The Coiled One, the sophomore release from Los Angeles-based Spahn Ranch, holds a revered spot both among die-hard fans and fellow musicians. Released during a turbulent period in the band’s history, this album diverged creatively from their earlier work, showcasing an eclectic mix of influences and sounds. Regarded as somewhat of a concept album, The Coiled One explores the descent of the human psyche into madness, set against a cinematic backdrop of poverty, piety, evil, and machinery. This album stands out not just for its thematic boldness but also for its departure from the band’s previou ..read more

Bleak Recordings is delighted to introduce Gloom, the inaugural EP from Portuguese dark wave band Decline and Fall, helmed by Armando Teixeira, Hugo Santos, and Ricardo S. Amorim. This release marks a significant entry into the genre, promising a distinct sound shaped by the trio’s combined expertise. Armando Teixeira’s career, steeped in the pioneering of EBM and industrial music in Portugal, spans numerous influential projects like Ik Mux and Bizarra Locomotiva. Beyond his founding roles, he has profoundly shaped Portuguese music as a composer across diverse acts such as Boris Ex-Machina and ..read more

We succumb tonight It’s the funeral of hearts This misery will vanish tonight Mekong is the brainchild of a mysterious Portuguese expat in Krakow, serving up a concoction of dark post-punk and a sprinkle of goth. This one-man show manages to deliver haunting tunes powered by beefy bass lines, dreamy guitar riffs, and the kind of synths that could make a grown man sigh. This blend is a call from the heart of one particularly contemplative fellow holed up in Poland, tying together minimalism with a punch; imagine bass that walks through walls, and guitars that linger like the last guest at a par ..read more

Non-being of limitation Empty of being, empty abstractions Conditioned by transcendence Extra extrapolations Today, the NYC-based dream pop act Mahogany have announced their latest release —a 12” single featuring A Scaffold on the A-side and Polyvalence on the flip. This release offers a sneak peek at their upcoming EP, Cumulative Power, slated for a fall release. Both tracks showcase the ethereal vocals of singer-guitarist Jaclyn Slimm, backed by the intricate bass, drums, electronics, and multi-layered 12-string guitar work crafted by band founder Andrew Prinz. Blending post-punk, shoegaze ..read more

what you don’t know what you can’t see red cloud is calling stalking watching hypnotizing me Southern Californian outfit Head Cut channels the uncanny spirit of an ’80s punk séance with their latest track, Red Cloud, summoning the ghostly vibes of the Batcave. Imagine Death Cult, Siouxsie & The Banshees, and Christian Death all caught in a blender—Head Cut’s the bartender, serving up a concoction that’s part nostalgia, part revolution. Head Cut’s new album, Corazón Negro (Black Heart), doesn’t just rock the boat—it capsizes it. Amplifying the raw energy and fiery spirit of their debut, the ..read more

In isolation, we’re like moths We try to find our way out Isolated Youth’s Ghost Town is the latest sneak peek at the Swedish post-punk band’s full length debut album miserere mei. Born from the after-dark, almost eerie quiet of Stockholm’s empty streets, this track packs a punch with William Mardberg’s Rowland Howard-inspired guitar riffs, a Stephen Morris-like beat from Andreas Geidemark, and a post-punk bass groove courtesy of Elmer Hallsby. The song captures that chill of meeting someone new in the dead of night and finding a moment of warmth in their company. Axel Mardberg lays down haunt ..read more

Long recognized as a profoundly influential force in music, Manchester’s The Chameleons have left their mark on bands like The Verve, Oasis, White Lies, The Slow Readers Club, Interpol, The Killers, and Editors, among many others. Known for their deep and powerful live shows and a transformative musical catalog, their impact stretches well beyond their four studio albums. The Chameleons’ distinctive sound quickly captured the public’s attention with its unique blend of melancholy yet robust and dynamic tunes, entrancing ethereal guitar riffs, and poignant, enduring lyrical themes. The Chameleo ..read more

HEAR ME OUT, an exciting new queer ensemble from Bielefeld, Germany, made a striking entrance onto the music scene in late 2021. During a time of significant change in the music world, they quickly established a unique sound at the crossroads of post-punk and dark indie rock. The band skillfully blends elements from new wave, punk, and alternative music, forging a path that eschews prevailing trends. Fueled by intense passion and raw emotion, Hear Me Out creates music that seamlessly combines vulnerability and strength, captivating listeners with their profound and resonant melodies. Drawing i ..read more

Los Angeles-based act Phantom Sister has announced their debut self-titled EP. This newly minted quartet could easily serve as the house band serving dark and atmospheric tunes for a cult indie film festival afterparty—one where the films are equal parts Spaghetti Western and shadow-soaked thrillers. Comprised of Alison Stolpa (Posh Decay), Alex von Klemperer, Craig Smith, and Vox Porter (Sleek Teeth), this ensemble revels in its eclecticism. Phantom Sister’s music marries the twangy, expansive guitar of Ennio Morricone with the brooding vibes of Gun Club, girl groups of the ‘Wall of Sound’ 19 ..read more

The Shadow Majlis is one of those projects that stands as a powerful example of how personal turmoil can ignite intense artistic creativity. Ali Jafri, a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, pours his deepest personal losses into this project, grappling with the devastating death of his seven-year-old son Oisín from brain cancer in September 2022, the dissolution of a significant relationship, and a year of housing instability. The Shadow Majlis, pronounced “mahj-lis,” showcases Jafri’s wide-ranging musical abilities, featuring collaborations with bassist David J, known from Bauhaus and Love ..read more