Having previously focused on composition, sound design, and production for others, UK-based David Lawrie has turned his attention to his own musical project, The Royal Ritual. Martyrs, the recently released debut from The Royal Ritual, presents a dark electronic/industrial sound that also has strong melodic elements and integrates traditional world instruments. In an email interview, … Read more
With her solo electronic project Rare DM, Erin Hoagg leans towards the sounds of vintage analog synths but uses them in a thoroughly modern way. The Brooklyn-based singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist has worked hard to tame the gear into a workflow suited to her creative process and musical background. The result is a dark, moody sound with intricate … Read more
In the early ‘80s, ABC was part of a wave of British bands who pushed music in new directions while taking full advantage of the video revolution. They evolved out of the experimental electronic trio Vice Versa, adding funk, soul, and lush orchestrations to craft the sound of their hugely successful debut as ABC, The … Read more
Earlier this year, the long-running dark wave band The Birthday Massacre released their ninth album, Fascination. Produced by the band and mixed with the help of frequent collaborator Dave “Rave” Ogilvie (Skinny Puppy), Fascination brings together haunting vocals and dark atmospheric sounds, with sweeping arrangements and strong melodic hooks. A long-delayed U.S. tour followed the … Read more
In 2020, Norwegian electronic/rock group Datarock planned to be out performing in celebration of 20 years as a band and the 15th anniversary of their debut album (Datarock Datarock). But with Covid-19 shutting down live music, lead vocalist Fredrik Saroea opted to record a solo album, Rona Diaries, released last year. Now Saroea is back … Read more
Crawling Through Grass is a unique new album from Ritual Tension/Carnival Crash frontman Ivan Nahem that brings post-punk/noise influences into a more calming, meditative setting. Inspired by Nahem’s experience with yoga and utilizing newly learned music engineering skills, the album presents rhythmic, ambient compositions with creative (and sometimes eerie) sound design. Vocals are occasionally present, … Read more
Since emerging in the ‘90s, Kenneth James Gibson has been extremely prolific and varied with his music. He has now returned to ambient with his third full length-album in that style, Groundskeeping (out May 6, 2022.) Gibson recorded the album in his secluded mountain cabin/studio in Idyllwild, California. It has a very organic feel, thanks … Read more
During the pandemic, Japanese-American rapper/actor Lyrics Born launched the “Mobile Homies” podcast to connect and have meaningful conversations with some of his musical friends. The podcast evolved into actual collaborations and the newly released Mobile Homies Season 1 album. It features a staggering number of artists and producers working together out of mutual respect and … Read more
When Alice Genese (Psychic TV, Sexpod, Gut Bank) and Shaune Pony Heath started meeting every Tuesday to write music together, they saw it simply as a creative exercise. But the collaboration evolved into Ov Stars and a debut EP, aptly titled Tuesdays (out 4/23/22). While Alice is known as a bassist and Pony’s primary instrument … Read more
Vs is a unique album that brings influential and uncompromising vocalist / producer / songwriter Mark Stewart together with different artists for each track. Looking at the lineup, it would seem like the results would be chaotic, and they are to some degree. But there is also a strong sense of cohesion as Stewart unites … Read more