British artist Jamie Blacker returns with his ESA project and a new album, Sounds For Your Happiness, set to release on July 5, 2025. Following Designer Carnage (2022), this record features 12 tracks that blend industrial, EBM, and dark electronics into an intense listening experience exceeding 73 minutes. Two preview tracks, Join Our Hands and Rats Come Together, showcase his signature fusion of striking visuals, powerful sounds, and bold storytelling while exploring new sonic landscapes. Given the evolution of ESA’s sound and its bold messaging, how do you think Blacker’s artistic vision influences the current landscape of electronic and industrial…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Market Harborough’s Hidden Eyes embrace their inner Pains of Being Pure At Heart with their new single "So Alive," a fuzzy DIY indiepop track that even the lethargic can’t resist. The B-side, "Piranha," blends indiepop and shoegaze, evoking the charm of 1990s US bands that resonated with UK audiences. Both tracks are part of their freshly released album, Seeking Certainty. What elements from the 90s indie scene do you think resonate most with today’s listeners, and how do they shape modern music trends? Read the Full Article
On June 13, Berlin’s Alexander Leonard Donat, under his Vlimmer moniker, will release the single “Gleichbau,” the second preview of his upcoming fifth album. Following the recent “Firmament,” the new track delves into the complexities of identity versus outward personas, portraying the struggle of self-recognition in a world of performative roles. The release also features a German cover of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World” as a B-side. Notably, this single comes hot on the heels of the Diskomfort EP, which gained acclaim for its bold and chaotic sound. As Vlimmer continues to innovate within the post-punk and synthpop genres, how do…
Summary: "Velvet Textures" is the latest release from Osaka producer Kiji Suedo on Hobbes Music, marking an intriguing evolution in his sound following "Riot" and "Hosek." This album blurs genre boundaries, weaving distorted elements of house, techno, and ambient into a sonic tapestry where clarity meets ephemerality. Notably, the track "Focus," featuring George T, captures the balance between tension and texture, inviting listeners into a cerebral yet visceral experience. Thought-Provoking Statement: As Suedo navigates the delicate space between memory and sound, how do you think our perceptions of genre influence our emotional responses to music? Can music exist beyond traditional…
Originally released in 2021 and featured on their album Blood in the Disco, Corlyx’s "The Echo" has garnered a dedicated fanbase. The band has reimagined the track with a DreamPop version that blends gritty post-punk and alt-rock influences, contrasting with the original’s dark electronic and darkwave sound. This evolution in their music reflects Corlyx’s creative growth, culminating in their recent album Purple Pain, praised for its contributions to alternative music. The new version is now available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms. What do you think drove Corlyx to reimagine "The Echo" in this way, and how might this shift…
Douglas McCarthy, a pivotal figure in the electronic music scene as part of Nitzer Ebb, has recently passed away, highlighting the profound impact of musicians on our lives. With a career marked by innovative sounds, from their seminal album That Total Age to their later work like Industrial Complex, McCarthy’s fusion of electronic music with a bluesy sensibility set him apart. His ability to transcend genre boundaries and create a signature sound resonated deeply with fans, marking him as an iconic yet underappreciated artist. In reflecting on McCarthy’s contributions, it raises the question: How do we recognize and preserve the…
The industrial music community mourns the loss of Douglas John McCarthy, a legendary figure and musical pioneer, who passed away on June 11, 2025. Known for his remarkable contributions, McCarthy is remembered as a true gentleman and hero, leaving a lasting legacy. The band Nitzer Ebb released a heartfelt statement encouraging respect for his family’s privacy during this difficult time. How do you think the influence of pioneers like Douglas McCarthy shapes the future of music genres such as industrial and EBM? Read the Full Article
Summary: Pieti, a collaboration between California musicians The Vandalorum and Krauhl, explores darkwave and dungeon synth influences in their latest album, Wedding Photos, featuring eight tracks. Standout songs include "Martyr," with its mesmerizing guitar work and post-punk vibes, and "Reservation," which evokes complex emotions through evocative lyrics. The album, recorded between 2023 and 2025, delves into themes of family and relationships, as suggested by its title. The blend of bass, drums, and synths creates a rich atmosphere, making Wedding Photos a captivating listen. Thought-Provoking Statement: As Pieti explores themes of love and familial connections within their darkwave framework, how do…
Camy Huot makes her musical debut with "Echoes in My Room," a raw exploration of her psyche through a haunting blend of darkwave and synthpunk. The EP dissects unsettling truths and pulsating nocturnal energies, crafting an electrifying soundscape that merges organic and synthetic elements. With influences echoing the electro-techno wave of two decades ago, Huot’s work stands as a bold manifesto of artistic expression. How does the interplay of organic and synthetic sounds in modern music shape our emotional landscapes, and can such experiments in sound genuinely make us confront our inner ghosts? Read the Full Article
The Dandy Warhols are gearing up for a North American tour from September 22 to October 8, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Dandys Rule OK. They’ll be joined by British psych rockers Kula Shaker, both bands expressing mutual admiration for each other. This tour marks The Dandy Warhols’ last for a few years. Recent releases include their ROCK REMAKER EP and Kula Shaker’s Natural Magick album. As these two iconic bands come together for this celebration, how do you think their musical styles complement each other in a live setting? Read the Full Article