Daniel Belasco returns with his latest single from Glass Apple Bonzai, “Love and Hatred in MegaWave City.” This synthpop track, featuring vocals from Allie Frost and guitars by Ryan Lynch, serves as the theme for a short film of the same name directed by Leticia Buchanan and Eddie Lebron. Released on January 11 as a name-your-price item on Bandcamp, it’s the first new material since the Bag of Bones EP in April 2025. The film centers on a toxic romance between a crime boss and a troubled police officer, exploring themes of trauma and duty. What elements of music and…
Author: Ritualcontrol
Read More
On January 11, 2026, the Portland darkwave trio Ceremony Shadows released their single “Predator,” a bold statement against societal mechanisms that divide. The B-side features a remix of their earlier track “Prey.” Both songs channel a primal defiance against systemic exclusivity and challenge the notion of false security. This marks their first release of the year, following the late 2025 single “Future Past Collapse.” The band will also perform at the Verboden Festival in May 2026 alongside notable artists. Is music becoming a more powerful form of protest in today’s society, and how can artists effectively elevate their messages through…
In the second week of January, the music scene is buzzing with new releases and tour announcements. Highlights include Masonique’s poignant tribute video, first singles from various upcoming albums, and new collaborations from bands like Lords of Acid and Grendel. Despite the holiday lull, there’s a noticeable uptick in activity, including plans for interviews with a range of artists and new merchandise set to launch by early February. As the industry ramps up, it raises an intriguing question: How do you think the post-holiday momentum impacts the artistic output and creativity of musicians as they settle back into their routines?…
The Athenian duo The Synth-A, comprised of Stavros Van der Wilt and Venetia Ioakim, has released a music video for their new song "Κάτι δυνατό" ("Kati Dinato"), embodying a darker sonic landscape. The track critiques the negative effects of recent healthcare reforms in Greece, particularly around mental health and addiction recovery, a topic deeply personal to the band. Featuring tense rhythms and electronic atmospheres, the song’s themes of dependence and disorientation resonate through Zemra’s vocals and Ioakim’s backing, while Van der Wilt’s production utilizes modular synthesizers and Kostis Pyrenis adds a post-punk guitar edge. Notably, the video concludes with details…
This week’s focus on the Shoegaze Blog highlights a varied compilation from Argentina’s No Me Escucho Records, featuring diverse reinterpretations, including a standout shoegaze cover by We Melt Chocolate. Additionally, Michele Cingolani’s album The Infinite Sea dives into raw emotions through noisy, home-recorded tracks that resonate with adolescent melancholy. Is the emotional depth of music often tied to its production style, as seen in Waving Blue’s lo-fi approach, or can polished productions evoke similar feelings? Read the Full Article
Eddle LaFlash of Decent News humorously declares, “My retirement plan is to die violently at work,” while announcing their upcoming Computer EP. Produced by LaFlash alongside Laken Stokes and Dom Famiglietti, the EP is described as an irreverent commentary on the current societal climate, highlighting frustrations with modern technology and generational misunderstandings. It releases on February 17 and will be available for free or donation on Bandcamp, as well as on streaming platforms. This blend of humor and critique prompts a deeper question: In an age where digital connectivity often leads to disconnection in understanding, how can artists effectively bridge…
On January 9, Eren Günsan, under his alter-ego Affet Robot, released “Tuzak,” a single that expands on post-punk influences while maintaining his trademark darkwave and synthpop textures. Following the November release of “Kan ve Kül,” this track explores themes of emotional rebellion, vividly captured in both Gökay Çatak’s cover art and an evocative music video shot in London. Mixed by Barış Ergün and mastered by Gianni Peri, “Tuzak” marks Günsan’s fifth single since his 2021 album, with prior releases including English tracks and a recent piece, “Yine Beceremedim.” Given the evolution of Affet Robot’s sound and lyrical depth, what do…
ZERO 9:36, known for blending lyrical hip-hop with metalcore and emo influences, has released a minimalist music video for “Leave It All Behind,” the fifth single from his EP They Were Always Here. Directed by Errick Easterday, the video encapsulates themes of vulnerability and escape, culminating in the impactful lyric, “I watched the world turn cold before my eyes / I’ll be lucky if I make it out alive.” The EP features other singles like “System” and “Withdrawals” and showcases collaborations with artists like Ekoh and No Love For the Middle Child. Given the emotional depth and fusion of genres…
Carpenter Brut is set to conclude their Leather trilogy with the upcoming album Leather Temple, releasing on February 27. Picking up the story in the post-apocalyptic world of 2077, the first track portrays Lita Connor’s fight against transhuman Overlords with the help of Bret Halford, also known as Leather Teeth. The album’s sound blends ’90s electro with a darker cinematic vibe, and pre-orders are available in various formats. Following the album’s release, Carpenter Brut will embark on The End Complete Tour in Europe, followed by the North American Conflict: Leather Tour alongside HEALTH. What themes do you think resonate most…
Ten years ago, I shared a unique tribute to David Bowie — a not-quite-obituary that predated my habit of cataloging an artist’s entire discography in the Record Cell. It served as a reflection on Bowie’s impact and artistry rather than a standard farewell. Reflecting on Bowie’s multifaceted contributions, how does one artist’s legacy shape the cultural landscape, and what other musicians do you believe could benefit from a similar approach to their remembrance? Read the Full Article