So the last week I have heard a ton of people talking about the insane ticket prices of the new Depeche Mode tour. Now I have been lucky enough to see the life affirming spectacle of Depeche Mode and David Gahan “Paper Monsters” and everyone who can, should see it. It is truly one of those goosebump shows from a band that boasts a four-decade catalog. Gahan can still FULLY pull off the leather vest. While I saw a lot of folks complaining about the post Capitalism ticket prices, I didn’t hear nearly enough discussion of exciting bands in the genre you can see live in their prime for under $20. Let’s talk about some hot new releases now.
IAMTHESHADOW – The Wide Starlight – Things you can always count on from a new IAMTHESHADOW release: 1) Pedro delivering the richest baritone in modern darkwave. 2) Soul baring poetry 3) Perfect precision of mix and master. Everything else about the sound is completely in the air. “The Wide Starlight” is an expansive new sounds full of twinkling stars over violet plains. The album drops on 10/14 and marks a turn towards hope which my soul has hungered for. Cold Transmission Music has been a fertile creative ground for Portugal’s premier darkscene act.
▶︎ The Wide Starlight | IAMTHESHADOW (bandcamp.com)
IAMTHESHADOW
Pedro Code – Voices, Synths, Guitar and Programming
Herr G. – Electric Bass
Vitor J. Moreira – Synths
Track 7: Voices & Lyrics by Kristien Cools (Splendidula)
Favorite Tracks :
The Wide Starlight – Choosing the title track seems a tad on the nose , but what can you do when a song of this beauty and staggering power comes along. It is the perfect representation of what is special about this album from every previous IAMTYHESHADOW release.
I Am The Dark (Feat: Kristen Cools) – As someone who has sang a duet with Pedro, I know how intimidating it can be. This was a perfectly composed blend from the Belgium artist. Spiritual, sinister, and a wonderful halfway point to break the tone.
Overall: It is so difficult to make a statement like this about an artist I am so deeply invested in. I need to inhale this record deeply several more times. On it’s face “The Wide Starlight” has the potential to be my favorite IAMTHESHADOW album.
Panic Priest – PSYCHOGORIA – Speaking of world class baritone voices Jack never disappoints. New album out 10/21/22 on Negative Gain featuring the crooning beauty and slashing guitar mastery. The Chicago based songsmith always layers the club friendly dance beats with a healthy dose of guitar accents to make a truly distinctive blend. The tempo here is a fast paced bop, but the bottom of a chasm of the vocals give every track a sense of soul.
Favorite Track: Dead Lust – I suppose some of the other tracks have more pop appeal. This one just oozes with raw vampire sensuality. TYhe vocals split the sky and have a Dead Or Alive horror vibe I can’t let go of.
▶︎ PSYCHOGORIA | Panic Priest (bandcamp.com)
Sapphira Vee – Ascent – New remix EP from NY electronic lounge artist Sapphira Vee on Distortion Records. Featuring reimagines by several up and comers as well as scene legends. I love the eclectic blend here from Texas Doomdustyrial artists Dread Risks to Michigan lightening waterfall producer Chiasm. The common thread in all of Saphira’s releases are the honesty of tone that bleeds truth with every delivery.
Favorite Track: Metamorph (Dogtablet Mix ) – Martin captured this amazing slow motion crawl across the floor feeling for this track. It really highlights the higher range of Sapphira’s voice which she often uses sparingly and lends more power when leaned on.
Ascent | Sapphira Vee (bandcamp.com)
Dogtablet – Ashes – New 5 song EP from Industrial legends Martin King and Jared Louche. I had the pleasure of attending a listening party at the Post Punk Industrial museum where Martin provided some background for these songs. I love the grinding and deliberate nature of these tracks. Track 3 “Careless” Feat: Coral Scere is a haunting and memorable collaboration that shows how Martin continues to get the best out of everyone he works with.
Favorite Track: 16 Times – Martin has the ability to call on top tier vocal collaborators, I keep finding myself draw most to his own growing vocal confidence. This song is a spinning tendril of dream and imagery.
▶︎ Ashes | Dogtablet (bandcamp.com)
JUNKSISTA – 0A – This German based band on COP International is one I haven’t given nearly enough press to. Every time I hear them I am absolutely floored by the razor wire combination of owning a space in your head pop melodies and the way too cool to hang out with me punk rock attitude. It just drips with effortless expression and after party in the know. It is hard to hear this and not feel inside the most exclusive salon where everyone is invited. Speaking of invited the album features a who’s who of guest talent.
Guest Artists: Black Nail Cabaret , Die Krupps, Vaselyne , Omnimar, Helalyn Flowers.
Favorite Track: Fuck Your Pretty Face – I’m hard pressed to choose a favorite on this masterclass album. This is an unequivocal JAM. The drums, the guitar wail, the visceral vocal delivery. It’s one of those tracks I could never tire of.
We will have an interview with Junksista coming soon.