On January 29, Klanggalerie released three new albums that highlight its commitment to avant-garde, experimental, and esoteric sounds. First up is The Silent Trumpets by Rapoon, showcasing Robin Storey’s signature blend of ethnic influences and ambient soundscapes. Next, the debut album Death Notes by Death Disco, featuring former TOY guitarist Maxim Barron and electronic producer Samuel Kerridge, delivers an aggressive mix of industrial and post-punk. Finally, Seattle’s Amy Denio offers Tutto Bene Volume II, a vibrant collection of accordion-driven pieces that celebrate her eclectic musical journey. These releases reflect Klanggalerie’s diverse approach to music, drawing on a range of influences…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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This month, Consequence’s CoSign highlights the Canadian rock duo Softcult and their politically-charged debut album, When a Flower Doesn’t Grow, set to release on January 30th. Comprised of twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn, Softcult’s sound juxtaposes soft melodies with intense themes of trauma and injustice. Their lead single, “16/25,” tackles the disturbing power dynamics in predatory relationships, showcasing the duo’s ability to expose harsh realities while maintaining an enveloping sonic warmth. Given their exploration of such pressing themes, how do you think music can serve as a catalyst for social change, particularly in addressing systemic injustices? Read the Full Article
EM_LEN, the San Diego-based artist, is embracing darkwave with the release of “Winter Formal,” a single that dives into ’80s electronic and techno influences while addressing themes of alienation. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Nine Inch Nails and Curve, the song’s haunting atmosphere is complemented by a cover image of barren trees, symbolizing a bleak reflection on our times. This release follows the “Dark Summer” EP from September 2025, showcasing an evolution in EM_LEN’s sound. What do you think the revival of darkwave and electronic influences in contemporary music says about our current cultural landscape? Read the Full Article
Jess Weiss, vocalist and songwriter of Fear of Men, has unveiled the video for "My Mistake," the lead single from her solo project New German Cinema’s debut album, Pain will Polish Me, set for release on March 27. The track explores themes of intimacy and the complexities of being known, drawing inspiration from filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder and the unsettling presence of Germany’s historical context. Weiss collaborates with Carson Cox of Merchandise, transforming an Italo disco experiment into a gothic club anthem. The album features previous singles and showcases Weiss’s creative range as she balances her music career with academic…
Lowsunday has released the music video for “Soft Capture,” the second single from their Low Sunday Ghost Machine – White EP, which features a mix of vintage synthesizer drones and melodic guitar lines. Vocalist Shane Sahene explains that the song reflects on life’s traps and submission, yet conveys hope through its backing vocals and theremin-like feedback. The EP pays homage to the band’s roots as Low Sunday Ghost Machine, a project that took a 25-year hiatus before re-emerging in 2025. The EP has been well-received, landing at #2 on Post-Punk.com‘s “Best EPs of 2025.” Given the band’s long hiatus and…
DJ E.A.S.E. (George Herbert Evelyn), the pioneer behind Nightmares on Wax, is commemorating the 20th anniversary of his 2006 album In a Space Outta Sound by collaborating with renowned producer Adrian Sherwood on a reinterpretation titled In a Space Outta Dub. This album blends Sherwood’s signature psychedelic dub style with Evelyn’s downtempo trip-hop roots, featuring contributions from various prominent musicians. Set for release on April 3 through On-U Sound and Warp Records, this project also coincides with a 20th-anniversary edition of the original album, which includes both the original tracks and their dub renditions. As Nightmares on Wax continues to…
Native Tongue was a prominent band in Boston’s vibrant post-punk scene during the early ’80s, known for their distinctive "Revere Beach" sound characterized by double layered vocals and jagged rhythms. While bands like Pixies and Mission of Burma often overshadow them, Native Tongue made significant contributions with an EP, an LP, and several demos before disbanding. Their music, influenced by acts like Gang of Four and early Public Image Ltd., embodies an energetic and angular style that resonates with the post-punk aesthetic. After a reissue of their catalog in 2008, members Lee Leffler and Michael Frackleton continue to explore their…
The San Francisco duo YANTRA has released their debut album “Gateway,” featuring the single of the same name, which blends industrial rhythms with meditative vocals. The music video, shot in one take, showcases vocalist Janina Angel Bath’s performance and striking costume design, processed through analog filters by producer Yaniv De Ridder (YNV). Set to a backdrop of unresolved tension and forward motion, the album was released on November 1, 2024, and marks the duo’s transition from earlier collaborations to a full-fledged partnership. As they prepare for a U.S. and European tour, YANTRA continues to explore themes of faith and transformation…
Grove Anemone, the alias of Polish artist Jakub Sobieralski, crafts immersive electronic soundscapes that explore the unsettling undercurrents of familiar environments. His latest album, Pęknięcia (Cracks), delves into the unsettling transformations of home and neighborhood, revealing hidden narratives of silent conflicts and dual lives. The music oscillates between serene beauty and claustrophobic tension, evoking a palpable sense of unease without straying into the unknown. In exploring how the familiar can morph into the eerie, how might Sobieralski’s work reflect our contemporary social realities, particularly in terms of urban isolation and the hidden lives of those around us? Read the Full…
Chicago post-punk trio Stuck has released their video for "Instakill," the lead single from their upcoming album, Optimizer. Directed by Zack Shorrosh, the quirky video critiques the predatory tactics of social media influencers who exploit people’s insecurities to sell solutions. Vocalist Greg Obis reflects on his own struggles and emphasizes the fine line between genuine advice and manipulative marketing. With a richer sound shaped by producer Andrew Oswald, Optimizer tackles themes of ideology and addiction, exploring how the urge to "self-optimize" can mirror our darker impulses. The album is set for release on March 27, with a series of live…