A swathe of new synthwave artists and fans poured into the space in the late 2010s, following the genre’s gradual emergence in the late 00s. Synthwave, also known as outrun, is an electronic music genre that evokes certain sounds and aesthetics of the 80s. Often touching on themes of retrofuturism and cyberpunk, recent years have … Read more
They’re not easy to find, but there are a few bands like Radiohead out there. In this list of similar artists to Radiohead, you’re sure to find something you like (even if you don’t agree with all of the artists on the list). Since the release of their debut album Pablo Honey in 1993, Radiohead … Read more
Minimal techno is a subgenre of techno that, as the name implies, is characterised by its stripped-down nature in comparison to other genres of techno. Similar to other subgenres of techno, the origins of minimal techno can be traced back to Detroit in America. The genre developed through the 2000s in Germany as artists like … Read more
Tracing its origins back to the 1960s, ambient music is entering its seventh decade as a genre. And, so far, the 2020s are looking like some of the best years that ambient music has seen. Perhaps it was something to do with lockdowns and pandemics, but in the last couple of years, there has been … Read more
Blending electronics, field recordings, and chamber music, Wax Ephemeral is the debut album from Manchester-based composer Rachael Philip. Described as ‘a tribute to the carousel of life, death, and recycling and revival into new forms,’ the record is absorbing and immersive. With a background in film and commercial soundtracks, Philip’s sound worlds are strikingly visual. … Read more
Born and raised in Iran, Reza Pahlevani has lived in the north of England since 2012. Reza is no stranger to the world of showbusiness in the Persian music scene – establishing himself in a new community in the UK where he is basically unknown has been an exercise in patience and growth. But for … Read more
From the fertile ground of Leeds’ verdant music scene springs Noya Rao. The band, whose name refers to the mystical Amazonian ‘tree of light,’ describe themselves as ‘electronic soul’ – deriving their sound from the playfully fluttering vocals of Olivia Bhattacharjee, the OB6 synth, and a rhythm section that specialise in getting heads nodding. It … Read more
Before, An Apparation’ is the new single from Sheffield electro-pop artist GracieSouz. Exploring themes of ephemeral moments and memory, she creates a strange and dark sonic and visual world. An interdisciplinary artist, GracieSouz is the solo project of Grace Strickland de Souza. Her other projects include the likes of alt-pop band KIN. ‘Before, An Apparition’ … Read more
It feels as if ambient and experimental soundscapes are the most suitable musical response to our times. With sentiment around the ongoing pandemic decaying from a fragile optimism to a dreary, head-down resignation, music that tries to address the situation with words often grates, and misses the mark. Listen: Sleepsang – Beyond Beyond, the new … Read more
It’s been a strange year for the electronic music community, with the steady pulse of UK nightlife grinding to an abrupt halt. A sense of loss is hanging over those of us who long to gather at the DJ booth like an altar. There have been several commendable efforts to distill the club atmosphere into … Read more
Noé Solange’s welcoming moods on Bound offer a comfortable familiarity in stressful times. There’s a mass of noise which grows steadily throughout the title track. As Solange whispers enigmatically, repeating “I can’t hold on too long” in the choruses, you know that you’re in for some mid-90s Bristol vibes as the song reaches its climax. … Read more
The debut EP from Birmingham-based future jazzers Zyggurat represents a passage through imagined landscapes. Travelling across abstract wilds to urban civilisation and beyond, the band arrive at Earth II. Led by Pete Grimshaw (synths, trombone, samples, production), Zyggurat combines elements of jazz, electronica, experimental, and ambient music. The journey is cerebral and sonically pleasing. Underpinned … Read more
Spacey Basement Cult’s new release sees the Leeds trio continue down the experimental-wonk-pop rabbit hole. The tongue-in-cheek description on their Bandcamp (“chill beats you can’t study to”) is suggestive of the artistic milieu the group push off from, if not where they land. There may be a quick nod to seminal electronica artists of the … Read more
Skeltr seamlessly blend spiritual jazz and rave in their epic debut album Dorje. In a distinctly unusual fusion of genres and ideas, the Manchester-based duo pull off a crossover that feels unwaveringly coherent and organic. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy and practice on the one hand, and Manchester‘s rave scene on the other, the record … Read more
Pina is the new single from pioneering electronic soul quartet Noya Rao. The first fruit since their 2019 Owls EP, the new single continues along the trajectory of the band’s subtle soul sounds, underpinned with rich analogue synth textures, and neo-soul grooves. The song tells a story of casual intimacy, following the events of a … Read more
Psychedelic prog-rave band HENGE have developed a cult following thanks to their wild live shows, their message of joy, and their journey from outer-space. Combining tremendous abandon and energy, with unflinching commitment to their story and purpose, HENGE are a band who are actually doing their own thing. Their new single ‘Exo,’ from the much … Read more
Soccer96 mark their debut release for Mushi Mushi with a triple threat of analogue electro tunes. Featuring Alabaster dePlume’s sardonic spoken word, Tactics is at the same time cerebral and wildly rhythmic. The driving beat of ‘I Was Gonna Fight Facism’ is the first offering. DePlume’s blossoming lyrical cynicism is about as on-the-nose as you … Read more
We No Be Machine is an uplifting and groove-filled reminder of the deep power of human community, connection, and creativity. Formed of the core partnership of KOG (Kweku of Ghana, KOG & the Zongo Brigade) and Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist), ONIPA is the word for ‘human’ in Akan, the ancient language of the Ashanti people of … Read more
In the world of live coding, Alex McLean is a prime mover. His open source TidalCycles software is used by musicians across the world to code music quickly and dynamically in real time. He co-founded the Algorave movement, bringing programming out of obscurity and onto the dancefloor. Writer Sarah Sharp (proficient in Microsoft Office, handy … Read more
Long Legged Creatures are simmering to the boil. The Leeds quartet have been steadily making a name for themselves with their dark, twisting, groove-based brand of electronica, served with a helping of punk. This is the sound of sweaty rave caves, walking wet streets at night, and a trip that may or may not end … Read more
East-London based Toya Delazy’s new release ‘Funani’ is a breathtaking synthesis of South African and UK sounds. The South African emcee, who calls London home, joined forces with Henry Counsell of Joy Anonymous, creating a sound that they’ve dubbed ‘afro rave.’ In Funani, Delazy raps in Zulu over a beat that’s influenced by garage, grime, … Read more
Experimental grime producer Utah? runs us through his stunning new EP, ‘Bronze.’
It’s hard not be affected by the live energy of Galaxians. Blending dense rhythmic synths, live and sampled drums, and insanely powerful vocals, Galaxians – preferably in some sweaty underground venue – are a band you need to open your heart to and experience. I caught up with the Leeds-based trio’s drummer, Matt Woodward, to … Read more
The fruit of a collaboration between Sheffield house producer Jackson Swaby, and Jackie Moonbather, No Destination is a little taste of summer.
