Meanwhile, Spellbound, transcending the identity of a mere club night, has become a haven where DJs and live performers take center stage, steering the night with their symphonic alchemy. The atmosphere at this nighttime gathering is alive with the energy of live performances. Each note played and each track spun creates a collective experience that resonates within the souls of those present. This is where the essence of music is revealed in real-time, unfiltered and raw. Artists and audiences engage in a dynamic exchange that captures the fleeting beauty of the moment.

This convergence of live artistry and audience at Indy CD & Vinyl, a record store celebrated for its commitment to the tangible aspects of music culture, and Spellbound, a club night renowned for its immersive DJ sets and live performances, underscores a profound truth: in the realm of music, the magic lies not just in the medium but in the communal act of sharing and experiencing it together. It serves as a poignant reminder that, even in an increasingly digital world, the heartbeat of local music scenes thrives on the tangible and the immediate—the crackle of energy at a live show, the shared glances between musician and fan, and the palpable atmosphere of a night like Spellbound, dedicated to the power of sound.

Taking this unique experience a step further, Indy CD & Vinyl has embarked on an ambitious project to immortalize the live performances at Spellbound. By recording these sets straight from the mixing board and pressing them onto limited-edition vinyl, they offer fans a tangible piece of the night to take home. These collector’s items, limited to 100 hand-numbered copies, feature eco-colored vinyl, full artwork, and sleeves, along with full-color inserts, including a poster from the event, a setlist, and a chance to find a Polaroid photo from the night. The first record, featuring Tallies, sold out quickly, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for this innovative idea.

The second record, released on February 16, 2023, captures the industrial vibes of Twice Dark from Bloomington, Indiana, recorded in August 2023. Following this, Volume Three will feature the darkwave-shoegaze group Angel-Maker from Indianapolis, with a performance slated for February 24, 2024. The anticipation continues to build for Volume Four, featuring RIKI, scheduled for recording on March 2, 2024, with a release in July.

Preorders for these exclusive vinyl releases are available, ensuring fans don’t miss out on these limited-run treasures:

• Preorder link for the RIKI live release (Vol 4)
• Preorder link for the Angel-Maker live release (Vol 3)
• Order link for the Twice Dark live release (Vol 2)

The excitement for RIKI’s upcoming performance on March 2nd, which will be recorded live for the vinyl release, underscores the unique connection between Spellbound’s live events and Indy CD & Vinyl’s dedication to preserving these moments. This initiative not only captures the essence of each performance but also strengthens the bond between the musicians, the audience, and the vibrant Indianapolis music scene.

For more insights into this unique fusion of live music and vinyl collectibles, delve into a Q&A from their print newspaper, The Spinner, printed in October 2023:

Q: Have you already started recording your guest acts? Do these guests often come from beyond Indy? How has Spellbound’s legacy/reach grown over the years?

A: Yes, we recorded the Toronto-based band Tallies in June and Bloomington-based Twice Dark in August. Most of our guests, whether DJ or bands, are usually touring acts from other cities, starting with Lol Tolhurst of The Cure at our first event. Spellbound has become a prime spot for touring bands in the dark alternative realm, contributing significantly to its growth and legacy.

Q: Are the recordings done straight from the soundboard? Are you focusing on original music, or do guest DJ sets also get recorded?

A: The recordings are indeed from the soundboard, handled by professional sound engineers and mastered for vinyl. We focus on the live bands as we don’t have the rights to press DJ sets to vinyl, emphasizing the live music aspect of our scene.

Q: Why choose vinyl for these recordings, and what has the reaction been to this idea?

A: As record collectors and owners of Indy CD & Vinyl, pressing live sets to vinyl felt natural. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with both bands and attendees appreciating the effort to memorialize these performances.

Q: When will the first pressings be available?

A: The first two releases are currently at the pressing plant and should be available shortly, marking the beginning of this exciting new venture.

Q: How do local Indy Spellbound fans usually react to the guest acts you bring in? 

A: We are VERY lucky that Spellbound regulars are respectful and receptive to our guests. We hope they have learned to trust us as promoters and, to be fair, for the price of one regular ticket everyone gets a concert and a dance night in one.

Q: What do you go for when bringing in outside talent? Seems like an eclectic mix when I used to frequent Spellbound…

A: When booking Spellbound we like to invite established DJs from other cities to show off their skills and to see how established and fun our scene is here in Indy. After all these years we now have great relationships with other cities’ scenes and it is well-known that Indianapolis and Spellbound is fun as Hell. We also enjoy booking VIPs who aren’t known as DJs but have deep knowledge of the genres we feature and are famous contributors to the scene, like Lol from The Cure and Martin from Pigface/NIN/Ministry/Killing Joke, etc.

The bands we book at Spellbound are almost always due to happy accidents – since both of us have had long careers as concert promoters we still get offered shows, and when the tour routing works we push the date to a Spellbound on the last Saturday of the month. Many booking agents and bands now know this before booking tours and a lot of these artists use the Indianapolis tour date as the planning and pivot point for the rest of their tour, meaning an agent will reach out to us to book an artist at Spellbound based on their previous experience or word-of-mouth. If an artist fits, they get booked.

Q: Was the first Spellbound in 2017? What are your thoughts on the longevity of the event?

A: December 2016 was our first Spellbound event, and we are still going strong. We are very grateful to continue running this party for as long as we have. Our challenge is to keep it from becoming stagnant – which is why we focus on new and challenging DJ guests and fresh bands in the sub-genres we feature.

Follow Indy CD & Vinyl:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkTree

Follow Spellbound:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkTree

The post RIKI and Angel Maker to Record Live Albums For Indy CD & Vinyl at Spellbound in Indianapolis appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

This vintage delight will hit the stores on December 8, 2023. For the enthusiasts waiting with bated breath, you can pre-order it now.

A Look into the Past with a Modern Lens

Dais Records, the bastion of sonic innovation and visual prowess, has always celebrated the rich tapestry of music’s past while pushing its boundaries. It’s no wonder, then that this collaboration with Retrospekt feels so apt. With Retrospekt’s mission of “Reviving retro tech for a new generation,” the two giants seem to be in harmony.

Dais co-founders Gibby Miller and Ryan Martin wax poetic about the days when the tactile pleasure of cassettes reigned supreme. For them, the cassette isn’t a relic but a timeless piece.

Martin is adamant about the format’s enduring potency:

“Cassettes aren’t nostalgic, they’re relevant. Making a mix tape for a friend or love interest is a talismanic offering. It’s a reaching out, a sharing of discovery.”

For Miller, too, cassette culture was seismic; he continues to see singular strengths in the limitations of older technologies:

“Having a device solely dedicated to music may seem unique to a person today, but there’s also a purity in it. The ritual of hitting play. Feeling the hum of the machine. Flipping at the end of the side. Tapes changed everything for me.”

Retrospekt’s journey, spearheaded by Adam and Kori Fuerst, echoes this sentiment. Starting with refurbishing vintage cameras, they expanded their offerings to include tape players, Game Boys, and other nostalgic tech wonders.

 “These vintage machines aren’t obsolete – they still provide pleasure and enjoyment,” says Adam. “More and more people today realize this, and they want to have an organic, intentional experience without their metadata being tracked by some corporation.”

The Craft Behind the Cassette Player

Nathaniel Young, Dais’ in-house creative maven, has meticulously redesigned the CP-81, ensuring that both the player and packaging exude a touch of minimalist elegance. This edition is bundled with Dais headphones, ensuring that listeners experience the compilation tape, C23, in all its glory.

Features: Play, Fast-Forward, Rewind, Record, Microphone Jack, Headphone Jack, USB Power Supply (Type-C), Battery Operable. Contents: Cassette Player, 223 Cassette, 2x AA Batteries, Dais Headphones, User Guide.

The C23 compilation pays homage to the legendary UK indie tape collection C86, and boasts unreleased tracks from artists such as High Vis, RIKI, and Drew McDowall.

Listen to the first three released tracks below:

For the digitally inclined, the compilation will be accessible on streaming platforms from December 8 – you can pre-save it here.

Track List

SIDE A:

High Vis – Forgot To Grow
High-Functioning Flesh – Down To Sense
Riki – SAS (For Those Who Speak And Spake)
Private World – Through The Distance
Body of Light – Out of Season (Demo Instrumental)
Helm – Evil Ceramics
Choir Boy – Happy to Be Bad With You (Demo)
Tor Lundvall – Black Fly Day
CoH – Vow a Vow
SPICE – I Don’t Want To Die In NY (Remix)

SIDE B:

VR SEX – Runway Runaway (Demo)
Xeno & Oaklander – Hoplite (Demo)
Tempers – Camino Del Sol (Antena Cover)
Cold Showers – Sliver (Inner City Remix)
AURAGRAPH – No Control
ADULT. – Few Warnings Are Important (2003)
Drew McDowall – Animals Will Sing
SRSQ – Phantasmata
Cold Gawd – Gin (At The Mountain)

About Dais Records: From its inception in 2007, Dais Records has been a beacon for pioneering sounds ranging from darkwave and post-punk to ambient and industrial. Its 16-year journey showcases a fusion of old-school sensibilities with the cutting edge.

About Retrospekt: Hailing from Milwaukee, Retrospekt has been the go-to hub for analog aficionados. From vintage cameras to classic gaming consoles, they’ve rekindled the joys of yesteryears with a modern twist.

Follow Dais Records:

Dais Records | Instagram | Twitter

Follow Retrospekt:

Retrospekt | Instagram

The post Dais Records To Release Retrospekt Walkman and 223 Cassette Compilation — Listen to New Songs from High Vis, RIKI, and Drew McDowall appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Joining them on the road for select shows will be Dais Records artists Riki and SRSQ. But that’s not all, with Cold Cave closing out the tour performing dates with The Cult.

Tickets are set to go on sale on June 29th. For more info, go here.

Cold Cave, a band that has been a part of the music landscape for a solid 14 years, have unquestionably carved out their own niche. They are recognized as influential figures in the resurgence of darkwave and synth-pop. Their catalog, full of singles, LPs, and EPs, speaks volumes of their consistency and evolution as artists.

Further emphasizing their contribution to the genre, they’ve recently reissued their pivotal releases, namely Cremations, Love Comes Close, Cherish The Light Years, Full Cold Moon, and Fate In Seven Lessons on 180-gram vinyl on Heartworm Press. 

This fall 2023 headlining tour sees Cold Cave conquering a range of U.S. cities with their headline tour. Kicking off on September 5th in Phoenix, Arizona, the band will perform in cities across the country, including Albuquerque, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. Their journey will continue through the sunny locales of Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, before heading up to Atlanta. Later in September, they will grace stages in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. Their itinerary will continue into the Midwest with shows in Chicago and Detroit.

In October, they’ll venture to the West, making stops in Reno, Eugene, Seattle, Spokane, and Boise. Cold Cave are also slated to perform in San Francisco, Portland, Sacramento, and San Diego. The band will further treat fans in Las Vegas with two performances at the end of October. Notably, they’ll also be part of L.A.’s Darker Waves festival on November 18th, which boasts an impressive lineup.

Cold Cave Tour Dates:

• September 5  Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *
• September 6  Albuquerque, NM @ Sister Bar *
• September 8  Dallas, TX @ Trees *
• September 9  San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger *
• September 10  Austin, TX @ Mohawk *
• September 13  Tampa, FL @ Orpheum *
• September 15  Miami, FL @ Gramps *
• September 16  Orlando, FL @ Conduit*
• September 17  Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West *
• September 20  Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer ^
• September 21  Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club ^
• September 22  New York, NY @ Webster Hall ^
• September 23  Washington, DC @ Black Cat ^
• September 25  Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge ^
• September 26  Detroit, MI @ The Magic Bag ^
• October 6  Reno, NV @ Grand Theatre %
• October 8  Eugene, CA @ Hult Center %
• October 9  Seattle, WA @ Crocodile *
• October 10  Spokane, WA @ Lucky You *
• October 12  Boise, ID @ Revolution Concert House %
• October 14  San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall *
• October 15  Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater %
• October 17  Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield *
• October 19  San Diego, CA @ Humphrey’s %
• October 20  San Diego, CA @ Humphrey’s %
• October 27  Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Theater %
• October 28  Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Theater %

* w/ Riki
^ w/ SRSQ
% w/ The Cult

Follow Cold Cave:

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | INSTAGRAM

The post Cold Cave Announce Autumn Tour — Including Dates with SRSQ, Riki, and The Cult appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena has long been a hallowed ground in the goth mythos, owing to its status as the setting for the legendary Depeche Mode 101 concert back in 1988. Now, 35 years later, the second edition of the Cruel World Festival has conjured a new and magical experience at the very same location. This festival, a blend of nostalgia and innovation, manages to unite generations of sunscreen-slathered, parasol-toting goths on the not-so-flat field of southern California.

The festival kicked off with an outstanding performance by Aurat, who are perhaps one of the most unique darkwave groups in the scene internationally, blending dark post-punk, synthpunk, and EBM, with vocals sung in Urdu. Azeka’s fiery, Siouxsie-esque vocals come blazing with such a mind-melting tempo, peppered with yelps, shrieks, and thrilling synthwave psychedelia. This was followed by a memorable set from Riki. The latter artist unveiled material likely from her forthcoming third studio album, accompanied by a synth player and two backing vocalists, and even picked up a guitar herself. The live performance of her single “Marigold” was a rare treat, having only been performed twice before.

Gvllows stood out with their cover of “Deathwish,” performed with Christian Death’s Gitane Demone and Rikk Agnew. Modern English then demonstrated their significant musical prowess, deftly blending artistic post-punk with pop new wave, much to the delight of the dancing sea of goths before them. The anthemic guitar creep of “16 Days” and “Gathering Dust” led triumphantly into “Someone’s Calling.”

Twin Tribes, always a crowd favorite, represented the best of modern darkwave, serving as one of the standout modern acts in the genre. The band played hits like “Shadows” and “Phantasmas,” as well as a cover of  La Union’s “Lobo Hombre en París.”

Molchat Doma, the Belarusian post-punk trio, also gave an unforgettable performance, somehow bringing to life that viral dancing bat meme with real live goths. (As I write this, they, as well as Twin Tribes, were just recognized by The Grammys for their contributions to the modern darkwave scene.)

The Soft Moon, better than ever on the live stage, gave a performance that will go down in festival history. They brilliantly demonstrated the connection between krautrock, post-punk, and industrial, with a visceral energy that was both electrifying and deeply moving with classic songs such as “Parallels” and “Die Life,” as well as top-notch material from their latest Exister, such as “Become the Lies.”

Gang of Four delivered a dream-come-true post-punk performance, with founding members Jon King and Hugo Burnham, joined by the phenomenal Sara Lee from the “Songs of the Free” era. The late Andy Gill was deeply missed, but David Pajo’s heartfelt guitar playing did justice to the band’s legacy. In a masterstroke of audacious performance art, frontman Jon King took to the stage, brandishing a brazen air of sardonic wit, and then for kicks, he hurled a microwave into the pit. Occasionally he’d rest, gathering the panther-like strength to prowl around the stage during “I Love a Man in a Uniform,” “Anthrax,” “To Hell With Poverty,” and a particularly passionate delivery of “At Home He’s a Tourist” kept the audience’s adrenaline in full tilt. Imbuing the performance with powerful visuals, a large backdrop of various political flags made a resounding declaration of unity, emblazoned with the phrases “Woman Life Freedom” and “Black Lives Matter.”

Squeeze also delivered a dazzling 55-minute spectacle, igniting their set with the classic “Take Me I’m Yours.” Stepping into the shoes of Adam Ant, who made a sudden exit mere days before the 2023 edition of the Cruel World Festival due to unspecified predicaments.

Boy Harsher, as well, delivered an impeccable performance. The dynamic duo of Gus Muller and Jae Matthews once again proved the undeniable bond between dance music and goth, giving the crowd a set that was as rhythmically engaging as it was darkly mesmerizing, capped off with a brilliant rendition of a “Modulations” from Lesser Man EP.

I’ve seen Echo and the Bunnymen quite a few times, and this was one of their best performances in recent years. After last year’s cancellation, I was glad to see them on the lineup again. Hopefully, this will be the case next year with Adam Ant, who, like the Bunnymen, had to cancel last minute. It is a shame that the band’s performance lacked the dynamic visual element of video projection, with instead, in its place, a static bunnyman on the moon. This visibility issue in such a large-capacity outdoor venue meant that the view was restricted to only those at the forefront. Nevertheless, Ian McCulloch beautifully delivered the heavy hitters: “Bring on the Dancing Horses,” The Killing Moon, and “Lips Like Sugar.”

Billy Idol was undoubtedly a festival highlight, celebrating his granddaughter’s birthday on stage and assuring the crowd during “Rebel Yell” that he was feeling “all right.” Steve Stevens’ guitar playing was as flawless as ever, even playing the Top Gun theme to roaring applause. It was heartwarming to see Billy Idol’s fandom’s effusive affection spiking. While a lengthier set would have paved the way for more of his Generation X-era music, Idol’s exuberant performance of “100 Punks Rule” emerged as a triumphant high point in the day’s lineup. “White Wedding” and “Eyes Without a Face” also resonated powerfully. In a poignant moment, Idol expressed his gratitude to the sea of faces before him, exclaiming, “I just want to thank you for making my life so f***ing great.” The profundity of these words was moving, demonstrating the depth of love accumulated over the years for his music.

Love and Rockets delivered a trippy set of alternative rock classics, their psychedelic visuals and shimmering red suits, underscored a stark contrast to Bauhaus’ Blood Moon swan song performance at last year’s festival. They kick-started the show with the melancholic echoes of “I Feel Speed,” followed by the raw, unyielding pulse of “No Big Deal,” from their seminal self-titled record of 1989. However, their adrenaline-fueled rendition of “Kundalini Express” was mind-blowing, as the stage was bathed in intricate designs and patterns.

Iggy Pop’s Saturday set was abruptly cut short by a little boy’s rain dance during “The Passenger,” as a lightning strike led to a festival-wide evacuation. Rumors swirled that Siouxsie had failed to show up, but as it turned out, she was merely in her trailer, catching up with old friends and waiting for her moment to make a regal entrance. All in all, the festival handled the situation admirably, and by 2 am, following the evacuation, the makeup performances were already set up for Sunday evening.

The Human League’s set was also, unfortunately, cut short due to the evacuation, and they were unable to return for the makeup performances the following night. On the bright side, Gary Numan gave an incredible encore performance, followed by Iggy completing his set, with Noveller’s shredding guitar complementing the shirtless stooge’s proto-punk classics.

On Sunday, May 21st, over 20,000 people returned to see Siouxsie perform. For those unable to return, partial refunds were offered. Siouxsie took to the stage and jokingly commented that she had wanted to tell the fire department not to shut down the festival the night before, as the lightning was simply part of her light show. With her signature charisma, Siouxsie reminded the audience that after a hiatus of 15 years stateside, she wouldn’t make them wait another year for her return, “Nah ah.” This was a performance that could not wait.

Cloaked in a silvery shroud and shadows, Siouxsie emerged, opening her extended set with “Night Shift,” a standout track from her 1981 Banshees album, Juju. Her selection of songs was a tapestry spanning her illustrious career, weaving in deep cuts such as “Lands End” from Tinderbox, alongside iconic classics like “Christine” and “Happy House” from Kaleidoscope. Fans were also treated to a sultry selection of songs from her sole solo album Manta Ray. One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Siouxsie dedicated both “Kiss Them For Me” and “Israel” to Joseph Brooks of the legendary Los Angeles record store Vinyl Fetish. In fact, when her set concluded with the surprise performance of “Israel,” she noted that the song was not originally part of the intended setlist but added in as per the suggestion of her long-time friend Joseph, who reminded her of the song.

 

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As the dust settled on this year’s Cruel World Festival, the joy and thrill of the event lingered on. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to seeing Siouxsie again and am already dreaming about the lineup for next year’s festival. This year’s festival was a testament to the enduring appeal and vitality of goth and darkwave music, uniting generations of fans in a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future. The Cruel World Festival has now firmly established itself as a major player in the global goth scene, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year.

The post Cruel World 2023 was Two Days of Goth Heaven Culminating with the Triumphant Return of Siouxsie appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The legendary Godflesh will headline the festival, bringing their groundbreaking industrial metal sound to the stage. Fans looking to secure their spot at the festival can now purchase a limited number of “All Building” discounted passes through Metro. These passes come with a $40 savings across the entire weekend and expedited bracelet entry. However, keep in mind that these passes are 21+.

The festival’s full lineup will be announced on Tuesday, March 14th at 10 AM CT, with tickets going on sale Friday, March 17th at 10 AM CT. There will be options for Single-Day GA and Single-Day VIP tickets, and attendees can choose which days they want to attend. Metro shows are 18+, and doors open at 6:00, with shows starting at 7:00, while Smart Bar shows are 21+, with doors opening at 11:00 and shows starting at 12:00.

In addition to providing an unforgettable musical experience, Cold Waves Festival XI is committed to giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Darkest Before Dawn and other mental health awareness charities.

The full Cold Waves XI lineup is as follows:

• Godflesh
• IAMX
• Front Line Assembly
• A Split Second
• Lead Into Gold
• Twin Tribes
• Ash Code
• 16 Volt
• Sierra
• Acumen Nation
• Nuovo Testamento
• Harsh Symmetry
• Kanga
• Lana Del Rabies
• Rabbit Junk
• Bloody Knives
• JK Flesh
• Street Fever
• Mvtant
• Cel Genesis
• Riki
• Enduser
• Richard 23
• Club Music
• Zoltar

The festival will kick off with an official show on September 21 at Sleeping Village, with the rest of the festival set to take place at Metro, Smart Bar, and Gman Tavern. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the industrial/darkwave scene, Cold Waves Festival XI promises to be a memorable experience for all.

All Building Discounted Passes are on sale now. Order Here

The post Cold Waves Festival XI Announces 2023 Lineup Featuring Godflesh, Frontline Assembly, Twin Tribes, Harsh Symmetry, Nuovo Testamento, and More! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Nuovo Testamento’s Love Lines is a love letter to the dance singles and albums of the late 80s and early 90s. Building upon the hi-ENRG, Italo-disco, and freestyle sound of their debut album, New Earth, the band delivers a collection of new songs that showcases their evolution as musicians.

Indeed, this latest album from the Los Angeles/Bologna-based band (Chelsey Crowley, Giacomo Zatti, and Andrea Mantione) channels the timeless spirit of 80s pop, breathing new life into it for a modern audience. The tracks are filled with orchestral hits, chime-y synths, and bright dance rhythms that create a classic and fresh sound. The rich synth and drum pads add depth to the music, creating a lush and sonic landscape that ignites exponentially with each listen.

But, while Love Lines delivers a nostalgic and familiar sound that harkens back to an era of sipping Orange Julius at the mall in Reebok hi-tops, this album is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a reaction to the complexities of romance in the modern age. It is an exploration of earnestness in response to social media insincerity.

The album begins with “Wildlife,” an infectious and melodious track that evokes the opening credits of a film from 1988. The music carries the listener away on a wistful wave of emotion, evoking a sense of hope and possibility. From the very first note, one is spirited away to a time and place where the world was alive with the promise of something new.

This cinematic flair is continued with vocalist Chelsey Crowley channeling the essence of True-Blue era Madonna with the romance first single, “Heartbeat,” a song featuring the 2023 film My Animal, written by Jae Matthews of Boy Harsher.

Watch the video for “Heartbeat,” produced by La Sombra Luminosa, below.

The next track is a glorious eruption of sound, as the album’s explosive second single, “Heat,” evokes the spirit of dance hits from the late 80s. The song’s groove takes hold of the senses, kindling a fire within and inciting the irresistible urge to move. With each beat and pulsating rhythm, the track transforms the world into a vibrant and dynamic dance floor, drawing the listener deeper into the rhythmic spell.

Watch the video for “Heat,” produced by La Sombra Luminosa, below.

“Get Closer” begins with fuzzy percussion that verges on hip-hop before orchestral boop boops launch the listener into a world of lush synth pads. The bright horns and flute-like melody add to the track’s captivating and ensnaring nature, weaving a tale of desire within the eyes that pulls the listener closer to the hands and towards the body, spiraling “round and round” into a tactile world of passion and longing.

The album’s title track, “Love Lines,” opens ominously with a juxtaposition of synths and conga drum beats, building a sense of tension and anticipation. As the music heightens, a dramatic melody full of urgency takes hold, inviting the listener on a journey fraught with risk and uncertainty. This song is about the perilous act of wishing upon a star for true love, knowing that it may lead to heartbreak and disappointment. The song’s music and Chelsey Crowley’s vocals and lyrics work in tandem to create a powerful and emotional experience that is impossible to ignore.

“Perfect Storm,” one of the album’s standout tracks, is a dark disco-infused delight that will surely become a fan favorite. Its dusky, impassioned vocals and infectious beat are catnip for anyone looking to lose themselves in the music and connect with a partner on the dance floor. The track’s magnetic energy is irresistible. One can easily envision a skilled DJ weaving it into their set, casting a hypnotic spell on the crowd and inciting a tempest of sound and movement.

The lyrics are about the singer inviting someone to take their hand and join them on a journey toward somewhere or something better. The song’s protagonist is tired of dancing alone and dreams of connecting with the other person but wonders if they are too blind to see the opportunity. This is an invitation and plea to take a chance, let go of fear, and run toward something new and exciting.

Building on the enchanting theme of starlit skies introduced in the album’s title track, “In My Dreams” is a mesmerizing synthpop gem that seamlessly blends high energy with emotional depth. The metallic clang of the percussion creates a driving backbeat that propels the song forward, reminiscent of the golden age of 80s dance tracks and capturing the unmistakable New Jack Swing vibe that defined the era.

The song’s evocative and emotionally charged vocals resonate with a powerful sense of frustration and determination as Chelsey sings of grappling with the intricacies of love and the challenges of both holding on and letting go. The dynamic dance rhythms and strong hook further enhance the mood of introspection and yearning, capturing the universal struggle to navigate the mysteries of the heart. The result is a captivating and moving sonic journey that touches upon human emotion’s rawest and most complex aspects.

Nuovo Testamento takes us on a journey from the depths of a New Earth to the infinite expanse of the stars with their second full-length studio album, Love Lines, and the closing track, “Heaven,” invites us to reflect on the transcendent power of the dance floor, showcasing the band’s more introspective and contemplative side while still delivering a solid punch with its club-ready beats and anthemic chorus.

The track’s shimmering synth accents create a hypnotic atmosphere, building to a boiling point with its intricate vocal hook. With the lyrical refrain “Sweat, wet, I’m in motion,” “Heaven” is a celestial hymn to the transformative power of dance. The song invites us to get lost in the moment, let go of our inhibitions, and embrace the pure ecstasy of the music. In short, “Heaven” is one of many masterful compositions that cement Nuovo Testamento’s status as one of the synthpop scene’s most exciting and innovative bands.

Listen to Love Lines below:

Love Lines was produced by sound engineer Maurizio Baggio (known for his work with Boy Harsher and The Soft Moon) and features vocal recording by Riki. The album pays homage to the legendary producers of the late 80s and early 90s, such as Shep Pettibone and Chris Barbosa.

Nuovo Testamento boasts a lineup of hardcore and dark punk royalty, featuring members from Tørsö, Horror Vacui, Crimson Scarlet, and touring members of Sheer Mag. In March, the trio embarks on an extensive North American tour as they support Molchat Doma, bringing their unique sound to fans across the continent. Check out the complete list of dates below to catch them live.

Love Lines is out today via Discoteca Italia.

Order here

Nuovo Testamento Live Dates:

• Mar 24: San Diego, CA – The Whistle Stop
• Mar 26: Ft Collins, CO – The Coast
• Mar 29: Milwaukee WI – X-Ray Arcade
• Mar 30: Chicago, IL – Riviera Theater ~
• Mar 31: Detroit, MI – St Andrews Hall ~
• Apr 01: Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Hall ~
• Apr 02: Montreal, QC – M Telus ~
• Apr 04: Boston, MA – Roadrunner ~
• Apr 06: Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer ~
• Apr 07: New York, NY – Terminal 5 ~
• Apr 08: Washington, DC – 9:30 Club ~
• Apr 12: Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel ~
• Apr 13: Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse ~
• Apr 14: Orlando, FL – Plaza Live ~
• Apr 15: Saint Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live ~
• Apr 16: Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room ~
• Apr 19: Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall ~
• Apr 20: Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl ~
• Apr 21: St Louis, MO – The Factory ~
• Apr 22: Kansas City, MO – The Truman ~
• Apr 23: Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre ~
• Apr 25: New Orleans, LA – House of Blues ~
• Apr 26: Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center ~
• Apr 27: San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater ~
• Apr 28: Austin, TX – Stubb’s Amphitheater ~
• Apr 29: Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom ~
• May 01: El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace ~
• May 02: Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre ~
• May 04: Denver, CO – Ogden Theater ~
• May 06: Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot ~
• May 09: Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House ~
• May 11: Vancouver, BC – Harbour Event Centre ~
• May 12: Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo ~
• May 13: Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom ~
• May 16: Santa Cruz, CA – Catalyst ~
• May 17: San Francisco, CA – The Warfield ~
• May 18: Los Angeles, CA – Shrine Auditorium ~
• May 19: Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren  ~

~ w/ Molchat Doma

Follow Nuovo Testamento:

• Instagram
• Bandcamp
• Spotify

The post Listen to Nuovo Testamento’s Perfect Late 80s Style Dance Album “Love Lines” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Headlining the event will be Faust, Duster, TR/ST, clipping., and Earth, alongside  Godflesh and Tim Hecker.

The festival has also added a host of other incredible artists to the bill, including Spirit of the Beehive, Beak>, Street Sects, MSPAINT, Midwife, Drab Majesty, Clams Casino, City of Caterpillar, Narrow Head, Yellow Swans, Bing & Ruth, Elizabeth Color Wheel, Pallbearer, Thou, Body of Light, Thor & Friends, Jarboe, and many more.

Oblivion Access is also bringing an assortment of Dais Records artists to the stage, with performances from Drab Majesty, Choir Boy, Body of Light, SRSQ, Cold Gawd, Helm, and Riki, adding even more must-sees to this already stacked lineup.

Oblivion Access had already announced Lil Ugly Mane, Have a Nice Life, Ludicra, YOB, Chat Pile, Jeromes Dream, Planning for Burial, Final, RXK Nephew, Mamaleek, and other major acts.

Festival passes are on sale now here! And for those who prefer to attend each curated showcase individually, tickets are on sale as of noon Central time here.

OBLIVION ACCESS – 2023 FULL LINEUP

Godflesh
Tim Hecker
Faust
Duster
Lil Ugly Mane
RXK Nephew
Ludicra
TR/ST
Clipping. & Earth
Yellow Swans
Drab Majesty
Clams Casino
Spirit Of The Beehive
Narrow Head
Giles Corey
Bing And Ruth
Pallbearer
Drew Mcdowall
Drain
Choir Boy
Thou
Varg2tm
City Of Caterpillar
Midwife
Helm
Cloud Rat
Srsq
Mspaint
Beak>
Flesh of Morning
Jarboe
Riki
Body Of Light
Prison Religion
John Weise
Cold Gawd
Street Sects
Elizabeth Colour Wheel
Succumb
Amulets
Domino
Nuclear Daisies
Thor & Friends
Fuck Money
Deep Cross
CLOSED CITY
MUGGER
BLACK MERCY
Yob
Final
Mamaleek
Jeromes Dream
Bosse De Nage
Sissy Spacek
Lucas Abela
Drowse
Sprain
Ragana
Coi_n
Agriculture
Crawl
Parasiticide
God Shell
Private Hellscape
VTSS (DJ Set) and Shelly Knicks

The post Oblivion Access Announces Full Lineup with Faust, Godflesh, and TR/ST, and Dais Records Showcase with Drab Majesty, Choir Boy, Body of Light, and More! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Welcoming all flavours of darkwave, industrial, EBM, and coldwave, the festivities commence in Brooklyn from December 1st- December 3rd. Conceptualized and curated by Restless Presents, David Castillo of Saint Vitus, and DJ/promoter/journalist Andi Harriman of SYNTHICIDE, FLESH & STEEL celebrates humanity, machinery, and innovation. The lineup for this festival spans forty years of electronic bliss as well as the planet.

First, here’s a glimpse at some of headlining acts to enjoy in Gotham’s dark dwellings:

Canadian synthpop legends Psyche will be gracing the stage of St Vitus on Thursday. Psyche formed in Alberta in 1982, becoming one of Canada’s first electronic bands. Darrin Huss (vocals), his brother Stephen, and synth player Dwayne Goettel (Skinny Puppy) released a plethora of dark synth dance-floor favourites, including the hits from Unveiling the Secret.

Darkwave icons Boy Harsher break the rhythm on Friday at Knockdown Centre. Drawing heavily from cinema, theatrics and graphic design, the band has made major headway in the last few years, particularly with Pain, their infectious BDSM-tinged anthem.

Das Ding, aka Danny Bosten, will also be at Knockdown Centre on Friday. The Dutch innovator unleashed powerful dark electro in the vein of Fad Gadget, Kraftwerk and New Order as electronic music started gaining traction in the early 80s. Das Ding’s DIY tapes gained a cult following and were often featured in zines of the Dutch synth scene, but he remained relatively obscure for a couple of decades until Minimal Wave Records’ Veronica Vasicka unearthed his work after coming across a blog about unknown synth music.

Belgian EBM pioneers A Split-Second established the building blocks of EBM when they formed in 1985; their music influenced the creation of the New Beat genre. Their 1986 track Flesh is a timeless synth classic. They’ll also be at Knockdown Centre on Friday.

Who else will be materializing in NYC next weekend? Here are five of the hottest new darkwave acts that are playing at the festival:

Riki

Riki burst forth on the scene a few years ago with her captivating new-wave, post-punk, and Italo disco melodies. Her taste for nostalgia, fantasy, and a charming wistfulness comes through in her 80s synthpop and new romantic style. She’ll be gracing the stage at The Meadows on Saturday.

Catherine Moan

Catherine Moan is the time-bending solo electronic pop project of Angel Jefferson. Jefferson pays tribute to the style and instrumentation of early Depeche Mode, while channeling a soft vocal delivery reminiscent of Strawberry Switchblade’s Rose McDowall. Adrift in a sea of nostalgic bliss, the music goes beyond being completely a throwback act, with a production imbued with the modern glow of more contemporary synth-oriented artists such as Chromatics, CHVRCHES, and TR/ST. She’ll be at the Texas stage at Knockdown Centre on Friday.

Normal Bias

The collaboration of members of That Which Is Not Said (TWINS/DKA, 2MR) and Multiple Man (DKA, Fleisch), Matt Bias and Chris Normal create a humid, sleek atmosphere of dance music with a pop sensibility. Matt’s silky vocals beckon as they slide over EBM-tinged basslines and 80s synth tones. These hertztone wizards will be at the Bad Room on Saturday…if you’re feeling naughty.

Soft Crash

Berlin’s Soft Crash is the new music collaboration formed by Hayden Payne, aka Berghain resident Phase Fatale and Pablo Bozzi of Imperial Black Unit. Combining references such as William S. Burroughs and J.G. Ballard, the project explores the fetishization of technology and the body, and how the line between those is perpetually blurring. Bozzi and Payne have been at the top of the industrial techno and EBM circuit through the last several years. Payne and Bozzi look to their core influences of synthwave, disco, and early techno to carve a new path as italo body music pioneers. They’ll be making their way to the Knockdown Centre on Friday.

Night Sins

Philadelphia’s Night Sins mastermind Kyle Kimball has long been the drummer for Nothing, but Night Sins is making its own mark. Night Sins frolic down the same musical path as The Sisters of Mercy and Clan of Xymox with hints of The Mission, NIN, and Nitzer Ebb along the way. Kimball’s shadowy vocals are the glue holding the sound together, a rich baritone howling through the night fog. You can catch these dark maestros Friday on the Texas Stage at Knockdown Centre.

Single-Event Tickets and Bundle Packages are Now Available here.

FULL LINEUP:

Thursday / Saint Vitus

• PSYCHE 
• SACRED SKIN
• RARE DM
• LATHE OF HEAVEN 
• G I N A [DJ]
• MAYLAND [DJ]

Friday / Knockdown Center
Main stage:

• BOY HARSHER 
• A SPLIT-SECOND
• SOFT CRASH
• DAS DING
• MS BOAN
• NGHTCRWLR 
• KONTRAVOID [DJ]
• ANDI [DJ]
• 80S BABY [PERFORMANCE]

Texas stage (New stage just added)

• NIGHT SINS
• GHOST COP
• CONFINES
• CATHERINE MOAN

Saturday Early / The Meadows

• RIKI
• ORTROTASCE
• BLU ANXXIETY
• UN HOMBRE SOLO
• G.S.E.D [DJ]
• LEMMY CAUTION [DJ]

Saturday Late / Good Room & Bad Room 

Good Room:

• PHASE FATALE 
• PABLO BOZZI
• SHARLESE 

Bad Room: 

• GUS 
• BECKA DIAMOND
• R GAMBLE
• NORMAL BIAS [LIVE]

The post Five of the Hottest New Darkwave Acts to See at Flesh and Steel NYC appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Welcoming all flavours of darkwave, industrial, EBM, and coldwave, FLESH & STEEL launches in Brooklyn from December 1st- December 3rd. Conceptualized and curated by Restless Presents, David Castillo of Saint Vitus, and DJ/promoter/journalist Andi Harriman of SYNTHICIDE, FLESH & STEEL celebrates humanity, machinery, and new ways of thinking about all things electronic and invigorating.

FLESH & STEEL is a brand new event for New Yorkers created by New Yorkers, but the cultural resonance is nationwide. “There is a bounty of that rare synergy of community and culture between Restless Presents, Saint Vitus, and SYNTHICIDE, whose visions align on opposite coasts,” says Brian Tarney of Sacred Skin. FLESH & STEEL aims to create and lift culture coming from the heart—not the wallet.

With consecutive nights at Saint Vitus, Knockdown Center, the Meadows, and Good Room, FLESH & STEEL is poised to be the electronic/post-punk destination for the Eastern Seaboard—and beyond.

The festivities kick off Thursday at Saint Vitus with powerhouse performances by Psyche and Sacred Skin. The evening is backed by Rare DM, strident post-punks Lathe of Heaven, and mesmerizing DJ sets from G I N A and MAYLAND.

On Friday, the widely acclaimed Boy Harsher will beam into the Knockdown Center, alongside Belgian EBM legends A Split Second, and compelling dance engine Soft Crash, with DJ sets from ANDI (SYNTHICIDE) and Kontravoid. Dutch electronic music pioneers Das Ding and Ms Boan will also make appearances.

Due to popular demand, alongside the main room performances at Knockdown Center, a second stage has been added, shining a spotlight on an undercard of futurist artists, including Night Sins, Ghost Cop, Catherine Moan, and a live performance from Saint Vitus founder David Castillo with his industrial solo project Confines.

The final night culminates with two presentations manifesting as the best living electronic mixtape you’ve heard in a while. The early program begins at The Meadows featuring synth-pop/romantic icon, Riki, and synth-punk duo ORTROTASCE, with support from the propulsive Un Hombre Solo. The party then moves to the Good Room, fueled by the gritty beats of Berlin-based genre-defier Pablo Bozzi and Phase Fatale. In the Bad Room, EBM all-star act Normal Bias will perform a live set, followed by NYC industrial artists R Gamble and Becka Diamond, while Gus Muller of Boy Harsher will top off the night with a fury of cold wave, mutant disco, and techno beats.

Single-Event Tickets and Bundle Packages are Now Available here.

Listen to curated FLESH & STEEL mixtapes:

FULL LINEUP:

Thursday / Saint Vitus

• PSYCHE 
• SACRED SKIN
• RARE DM
• LATHE OF HEAVEN 
• G I N A [DJ]
• MAYLAND [DJ]

Friday / Knockdown Center
Main stage:

• BOY HARSHER 
• A SPLIT-SECOND
• SOFT CRASH
• DAS DING
• MS BOAN
• NGHTCRWLR 
• KONTRAVOID [DJ]
• ANDI [DJ]
• 80S BABY [PERFORMANCE]

Texas stage (New stage just added)

• NIGHT SINS
• GHOST COP
• CONFINES
• CATHERINE MOAN

Saturday Early / The Meadows

• RIKI
• ORTROTASCE
• BLU ANXXIETY
• UN HOMBRE SOLO
• G.S.E.D [DJ]
• LEMMY CAUTION [DJ]

Saturday Late / Good Room & Bad Room 

Good Room:

• PHASE FATALE 
• PABLO BOZZI
• SHARLESE 

Bad Room: 

• GUS 
• BECKA DIAMOND
• R GAMBLE
• NORMAL BIAS [LIVE]

The post Flesh and Steel NYC with Boy Harsher, A Split Second, and Riki, Announces Final Lineup with Catherine Moan, Night Sins, and More! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

“My Heart was a song I started a couple years ago that I thought was destined to die on my hard drive,” says Primer. “It’s about unhealthy altruism and being unable to break a cycle, and I was never able to get it across the finish line. When I started collaborating with Catherine Moan I sent it to her on a whim, not knowing she would completely transform the whole feeling and style of the song for the better – she fully revived it. This collaboration is the first of what will be an EP together.”

The clever self-directed video combines Robert Palmer-style theatrical performance green-screened over stock footage and photography of office views. It’s a fascinating commentary combined with the message of the song: don’t give it all away for a cause that doesn’t love you back.

Watch the video for “My Heart” below:

“My Heart” is available for purchase on Bandcamp. The song is also streaming on Spotify here.

Catherine Moan is the time-bending solo electronic pop project of Angel Jefferson. Jefferson pays tribute to the style and instrumentation of early Depeche Mode, while channeling a soft vocal delivery reminiscent of Strawberry Switchblade’s Rose McDowall. Adrift in a sea of nostalgic bliss, the music goes beyond being completely a throwback act, with a production imbued with the modern glow of more contemporary synth-oriented artists such as Chromatics, CHVRCHES, and TR/ST.

Primer is Vocalist and electronic producer Alyssa Midcalf. Her music is an alchemical transmutation of trauma, juxtaposing harsh realities with her unique spin on ’80s-inspired synthpop.

Catch Primer at the Regent in Los Angeles on October 25th, with Molly Nilsson and Riki.

Follow Catherine Moan:

• Spotify
• Instagram

Follow Primer:

• Spotify
  Instagram

The post Catherine Moan and Primer are a Synth-Pop Dream Team in Their Video for “My Heart” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.