Lonely Boys - Best Of Lonely Boys

Lonely Boys is an experimental art pop duo founded by Rosa Rendl and Daphne Ahlers in 2010 during their studies in London. Back in 2012/2013 I was a big fan of their slowly burning r&b ballads (check out "Dew" or "Go Down Easy" for example), but after that I sort of lost them from my radar. This month they are back with a "Best Of Lonely Boys" 2LP album, that compiles their favourite cuts from the Lonely Boys catalogue (on sides A and B), and pairs them with chosen solo tracks from FINI (Daphne Ahlers) and Rosa Rendl on sides C and D respectively. The whole album can be streamed now on their Bandcamp, and it's great reminder why I fell in love with their sound in the first place - just check out the mesmerising "Dominate". Lonely Boys' ghostly and sad pop sound is an amalgamation of the post-internet music scenes of the yesteryear that ruled the blogosphere, alongside their contemporaries Butterclock, Oklou, Palmistry and oFF Love (among many others).

You can order the vinyl compilation here. Stream in full down below.

Curses - Miriam // video

Beautifully gothic, dark and obscure, "Miriam" from Curses finally got a visual treatment that matches its songwriting's brilliance. Directed by Jordan Hemingway, this is honesly the best music video I've seen all year.

Humanfobia - Atmosfera Livida [B-Sides]

Humanfobia is a dark experimental, witch house duo from Rancagua, Chile consisting of Sábila Orbe & Mist Spectra. "Atmosfera Livida [B-Sides]" is their 2016 EP that got picked up by Civic Duty Records and reissued a few days ago via their Bandcamp. And I'm please it did, because this seven track EP may be one of my favourite projects from the band. Ghost drone, haunted dark ambient and witch-house minimalism lead the way to spooky world of Humanfobia's lo-fi aesthetics. "Fashion Show" even has some trippy vaporwave vibe to it. Fans of I†† and The Implicit Order should feel at home here.

You can download the EP for free here, and listen to it after the jump.

Vidchajj - 2

First single from the upcoming EP from Vidchajj. Melodic yet noisy witch house, really dope. You can check out the lyrics to the track here.

Omaar - Marcha

"Marcha" is the latest release from Mexico City-based producer Omar Suárez aka OMAAR. Released yesterday via N.A.A.F.I, the EP channels the raw and minimal energy of South African gqom, and spices it up with techno and futuristic industrial influences. One for the fans of Menzi's "Impazamo", I can totally see those two being played b2b on a mixtape. The titular track makes me think of Joe's classic "Claptrap" too. Rad.

The EP can be purchased here, and streamed below.

Ivory Towers - Gorgononium Mixtape

Ivory Towers is Quinne Rodgers, once a member of experimental noise/witch-pop duo MYTHS, currently fronting her new ethereal synth-pop band Rippper. "Gorgononium Mixtape" is her last and most likely final project released under the IT moniker, a haunted portal to otherworldly soundscapes, distorted vocals and ambiguous filed recordings that form a symbiotic relationship over the course of its 16 minutes. Made of rare, remixed (some tracks ended up on the "Vile" EP) and unreleased material, this ghostly sonic collage has been shape shifting since 2016 according to Quinne's bandcamp page. Perfect suite for the spooky season. Fans of early Grimes, Naadyn, Julianna Barwick and even Holly Herndon should love this. Buy it here, it's only $1.

Raw Unkut - Live DJ Mix At Elsewhere

"Live DJ Mix At Elsewhere" is first in a series of mixtapes presented by Pictureplane's Alien Body Music. Recorded live at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, NY on September 1st this year by DJ Raw Unkut, the mix is streamable in full on ABM soundcloud above, and it's a serious sonic adrenaline shot. 57 minutes of shape shifting drum 'n bass, breakbeats, jungle and mutated bass music that packs a punch from the start. Sick.

Mutant Zones is one year old

Mutant Zones is one today. Last year, disappointed with the lack of music blogs focused on the underground, I decided to sign up with Blogspot and start a site of my own. 433 blog posts later, here we are today. It's been a fun ride, and there's so much more ahead. I won't reveal all my plans, but one thing I can share is the fact that I will be restarting my tape label Dagger Forest soon. More info soon. Thank you to every single person who checks out the site and emails me, it mean a lot. Here's to another, even more exciting year!

G.R. Zombie - Dead Tape III

Volume 3 in the Dead Tape series from G.R. Zombie (aka Xombiemane) is a capsule of experimental, grimy witch house infused with some grunge, screw, trap and horrorcore influences. Think SALEM, SKELETONKIDS or Stay Healthy, but slower and more lo-fi. Dope undertaker music from the darkest corners of Pittsburgh.

Support GR and get the tape here. Stream down below.

Makeup - Anti-Music Vol.III

Makeup returns with "Anti-Music Vol.III", his latest album in a series that blurrs the boundaries between club staples and experimental sound design. The third volume focuses mostly on cinematic ambient and drone with all their unconventional mutations, but also doesn't shy away from adding in techno, industrial and even some dungeon synth influences into the mix. The result is quite incredible, an otherworldly and engaging sonic story told by an astral composer. Suffice to say, this is probably my favourite volume of the trilogy, cannot recommend it enough.

Purchase the album here, you can stream it below in the meantime.

Rotciv, Agle, Jorkes & Nikkname, John Parsley - Passion Incarnate

Four new bangers from Ombra International. Taking a break from their awesome series D'Oro Unlmtd, Ombra is back with their "regular" compilation of mutant new beat hits. Volume 23, entitled "Passion Incarnate", features singles from Rotciv, Agle, John Parsley and a collab track between Jorkes and Nikkname.

Buy the digital version here, stream after the jump.

NIGELTHREETIMES - The Kid And The Iron Horse

Five months after the fantastic "The Rubirosa Paradox", NIGELTHREETIMES returns with a new record "The Kid And The Iron Horse", dedicated (or inspired by) two night clubs from Queens. Taking a step back from his jungle and d'n'b comfort zone (at least that's what he made me believe), Nigel ventures into deep house, techno and other rave-friendly styles, and makes himself unapologetically at home while doing it. Great stuff.

But the album here, and stream below.

Burial - Streetlands

Surprise three-track EP from Burial dropped on Hyperdub yesterday. Stripped from drums, and focusing on mood building through cinematic ambience, sublime synth lines, field recordings and classic Burial-esque vocal samples, it's a really enjoyable sonic voyage. "Exokind" in particular is a glorious and hypnotising sounscape that drifts from one place to another across its 12-minute lenght.

Order the vinyl here, stream after the jump.

Arthur King - UMN (Koyaanisqatsi)

On the back of the excellent "Mina Las Pintadas" LP, AKP Recordings is ready to unleash the new recording of the Arthur King collective. "UMN (Koyaanisqatsi)" is the next iteration in their ongoing Unknown Movie Night series (remember the fantastic "Nosferatu" tribute?) and includes contributions from musicians David Ralicke, Joel Virgel, Peter Jacobson, Peter Walker, and Wally Ingram. I have to admit that I haven't seen "Koyaanisqatsi" yet, although I've heard a ton of praise for its original score by Philip Glass. But even without the visual aids, I must admit that the Artur King's sonic response to the movie can be appreciated as a standalone piece of music. Listening to this live improvisation feels like trekking across mountain tops with clouds below your feet, a truly ethereal and I dare say spiritual experience. The fact that this score was recorded over a course of one night makes it even more amazing.

The album is out now and can be purchased here. Stream below.

Elite Gymnastics - Snow Flakes 2022

Elite Gymnastics are back! I did not expect to ever write that again. Ten years ago a household name in the blogosphere, they released a handful of cult EPs, a vinyl compilation and then faded into the void. Now, with an altered line-up (Josh left, and got replaced by Viri Char, with Jaime Brooks at the helm), the band published a long overdue debut album entitled "Snow Flakes 2022". To contextualize this return, I suggest reading Jamie's tumblr post here, it gives a much needed insight into Elite G'z history. James Rettig from Steregum saved me some research time by pointing out that the LP features new versions of many older songs that came out between 2009 and 2013: "Here In Heaven", "Andreja 4-Ever" (aka "Chloe 4-Ever"), and "Omamori". On her Bandcamp page Jamie uses following tags to describe the album: break folk, counterpop, musicpunk, paramericana and undiscovered country, which may give you a rough idea of what to expect here. Basically if you were a fan of their incredible run a decade ago, you will love this continuation of the project. The tracks are multilayered, creative and simply enjoyable, worth a multiple listen which will allow you to discover all the intricacies of the production. Don't sleep on this one.

Buy the album here, and stream it below.

NPLGNN - Hazy Pit / Inna Danza

Two mutant club cuts from Naples/Barcelona resident Giovanni Napolano aka NPLGNN. Released on a 7" via Youth, the single is a curious amalgamation of ragga basslines, witchy drums and electro sounds. Weird one but quite addictive. Order here, last two copies left.

Chaz Knapp & Chaz Prymek - Woman On Fire

Ambient folk (or microfolk) single from two Chazes - Knapp and Prymek, who are set to release a debut collaborative tape on October 28th. Entitled "Somelight", the album "is a deconstruction of traditional folk music into organic soundscapes. All pieces are improvisations in various outdoor locations across the Ozark Mountains." Pre-order it here.

Malibu - So Far Out Of Love

Lush ambient ballad "So Far Out Of Love" is Malibu's first single from her upcoming EP "Palaces of Pity" on UNO NYC. Scheduled for November 18th, it will come out on CD, something I'm seeing more and more often lately. Pre-order here.

Blvck Ceiling - Lite

"Lite" is the latest album from BLVCK CEILING. Sitting at his signature intersection between witch house, wave and trap, the album serves a dozen of tracks soaked in cinematic quotes. One may argue that Dan's work is repetetive, but dude found the style that works for him well, so why not ride it.

Buy it here, and stream below.

Spike Hellis - Cause Of Death // video

Lyrics video from Spike Hellis for "Cause Of Death", lifted from their amazing self-titled debut album.

Lower Tar - A Blank Stare

Sick industrial techno from Lower Tar out now on CDR via Fantasy1. "Blank Stare" is Ori Ofir's latest project that came out on October 7th. Only one track is available for preview on label's Bandcamp (check it out above), but from what I can hear it's a really solid minimal and raw single. Purchase it here.

Gargantuan Grief - Songs For The Doom​(​ed) Generation

The individuals behind Gargantuan Grief are still hiding in the shadows, so I cannot really say much about who's behind that name, but it may (or may not) be a side project of Hajj. Their debut album "Songs For The Doom(ed) Generation" is out now on the excellent Dawn Records, and it's a gloomy ride through the worlds of doom, industrial, metal, dark ambient and deconstructed club. It may sound like it's all over the place but the fine threads that hold this LP together work really well, forming an adventurous and unpredictable experienece from start to finish. Imagine Linkin Park, Type O Negative and Burial Hex mashed together and cranked up 1000%.

The album is available on CD which can be purchased here. Steam below.

Lil Peptoman - Clown Captain

Lil Peptoman is an electronic producer based in LA, who dropped a self-titled album earlier this year (still sitting in my "to check" bookmark). His latest creation, "Clown Captain", is like a delirious juggalo ride down the bosozoku highways, unstable witch house and gloomy bass sonic massacre. So good.

Vidchajj - Infinity

Vidchajj dropped a how to make a dope 'how to edit' 101 with this flip of Guru Josh Project's guilty pleasure dancefloor hit "Infinity 2008". Music sounds so much better slowed down. I could totally imagine this remix being used as a background for a video of women's bodybuilding contest.

Black City Lights - I Wanna Be Adored

Cover of Stone Roses' "I Wanna Be Adored" by the Wellington-based duo Black City Lights. Freebie on their Bandcamp, but if you decide to support it, all proceeds will go to CAMHS mental health charity.

Nights Templar - October Gray EP

Nights Templar has just released a new EP entitled "October Gray". Four lo-fi new wave/cold wave tracks for the pumpkin season.

You can buy the album in digital format or as a self-released limited edition cassette tape here. Stream down below.

Teaching In Trips - Not Perfect

Latest single from the Russian witch house producer Teaching In Trips "Not Perfect" is a sick blend of modern witch vibes mixed with phonk and hip-hop influences. 3 minutes an 15 seconds of dopeness.

Alison Fulci - The Alison Fulci LP

After two excellent EPs, Alison Fulci has shared yesterday a new album simply titled "The Alison Fulci LP". Ten tracks of witched hip-hop beats, trap-wave and spooky bass, all backed with well selected vocal samples. The record is significantly less grimy than its predecessors, so I hope they will reach bigger audience with it because they deserve it.

You can grab the album here, and stream it after the jump.

Cabalgata - Demo

Spanish nonconformists Lunar Fumes are back with a 3-track debut demo from Cabalgata. Who's hiding behind this name - I do not know, but the label says that it's "supernatural punk to dance and talk to ghosts" and I can totally stand by this. Fun demo with a kick.

Downoad it for free here, stream after the jump.

Fever Ray - What They Call Us // video

Fever Ray returns with a new single "What They Call Us", ahead of the (hopefully) new album. The video, written and directed by Martin Falck, feels like a crossover between The Office and Beetlejuice, can't go wrong here. You can buy it on Bandcamp here.

Stay Healthy - Dirt

It's finally here! The debut album from Stay Healthy, one of my most exciting discoveries of 2021, has landed on Bandcamp. The witch-grunge trio from Melbourne has been teasing it for a while, with the first single "Mallrat" seeing the light of the day over a year ago in August.

While SALEM, a clear inspiration for the group, once again reshuffled the dark electronic/rap guidebook with "Fires In Heaven" and opened the floodgates of copycats, Stay Healthy were able to carve a niche of their own while paying tribute to the artists that came before them. From repping the classic witch house male/female line-up, to keeping their profile low key and identities obscure, the trio managed to create an aura of mystery and anticipation that channelled the 2010 zeitgeist.

Even though "Dirt" is only seven tracks long, it doesn't feel short or underwhelming - on the contrary, it is a cohesive and well thought through record that feels like stepping into a hazy world of loss and love wreathed in layers of blurry genres. Call it gutterpop, doom trap, witch-grunge, doesn't matter, because at the end of the day the album, as a concept, does what it should perfectly - sucking you into this dirty, cursed and magnificent world Stay Healthy inhabit and thrive in. Incredible and rewarding record that should be talked about for years to come.

Buy the album here, and stream it below.

IVVVO - Emulstion Mix

Excellent mixtape from Ivo Pacheto aka IVVVO, which served as a soundtrack to the Louis Morlæ's "Machinochrome Dreams" exhibition at Moarain House gallery. Ambient futuristic soundscapes mixed with deconstructed club excerpts. Check it out on Emulsion Magazine soundcloud, or stream above.

Sable Noir - Jane Doe // video

Sable Noir is a new cold/new wave gem on the Paris scene. Consisting of Gaëlle Senn (guitar & vocals), Bob Demachy (bass), Hector Demachy (drums) and Gaëtan Senn (keys), the band has just shared the first single "Jane Doe", lifted from their upcoming debut EP. I'm not sure when the EP is scheduled to drop, but judging by this first taste of it, it'll be worth the wait. 80s new wave influences delivered with a modern take, backed with great lyrics, give it a go.

Puerta Negra - Costo Humano

Puerta Negra is a Portland-based industrial body music duo of Maria Aguirre (Vueltas) and Mark Arciaga (Lizard Skin, Outlands). Their debut EP "Costo Humano" came out in March this year via Detriti Records, and recently got a reissue treatment from the band after the label sold out their run. Band's own issue sold out too, good music won't last long, eh? Maria's raspy, shouty vocals go really well with the cold (but melodic) beats. I really love this new wave of dark EBM acts, US scene seems to be stronger than ever.

Check out the EP on bandcamp here or here, stream below.

Alice Glass - Lips Apart

Here's the visualizer for Alice Glass' latest single "Lips Apart". You can cop the track on her bandcamp.

CRAVE - nevada_jerky_gurl23 : Chapter 2 'Silver_Web.gen'

Several days ago I blogged about CRAVE's latest single "Gutq", turns out it was one of the tracks that appears on his new CDR "nevada_jerky_gurl23 : Chapter 2". If you're wondering about chapter one, it was a 1 hour long improvised live recording that he published on his Soundcloud in July 2021. This new CD is an exclusive release for today's pop-up shop in Paris. More details here.

V.A. - Giallo X

Giallo Disco is 10 years old! I still remember when Anton and Gianni launched it, and seeing it grow to become one of the cult underground labels of the 2010s and beyond has been amazing. To celebrate this anniversary, they dropped a free compilation of some of the best horror disco, italo and synthwave cuts from the past decade. We get tracks from both founders, plus Tom Guycot, Unit Black Flight, DKMD, Taylor Hoodlum Stevenson, WLDV and Mr Eff. If you're not familiar with their catalogue yet, now's the best time. Happy birthday GD!

The compilation is available here, you can stream it after the jump.

Jennifer Touch - Summerchild

Coldwave single "Summerchild" is the first taste of the upcoming album from Jennifer Touch. "Midnight Proposals" will come out on Fatcat Records on February 13 next year, and will be out on vinyl and digital. I've seen her live earlier this year during the Curses gig in London, and it was a blast. Definitely looking forward to hear the whole thing when it's out. You can pre-order it here.