Author: Ritualcontrol

Thomas Dolby is embarking on a brief East Coast tour this fall, coinciding with the fall break at The Peabody Institute, where he has taught for over a decade. Renowned for his innovative contributions to music across various media, Dolby will perform in charming theaters near his home in Baltimore. Expect a blend of music and storytelling, reminiscent of his past performances and his memoir, “The Speed Of Sound.” The tour kicks off on October 23, 2023, and includes stops in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. What does Dolby’s unique blend of music and storytelling reveal about the…

Berlin-born electronic artist Rosa Anschütz has officially signed with Heartworm Press to release her new album, Sabbatical, set to debut on September 26. The album’s first single, "Chase Pioneers," dropped on June 15 and showcases a blend of intimate, experimental sounds reminiscent of artists like Björk and Nico, with additional drum work from Kevin Kuhn. The track, produced by Anschütz and Jan Wagner, is now available across major streaming platforms. Pre-orders for the album are open in various exclusive vinyl editions, and Anschütz will celebrate the release with a special event at Rough Trade Berlin. Given Anschütz’s exploration of avant-garde…

Alex Coleman, alias d’ARC, is set to release WAYSIDE² on July 2, 2025—a bold sequel to his previous album. Crafted in just a month, this 12-track conceptual project weaves together diverse influences, balancing introspective themes with social critiques. Highlights include the psychedelic opener "In Absentia Mentis," the techno twist of "Erratika," and the thought-provoking centerpiece "[IBIDEM.]," which critiques the judicial system. In an era dominated by digital music, how important do you think tangible formats like limited-edition CDs are for artists and fans alike? Read the Full Article

Summary of the Interview with Strange Boutique: Strange Boutique, emerging from the underground punk scene of the ’80s, has reunited after a 30-year hiatus, propelled by a poignant desire to honor their late guitarist Fred “Freak” Smith. Band members Monica Richards, Steve Willett, and Dennis Kane reflect on their evolving sound while crafting their first new album, Let the Lonely Heart Sing, blending rich strings with their iconic gothic essence. The 2019 reunion performance rekindled their creative spirit, leading to the current collaboration that intertwines their past and present. The group expresses excitement about the album’s themes, including transformation and…

In 2025, Kenzi Hale is making waves with the June 14 release of “Jaw,” the latest single from her project FIRES, which showcases ambient shoegazing vocals and emotive guitar work. This release marks the sixth single since the band’s return last October, following a lengthy hiatus, with tracks like “Best Friends Forever” and “Venom” paving the way. “Jaw” also comes soon after “Dead Celebrity,” from Hale’s collaborative endeavor with Danny Rendo, Someone Else’s Reflection. With a bold return to form, FIRES is tackling themes of bigotry and transphobia through recent punk tracks. What do you think are the implications of…

Summary: B-Movie, a band that gained initial recognition in the early ’80s alongside Soft Cell, has finally released their long-awaited debut album, "Hidden Treasures," featuring previously unreleased tracks alongside their classic singles like "Remembrance Day" and "Nowhere Girl." The album, released by their Wanderlust imprint, offers a comprehensive collection of their work and has successfully entered the UK charts. Additionally, their 1985 album "Forever Running" is being reissued on CD by Music on CD, though it lacks the extra mixes present in vinyl collections. Despite a long wait and the band’s continuity amidst lineup changes, B-Movie remains a significant presence…

Modal Citizan, the industrial/alt. rock band, is making a comeback with their new album, JAKKYL, set to release on July 4. The first single, "Beautiful Red," will be available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, marking their first new music since early 2022. With lineup changes—including the departure of original drummer David Fueston—A.J. Torres now joins the band alongside Ryan Kali Jones, Adam Fueston, and Shaun Waff. The album will feature artwork by renowned artist Sam Shearon. As Modal Citizan steps back into the spotlight, how do you think the changes in their lineup and the time away from releasing new…

Amigo the Devil, aka Danny Kiranos, recently faced a devastating house fire, losing not only his possessions—including years of music and cherished keepsakes—but also his girlfriend Abbey’s beloved dog, Kobe. In an emotional Instagram post, he reflected on the irreplaceable memories and hard work reduced to ashes, while expressing gratitude for their lives amid the loss. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support him during this challenging time. What does this tragic event reveal about the profound connection between artists and their creative possessions, and how might such losses shape their future work? Read the Full Article

In un contesto di caos globale, il mondo della musica continua a esprimere emozioni e connessioni attraverso diversi stili e generazioni. I The First Eloi offrono una dolce melodia in “In sepia”, abbracciando la nostalgia e il sogno, mentre gli Haunted Youth esplorano il peso del tempo in “Emo song”. Tvfuzz riprende l’indie rock anni ’90 con “Smile”, mentre Yumeia & Tre Flip ci trasportano nell’inverno emotivo. Questa varietà di espressioni musicali ci porta a riflettere: può la musica fungere da catalizzatore per la comprensione e la connessione in un’epoca così divisiva e tumultuosa? Read the Full Article

Orbscure Recordings, founded by The Orb’s Alex Paterson, is set to release DF Tram’s new album, Bittersweet Afternoon, on July 11. Created during the pandemic in studios across Zagreb and Vienna, this marks DF Tram’s debut with the label, following his collaborative album with Canopy of Stars. The album features atmospheric elements, with contributions from violinist Violeta Vicci and Paterson himself on two tracks. Three singles—“Flashbulb Memory,” “Separate Ways,” and “The Librarian”—have already dropped, and fans can pre-order the album in various formats through Bandcamp. Given the challenges of creating music during a pandemic, how do you think the unique…