Here is my review for Vancouver-based Modern Post-Punk and Darkwave band ACTORS latest single that will be released on Bandcamp and elsewhere October 4, 2024. I received my copy early so let’s see what we got. Warning, if you want to jump straight into the review, skip the next two paragraphs. They will be there to go back to read later. I promise it will not self-destruct. (smiles)
But first, a little backstory as my musical journey in these last few years is interwoven with this band. I first became a fan of all kinds of what would become Alternative Rock in the 80’s and 90’s. I listened to everything I could get my hands on. New Wave, Synthwave, Goth, College Rock, Industrial. I sopped it up like a piece of toast into a sunny side yolk. For my entire life I played catch up. Then in my Thirties, I entered a dark period. I didn’t have the same access to music as I once did though I would keep up on some Indie Rock through the early 2000’s Then the pandemic hit. Like most of us, I found hobbies to pass the time except I was living in a nursing home with no place to go after the passing of my Dad and my sister moving my Mom to NJ.
I started getting back into music and started getting into most of the darker music that I always wanted to get into. I met a group of like-minded music loving fans. They would all help me focus on the music again. A few of them encouraged me to start DJ-ing. Another lot encouraged me to start listening to this Modern band that took much of the music that Ken Magerman would call Modern Dark Scene and spun it with their own individual abilities that would become ACTORS. I was intrigued and I was compelled to know more. It was slow at first but knew I found a new obsession (I would later find that is a name of one of their songs) needed more including names, lyrics, and anything I could find. Before I got to Dark Force Fest 2023, I was hooked. The fact that I started to introduce myself to lead singer Jason Corbett at the merchandise stand for LEATHERS and he cut me off before I could finish and said, “I know who you are Alexx and thank you for what you do” to share us in your social media. I’ve since told him that it was that meeting that later inspired me to jump into TWITCH and keep working at becoming an online DJ; always learning from others, developing my own sense of style and oddly falling into running a New Music show every week once I realized that the newer bands were the ones who responded to my posts even more than the listeners.
Review for “Object of Desire” by ACTORS
The song begins with a pulsating collection of deliberate combination of echoing beats both synthesized and from the steady hand of drummer Adam Fink along with a wonderful bassline from bassist Kendall Wooding. Together they weave a hypnotic beat and brooding tone that really shows off the production work that has made Jason Corbett’s Jacknife Sound a popular place for remixes and full album production work for other bands in the scene.
The intense lyrics are seductive and full of bravado and intense longing, asking:
“Give yourself to foreign pleasure
Take your time
Lose yourself
Submit to vice
Tell me that you’re mine”.
Yet the chorus begins with too I’s, that single stammer belying the bravado, but finds its place again and continues their plea to take a chance on “me”… with the lyrics,
“I
I was low but now I’m high
I could be your object of your desire”
just as the other person had already become theirs.
We had already spoken on the driving, brooding rhythm but you can’t mention a song from the ACTORS without talking about Shannon Hemmett on Keyboard and Jason Corbett on guitar. Taking all four together as a unit, their performance is atmospheric and haunting that weaves a brooding tone with reverb, distortion and a driving beat that is as seductive as its lyrics making you want to dance. Unlike their previous song “We Don’t Have To Dance”, this song is pulling the object of their desire, and you the listener, with their seductive invocation.
New Video: “Object of Desire” by ACTORS
You want a rating? I don’t give them. I write on vibe. I write about things I like and/or love if I have the time. It can be implied if I review it, I recommend putting it on your wishlist and picking it up at your earliest convenience.
This single will be released on October 4, 2024
ACTORS are a Modern Post-Punk band that fans of bands like Joy Division, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, and The Cure will appreciate.
Alexx Dimeler is a DJ on TWITCH and KICK known as DJ_LP_ViBE. The LP originally stood for Listening Party. His main show is on Saturdays 9 pm-1 am+ ET and is called “New Music M.D. (Modern DARKSCENE) and play a wide range of music from Post-Punk, Darkwave, Goth, Synthwave, Industrial, EBM, Dark Alternative, and everything in between.
There is something special happening in darkscene music. This year I have been going to shows of new goth/post punk/darkwave bands and seeing them packed with young people who are embracing this subculture. Who are finding these themes and tones to make them their own. Twin Tribes, Actors, Vision Video, Then Comes Silence, Bootblacks, Male Tears, Leathers, Urban Heat, I Ya Toyah, touring the country telling folks it is good to be strange. This is the energy that is giving me hope. I have not been at my new goth pulpit as much as I like this year. As we pass the half way point of the year I will try and share what I have been listening to so far in 2024 that gives me hope for the future.
Dead Astronauts – Ghosts – The international synthwave group comprising Jared Kyle and Slade Templeton, has resurfaced with their highly anticipated 4th studio album, “Ghosts.” I love the experience and expertise on display for the art of songcraft. Each texture and shade are masterfully chosen. Honed with precision, displayed with technique. What truly makes them top tier is the narrative order, balance, and construction of every track.
Written and produced by Dead Astronauts Mixed and Mastered at Influx Studios Art and Design by JthreeConcepts
Mistakes: This track is deeply relatable. It has a beautiful Construction Time Again Depeche Mode bouncing beat with earnest reflection and buttery vocal delivery. A brief shimmering single that leaves you wanting more.
The Red Dress (feat. Florence Bullock): Beautiful city street flashing streetlamps streaking by at a furious pace. Wonderful vocal accents from A New York native, residing in Los Angeles, glitbiter, aka Florence Bullock. This track hugs the curves of a twisting road with a high performance engine. Perfect song to start an adventure to.
You try To survive Boy you’ve got clout You’ve got your knives out Trying to stay alive
Urban Heat – Seven Safe Places – The Austin TX band that has become an obsession for me. There is a special feeling when a band comes to a place beloved and familiar, but took an entirely different road to arrive. A punk rock vitality with soulful smooth edges and flawless technique. This was an April release single for the upcoming August album “The Tower”. Johnathan is one of the true distinctive voices in the modern darkscene. An energy and talent that would make any band shine. Combined in this trio powerhouse Urban Heat has distinguished themselves with the other A level artists of the next wave. This single has a Peter Hook lead guitar bassline that hugs every curve. The vocals are frantic and emotive. It’s a song built to gleam in the modern landscape. Become a true believer now and see Urban Heat out on tour, I assure you, the tickets will be more expensive and harder to find the next time around. Look for an interview with the band soon on youtube 🙂
Tears for ʇhe Dying – In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun – I first saw the amazing emotional tidal wave of Adria and Tears for The Dying at Southern Gothic in Athen’s Georgia and was enraptured by the emotional impact and reckless truth of dynamic songwriting. Deathrock is a genre that traces it’s roots back several decades, so finding visionary new ground is no easy task. With slithering sinister concepts and vocal ingenuity TFTD pays reverent homage to Christian Death and Specimen while inserting modern elements and broader concepts like “Dead Girl Dancing” a gorgeous synth laden apocalypse pop anthem that steps outside of the box. This is one of those amazing bands that every artist in the scene respects deeply even if you have never heard them. A true inner circle talent.
Favorite Track: Kaiju – Slow big and full of destruction as the name implies. I love this winding guitar and tempo shift that allows Adria’s cadence and Mick’s rolling percussion to make dynamic stories of trampling feat and terrifying beasts.
Special mention: Jolene (Dolly Parton Cover) – It takes a special performance to take one of the greatest ballads of all time and make it your own. Everyone needs to give this a spin.
THEN COMES SILENCE – Trickery – Recently I got the extreme privilege of opening for Swedish based band Then Comes Silence on tour with Vision Video. I had reviewed them before. This was one of those bands you truly can’t fully appreciate until you have seen them live. I have witnessed so many impressive performances in the last five years, I hope you take to heart when I say this is the tightest, most energetic band I have witnessed in recent memory.
I used to have a joke that Rush was the greatest group of compiled musicians who’s album I didn’t want to buy. Not being my style. In the modern darkscene I think Then Comes Silence is the greatest group of compiled musicians who’s album I very much want to buy. Part of the elegance of Trickery is how it doesn’t sound like they set out to make a great post punk album. The cohesion, passion, and construction present here would have fit any genre or style just as easily. It just happened to come in one of my favorite forms.
The album has a wide range of sounds, lots of thunderous rock bangers where Jonas tom punishing drum accents make TCS stand out in a field of bands leaning towards electronic drums. Slippery shadow disco club tracks like Feel The Cold create contrast and highlight Alex rich broad beam vocals. Songs like the collaboration with Dusty “Stay Strange” bring a horror punk mod feel that ride Hugo’s wall of sound guitars. Whatever the tone, it always seems to land.
I would be hard pressed to choose any song on this album as a top track, Never Change was definitely one that crept up on me. Stellar underlying harmonies, a crackling backbeat that always hits on the outside of the synths. This whole record has an underlying tone of hope, rising out of the mire of tough times. This track captures that feeling the hardest for me.
Alex Svenson – vocals, bass and synthezisers Jonas Fransson – drums Hugo Zombie – guitars
Eva X – Fiction – July 5th single from Electronic producer Gaby (Eva X). The single includes two remixes of the previous single Dopamine Blind by Sawtooth and Enter Face. Retro 80s pop with soul on the intro, fed into the grinder of metal tooth electro rock. Gaby’s voice keeps growing in confidence and glamour with every new release. This would pop at a mainstream club or goth/Industrial night.
Cemetery Sex – Leviathan – This is a young band generating an enormous amount of buzz from Washington DC. Artist that truly embrace the goth ethos of inclusion and counter culture pouring into the batcave of gothic roots. Anastasia has an undeniable presence in her words and delivery. The music is serpentine and hungry. To have young people with such an intrinsic understanding of the culture with both their music and mindset truly fills me with hope for the future. When Cemetary Sex burst onto the scene, they understood the assignment. Be ready to hear A LOT more about this band in the coming year.
PIG – Red Room – Raymond Watts has left an indelible stamp on the industrial scene for decades. One of the key reasons is his ability to find fresh untread ground with which to blend with industrial. Soul, funk, metal all are wound into spiritual inspiration to fortify the alloy of his art. Red Room took me to another place, late 70’s glam like Alice Cooper and TRex colliding pageantry, sensuality, and filthy grinding machines. A tight compact bullet that enters your brain before fragmenting into something larger and more explosive. Leaving you changed by the fragments left behind.
A rogues gallery of contributing artists, both old school and new class Alexis Mincolla (3Teeth), Chris Hall (Stabbing Westward), and the PIG Choir: Chris Connelly (Revco, Ministry etc), Emily Kavanaugh (Night Club), I Ya Toyah, Marc Heal (Cubanate) and Burton C Bell (Fear Factory), En Esch, Susannah Doyle, Anita Kyoda, Mark Alan Griffiths, Mike Watts, Jimmy Livingstone, and more!
This is an album best served live with sweat running down the walls. Catch them on tour with Curse Mackey, Unitcode:machine, Stoneburner, and more at a city near you. I’m going to both Coldwaves (Chicago) and Smalls (Detroit)
Favorite Tracks: Dirty Mercy – This opening is absolutely filthy.
ACTORS – Dead Inside – Vancouver based band Actors have been at the forefront of Nextwave Darkscene music since the start of the Rennaissance. This new single as a prelude to the tour of one of the top live music experiences of 2024 shows the group showing no signs of slowing down. The first time I heard it I was struck with Jason’s sultry whispering Jarvis Cocker vibes. of the cohesion and telepathy of one of the tightest acts of the modern era. The crisp brush crack drums Adam delivers use timing as art to build the tension. Shannon’s rippling cascade of dark water ripples. Kendall a forceful step on nimble feet. Every time I think, this is it, Actors have reached their peak, the journey continues up a mystical mountain.
MALE TEARS – Parad​Ã​sco – La Based neosynth band Male Tears has filled me with hope for the future. There is nothing more beautiful than a group of young people discovering a fresh path to classic sounds. James and company went through a major lineup transition before the release of this EP and came out the other side with a hopeful passion. Soulful new depth and determination to find the beauty in the darkest reflections of life. Fans of Petshop Boys, and Duran Duran will find an homage to bright crystal sounds on the sonic spectrum that hold the truth of dark introspection. Great guest appearance on track two by our friends Corlyx. A beautiful harmony of James mournful beauty and Caitlin’s alien ethereal whisper. As well as track 3 “Sex On Drugs” a gorgeous and heart retching single that could have been the missing track off (Actually 1987) with features Caitlin (Corlyx), Azy Bats (Obscura Undead), and Ryan King (Witchhands). This is a modern day classic that stirs my heart with that same feeling of unburdened delivery. Male Tears is something special and memorable this scene needs to embrace with both arms. They are currently on their first major tour and I encourage everyone to be a part of this revolution on the ground floor.
Catch them in Detroit 10/1/24 at Small’s in Detroit with Crune and yours truly 🙂
Year two of Small’s in Hamtramck’s Fixation Festival happened this past weekend. For the second year in a row Mike Mouyianis and Kat Paled put together an epic bill of legacy/modern darkscene talent both locally and around the country. This city has always celebrated a rich musical culture from Motown, Iggy Pop, The MC 5, techno’s holy trinity, ADULT, along with a slew of new talent in the current wave. Small’s cares about and celebrates artists, while running a tight ship that respects fan’s time. The venue is intimate with a great sound system and professional technician that knows how to communicate and bring out the best in the wide variety of acts. Having the stage and merch in one room, another with the bar for cooler temps, quick service, and a large video screen showing the stage at a volume you can talk over makes for a best of both worlds. Sometimes you want to be right in the action. Sometimes you want to share a moment with friends, making a personal connection with the bands. It has the Cold Waves “goth summer camp” vibe with a smaller more relaxed venue.
I’m going to fire off some quick impressions from of all the bands. Some that are long time favorites, some I saw for the first time. I’ll also include photos from the amazingly talented Jen Jeffery who really captured highlight moments from both nights.
Helix – Starting out Friday night strong was the married duo of Mari Shear (Day Twelve, Mari & The Ghost) and Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) firing off blistering electropop with Mari’s powerful, smokey delivery. Her stage show was captivating and serpentine. A beautiful way to set the tone for everything to come.
Rosegarden Funeral Party – Next up was Dallas TX dark rockers Rosegarden Funeral Party who I had previously reviewed for albums and singles. I had never seen them live, this became my favorite surprise of the weekend. Sometimes you really need to see the live show to get a full appreciation of a band. Leah was this glorious guitar sheading silver beam of light belting out lyrics with breath support to do Aretha Franklin proud. Thunderous live drums really his home the organic dark rock roots to give the impression of a wailing full band with only two people. I became an instant fan for life, can’t wait to dig into the new album “From The Ashes” available on bandcamp now.
ego likeness – I remember looking over to Collin right after Leah absolutely obliterated that stage and saying “I feel bad for whoever has to sing after her”. Then I saw it was Donna and went, never mind it’s Donna, she will be fine. With everything Donna and Steven have going (Poetry, Painting, Stoneburner, Audiobooks) sometimes it feels like Ego Likeness shows are a rare and glorious treat. Rick and Mike were here on stage to give the full experience of powerful percussion, wet crunching swamp riffs, and luring siren vocals. There is a reason Ego Likeness has stood the test of time between goth resurgences. Another call out from this performance, you can always tell a special band by how they react when something goes wrong. Tech issues happen, you can either let it under your skin, and lose focus. Or you can let the audience feel like they are a part of the inner circle, pop forward, and hit a higher level than you were when something went wrong. This is what the greats do.
Bootblacks – This was my second time seeing the reinvented suave dark Italian disco Bootblacks sound and they have dialed it all the way in. I’ve seen a trend of bands moving towards this sound, but I think Bootblacks were the first American’s to the peak. The new single “When You Want” highlights the power of pacing change to create constant movement. Panther’s vocals have never felt more present and sensual. This performance had the whole crowd sweating both physically and metaphorically.
Assemblage 23 – Tom Shear coming back to the stage for a second performance in one night. This marked another band I have listened to frequently but had never seen perform live. FuturePop fell in that middle place where I had given up on new music and got to re-discover recently. Hearing a top tier male vocalist delivering such crystal clarity free of effects is a powerful experience. Sometimes poetic lyrics feel a bit of an afterthought in the modern era. So hearing heartfelt emotive words delivered with a beautiful voice really stands out. I really need to see Tom play again when he is the focus of the night. Tom did promise to do an interview with me soon, so be on the lookout for that.
Night Club – I understand that some traditional goth fans don’t really want to embrace the darkpop cross over in the modern scene. I’m not one of them. Night Club was another band I had only reviewed albums of. On stage, they absolutely brought the house down. Sassy, dangerous, with pristine production, setting the stage for Emily’s undeniable star power. I know it when I see it, Night Club is dripping with it. What a way to close out an epic night one. Another of those bands I implore everyone to catch at an intimate venue like Small’s now. It’s won’t be long before main stream audiences catch on.
Adding this selfie of Amaranth/Stoneburner/Black Rose Burning who will be playing together August 17th in Lancaster PA. An incredible night 1 where we Uber’d back to our Air B & B to crush previously acquired late night food which turned out to be some of the best Thai cuisine I have ever had.
The Love Part – George Grant (Black Rose Burning) once impressed upon me the importance of festivals including some local flavor in the mix. Night two is where Fixation let some Detroit talent shine. My partner Rachel has exceptional taste in music, so when she came running and dragged me to the stage (something she never does) to hear The Love Part I knew I was in for something wonderful. Swelling psychedlicgaze pastel ectoplasm with great charisma from the singer spinning Curesque romantic energy. I spoke with them a bit after and this was an early show for them. I think this project has a high ceiling. I love that Small’s took a chance on them, I love that they delivered in a big way.
Access To Concrete – Another Detroit band that was my highlight surprise of night two. The Stringer brothers put together a full experience multimedia performance that took the best parts of Devo and Front 242 synthesized into chaotic SciFi sonic assault. They had multiple guest vocalists including Steph Strange (Schedule IV) in Nuruto/Tank Girl cosplay and Industrial Alice In Chains. It was fun, it was fury, it left me hungry for more.
LEATHERS – This was another showstopper highlight. The evolution of Shannon to ultrastar status has been a pleasure to behold. Having to do two sets in a night at this level of energy and precision is a feat within itself. This performance was a shooting star sparkling across the stage. Captivating and razor sleek Leather’s brings an otherworldly late 70’s glam energy that leaves you feeling how am I seeing this? It’s too bright, too beautiful to exist on this mortal realm. Last night they played Cruel World Fest on a stage with Duran Duran/Ministry/ect and I can’t help but feel like a dream realized for Shannon is hope for us all.
The Bellwether Syndicate – Chicago darkscene legends that always rock Detroit like they have something to prove. William Faith (Faith and the Muse, Christian Death, Mephisto Walz, Shadow Project, The March Violets) throws the best rock star looks in the biz. Sara Rose and Philly have enough musical pedigree to fill 10 bands. They really create a mythical beast with gnashing punk rock teeth, a long slender synthpop neck, and expansive sharp post punk wings. Moving together in perfect harmony. It always feels like a complete experience, a big deal, every time they play. Vestige & Vigil is such a good album, I had to buy it twice on LP.
ACTORS – How do they do it? How does a band I feel objectively plays one of the best live shows rather in a 300 person capacity club or a festival consistently raise the bar to amaze me? The sound is so sharp, crackling with spirit, engaging the crowd every night until we all leave feeling a part of something special. Some might think I sound crazy saying this, but in 6 short years since “It Will Come To You” Jason’s voice is reaching towards the discussion of all-time greats like Ian McCulloch, David Gahan level of impact. Actors might not have compiled that size of discography yet, but they are climbing towards it at a rate few others in the modern scene can keep pace with.
Also it is the love they show for their fans everywhere. After absolutely demolishing the crowd. Most of the band playing two sets that night. They must have been exhausted. I truly don’t expect folks to have the time and spoons to say hi to every reviewer. So Jason reaching out to have me come to the back for a headlight selfie and to say hello meant a lot. Actors aren’t just a band for a lot of us. They are a movement you are a part of.
Stabbing Westward – I have seen Stabbing Westward several times. 16 year old Ken alone in his bedroom, eyeliner streaking down his face because some girl broke his heart and only Chris Hall could understand. I have never seen SW play 8 feet away from me for 90 minutes spanning their entire catalog in a room of rabid fans. The fact that 1) they took a show in a smaller room to do this festival 2) They brought the energy of 20 year olds for and hour and a half while walking through the crowd and meeting everyone catching the other bands. To have a band with as much impact as they did on me be that down to earth and considerate is such a glorious icing on a face melting show of a cake.
I even managed to keep my cool when I went to introduce myself to Walter, who said “Yes Ken, I know who you are, nice to meet you”. We talked about the modern scene, how much he loved Actors, and how much he still enjoyed doing this. I feel like I maintained my pretend journalistic integrity the whole time my brain went SQUEEEEEEEEEE IM TALKING TO WALTER FLAKUS!!!. Hopefully I will have an interview with them soon and won’t sweat to much while I ask the questions. Overall it was the perfect cap to a perfect night.
Another smashing success in year two establishes that Small’s has built something here. That top talent is recognized and travel out of their way to play with like minds. My head is already spinning with the possibilities of who will be there next year. Detroit is a fun an economical alternative to some of the other big destination festivals. A beautiful diverse setting full of unique cuisine and friendly people looking out for each other. If you have heard mutterings to the contrary, my guess is you are talking to people who saw Detroit in a movie. Not folks who have spent time here. I’ll see you in 2025.
I have been awful about writing to you all about the latest and greatest darkscene releases this year. It’s time for me to start making up that up. My goal this year is to dive a little deeper into feature pieces on bands and releases. Doing quick hit articles with multiple bands tagged is still valuable for getting the word out and combining fan bases. So if you love dark music and this scene, read about the bands you already know. More importantly give a chance to some you don’t recognize and please share these reviews. It costs nothing and help folks find new music to love. I appreciate everyone who supports us. Go see live music in underground venues. These bands are The Cure/Joy Division/Depeche Mode/Sister Of Mercy of tomorrow. You can see them now for under 20 dollars.
Tears for ʇhe Dying – Dead Girl Dancing (single) – Nothing feels better than watching something I already love, re-invent itself into something new and glorious. Tears For The Dying has become my favorite in a new wave of death rock. Adria and Mick have an exposed truth you cannot put a mask on. It shines with feral chaotic beauty burning outside modern popular refinement. Dead Girl Dancing is a delicate and subtle shine blasting through the cracks of traumatic armor. I love hearing a playful tone in Adria’s singing and phrase. Mick also shows wide range with this wrist flick fencers beat. This song reminds me that sometimes the most goth thing of all isn’t to wallow in despair. Instead to celebrate the beauty of the macabre. A dream which for some might be a nightmare, yet to those who want to look beyond convention, a midnight dance with the animated dead. Sometimes I fear Tears For the Dying is too honest and strange to ever feel the embrace of mainstream audiences. I hope they do find the attention of our darkscene. Other artists in the know, know Tears For the Dying.
See me, hear me, take my hand Let’s go for a walk in the boneyard See me, hear me, take my hand Let’s dance in the fog
Bootblacks – When You Want – Speaking of rebirth, the Brooklyn post punk band Bootblacks who I have heaped praise on many times have done some introspection, a lineup change, and a total sonic reboot. When it is a band you already love, it is natural to worry, if I already loved where they were heading, will I still after a 180? It’s a beautiful twist of fate when the new direction makes you fall in love over again. There is a lot of excitement right now around the “Dark Italian Disco Sound”. It seems to be the next hot thing. “When You Want” is a flame laced single that embraces modern American Dark Disco. Something brash and confident that leaves pretention at the door. I’ve never heard Panther embrace such elegance and clarity. Those raw fuzzy energy waves from “Thin Skies” have become sharp lines and complex movement. Whatever that special “it” factor that Panther and Barrett had, they managed to bring it with them. Riding the cusp of the next natural progression.
Isaac Howlett – House of Cards – By track three of this review a pattern is emerging. Another phoenix rises with a new sound and pallet. Isaac Howlett of the atmospheric darksynth band Empathy Test releases his first solo venture. Without a live drummer this single stays light on it’s toes. It sparkles and spins on a fantastical dancefloor. Isaac’s always beautiful voice glows warmer and wider. I feel a real “Power, Corruption, and Lies” tone in the music. I think Isaac’s vocal talent elevates the original concept in many ways. Excited to see where this new feel takes us next.
The Joy Thieves – The Heart of the Worm – Since Dan Milligan started The Joy Thieves it has been growing in membership to include over 50 members. Bringing new talents and skills to add to the color palette. Now it ranges all the way from living legends to…me. As in previous releases TJT tend to build around a vocalist in each album. The Heart Of The Worm goes back to one of the first Joy Thieves and Dan’s oldest friends Mathew Clark (Mary’s Window). Tragically Mathew had a stroke that left him with a long road to physical recovery. “Spilt Milk” embodies Matt’s trademark snarl and purr style with a crunchy new metal riff. The drums are dialed in so tightly you really feel the walls closing in. Then the chorus blows the roof off the building to scream to the heavens. It’s something special to play together so long, in so many projects it gives a song the hive mind feel. When timing becomes so precise you wonder if they used some kind of telepathic link. Track 2: Relentless features Chicago Industrial standout Mike Reidy on vocals is a frothing beast bends each phrase to match the pitch shift riff. I love when industrial leans into a groove.
ACTORS – In Real Life – It’s impossible to mention the resurgence of post punk next wave music without discussing Vancouver based band Actors. The first single of 2024 throws every color at the wall with precision and efficiency. This track is beauty celebrated, an emotional sculpture drawing your ear towards a captured moment.
Also the Actors are going back out on the road. I’m going to see them on Sat 4/27 at Fixation Festival in Detroit. I need to make it clear, in 2036 there will be two kinds of people in this scene. Those talking about how they saw Actors for less than $20 back in the day, and those complaining about the price of tickets they are still going to buy. It’s not too late to be the former.
Intrusive Pinky – I Hate You, Patriarch Fuck! – Modular duo of Jackie and Diana, a bit of Melloncampiness there, which came to my attention being the first signing of Jean-Marc Lederman’s new label Les disques de la pantoufle. If I was to pick 5 names I considered experts of knowing something has quality in the modern artistic scene, Jean-Marc would be on that list. So lets turn up the studio speakers and get some first impressions from the debut EP of Californias Intrusive Pinky.
Past Midnight – I like to think the first track of the first EP from a band is meant to send you a message. Right away the message was clear. Ken, you are not the demographic the song was aimed at. Still, you know badass when you hear it. This beat goes against the grain, still finding a pulse your heart is drawn to follow. Spoken throwing star cadence throwing sharp words at random intervals from the palm. Finding some equilibrium between hook and chaos that gives this slow electric club stomper a jazzy soul. You have my attention.
We’re The Meow Meow Generation – Give me that glitchy flapper energy like trip hop on a runaway train. Lately I’ve seen a modern trend of new video games to use advanced graphic versions of pixel art to bring the focus back to the story. This track feels like the music version of that ideal. It’s bright, bold, feather boas at a 90s Detroit warehouse rave.
I’m already invested hook like and sinker and need to have these folks on for an interview soon.
LEATHERS – Crash – Brand new single from the shimmering jewel reverse personality of Actors. Also on Artoffact but with a focus on the arm hair chills stunning voice of Shannon Hemmett. A slippery synthpop symphony in slow wide arcs. I love when a songs lyrics take you on a mystery. Hints at a story that feels familiar but lingers just out of your reach. I’ll admit to playing and reading the lyrics 5 times to reflect, and I am not done yet.
BRIDES – Doom Profits – From the moment Adrian started this lofi Norwegian dark rock project it has stirred in me a desire to proclaim the soul of traditional goth has returned. He even calls it “Norwegian rock band Brides”, refusing to acknowledge the word goth. Just like Doom Profits who came before him. Wielding these slithering guitar riffs like a Bo-whip demonstration above a thunderous bass hook. Leaning into his own voice with rough textures on higher range to create his own tale of woe.
Nothing Left For Love – A slow driving croon with fog curling over the lip of a chasm. Lyrics that are utterly beyond hope and have given over to the void. This song takes a simple vamping riff and dials it into that exact median dot so many have searched for. Listening to this is like playing chicken with true darkness. You keep expecting a moment where the author diverts and shows it was all pageantry. He never blinks. Never
“And these dreams that spill out of my head Drip from my tongue and crawl up my throat Until I vomit them out on the page Or in a song”
Heartquake – A scorcher foot to the floor right off the line. This song is a black muscle car with flames and exposed chrome. Siren emulating synthesizers trail behind dangerous slides over broken city concrete. Hard dirty motion that doesn’t slow down as it goes around the curves.
“A shakey kiss From trembling lips Earthbeat Heartquake Skin crawls Fingers quiver Tongues slip Tendrils slither Tracing scars Unwrap the heart Muted howls Nervous touch”
It’s that time again. The Sounds and Shadows Darkscene singles chart. Where you our group of Artists, Djs, Reviewers, Promotors, Labels, and Superfans vote on your favorite song releases in the month of June. These are your votes tallied and awarded from top to bottom. This month we have some amazing bangers from an eclectic group of artists in the broad “Darkscene” genre. If you have a single releasing in July or know someone that does, make sure to add it to the poll in the Sounds and Shadows Facebook group or Patreon.
Mari Kattman – Swallow
SINE (Textbeak Remix) – Attack
The Static Architect – Bitmask
Odonis Odonis (Feat Actors) – No One Left
GoFight – Machine Rock
Girls Under Glass (Feat Mortiis) – Backdraft
The Vulgar Parts (Dread Risks Remix) – Tu As Perdut Tes Droits
A Covenant Of Thorns – Idols
Dead Lights – I Am Electric
Spank The Nun (Batavia Remix) – On The Run
Mari Kattman – Swallow – There is zero mystery how this track showed up at number 1. Total unadulterated banger. This track slithers through the electro rain forest untethered. The delivery Mari gives of sizzling beauty spewing forth a poignant political message crucial to this time. Soul and execution in equal measure. This was the number one pick by a margin, and for good reason.
2 SINE – Attack – Textbeak Remix – Two of my favorites here teaming up to lock down spot #2. Texas ElectroCaberet artist SINE remixed by Detroit noisepainter Textbeak. This is smokey, electro hex witch energy magic. I love the glitch and chaos blended into Rona’s haunting vocals. This is a slam dunk.
3 The Static Architect – Bitmask – New single from SoCal noisetronic artist Nick McLaren. I believe this is their first time on our chart. Production levels here are FIRE. It sounds very retro, very red hot machinery on fire reckless feel. Yet these synths are moving so precisely and building with a purpose. The vocals had a Downward Spiral controlled fury, I’d love to get a larger dose. Another band on the chart that really imprinted their name in my mind and said pay closer attention.
4 Odonis Odonis – No One Left (Ft. ACTORS) Award winning Toronto retrowave band Odonis Odonis teaming with one of my all time favs Actors is a recipe for a sweet treat. This exceeded all expectations. This band is shooting like a rocket for a reason. I am yet to find anything that Jason couldn’t touch and make better. This song was a whole other rung on the ladder. It has that life affirming energy that those truly great songs of the past had. To make your moment brighter. This isn’t one of those songs though, it is brand new. It is ours. It holds that same power.
5 Go Fight – Machine Rock – The man, myth, legend of Chicago Industrial Jim Marcus. Rather you are a fan of Die Warzau or the latest project GoFight Jim has a gift for blasting the hardest industrial beats with a sensual vocal line and bouncing energy that stretches the definition of Industrial music. This newest single is bursting with sexy douse the world in gasoline and let’s see what happens energy. Until I am proven wrong, my stance remains if Jim puts out a song buy it immediately sight unseen. He is yet to disappoint.
6 Girls Under Glass feat. Mortiis – Tainted – German Based veteran artist on COP International with a brand new release full of classic Industrial sound contrasted by rising choir vocals in rapid bark cadence from the lord of dungeon synth himself Mortiis. Powerful flow and anthem energy make for a banger collaboration from both artists.
7 The Vulgar Parts – Tu As Perdu Tes Droits (Dread Risks Remix) – So Dread Risks the remixers I know well. The Vulgar parts from Perth Australia I am just learning about. using one word to describe, frantic. Bubbling energy hot and pressurized from under the crust. Nice blend of lifting pierce vocals and sinister growl. I really like how the guitar is held back in reserve for the exact moments it will cause the most impact. You have my attention.
8 A Covenant of Thorns – Idols – I just did a full review of this album and didn’t even pick this as one of my stand out tracks but it’s a haunting whisper with a sizzle of Roxy Music glam. Scott-David delivers with construction time rapture and waterfall reflective beauty.
9 DEAD LIGHTS – I Am Electric – UK Glam goth band returns to our charts with this dark bouncing synth blazer. Nice rich baritone vocals offset by shimmering lip gloss harmony. Jackhammer drum concussion driving color splash keyboard waves. Wonderful music to work out or smash glass windows to.
10 spankthenun – On The Run (Batavia Remix) – Texas based thunderdustrial band Spankthenun remixed by Florida electrospice couple Batavia for this Tron laser car chase with demon growls and sparkling explosions. Installment 3 of Bunker Tapes releases at the end of August and features glorious new material and remixes from top electronica artists.
