglo synthpop duo, is set to release their new single “Beat The Light,” which features lush, analog instrumentation and dreamy bilingual vocals from Fabrice Nau. Their approach prioritizes warm, emotive soundscapes over sterile digital precision, capturing a nostalgic yet modern essence. The track combines a phased Bossa Nova rhythm with ethereal synths, creating a captivating late-night vibe. Is Scenius’s dedication to analog sound the key to reviving emotional depth in modern music, or is it merely a nostalgic trend? How do you think this approach affects their connection with listeners? Read the Full Article
Łódź, Poland’s Autoscopy is set to release their debut album, The Third Man Factor, on June 13. The album, described as a journey to confront inner demons, merges electronic beats with aggressive industrial metal riffs, reflecting themes of identity and internal conflict. Spearheaded by the singles "He Is Me" and "Touch of Reality," it promises immersive soundscapes designed for self-reflection. Pre-orders are available on Bandcamp. With such a strong focus on personal struggle and self-exploration, how do you think the industrial backdrop of Łódź influences the band’s sound and lyrical themes? Read the Full Article
HAU RUCK 2025 commemorates the 20th anniversary of KMFDM’s transformative 14th album with a specially remixed and remastered edition. Originally released in 2005, this album represented a pivotal shift in the band’s sound, moving towards a more danceable, electronic style while maintaining their fierce, protest-driven lyrics. From anthems like "Free Your Hate" to the self-critical "Feed Our Fame," KMFDM’s raw power and relentless critique of societal issues shine through. As we anticipate the release on May 23, 2025, it’s worth pondering: How do the themes of individuality and resistance in HAU RUCK resonate with today’s social and political climate? Read…