The festival organizers have finally released the highly anticipated lineup for this year’s event, featuring a range of popular performers who are sure to deliver electrifying performances. The lineup includes renowned acts such as Clan of Xymox, Drab Majesty, A Split Second, Attriton, The Cassandra Complex, and more!

The post Cold Waves Festival 2024 Announced with Clan of Xymox, Drab Majesty, A Split Second, The Cassandra Complex, Attrition, and More! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

We were painting corolettes and telling secrets

But your eyes were blank and never blinking

Why does it matter if you don’t have a heartbeat?

Objectophilia, a phenomenon where individuals develop significant emotional, romantic, or sexual relationships with inanimate objects, presents a fascinating lens through which to explore the complexities of human affection and connectivity. This concept, vividly depicted in films like Lars and the Real Girl, where the protagonist forms a profound bond with a sex doll, blurs the lines between animate and inanimate companionship. This narrative thread weaves through various cinematic explorations, such as the tender yet unconventional relationship in Her, where the line between human and artificial intelligence becomes indistinct, or the poignant attachment to a mannequin in Mannequin, highlighting the diverse manifestations of love and connection beyond the human realm. These stories mirror the thematic essence of Hard Copy, the latest auditory exploration by VR SEX, which delves into the intricate dance between human desires and the allure of the inanimate, setting a backdrop for a deeper discussion on the nature of relationships and emotional fulfillment in the contemporary digital age.

Hard Copy, a ten-track manifesto by VR SEX, emerges as a potent blend of psychedelic punk rock infused with the anarchic spirit of Chrome and the rebellious echoes of the Stiff Records era. This auditory journey delves into the complex tapestry of human desire, the ephemeral allure of forbidden pleasures, and the dark underbelly of societal fringes, narrated through tales of love entwined with inanimate beings, dangerous liaisons, and the perennial dance with destruction.

With the release poised for March 22nd under the banner of Dais Records, Inanimate Love, the album’s second single, unveils a narrative rich in solitude and the quest for connection through an inanimate consort, a poignant reflection on the nature of companionship in the meta-modern social media era. Accompanied by a visually arresting visual collage crafted by Danny Perez, this piece serves as a contemporary musing on love in its most unconventional forms.

VR SEX says the video is “a short-form, contemporary documentary about humans who are in love with things that have not yet (by definition) achieved ‘sentience.’”

Watch the video for “Inanimate Love” below:

The essence of Inanimate Love resonates with the avant-garde vibrations of Wire and Chrome, the raw ferocity of Stickmen With Rayguns, and the transcendental flow of Japanese psychedelia, all the while maintaining VR SEX’s distinctive flair for lush, biting soundscapes. This track is a testament to the band’s evolution, a journey further explored following their 2022 release, Rough Dimension. Under the guidance of Noel Skum, also known as Andrew Clinco of Drab Majesty, VR SEX has transcended its origins to become a collaborative force, eschewing digital fabrication for the authenticity of direct instrument recording, crafting an immersive auditory experience that is both dense and spatial.

Hard Copy stands as a philosophical inquiry into the dichotomy of the real and the replicated, challenging the preconceptions of authenticity and exploring the myriad pleasures and perils that lie within both realms. It is a voyage through the extremities of human experience, an exploration of the depths of the heart’s turmoil, set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of reality and illusion.

As we stand on the precipice of this brave new world, VR SEX beckons us to take a bite from the forbidden fruit of technology via hardware such as the Apple Vision Pro, venturing into a realm where the lines between the animate and inanimate blur into a mesmerizing dance of our virtues and baser instincts. Anticipate the arrival of Hard Copy and immerse yourself in the singular world of VR SEX, where the boundaries of love, desire, and existence blur into a perverse dystopian mosaic.

Pre-order Here

Follow VR Sex:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

The post Silicone Valley of the Dolls — VR SEX Debut Video for “Inanimate Love” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

I can be strong

I can be proper

I can be wrong

I can be lovely or I can be gone

the thing that will haunt you is still hanging on.

Noel Skum, the creative alter-ego of perverse polymath Andrew Clinco from Drab Majesty, along with his ensemble of talented musicians (including the suave Aaron Montaigne), has announced a brand new ten-track VR SEX LP. The project marks an evolutionary diversion from Clinco’s previous work, presenting a daring blend of musical styles. Entitled “Hard Copy,” the album is a  spliced and photocopied zine collage that skillfully weaves together the raw energy of psychedelic punk, the polished allure of chrome-infused delirium, and the catchy rhythms of power pop.

Set to captivate listeners with its narratives of the lurid and surreal, including amorous escapades with sex dolls and encounters with glue-sniffing femmes fatales, “Hard Copy” is a bold testament to the creative progression of Noel Skum and his team. With its release scheduled for March 22nd through Dais Records, the album is a highly anticipated addition to the avant-garde punk mythology, resulting in a sound that alludes to the unfettered creativity of the Stiff Records era resurrected by Clinco via Dais.

To whet the appetite of fans, the ensemble has released the first single, “Real Doll Time.” This track offers a raw and compelling preview of the LP, channeling the fiery spirit of The Damned’s early works. It’s a promising glimpse into the diverse and vibrant soundscapes that “Hard Copy” promises to deliver, marking an exciting new chapter in the artistic journey of Noel Skum, Andrew Clinco, and their talented ensemble.

Listen below:

In a spirited demonstration of artistic unity, VR SEX, now a dynamic five-piece, embarked on a musical journey to solidify their bond. They seized a studio space in Glassell Park, transforming it into a creative sanctuary where the skeletal outlines of songs, once confined to iPhone demos, were brought to vibrant life. This was a venture into the heart of collaborative creation, a leap away from external influences and into the realm of pure, unadulterated artistry.

The lyrics of the album delve into the project’s enduring themes: tangled desires, fleeting excitements, tainted wealth, fallen youths, and shattered love, all set against the backdrop of urban desolation inhabited by eccentrics and disillusioned dreamers. The title Hard Copy captures the eerie overlap between imitation and reality, exploring the notion that neither is inherently superior, each offering its own array of joys and sinister delights. This record fully embraces the extremes and anomalies, the illusions and perversions, revealing the complex layers of emotion and conflict that reside in every broken heart.

“My goal is always to load up every take with as much sound as possible in one pass,” says Clinco.
The process was rigourous, embodying the essence of rock ‘n’ roll idealism. They dedicated 12-hour days to lay down the basic tracks in just one week. They experimented with amplifiers, toyed with effects, and added flourishes, each adjustment a deliberate stroke in the grand canvas of their album. This wasn’t merely a recording session; it was an act of musical alchemy, where shared visions and individual talents melded to create something transcendent and resonating.

Mike Kriebel, a guitarist and accomplished engineer known for his work in punk, goth, and garage underground, mixed VR SEX’s album to create a sound that’s dense, rich, and spatial. Inspired by Andrew Clinco’s muse of “reckless abandon,” the album features a range of influences, from the shadowy tones of Chrome and Stickmen With Rayguns to the mesmerizing sounds of Japanese psych and dynamic grunge anthems. However, VR SEX stands apart with its sardonic richness and heavily saturated style, oscillating between powerful riffs and space echo meltdowns.

In a move away from modern digital production, the band decided against using plug-ins. Most instruments were recorded directly into the mixing board, capturing their pure essence. The guitars were added through a series of amplifiers, carefully panned and mixed to achieve a rich and immersive experience. This approach not only recalls a more organic era of music production but also gives each track a distinct and compelling character.

Pre-order Hard Copy here and look for more news + music from VR SEX soon.

Follow VR Sex:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

The post VR Sex Premiere New Track “Real Doll Time” From Forthcoming Album “Hard Copy” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

And I begrudgingly say this, as a former New Yorker and Berliner, but Los Angeles has firmly established itself as a formidable contender in the global post-punk festival scene, effortlessly rivaling the traditional strongholds of Europe. The city, known for its perpetual sunshine (you know, the perfect place for a Goth), now also beams with the sunburnt glow of two pivotal music festivals: Darker Waves and Cruel World. The latter marked the triumphant return of Siouxsie to the U.S., with a performance so electrifying the festival had to be evacuated before she could take the stage. (But come on guys, NYC needs a festival like this, too — LA shouldn’t have all the fun!)

This year was a testament to the enduring spirit and adaptability of post-punk, synthpop, and darkwave, genres that continue to evolve and captivate new generations and even cross over into the mainstream. In this evolving landscape, we’ve seen a surge of artists not just reviving but redefining these sounds. It’s a surreal time these days where the nostalgic echoes of the past meet the innovative visions of the present, resulting in a period that could very well be remembered as a new golden age of post-punk music.

And just as L.A. has seamlessly blended its sunny disposition with the typically gloomy aesthetic of post-punk, the music of 2023 has interwoven the familiar with the avant-garde, presenting a year of releases that are as surprising as they are gratifying.

Nuovo Testamento, a band that has consistently proven its mettle, delivered ‘Love Lines,’ a record where each track shone with the potential of a hit single. Their ability to consistently produce high-caliber music has not gone unnoticed, making them a standout act of the year. Then there was Slowdive’s ‘everything is alive,’ a release that reminded everyone why they are revered icons in the shoegaze realm. Their return wasn’t just a nod to their past glory but a bold statement of their ongoing relevance in today’s music scene.

Mareux’s debut album, ‘Lovers from the Past,’ presented a compelling fusion of generational sounds, effectively bridging the gap between the underground and the contemporary. The album stood out for its creative songcraft and unique aesthetic, marking Mareux as an artist to watch.

The year was also notable for the surprising and remarkable releases from established acts like Zanias, and Belgrado. who released some of their best work to date. and newcomers Lathe of Heaven’s with their full-length debut nostalgic and refreshing nod to Killing Joke and The Blitz. Body of Light’s ‘Bitter Reflection’ was a delightful dive into new-wave pop, showcasing their versatility and creative prowess.

Perhaps most surprising were the contributions from veterans OMD and A Certain Ratio. Their latest works managed to capture the essence of their classic ’80s sound while injecting fresh, contemporary energy, proving that their creative wells are far from dry in 2023.

So, as we close the chapter on this whirlwind of a year, Myself, Andi Harriman, and Frank Deserto have scoured the soundscape, digging through the deluge of tunes to bring you a curated list of this year’s best. So, without further ado, here’s the music that defined our year,

Alex’s List

LPS

1. Nuovo Testamento – Love Lines

2. Slowdive – everything is alive

3. Mareux – Lovers From the Past

4. Lathe of Heaven – Bound By Naked Skies

5. Belgrado – Intra Apogeum

6. Zanias – Chrysalis

7. OMD – Bauhaus Staircase

8. Body of Light – Bitter Reflection 

9. Korine – Tear

10. Harsh Symmetry – Imitation 

11. A Certain Ratio – 1982

12. Temple of Angels – Endless Pursuit

13. Ritual Howls- Virtue Falters

14. Morwan – Svitaye, Palaye

15. Chasms Glimpse of Heaven

16. Fearing – Destroyer

17. Blu Anxxiety – Morbid Now, Morbid Later

18. House of Harm – Playground

19. Crush of Souls A)Void Love

20. Death Index Civilized By A Lie

EPs

1. Ultra Sunn – Kill Your Idols

2. Madeline Goldstein – Other World

3. Ortrotasce – War

4. Drab Majesty – An Object in Motion

5. Odonis Odonis- ICON

Singles / Tracks

1. Lebanon Hanover “Better Than Going Under”

2. Shadow Age – “Ours”

3. Scowl – “Psychic Dance Routine (Nuovo Testamento Remix)”

4. Catherine Moan – “Undo Undo”

5. Depeche Mode – “Wagging Tongue” Kid Moxie Remix

6. Bootblacks – “Forbidden Flames”

7. CG8 – “Cursed Angel”

8. Soft Vein “Bloodletting”

9. Topographies – “Night Sea”

10. Aurat – “Jugar”

Frank’s List

2023 was a strange year for me, musically. I kinda carved my own path through the year’s releases, actively seeking out guitars as always, eager to hear those six strings resonate the way they do best. In short, I’m still a sucker for a well written, organic song, though there was still quite a bit of room for big electronic beats and deep synthesizer grooves in my heart. In addition, many of my favorite releases of the year are from legacy favorites who released some of the best works of their career, including Slowdive, Fever Ray, Drop Nineteens, The Church, Everything but the Girl, A Certain Ratio, and Blur (perhaps an unpopular choice amongst the post-punk die hards, but for my marbles, their songwriting prowess continues to age like a fine wine, with their latest record mixing sad-bastard ballads with the ghosts of Scary Monsters. Also, don’t sleep on The WAEVE LP for the best Bowie horns this side of Young Americans). Kudos to the old guard for keeping the dream alive (even those who missed the cutoff, he says while still slowly but surely digesting the new OMD and Peter Gabriel albums), but also to the newer artists putting their best foot forward across a myriad of genres. Much love to Belgrado, Lathe of Heaven, Temple of Angels, and my Felte family (Chasms, Public Memory, Odonis Odonis, and Ritual Howls) for pushing boundaries and expanding the atmosphere this year.

The biggest surprise and the greatest reward of the year for me was EXEK, a band that I had never heard before stumbling upon their most recent record by happenstance. While on a pilgrimage to see Cranes reunite in London in October, I stopped by World of Echo, a small but mighty shop specializing in rare post-punk, synth, and outsider music, and heard the bright, clanging melodies of “Glow of Good Will” and “It’s Just a Flesh Wound, Darling” on an endless loop while I was shopping. The shop had just received copies of this new record, and quickly passed the obsession on to me in one foggy afternoon. To my ears, the band channels the best parts of Swell Maps and both Chairs Missing and A Bell is a Cup-era Wire, with a bit of Flying Nun jangle mixed in for good measure.

Happy listening, and see y’all in 2024! <3

LPs

1. EXEK – The Map and the Territory

2. The Church – The Hypnogauge 

3. The WAEVE – The Waeve

4. Slowdive – everything is alive

5. Public Memory – Elegiac Beat

6. Chasms – Glimpse of Heaven

7. Lathe of Heaven – Bound By Naked Skies

8. Temple of Angels – Endless Pursuit

9. Blur – The Ballad of Darren

10. Ritual Howls- Virtue Falters

11. Belgrado – Intra Apogeum

12. Nuovo Testamento – Love Lines

13. Nina Belief – Vessel of Voices

14. HEALTH – RAT WARS

15. Drop Nineteens – Hard Light

16. Everything But the Girl – Fuse

17. Magic Wands – Switched

18. Skeletal Family – Light From the Dark

19. A Certain Ratio – 1982

20. The True Faith – Go to Ground

EPs

1. SPC ECO – Wish

2. Glixen- She Only Said

3. Ortrotasce – War

4. Odonis Odonis- ICON

5. Luster – Dopamine Loop

Tracks:

1. Fever Ray – “Even It Out”

2. Bootblacks – “Wilderness”

3. Zanias – “Simulation”

4. Coatie Pop- “Embody”

5. Shadow Age – “Ours”

6. Sixth June – “Collapse”

7. Nabihah Iqbal – “This World Couldn’t See Us”

8. Body of Light – “Get It Right”

9. Lamp of Murmuur – “In Communion With the Wintermoon”

10. Smashing Pumpkins – “Empires”

Andi

The top three albums of 2023 were almost too easy to choose. Nuovo Testamento‘s Love Lines is an instant classic—blurring the lines between Italo disco, freestyle and a hint of Italo house, the band has matured and developed into every dance music fan’s utopian dream. SDH‘s Fake Is Real was similar in its genre-crossing ventures through synthpop, rave, and electro-clashy elements, while Mareux‘s stunningly beautiful LP, Lovers From the Past, put heartbreak overtop a cold, stoic beat.

In an attempt to find that connecting thread between each favorite album and/or track, it became clear that most selections on this list brought something unique that felt eerily familiar or, oppositely, confrontational. Pelada, Fotocopia and Puerta Negra utilized anarchic synthpunk to feud with authoritative women vocals sung in Spanish. Brixx and Augustus Muller reinterpreted the OST into a dreamy, EBM haze (Brixx replete with a saxophone solo). Lathe of Heaven and Blood Bells revved up guitar-based post-punk (positive punk?) amidst the sea of drum machines and synth pad ennui. Be it comfort or discomfort, the range of styles and approaches here are vast.

Most of all, the desire to move and be moved remains as both a DJ and a listener. From synthpunk and post-punk, to EBM and Italo body music, to the downright uncategorizable, each selection adds a luminescence that feels of the moment but—as it is my weakness—isn’t afraid to acknowledge to the past.

LPs

1. Nuovo Testamento – Love Lines

2. SDH – Fake is Real

3. Mareux – Lovers From the Past

4. Blu Anxxiety – Morbid Now, Morbid Later

5. Korine – Tear

6. Brixx – Erotomania

7. Lathe of Heaven – Bound By Naked Skies

8. Pelada – Ahora Más Que Nunca

9. Fotocopia – Fotocopia

10. Randolph & Mortimer – The Incomplete Truth

11. Harsh Symmetry – Imitation

12. Blood Bells – Now the Dawn

13. Augustus Muller – Cellulosed Bodies (OST)

14. Zanias – Chrysalis

15. House of Harm – Playground

EPs

1. Ortrotasce – War

2. Puerta Negra – Playa Sola

3. Ultra Sunn – Kill Your Idols

4. Nuxx Vomica – FTEV

5. CD Ghost – Vignette I

Singles

1. Blind Delon ft. I Hate Models – “Flashback”

2. Soft Crash ft. Ready in LED – “Free Yourself”

3. Scowl – “Psychic Dance Routine (Nuovo Testamento Remix)”

4. Fever Ray – “Carbon Dioxide”

5. Austher & Naranja ft. Bolides – “Collision”

6. Luz Futuro – “Tiempo”

7. Provoker – “It’s In My Head”

8. Shadow Age – “Ours”

9. Veil of Light – “Head-On Collision”

10. Years of Denial – “Dancing With Demons”

Listen to our Best of 2023 playlist on Spotify:

The post Post-Punk.com — The Best Of 2023 appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The spring 2024 tour will see Slowdive returning to the US, building on the momentum of their fall 2023 tour. This time, they’re set to headline the Sick New World festival and perform in several cities missed in their previous run. Anticipation is high for shows in Texas (Austin, Houston, Dallas), the Southwest (Phoenix, Albuquerque), New Orleans, Kansas City, Atlanta, and the unique subterranean venue, The Caverns, in Tennessee.

Enhancing the tour’s allure is the inclusion of Drab Majesty as the opening act. Known for their distinct post-punk and goth-infused sound, Drab Majesty gained recent acclaim with their EP “An Object in Motion.” The EP’s lead single, “Vanity,” featuring Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell, has been particularly well-received, offering a rare blend of Goswell’s ethereal vocals with Drab Majesty’s darker tones.

Slowdive Tour Dates:

South America:

• Dec. 7 – Asunción, PY @ Primavera Sound

EU:

• Jan. 16 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
• Jan. 17 – Paris, FR @ La Cigale
• Jan. 18 – Cologne, DE @ Live Music Hall
• Jan. 20 – Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36
• Jan. 21 – Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA
• Jan. 22 – Oslo, NO @ Sentrum Scene
• Jan. 23 – Stockholm, SE @ Munchenbryggeriet
• Jan. 24 – Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA
• Jan. 25 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
• Jan. 27 – Warsaw, PL @ Progresja
• Jan. 28 – Prague, CZ @ Divaldo Archa
• Jan. 29 – Munich, DE @ Muffathalle
• Jan. 30 – Zurich, CH @ Volkshaus
• Jan. 31 – Milan, IT @ Alcatraz Club
• Feb. 2 – Bologna, IT @ Estragon Club
• Feb. 4 – Lyon, FR @ La Transbordeur
• Feb. 5 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
• Feb. 6 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera
• Feb. 8 – Brussels, BE @ Cirque Royale

UK:

• Feb. 16 – Brighton @ Brighton Dome
• Feb. 17 – London @ Eventim Apollo
• Feb. 18 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute Birmingham
• Feb. 19 – Norwich @ LCR UEA
• Feb. 21 – Liverpool @ O2 Academy Liverpool
• Feb. 22 – Newcastle-Upon-Tyne @ NX
• Feb. 23 – Glasgow @ Barrowland Ballroom
• Feb. 24 – Edinburgh @ Liquid Room
• Feb. 26 – Cardiff @ Cardiff University Great Hall
• Feb. 27 – Manchester @ Manchester Academy

North America:

• Apr. 25 – Ventura, CA @ The Majestic Ventura Theater
• Apr. 26 – Pomona, CA @ The Fox Theater Pomona
• Apr. 27 – Las Vegas, NV @ Sick New World Festival
• Apr. 28 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
• Apr. 30 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Historic El Rey Theater
• May 1 – Denver, CO @ Levitt Pavilion Denver
• May 3 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
• May 4 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
• May 5 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
• May 7 – Louisville, KY @ Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
• May 8 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns
• May 10 – Dallas, TX @ Longhorn Ballroom
• May 11 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
• May 12 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
• May 14 – New Orleans, LA @ The Civic Theatre
• May 16 – Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company
• May 17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
• May 18 – Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit

Follow Slowdive:

• Facebook
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• Twitter
• Website

Follow Drab Majesty:

• Facebook
• Instagram
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The post Slowdive Announces Spring 2024 North American Tour with Drab Majesty appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

This recent release signifies a riveting new era for Drab Majesty. During a 2021 sojourn to the secluded town of Yachats in coastal Oregon, Deb Demure found inspiration in the distinct tones of a bowl-shaped 12-string Ovation acoustic/electric guitar, adding a neo-psychedelic touch. Immersed in the natural surroundings, mornings were spent hiking through rain, while afternoons saw Deb engrossed in ambient guitar sessions, embracing intuitive musical explorations.

Cape Perpetua, one of the two instrumental pieces on the EP, exemplifies the album’s eclectic range. It offers glistening acoustic strums, harmoniously bent by delay, blending hints of raga with daydream. As melodies ebb and flow, the song finds itself poised between rustic American artistry, introspective neo-folk, and a bucolic sense of sorrow. Infusing baroque and classical touches, the piece unfurls into grand, gothic narratives, distinguishing itself from the ordinary.

The track’s visual companion, captured on Super 8 film, enhances its dreamlike, psychedelic essence, adding a nostalgic dimension that warps time.

Cape Perpetua is a slow-rolling track with tessellating psychedelia which inspired me to channel my Joseph Cornell and late-era Brakhage appreciation,” says director John Elliott (Emeralds, Imaginary Softwoods). “The goal was to capture simple objects moving in and out of stillness reflecting the ebb and flow of the widescreen guitar patterns. Upon discovering a partially dilapidated cemetery near my house, I found spinning pinwheels askew in the ground and late blooming flowers laced with synthetic flowers, all against a backdrop of partly cloudy skies and autumnal foliage. We explored this simple and profound surrealism by performing in-camera lap-dissolves and double exposures in an attempt to marry the ethereal magic of the song with the film we shot. The simplistic nature of Super 8 camera lenses paired with the imperfect nature of Super 8mm film creates a window into a world that feels like a distant cluster of memories, or a dream-like state complete with blurred edges and extemporaneous world-building.”

In the heart of Los Angeles, Andrew Clinco unveiled his mesmerizing musical brainchild, Drab Majesty, in 2011. Best recognized for commanding the drum set in the band Marriages, Clinco immersed himself into this endeavor, assuming the genderfluid role of Deb Demure. As the project took shape, Mona D (born Alex Nicolaou), a gifted keyboardist and vocalist, joined the group in 2016, introducing an extra layer of complexity to their sound.

Since partnering with Dais Records, Drab Majesty has spawned three thought-provoking albums: their hauntingly beautiful debut, Careless (2015), the introspective journey of The Demonstration (2017), and the evocative Modern Mirror (2019).

An Object In Motion was written during a 2021 retreat to the remote coastal Oregon town of Yachats, where Deb Demure leaned into the neo-psychedelic resonance of a uniquely bowl-shaped 12-string Ovation acoustic/electric guitar. After early morning hikes in the rain, Deb would record ambient guitar experiments the rest of the day, tapping into “flow states,” letting the sound lead the way. These sessions were then refined or recreated, and later elevated further with key collaborations by Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Justin Meldal-Johnson (Beck, M83, Air), and Ben Greenberg (Uniform, Circular Ruin Studio). 

An Object In Motion is true to its title, capturing the chrysalis moment of an artist evolving, reborn and untethered, silhouetted against an open horizon. It presents a showcase of potential futures from Drab’s evolving domain, their sound poised to bloom at the precipice of transformation.

Order the EP here

Drab Majesty is on tour in Europe, and will make an appearance at the Darker Waves Festival in Southern California. They’ll be sharing the stage with acclaimed bands like New Order and Tears for Fears, among others — the complete itinerary can be found below.

Tour dates:

• Oct 20 – Stockholm, Sweden @ HUS7
  
• Oct 21 – Helsinki, Finland @ Ääniwalli
  
• Oct 22 – Berlin, Germany @ Lido
  
• Oct 25 – Lisbon, Portugal @ Musicbox
  
• Oct 26 – Porto, Portugal @ Hardclub
  
• Oct 27 – Madrid, Spain @ La Paqui
  
• Oct 28 – Barcelona, Spain @ Apolo 2
  
• Oct 30 – Nantes, France @ Le Ferrailleur
  
• Oct 31 – Paris, France @ La Marbrerie
  
• Nov 1 – Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland @ L’Amalgame
  
• Nov 2 – Milan, Italy @ Barrio’s
  
• Nov 3 – Messina, Italy @ Retronouveau
  
• Nov 4 – Bologna, Italy @ TPO
• Nov 18 – Huntington Beach, CA @ Darker Waves

Follow Drab Majesty:

• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• Instagram
• Twitter

The post Drab Majesty Debut Video for “Cape Perpetua” Ahead of Fall European Tour appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

IS THE SAME AS THE RIDE FROM BELOW TO ABOVE

Drab Majesty, the post-punk and darkwave endeavour of Deb Demure and Mona D., recently rekindled our fascination with the essence of existence. Their creative spark was reignited last month through “Vanity,” a collaboration with Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell. Today, they introduce a six-minute journey into the psyche: “The Skin and the Glove,” an unbound pop tune pulsing with Madchester and Dream Pop influences. This new melody adds another layer to the formation of their mini-album, An Object in Motion, set for an August 25th release via Dais Records.

The track is a sparkling example of gossamer and multifaceted psychedelic shoegaze. The ethereal jangle beat pays a beautiful homage to the spirit of the Stone Roses, Primal Scream, and The Veldt, and the interplay between the dreamy delivery of Mona D and monotone sonorous monotone vocals from Deb in the chorus brings the metaphysical lyrics a unique, hypnotic gravitas.

Influenced by the relentless progression of time echoed in the song’s lyrics, the duo chose an artistic medium that captures the mosaic nature of memory for the song’s visual representation. The Super 8mm camera, a tool that seems to edit time itself, was used to seize snapshot vignettes from the band’s personal and emotional moments of touring life collected from around the globe. The act of transitioning through moments, pressing the camera’s button, and selecting which fragments of a day, an expedition, or a long-term journey to commit to memory resulted in a montage of carefully curated, yet beautifully fragmented memories.

Watch the video below:

In the heart of Los Angeles, Andrew Clinco unveiled an intriguing musical brainchild, Drab Majesty in 2011. Best recognized for commanding the drum set in the band Marriages, Clinco immersed himself into this endeavor, assuming the genderfluid role of Deb Demure. As the project took shape, Mona D (born Alex Nicolaou), a gifted keyboardist and vocalist, joined the group in 2016, introducing an extra layer of complexity to their sound.

Since partnering with the forward-thinking Dais Records, Drab Majesty has spawned three thought-provoking albums: their hauntingly beautiful debut, Careless (2015), the introspective journey of The Demonstration (2017), and the evocative Modern Mirror (2019).

An Object In Motion was written during a 2021 retreat to the remote coastal Oregon town of Yachats, where Deb Demure leaned into the neo-psychedelic resonance of a uniquely bowl-shaped 12-string Ovation acoustic/electric guitar. After early morning hikes in the rain, Deb would record ambient guitar experiments the rest of the day, tapping into “flow states,” letting the sound lead the way. These sessions were then refined or recreated, and later elevated further with key collaborations by Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Justin Meldal-Johnson (Beck, M83, Air), and Ben Greenberg (Uniform, Circular Ruin Studio). 

An Object In Motion is true to its title, capturing the chrysalis moment of an artist evolving, reborn and untethered, silhouetted against an open horizon. It presents a showcase of potential futures from Drab’s evolving domain, their sound poised to bloom at the precipice of transformation.

An Object in Motion will be released on August 25th via Dais. Pre-order here.

Drab Majesty has also disclosed their European tour dates for the coming autumn and a scheduled performance at the Darker Waves Festival in Southern California. They’ll be sharing the stage with acclaimed bands like New Order and Tears for Fears, among others — the complete itinerary can be found below.

Tour dates:

• Oct 20 – Stockholm, Sweden @ HUS7
  
• Oct 21 – Helsinki, Finland @ Ääniwalli
  
• Oct 22 – Berlin, Germany @ Lido
  
• Oct 25 – Lisbon, Portugal @ Musicbox
  
• Oct 26 – Porto, Portugal @ Hardclub
  
• Oct 27 – Madrid, Spain @ La Paqui
  
• Oct 28 – Barcelona, Spain @ Apolo 2
  
• Oct 30 – Nantes, France @ Le Ferrailleur
  
• Oct 31 – Paris, France @ La Marbrerie
  
• Nov 1 – Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland @ L’Amalgame
  
• Nov 2 – Milan, Italy @ Barrio’s
  
• Nov 3 – Messina, Italy @ Retronouveau
  
• Nov 4 – Bologna, Italy @ TPO
• Nov 18 – Huntington Beach, CA @ Darker Waves

Follow Drab Majesty:

• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• Instagram
• Twitter

The post Drab Majesty Debut Video for Shoegaze Daydream “The Skin and the Glove” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Darker Waves promises a day filled with both 1980s classics and 21st-century discoveries. This riveting sonic voyage, which is stacked with various artists from synthpop, darkwave, post-punk, and deathrock genres, is set to begin on November 18th at the scenic City Beach in Huntington Beach, California. The lineup is brimming with old-school luminaries such as Soft Cell, The Psychedelic Furs, The Human League, OMD, Violent Femmes, X, The English Beat, Clan of Xymox, The Chameleons, T.S.O.L., 45 Grave, Christian Death, and Skeletal Family.

But Darker Waves isn’t just looking in the rearview mirror; the festival will also spotlight some of the most dynamic names in the contemporary darkwave scene with trailblazers like Molchat Doma, Twin Tribes, Cold Cave, Mareux, Drab Majesty, and more!

If this sounds like your kind of jam, act fast. Tickets are priced from a reasonable $199 to a more opulent VIP package at $1,750, with pre-sales firing up at 10 a.m. PT on Friday, June 23.

Sign up for a presale code at darkerwavesfest.com.

Check out the full lineup below:

• New Order
• Tears For Fears
• The B-52s
• Echo & The Bunnymen
• Devo
• Soft Cell
• The Psychedelic Furs
• The Human League
• OMD
• Violent Femmes
• She Wants Revenge
• The Cardigans
• Molchat Doma
• X
• The English Beat
• Crosses
• Kavinsky
• London After Midnight
• Clan of Xymox
• The Chameleons
• T.S.O.L.
• Death in Vegas
• Cold Cave
• Blossoms
• Mareux
• Drab Majesty
• Depresion Sopnora
• Twin Tribes
• 45 Grave
• Christian Death
• Skeletal Family
• Glass Spells
• Urban Heat

The post Darker Waves Festival Announced with New Order, Tears For Fears, Echo & The Bunnymen, OMD, The Human League, and more! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

A symptom of the industry of vanity

A city child with a pretty smile

An appetite for limelight 

At long last, Drab Majesty return, unveiling their upcoming EP, “An Object in Motion.” This four-track creation will hit the shelves on August 25th, brought to you by Dais Records.

Adding to the anticipation, Drab Majesty has released the captivating first single, “Vanity.” This track bears an extraordinary charm – it houses a rare vocal contribution from Rachel Goswell, esteemed member of Slowdive. Engulfed in a melody reminiscent of The Cure, Goswell’s signature airy voice takes a poetic plunge, adding a profound gravitas. With its six-minute duration expertly utilized, it presents itself as a shimmering gothic ballad, each moment radiating with emotional depth.

Navigating through the poignant narrative of this beautiful yet heartrending tune is a gradual ascent to a dynamic climax, where the voices of Demure and Goswell entwine flawlessly against a backdrop of entrancing guitar melodies. The song wields a biting critique of social media, influencer culture, and the perpetuated cliché of Hollywood starlets, embodying an acerbic commentary on contemporary society. Vanity, as they say, kills.

The collaboration came as the result of a mutual admiration for each other’s work. “As a long time listener and devotee of Slowdive, a band that literally shaped my DNA as a listener and musician, it was truly humbling to have Rachel offer her iconic vocal stylings to this song,” muses Deb Demure. “Her voice is a sonic treasure and unmistakable. I’m infinitely grateful to call her a friend and am still pinching myself wondering –  how did we get here?”

Rachel Goswell also adds, “It’s no secret that I am a long time Drab Majesty fan so when Deb asked me some years ago now if I would be interested in collaborating it was an immediate yes. Honoured to give my voice to Vanity.”

Under the skilled direction of Jai Love, the video delivers a visceral impact, chronicling a journey of innocence lost. It ushers us through the proverbial dark night of the soul as we witness a young life swerve alarmingly off track. We’re left questioning the fate of the little girl who once harbored grand dreams – where is she now? What has she become? These profound inquiries echo hauntingly through the cinematic narrative, underlining the poignant theme of the song. Demure and Goswell appear in her vision like a Greek chorus, reminding her of who she was.

Watch the video for “Vanity”, featuring Rachel Goswell” below:

In the heart of Los Angeles, Andrew Clinco unveiled an intriguing musical brainchild, Drab Majesty in 2011. Best recognized for commanding the drum set in the band Marriages, Clinco immersed himself into this endeavor, assuming the genderfluid role of Deb Demure. As the project took shape, Mona D (born Alex Nicolaou), a gifted keyboardist and vocalist, joined the group in 2016, introducing an extra layer of complexity to their sound.

Since partnering with the forward-thinking Dais Records, Drab Majesty has spawned three thought-provoking albums: their hauntingly beautiful debut, Careless (2015), the introspective journey of The Demonstration (2017), and the evocative Modern Mirror (2019).

Drab Majesty seamlessly weaves androgynous aesthetics with powerful vocals, laying the foundation for a dystopian landscape rich with occult lyrics. This fusion, which Demure describes as “tragic wave,” draws listeners into a deeply captivating world. To enhance the impact of their performances, Demure dons costumes and makeup and uses theatrical props, all harmoniously integrated with the band’s lush, ’80s-inspired music. This results in a formidable stage presence that is both spellbinding and hauntingly beautiful.

Stretching across a generous 32-minute span, the forthcoming release occupies a unique space in between an EP and a mini-album, and flags off a riveting new phase in Drab Majesty’s glorious journey. Conceived during a 2021 sojourn to the secluded coastal town of Yachats, Oregon, Deb Demure found inspiration in the neo-psychedelic echoes of an unusual bowl-shaped 12-string Ovation acoustic/electric guitar.

Days started with early morning ventures into the rain-soaked landscape, succeeded by a cycle of recording guitar improvisations, as Deb dove deep into “flow states,” allowing the melodies to chart the path. These introspective jam sessions were then polished or reinterpreted, before finally getting amplified to an entirely different level. The keys to this transformation were collaborative works with additional esteemed personalities: Justin Meldal-Johnson, known for his work with Beck, M83, and Air; and Ben Greenberg of Uniform and Circular Ruin Studio.

Holding true to its name, “An Object In Motion” encapsulates the transformative essence of an artist in evolution. It vividly portrays the cocoon stage of a metamorphosis – an artist unfettered, reborn, and outlined against an infinite horizon. The collection serves as a crystal ball, illuminating myriad possible paths that could emanate from Drab’s ever-changing realm. With their sound on the verge of a metamorphosis, Drab Majesty teeters on the edge of a profound musical shift.

Pre-order An Object In Motion ahead of its August 25 release date here.

Don’t miss out: Drab Majesty is set to storm the stage at Austin’s gritty underground gathering, Oblivion Access Festival. Be there on June 17th to witness their unmistakable presence.

Follow Drab Majesty:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter

The post Drab Majesty Return with Their Video for “Vanity” Featuring Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Once again, Vancouver rises to the occasion as the sixth annual Verboden Festival descends upon the city, a three-day celebration of all things darkwave. Vancouver venues Rickshaw, Green Auto, and Vault will breathe life into the city from May 12th to 14th as a diverse lineup takes the stage. The festival features the likes of Void Vision, Patriarchy, Spike Hellis, Leathers, Rue Oberkampf, and many more, making this a must-attend event for fans of dark electronic music.

The Verboden Festival was conceived by the multi-talented Rob Katerwol. Known for his pivotal roles in Wire Spine and Weird Candle and his intriguing solo project Total Chroma, Katerwol’s musical prowess is varied across the disciplines of several different genres.

Post-Punk.com had the opportunity to sit down with Katerwol to delve deeper into the annals of Verboden’s history, understand its unique position in the underground music milieu, and explore the pulsating rhythm of Vancouver’s music scene as a whole.

Throughout the conversation, Katerwol offered valuable insights, shedding light on the intricacies of organizing such a festival, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and the vibrancy of Vancouver’s music landscape. His passion for creating a space that nurtures and celebrates the unconventional in music was palpable, as was his commitment to fostering a sense of community.

What led you to organize the first Verboden?

In 2015 while on tour in Europe, I noticed that many cities had underground festivals with a focus on showcasing post-punk and dark wave. I was jealous! I had experience with organizing events in Vancouver, and it felt like Vancouver was ready to have a festival like Verboden. The name came to me while walking past a high-voltage power station in a back alley in Amsterdam.

What are some of your favorite memories of the past Verbodens?

Boy Harsher + Light Asylum show was super memorable! The whole audience was buzzing with energy. It was an incredible night!

Is there a mission statement or ethos to what kind of event you want to curate?

We are a grassroots fest with no corporate sponsors. We built this fest through the lens of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. It’s a labour of love and devotion. We prefer to work with artists who are on a similar wavelength. This fest has always loved the idea of showcasing “up-and-coming” acts.

How vital is underground music culture to you?

I’ve dedicated the last eight years of my life to curating/organizing an underground music festival. So, it’s of utmost importance! This is our way of helping to keep the gears of Vancouver’s dark underground scene greased and turning.

Who else is involved with the organization of Verboden?

We have a team of 6 amazing organizers and artists putting in a massive amount of work to make this fest happen! Y’all know who u are !!

Can you tell us anything about the local music scene in Vancouver?

We have a bustling music scene here in Vancouver. There are more artists and musicians living in Vancouver in comparison to any other city in Canada. For an event organizer however, it can be an extremely awkward and harsh city to book events in. Its one of the most expensive cities all around in North America, venues, especially DIY underground ones, are rapidly closing due to a conservative city council and corporate developers buying up space to build luxury condos, etc. During the planning of Verboden, 2 of our venues were shut down. We had to relocate our late-night events less than two months ago!! It’s this sort of bullshit that puts us into the red. Physically, mentally, and financially!

What, in your opinion, makes this year’s Verboden special?

Holy shit!! We went all out this year! An epic line of 50+ artists and DJs! 6 events, including two daytime shows with BBQ food/drinks, two stages and a view of the mountains! We added a multi-room ten-hour after-party with a drag show, vendor market, and visual installations.
It’s going to be the best Verboden yet!!!

Hope to see y’all there!!

Here are the headliners for this year’s Verboden:

Kontravoid

For over a decade, the masked enigma known as Kontravoid has captivated audiences with his dark pop artistry, which deftly balances the opposing forces of EBM, electro, and goth. Under the guise of composer Cameron Findlay (Crystal Castles, TR/ST), Kontravoid has honed his craft to create a haunting soundscape, where distorted echo vocals emit a deep, underwater growl that evokes both terror and beauty. Yet amidst the chaos of this sonic dystopia, melodic synth-pop elements offer a glimmer of hope and a chance to catch one’s breath. Kontravoid has made killer remixes for Patriarchy, Schwefelgelb, Utrasunn, and many more.

Drab Majesty

Out of the musical melting pot of L.A. rises Drab Majesty, the singular vision of Deb DeMure, the androgynous alter-ego of Andrew Clinco. Breaking free from Clinco’s past as a drummer in Marriages and Black Mare, Drab Majesty forges a sound that defies categorization, melding reverb-drenched guitars, synth bass lines that pulse with energy, vocals that command attention, and drum machine beats that drive the music forward. Dubbed “Tragic Wave” and “Mid-Fi” by DeMure, Drab Majesty elegantly blends classic 80s New Wave with a futuristic flair, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of early 4AD records.

Zanias

Zanias is the solo project of Zoe Zanias (née Alison Lewis), a trailblazer hailing from Australia and raised in South-East Asia, now based in the thriving electronic music hub of Berlin. With a musical legacy that includes the bands Linea Aspera and Keluar, Zanias has stepped into the forefront as a solo performer, DJ, and producer, co-founding the legendary Fleisch collective and taking the reins as label head. Zanias now stands as a pivotal figure in the underground electronic music scene, cementing their status as a driving force in shaping the sound of the genre.

Full lineup of artists:

• Drab Majesty
• Kontravoid
• Zanias
• Panther Modern
• Void Vision
• Sacred Skin
• Patriarchy
• Spike Hellis
• Choke Chain
• Mvtant
• Leathers
• Rue Oberkampf
• Club Music
• Devours
• Carrellee
• Verttigo
• In Mirrors
• Nox Novacula
• Dead Cells
• Wire Spine
• Ani
• Revolution Above Disorder
• Underpass
• Ringfinger
• Boys in Blush
• Monashee
• Exeunt
• Sektion Tyrants
• Joey Chaos and The Ghosts
• DAV
• Manticore Kiss
• Flesh Circuit

With L8 Night Programming from: Plack Blague

• Kontravoid (DJ)
• Dr Bpm
• B.West
• Sharlese
• Adam
• Subdidi
• The Wheal
• Jodie Jodie Roger
• Hini
• Tommy Grimes

Guest DJ’s:

• Sean Reveron
• The Parish
• C.Twanow
• Evilyn13
• Gulzar
• Matt Tecson

With MCs Bruce and Alex of idieyoudie.com and visuals from Trilliam Gibson.

Tickets can be purchased here.

For the full schedule and more information, go here.

**Verboden takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, səl̓ílwətaʔɬ, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people

The post Vancouver Darkwave Verboden Festival Returns this Weekend! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.