Arkham Sunset Archives — Post-Punk.com

Listen to Portland Darkwave Project Arkham Sunset’s “Failure Analysis”

Alice Teeple — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:54:43 +0000

“Purity is not your style

Crucify me now and hang me upside down”

Failure Analysis is the third full-length album from Gerry Hathaway, known artistically as Arkham Sunset, a prolific electronic producer based in Portland, Oregon. At the heart of Arkham Sunset lies a steadfast commitment to collaboration: this album brings together contributions from a diverse mix of Portland’s musical talents, including the vocal and instrumental prowess of Lies We Were Told, Doppler Affection, and Ceremony Shadows, complemented by the distinguished Iranian guitarist Farzin Ajorlou. Lee Ann Hathaway, Gerry’s wife, lends the project its most profound and personal dimension. Lee Ann’s artistic vision not only shapes the album’s visual aestheti,c but also the thematic essence of the singles leading up to its release.

Failure Analysis also explores the couple’s shared affinity for vintage horror and erotica, a preference that infuses the work with a delightfully sinister and playful undertone.

Staying true to Hathaway’s signature approach, the album traverses a broad array of musical terrains. It delves into the gritty realms of industrial and metal, ventures through the shadowy echoes of darkwave and goth rock, pulses with the beats of Berlin School and disco, and explores the nuanced realms of synthpop and ambient, showcasing the artist’s eclectic and adventurous musical explorations.

There is, however, a distinct running theme that connects the kaleidoscope of sounds present on the record: “Failure Analysis is a concept album that traverses different genres and moods, both introspective and aggressive, as a form of self-reflection, tracing the source of past mistakes and severing those toxic behaviors permanently,” says Hathaway.

The instrumental ASDR thrives on a vibrant, pulsating rhythm that invigorates and uplifts. Its euphoric melodies and dynamic beats create an energizing ambiance, with its exhilarating and heart-pounding vibe – perfect for igniting a sense of joy and vitality. Channeling the stirring and tension-filled essence of 1970s Italian ‘Giallo’ cinema, Blood In Four Colors unfolds with a bold S&M undertone—echoes of leather, gentle restraints, and yearning looks that suggest the dangerously seductive nature of a love affair teetering on the edge of destruction. The music captures the constant tension inherent in such fraught liaisons, teasing an intimacy that is perpetually just beyond reach, a nuanced dance of dominance and exposure.

Horizon Zero resonates with a strong Knight Rider vibe, thanks to its cinematic arpeggios, use of vocoder and guitar, and the resonant tones of its synths. It evokes the iconic style of Stu Phillips and draws inspiration from Jean-Michel Jarre, bridging nostalgic television scores with motorik beats. Failure Analysis moves into darker territory, sounding more like a latter-day Gary Numan with the raw, jagged vocals of Fugazi or Black Flag.

Neuro Rhythmic moves back into cinematic territory, with an ominous sonar blip anchoring manic synth arpeggios. It’s the soundtrack of all things neurospicy, mimicking the frentic racing thoughts in an overloaded mind. Next is a rousing – if caustic – cover of Ministry’s Revenge, to celebate the 40th anniversary of With Sympathy. The album concludes with Departure Point, a Kraftwerkian track that carries a gentle, rhythmic pulse, marking it as another cinematic instrumental piece. This closing number wraps up the collection with a sense of calm introspection.

Listen to the album below, and order here:

Failure Analysis by Arkham Sunset

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Portland Darkwave Project Arkham Sunset Debuts New Single “Blood In Four Colors”

Alice Teeple — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:07:02 +0000

“Purity is not your style

Crucify me now and hang me upside down”

From the moody corridors of Portland, Arkham Sunset, spearheaded by electronic aficionado Gerry Hathaway, offers their latest goth rock pièce de résistance, “Blood In Four Colors.” This track is a harbinger for their anticipated third album, ‘Failure Analysis‘, slated for an early 2024 release.

Drawing inspiration from the evocative and suspense-laden Italian ‘Giallo‘ films of the 1970s, the song navigates a provocative S&M nuance: whispers of leather, soft bindings, and longing glances—that hint at the intoxicating, yet perilous allure of a romance destined to combust. The song exemplifies the relentless push and pull of these hopeless situations…always hinting at an elusive intimacy that remains agonizingly out of grasp; a delicate ballet of power and vulnerability. A relationship that resembles a cage, rather than communion.

Echoing the haunting elegance of “Phantasmagoria” by The Damned, the song also offers audible undertones of Type O Negative, Tiamat, and ACTORS subtly lace the composition, adding layers of depth and richness to its darky sensuous narrative.

Infused with the ethereal reverberations of the Roland D-50, the track crafts an immersive atmosphere, layering synths that pull you into its depths before effortlessly pivoting into a dark rock chorus bursting with melody. The sonic palette is further elevated by the distinct textures of the Moog Minitaur, Sequential Prophet 6, and the ethereal Waldorf Streichfett. Guitar riffs, dense and profound, are the handiwork of Farzin Ajorlou—Arkham Sunset’s frequent Iranian collaborator known for his doom metal expertise. And as for the evocative cover art? Credit goes to Hathaway’s wife, the visionary visual artist Lee Ann.

Listen below:

Blood In Four Colors is out everywhere now. Fins the track on Bandcamp here:

Blood In Four Colors by Arkham Sunset

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Portland Industrial Act Arkham Sunset Debuts Video for EBM Banger “Dead Scene”

Alice Teeple — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:48:33 +0000

Vapid club culture takes a hit in an incendiary EBM banger by Portland industrial act Arkham Sunset: “Dead Scene.”’ Lyrically swiping at the dark side of nightlife, the darkwave-flavoured project, helmed by Gerry Hathaway, is an unrelenting, hypnotic rant from its opening notes. The track utilizes scrapyard-sourced percussion samples and analogue synthesizers; building a punishing, metallic soundscape for Hathaway’s own vitriolic aggression.

“Dead Scene is a club song about what sucks about clubs,” laughs Hathaway. “It observes the irony of how nightclubs should be safe places to escape and celebrate the love of music and energy, but are often breeding grounds for toxic behavior. Of course, there is an element of tongue-in-cheek humor to the lyrics just beneath the surface.”

The video for Dead Scene, filmed in Portland’s railway district, features Daniel Morris (Masonique) on drums, as well as fellow Arkham Sunset vocalist Anastasia Poirier on synthesizer. It’s a simple performance video in a seedy location, highlighting the DIY mood of the scene as well as showcasing the prowess of the three musicians.

Watch the video for “Dead Scene” here:

Dead Scene comes off Arkham Sunset’s sixth EP, Cremation Service. In keeping with the artist’s usual modus operandi, the new EP covers a wide range of styles, including Kraftwerk-esque vintage electronica, new wave, goth metal, and Belgian new beat.

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Cremation Service by Arkham Sunset

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Portland Darkwave Act Arkham Sunset Ignites in their Video for “Black Flame”

Alice Teeple — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:07:15 +0000

Arkham Sunset, a Portland-based darkwave project helmed by electronic producer Gerry Hathaway, returns with their fifth EP, The Noise Divine.

For the first time, the band features vocalist Anastasia Poirier, adding a new dimension to the outfit’s sound. “Black Flame”, the latest single from the EP, is a kaleidoscopic rush of energy and emotions filtered through an array of analogue and digital synthesizers. The result is a fresh, cinematic meld of industrial, synthpop, darkwave, and disco.

The video, a live performance love letter to the early 80s minimal wave club scene, opens with a warm 80s-style synth arpeggio that persists throughout, peppered with Poirier’s sultry, hypnotic spoken word. The effect is dizzying, yet grounded.

“Black Flame is about facing repressed fears, putting dreams into action, and letting go of what holds us back,” says Hathaway. “With open eyes and open heart we are one, infinite – we feed the Black Flame, surrendering to our potential, our one true will.”

Watch the video for “Black Flame” below:

Arkham Sunset’s The Noise Divine is out now.

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