From the quiet of pandemic-induced solitude, Andres Ruiz—known for his work with False Figure and Adrenochrome—has birthed Nuevo Cuerpo, a post-punk endeavor rooted deeply in the aesthetics and spirit of La Movida, the cultural renaissance that swept through Madrid in the late ’70s and early ’80s following the demise of Franco’s regime. Recorded and mixed in his home studio beginning in 2020, the project embodies the hope for renewal that defined the era it reveres. Andres Ruiz utilizes high compression and lo-fi drum machine loops in an effort to replicate the essence of a rediscovered demo t ..read more

Awoke to something yet unmet the sacred echoes of Tibet The rock formations call to me to view what birds can see Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Rare Kreature shakes up the post-punk scene with a unique blend of dark surf, dark wave, and dream pop. Originally a solo endeavor, Rare Kreature has since expanded to include a cadre of skilled contributors who enhance the group’s gothic flair and stage visuals. Their latest 7-track collection, Sleeping Secrets, builds on the momentum of their 2022 single, Nowhere Seen. This new release plunges into a world where stark, raw guitar work collides with ..read more

As I enter the arms of a woman, Truly fortunate. As I went the arms of the autumn, so familiarly. As a coda, the cold of the winter, under covers We. In a tale as old as time, a young visionary finds their calling in music, an escape from the constraints of a sleepy rural Pennsylvania  hometown. But it’s a rare breed who can translate that escape into something as strikingly heartfelt as Stephen Bluhm’s exquisite second album, Out of the Nowhere, Into the Here. This beautifully crafted collection of chamber pop stands out not just for its emotional depth but for its lush, detailed composi ..read more

Cold winter’s journey Oh your soul keeps bleeding on Through the storm and the war You’re going home, into the unknown The Sweet Kill, led by the singular Pete Mills, is a formidable gothic-rock powerhouse melding a cinematic blend of cold wave synths, atmospheric guitars, minimal drums, and melodic bass with his own velvety baritone. Evoking a spacious atmosphere that evokes the misty moors, Gothic manors, and tree-lined forests of romantic novels, Mills channels romantic sorrow that resonates with the echoes of Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, and London After Midnight. The latest album from The ..read more

Lost in a dream again Tell me that you want me, no need to pretend I’m giving my heart to you Kiss me like no other, I’m nobody’s fool British philosopher Alan Watts, renowned for translating Eastern philosophy for Western minds, frequently explored the idea of embracing the present fully, while acknowledging the impact of past experiences. Watts championed a profound understanding of the self as intertwined with the universe, advocating that balance is found not through exertion, but by accepting life’s inherent rhythms. The concept of the “dreamer” in his teachings refers to viewing life as ..read more

You can’t believe what they say, they’ll treat you like a fool It hurts me just to watch you follow everything they do Well if you go out looking, you’ll find something so pure You’re leaving me with nothing till I come down from the cure Just a year after the release of their darkly intense album Krypt, LA-based band Male Tears has made a stunning return with an entirely new sound. The group has now expanded to include four members, with vocalist James Edward at the forefront, steering their musical direction from dark wave to high-energy Italo disco. This transformation unfolds in the dimly ..read more

When light has gone Snow angels will turn to grey Dark veil of our embrace Into an Endless Lunar Gaze In Ancient Greek mythology, Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, was seized by Hades and taken to the underworld. The earth, reflecting Demeter’s sorrow, became barren. A negotiated settlement later permitted Persephone to divide her time between the surface, signaling the arrival of spring, and the underworld, ushering in winter. This recurring cycle illustrates the seasonal shifts, embodying themes of renewal and decline, and representing the equilibrium between light and darkness in the nat ..read more

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, steeped in history and cultural richness, also possesses a distinctly moody and introspective side. The city’s gloom is often enhanced by its weather—overcast skies and biting winds are particularly prevalent during the extended winter months. Such climatic conditions are a fitting backdrop to the historic architecture dotting many neighborhoods, where Victorian homes and centuries-old structures loom with gloom. This atmospheric setting extends into the city’s artistic and literary spheres, which frequently delve into themes of melancholy and the Gothic-with-a-capi ..read more

Here in the nightmare we’re smoke in the sky, Burning through air, falling through time. Insomnia is a relentless condition that fractures sleep patterns, leaving individuals trapped in a cycle of restlessness. It frays the edges of the mind, leading to impaired cognitive functions, diminished concentration, and heightened emotional responses. The constant struggle to achieve rest exacerbates stress and anxiety, casting a shadow over daily activities and eroding mental resilience. Insomnia thus becomes both symptom and source of distress. This condition sparked inspiration for Alethea Leventha ..read more

The sun is sinking in the tiny window And I still write the same old song about you. I’ve never seen your face nor your golden wings But every night I see you in my dreams. What can one add about a band named Dead that isn’t immediately apparent? The very moniker suggests a brooding intensity, and indeed, these French architects of somber sound wield a powerfully dark aesthetic even before a single note is played. Yet, it’s when they begin their performance that they truly reveal their full, formidable force. Four years since their last EP, Dead have been resurrected with a hypnotic new shoega ..read more