Author: Ritualcontrol

The Cure’s iconic track “Boys Don’t Cry” has made history as their first song to join Spotify’s “Billions Club,” surpassing 1 billion streams. To celebrate this milestone, the band is reissuing the track in various formats, including a limited-edition vinyl and CD, featuring remastered mixes and B-sides. Originally released in 1979, “Boys Don’t Cry” has undergone several re-releases, with the 1986 mix finally making its digital debut on January 30. Given its enduring popularity and cultural impact, why do you think “Boys Don’t Cry” continues to resonate with audiences across generations? Read the Full Article

Danish experimental artists MEEJAH and HIRAKI have teamed up for a collaborative split EP titled INTERWOVEN, set for release on March 13th via Pelagic Records. The project unifies their distinct musical styles and features the first single, Dead Calls, alongside a live session video capturing their energetic collaboration. Both bands express excitement about the project, calling it “a match made in heaven.” As they merge their creative visions, how do you think this collaboration might influence the landscape of experimental music in Europe? Read the Full Article

Jessica Perry and Jim Finley, under the name Ghostbells, are set to release their debut EP “Catacouture” on February 5 via Out of Line Music. This six-track collection blends new wave and electro-pop with post-punk influences, delving into themes of longing and eternal love. Four of the tracks were already released as singles, and the duo plans a U.K. tour from February 4-8 to celebrate the EP. As they prepare for this significant debut, what impact do you think the fusion of genres will have on their audience’s reception of the music? Read the Full Article

After a six-year hiatus, the French alternative rock band Dust Lovers has released "Yes Life," the lead single from their upcoming album Green Screens, set to drop on April 24. The track blends post-punk, new wave, and cinematic alternative influences, addressing modern anxiety through a DEVO-inspired music video directed by Emmanuel Mazy. Vocalist Clément Collot describes it as "a cynical ode to the gluttony of capitalism." How do you think the shift in musical style reflects the band’s commentary on contemporary societal issues? Read the Full Article

The Chameleons are celebrating the release of their first studio album in 24 years, Arctic Moon, which has received strong praise from critics, including a nod from ReGen. The band will tour the U.S. and Canada from April 7 to May 2, supported by alt-rock group The Veldt. Additionally, they are set to perform at the Halifax Goth Festival and have Irish dates lined up. After several lineup changes and past reunions, the band reformed once more in 2021 and released their latest album to critical acclaim. The Veldt, known for blending shoegaze with R&B elements, is enjoying renewed attention…

Bell Barrow, the solo project of Jeremy Moore, returns with Saltire, a conceptual album that delves into generational curses and the complexities of the human psyche. This 70-minute instrumental work evolves from the raw fury of CoreCore Pulp, showcasing a more contemplative approach through free improvisation. Moore captures a visceral authenticity, using sound to express deep themes of violence, abuse, and addiction without the need for vocals. Given the album’s focus on instrumental storytelling, how do you think music can effectively convey complex emotional narratives without words? Read the Full Article

Yann Tiersen has collaborated with the eclectic trio Odezenne to release "Harmony," a powerful reimagining of his track "The Liquid Hour." This new version amplifies the original’s thematic urgency with driving electronic beats and rich atmospheric textures. Released on January 20, 2025, through Mute Records, "Harmony" is part of Tiersen’s latest album, Rathlin From a Distance | The Liquid Hour, which features songs inspired by his sailing tour in 2023. The collaboration marks an exciting lead-up to Tiersen’s upcoming tour across the U.K., Ireland, and Europe beginning January 28. Given Tiersen’s ability to transform and recontextualize his music through collaboration,…

This week’s ReGen update highlights the latest trends and developments in the regenerative medicine field, showcasing cutting-edge research and advancements. Membership at $3 or more opens the door to exclusive insights and content that keeps you in the loop. What implications do you think these emerging technologies will have on healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes in the coming years? Read the Full Article

Summary: Let Water Flow by Moon Wisdom delivers a brief yet striking black metal experience, characterized by influences from second-wave black metal, depressive gaze, and punk. With standout tracks like "Dark Shades," the album showcases potential but suffers from inconsistent songwriting and brevity, feeling more like an EP than a full-length album. Despite its flaws, the 28-minute runtime makes it worth a listen for fans of the genre. Thought-provoking question: How do you think a balance between brevity and depth in music affects the listener’s emotional connection to the work, especially in genres known for their complexity like black metal?…

Theo Spark, the Korean/British artist known as Skinship, has released his second single, “I Make Me Wanna Go Dancing with Me,” blending art rock, electro, and K-pop influences. Spark likens the sound to a collision of Nine Inch Nails and George Michael, with lyrics focusing on self-love and breaking free from self-limitation. The music video, shot in Seoul, faced unexpected challenges, notably receiving a warning from a farmer during a late-night shoot. The song’s creation began in his mother’s spare room in California during Christmas 2024, leading to a collaboration with producer Clarence Clarity, marking the formal start of Skinship.…