Hailing from Cork, Ireland, the duo Crá Croí has released their debut single “Radiation Romance” today, December 5. This track combines icy post-punk and gothic rock elements, with lyrics reflecting themes of dystopia and resilience amid modern anxieties. A follow-up single, “Fires at Dawn,” is set to drop on December 12, paving the way for their full-length debut album, set to release in 2026, titled “Tá brón orm,” meaning “Sadness is On Me.” The band’s name translates to “heartache,” underscoring their thematic focus. Given the evocative themes of Crá Croí’s music, how might their exploration of nuclear anxieties resonate with…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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After a two-year hiatus, Natasha A. Twentyone and Alexey Protasov have revived their Suicide Inside project with the release of the “I Feel I Will” EP. This new material shifts from the intense synthpunk of Ambassador21 to a more melodic and danceable post-punk sound, reminiscent of the ’80s, featuring a modern coldwave aesthetic. The EP includes contributions from guitarist Zoé H. and was accompanied by a music video for the title track. Given this evolution in sound, how do you think the transition from synthpunk to coldwave reflects the current music landscape, and what might it signal about future trends…
Vincent Guerrero IV is making waves with the release of "Whoreish," the third single from Night Ritualz since the debut album this spring. This track showcases an aggressive EBM/industrial sound, departing from earlier post-punk and darkwave influences, while maintaining his signature "fuckwave" style infused with Latin elements. With bilingual lyrics, "Whoreish" delves into personal and social themes, highlighting survival struggles. Slated for the upcoming album Time is a Thief in February 2026, this single follows Guerrero’s previous releases, including a cover of "Piensa En Mi." Given the genre blend and thematic depth of Guerrero’s work, how do you think “Whoreish”…
Fade Kainer’s Statiqbloom culminates a reflective year with the release of Winter, an album that diverges from traditional heavy beats to embrace ethereal and immersive soundscapes inspired by the season’s cold stillness. This release, available on December 5, features eight tracks that showcase Kainer’s introspective side while retaining the dense atmospheres characteristic of his work. The album, along with its unique hand-painted limited edition CDs, is the latest offering following a year filled with collaborations and archival compilations. With Winter highlighting a shift toward more atmospheric elements, what does this say about the evolving landscape of electronic music and the…
In 1985, OMD reached the American Top 40 with "So In Love," mirroring its UK success. Initially disappointed by their album "Crush," fans, including the author, found renewed appreciation for its tracks upon revisiting them. The expanded 2025 reissue includes a second disc packed with intriguing bonus material, featuring previously unreleased tracks like "Wheels of Steel" and fresh takes on familiar songs. The exploration of unfinished pieces and remixes suggests a complex sonic evolution that both connects to earlier works and stands on its own. Thought-provoking question: How does nostalgia shape our perception of music over time, and can our…
Lesley Rankine, known as Ruby, has released “The Age of Stupid,” a song that critiques humanity’s failure to live up to its potential. Collaborating with Ali Jafri from The Shadow Majlis, Ruby combines electronic and dub influences while delivering sardonic lyrics that highlight the selfishness of humanity despite its numerous gifts. This marks her first release since the anniversary remix of her 1995 debut, “Salt Peter 25.” Her striking commentary invites us to reflect: In an age where we are more connected than ever, why does it seem that the most detrimental aspects of human nature continue to prevail? Read…
Mortal Realm has released "Rot (and Decompose)," the second single from their upcoming album, following the successful debut "Stab in the Dark." This track continues to explore dark themes, with Adam V. Jones criticizing the current administration’s deceit through gritty, industrial sounds influenced by bands like BILE and Nine Inch Nails. The song reflects on societal complacency, urging listeners to confront the consequences of living without accountability. This single arrives after “With a Heavy Heart,” emphasizing a cohesive artistic direction leading into their sophomore album. Thought-Provoking Question: How do you think the themes of social critique in industrial music resonate…
The album "Satantango" captures a blend of nostalgia and dreaminess amidst chaos, as aptly described by Valentina Zona, a journalist and musician. Created by Valentina Ottoboni and Gianmarco Soldi, the project fuses shoegaze with dream pop, reflecting their provincial roots and an authentic, raw sound. Their performance is set for the ShoeGaza festival, aiming to raise funds for Gaza, spotlighting both the importance of music as activism and the societal issues surrounding conflict. Thought-Provoking Question: How can music serve as a powerful tool for social change, and what responsibilities do artists have in addressing political issues through their work? Read…
In February, dub pioneer Adrian Sherwood is launching his most extensive solo tour, performing real-time dub mixes that showcase his unique sound. The tour kicks off in Milan on February 5 and travels across Europe, concluding in Barcelona before heading to North America for the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville. This tour celebrates the release of Sherwood’s first solo album in 13 years, The Collapse of Everything, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Brian Eno and Doug Wimbish. Sherwood aims to push artistic boundaries, expressing a desire to evolve both sonically and as a live performer. What do you think…
Alien Skin has unveiled “I Love You Through Every Collapse,” marking the Melbourne-based darkwave artist’s ninth release in 2025. This EP, featuring five self-composed tracks, explores themes of love and existence amidst chaos, following the coldwave aesthetic of previous works. It’s a poignant tribute to the artist’s late wife, Irene, underlining a personal journey that resonates through the music. Released on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, this EP continues the artist’s exploration of dark and minimal soundscapes. How does the theme of love in the face of existential turmoil resonate with today’s societal challenges? Read the Full Article