As you find your rhythm on the rink, steering clear of the more adept skaters, an unexpected tumble sends you crashing to the floor, courtesy of Julie’s mischief. In the midst of your embarrassment and pain, a surprising savior appears: your crush, offering a comforting hand and the solace of the wall bench. “You took quite a spill! How about a root beer?” he proposes, igniting a spark of hope with his unexpected attention and the promise of a phone call, despite the strict two-minute limit enforced by your dad.

At this moment, the essence of “Losing Game” by Kontravoid, featuring Chelsey Crowley from Nuovo Testamento, is deeply intertwined with these timeless memories of the late 80s. With its mysterious intro, the track conjures a shiver of anticipation, leading into a surge of driving bass lines and hauntingly romantic vocal hooks, encapsulating the tumultuous emotions of youthful desire and heartache.

Losing Game perfectly captures that liminal space of the music at the end of the Cold War era, sounding like a combination of Paula Abdul and Exposé with a whisper of Nitzer Ebb and Front 242.  The strange and almost Lychian accompanying video feels like a bizarre crossover, not unlike that darn cat from the classic video for Abdul’s Opposites Attract — but instead of that frisky feline, it’s the eerie spectre of a series of masked interlopers. Not Zorro; not the Gaston Leroux Phantom…lo, it’s a cavalcade of Kontravoids, busting out some fierce choreography from Neil Schwartz (aka 80s Baby) and Ashley Welch.

Watch the video for “Losing Game” below:

Under the ever-watchful hollowed eyes of Comedy and Tragedy, Kontravoid’s masked mystique has endured for over a decade. Ever since the release of his self-titled LP in 2012, the Canadian-born, LA-based Cameron Findlay has perfected dark pop with a unique composition that moves eloquently through the EBM, electro, and darkwave genres. His past releases, such as 2019’s “Too Deep” and 2021’s “Faceless,” have no trouble reaching the most derelict corners of foggy, strobe-lit clubs, leaving listeners with no choice but to dance. With an uncanny softness and unmistakable songwriting ability, Kontravoid composes heart-wrenching songs that are both captivating and drenched in melancholy – showcased on 2018’s “Undone,” which has been lauded as a fan favorite since its release.

On stage, Kontravoid demands the audience’s attention with his powerful performance, masterfully balancing his specific concoction of harsh beats and signature rhythmic bass lines. He’s toured alongside Boy Harsher, ADULT., Drab Majesty, and HEALTH, and has remixed the likes of Schwefelgelb and Kris Baha. Truly a man of the shadows, Kontravoid is an unparalleled fixture in the dark electronic arena.

The anticipation for Kontravoid’s latest creation, “Detachment,” is palpable, with its arrival set for March 1st through Artoffact Records. The launch event will be held at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles, and it promises to be an unforgettable night where Kontravoid’s artistic talents will be on full display. The lineup includes Buzz Kull and God’s Mom, as well as DJs G.S.E.D and Sayaka Nono, who will be spinning an array of tunes throughout the evening.

The single release of “Losing Game” marks the final preview of the album, which will see its release via Artoffact Records this Friday, March 1st!

Order your copy of Kontravoid’s Detachment here.

Follow Kontravoid:

The post Nuovo Testamento’s Chelsey Crowley Joins the Masquerade in Kontravoid’s Video for “Losing Game” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The first glimpse of this new album, a single titled “For What It Is,” shared two weeks ago, served as a beacon, signaling Kontravoid’s unerring knack for melding arpeggiated synths with haunting vocals and a shadowy pop sensibility that’s hard to shake.

In his latest dispatch, Kontravoid unveils Reckoning, the second single from the album that’s now on everyone’s sonar. This track is a deft blend of electro-industrial vibes and gothic EBM, crafted to transport listeners beyond the mundane and into a realm that’s decidedly otherworldly. It’s a testament to Kontravoid’s ability to navigate the dark waters of the genre, proving once again that he’s at the helm of his own unique journey through the stygian landscapes of darkwave.

Reckoning is a propulsive track imbued with an aura of menace, channeling the fervor of a fire-and-brimstone preacher. Its relentless beats and sinister synths craft an atmosphere thick with dread, while the vocals, commanding and impassioned, evoke the haunting zeal of an apocalyptic sermon. This song is a prophecy; a dark warning, weaving through the shadows of the mind with the intensity of Elmer Gantry himself.

Complementing the release, Kontravoid has directed and edited an accompanying video showcasing his multifaceted creativity. This visual piece, featuring animation and character design by Alec Mackenzie, adds an extra dimension to this heartstopping banger.

“The video for ‘Reckoning’ was influenced by horror/sci-fi anime and comics that Alec and I are fans of,” says Cameron Findlay, the figure behind the mask. “The film Wicked City and the work of Yoshiaki Kawajiri was a strong influence on the look of the video, as well as Spawn, Preacher and Heavy Metal Magazine. Once Alec and I starting talking about a creative direction for the video we realized that we both share the same appreciation for a style of animation from the ’90s and early 2000s, and wanted to achieve something similar with the video.”

Watch the video for ‘Reckoning” below:

“The sound of the new album is definitely influenced by freestyle and electro, and I try to mix those influences with more of a modern EBM sound,” says Findlay. “I feel like Detachment is an evolution of the type of sound I’ve created for Kontravoid, while still keeping the style fairly consistent with my previous releases….The album name is more or less the theme for most of the tracks on the record, referring to being disconnected from reality in some way,” he explains. “It’s just a theme I wanted to explore with this era of the project. The new mask is reference to that in a way, with its frayed cabling and ripped wires.”

You can pre-order Detachment here, and listen to Reckoning below:

For over a decade, Kontravoid has stood as an enigmatic and influential figure. The alter ego of Darkwave and EBM mastermind Cameron Findlay has been carving a unique niche in the genre since the release of his eponymous debut in 2012, displaying a distinct sound that transcends simple labels. Melding elements of EBM, Darkwave, and electro, with gothic undertones, Kontravoid’s music resonates like a haunting, indelible dream. With an uncanny softness and unmistakable songwriting ability, Kontravoid composes heart-wrenching songs that are both captivating and drenched in melancholy – showcased on 2018’s “Undone,” which has been lauded as a fan favorite since its release.

His previous full-length album, 2019’s Too Deep, throbs with an energy as if sourced directly from the obscured, misty dancefloors of a rave held in the catacombs. Following this, the 2021 Faceless EP further explores these haunted territories, with ghostly melodies that drift through a strobe-lit haze, echoing the call of the wandering spirits of the night, real or imagined.

Kontravoid’s masked mystique has remained for over a decade. Ever since the release of his self-titled LP in 2012, the Canadian-born, LA-based Cameron Findlay has perfected dark pop with a unique composition which moves eloquently through the EBM, electro and goth genres. His past releases, such as 2019’s “Too Deep” and 2021’s “Faceless,” have no trouble reaching the most derelict corners of foggy, strobe-lit clubs, leaving listeners with no choice but to dance.

On stage, Kontravoid demands the audience’s attention with his powerful performance, masterfully balancing his specific concoction of harsh beats and signature rhythmic bass lines. He’s toured alongside Drab Majesty, ADULT., and HEALTH, and has remixed the likes of Schwefelgelb and Kris Baha. Truly a man of the shadows, Kontravoid is an unparalleled fixture in the dark electronic arena.

You can catch Kontravoid at various points on the planet this early spring:

• Feb 29 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
• Mar 1 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
• Mar 2 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Usual Place
• Mar 21 – Guadalajara, Mexico @ C3 Rooftop
• Mar 22 – Mexico City, Mexico @ La Mezcalli
• Apr 25 – Thessaloniki, Greece @ OSM Tapes
• Apr 26 – Athens, Greece @ Death Disco
• Apr 27 – Geneva, Austria @ La Gravière
• Apr 28 – Marseille, France @ Le Molotov
• Apr 30 – Bratislava, Slovakia @ FUGA
• May 2 – Madrid, Spain @ The Basement Club
• May 3 – Barcelona, Spain @ Sala Upload
• May 4 – Valencia, Spain @ Spook Club
• May 6 – Glasgow, UK @ Flying Duck
• May 9 – Manchester, UK @ The White Hotel
• May 10 – Newcastle, UK @ Lubber Fiend
• May 11 – London, UK @ Camden Assembly
• May 14 – Paris, France @ La Petit Bain
• May 17 – Leipzig, Germany @ Wave-Gotik Treffen

Follow Kontravoid:

• Instagram
• Bandcamp
• Spotify
• Apple Music

The post A Jetski Through Hell — Kontravoid Rides Again in his Video for “Reckoning” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Mask up! Kontravoid strikes again! Now, the mysterious Canadian Angeleno entity has unleashed a brand new video for his latest work. “For What It Is.” This lead single, a chillingly atmospheric dark electronic piece from his upcoming album “Detachment,” is visually brought to life by the skilled director and musician Chris Campion, known for his work with Multiple Man and Normal Bias, resulting in a striking visual experience that is Kontavoid’s best yet.

Set in New York City, our masked protagonist plays at being a tourist – and a game of chess; he also takes his chances at the TKTS stand, lurks outside a peepshow, and wanders aimlessly around the neon-soaked nightlife of the seventh circle of hell (aka Times Square). It’s a lonely, solitary journey through the Big Apple – but don’t pity him. In this city of millions, he finds an unexpected kinship with a feline friend.

Watch the video below:

For over a decade, Kontravoid has stood as an enigmatic and influential figure. The alter ego of Darkwave and EBM maestro Cameron Findlay has been carving a unique niche in the genre since the release of his eponymous debut in 2012, displaying a distinct sound that transcends simple labels. Melding elements of EBM, Darkwave, and electro, with gothic undertones, Kontravoid’s music resonates like a haunting, indelible dream.

His previous full-length album, 2019’s Too Deep, throbs with an energy as if sourced directly from the obscured, misty dancefloors of a rave held in the catacombs. Following this, the 2021 Faceless EP further explores these haunted territories, with ghostly melodies that drift through a strobe-lit haze, echoing the call of the wandering spirits of the night, real or imagined.

Anticipation is building for Kontravoid’s upcoming full-length album, Detachment, scheduled for release on March 1st via Artoffact Records. The launch of this eagerly awaited LP will be celebrated at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles that same day. The event promises an exciting lineup, featuring performances by Buzz Kull and God’s Mom, alongside G•S•E•D and Sayaka Nono as DJs.

Pre-Order the album here

Follow Kontravoid:

The post The Man Behind the Mask — Kontravoid Takes Manhattan in the Video “For What It is” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Building on this enigmatic presence, Kontravoid unleashes “For What It Is,” the lead single from his forthcoming album Detachment. The song is like a jetski through a neon-lit haunted house, with dizzying arpeggiated synths that set the scene for a retro-futuristic ghost story, while Kontravoid’s vocals are so dark and brooding that they make Edgar Allan Poe sound like Dr. Seuss. And just when you think you’ve ventured too far into the shadows, they hit you with those ascending darkwave hooks that latch firmly onto your soul.

Listen to “For What It Is” below:

In the ever-evolving landscape of the international darkwave scene, Kontravoid casts a long, enigmatic shadow. This masked persona, emerging from the depths of Cameron Findlay’s psyche, has etched a distinctive mark in the genre since his self-titled debut in 2012. With this inaugural album, not only did an arresting new voice emerge, but also a sound that defies easy categorization—a hypnotic fusion of EBM, electro, and gothic sensibilities that lingers in the mind like a half-remembered dream.

The music of Kontravoid is less a collection of songs and more a voyage into the stygian reaches of dance music. His 2019 album, Too Deep, pulses with a life force seemingly drawn from the most hidden, mist-laden dance floors of the underground scene. In 2021, the Faceless EP continued this trajectory, its spectral melodies weaving through the strobe-lit ether, calling out to the lost souls of the night.

Yet, there’s a profound emotional depth to Kontravoid’s compositions that belies their mechanical shell. His music transcends mere rhythmic exploration to become poignant reflections of the human condition. This is most evident in the 2018 standout track “Undone,” where the rawness of human emotion is interlaced with the clinical precision of electronic beats, creating a piece that resonates with a haunting, melancholic beauty.

Kontravoid’s forthcoming new full-length album, Detachment, is set to release on March 1st via Artoffact Records. This release will be celebrated with a launch party at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles featuring Buzz Kull, God’s Mom, G•S•E•D, and Sayaka Nono as DJs.

Pre-Order here

Follow Kontravoid:

The post Kontravoid Debuts New Single “For What It Is” from Forthcoming Album “Detachment” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Sultry electronic powerhouse, Nuxx Vomica, introduces a new remix by the Texas-based artist, Semantix (DKA), who injects pure EBM filth into “Easy Go.” With angular basslines that ooze danceability alongside fierce percussion elements, the track is a heater from the outset, right to its brutal end.

Additionally, Confines presents four new remixes of “Oro Y Muerte” from Kontravoid, Biproduct, WHITE RING and Annuziata. Originally as track that blends harsh vocals with a dark dance sensibility, the new interpretations of it—from EBM basslines to noisy ethereal synths—emphasize the vastness of Confines’ musical world.

Follow Nuxx Vomica, Confines and SYNTHICIDE on IG.

The post SYNTHICIDE Releases New Nuxx Vomica and Confines Remixes appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Once again, Vancouver rises to the occasion as the sixth annual Verboden Festival descends upon the city, a three-day celebration of all things darkwave. Vancouver venues Rickshaw, Green Auto, and Vault will breathe life into the city from May 12th to 14th as a diverse lineup takes the stage. The festival features the likes of Void Vision, Patriarchy, Spike Hellis, Leathers, Rue Oberkampf, and many more, making this a must-attend event for fans of dark electronic music.

The Verboden Festival was conceived by the multi-talented Rob Katerwol. Known for his pivotal roles in Wire Spine and Weird Candle and his intriguing solo project Total Chroma, Katerwol’s musical prowess is varied across the disciplines of several different genres.

Post-Punk.com had the opportunity to sit down with Katerwol to delve deeper into the annals of Verboden’s history, understand its unique position in the underground music milieu, and explore the pulsating rhythm of Vancouver’s music scene as a whole.

Throughout the conversation, Katerwol offered valuable insights, shedding light on the intricacies of organizing such a festival, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and the vibrancy of Vancouver’s music landscape. His passion for creating a space that nurtures and celebrates the unconventional in music was palpable, as was his commitment to fostering a sense of community.

What led you to organize the first Verboden?

In 2015 while on tour in Europe, I noticed that many cities had underground festivals with a focus on showcasing post-punk and dark wave. I was jealous! I had experience with organizing events in Vancouver, and it felt like Vancouver was ready to have a festival like Verboden. The name came to me while walking past a high-voltage power station in a back alley in Amsterdam.

What are some of your favorite memories of the past Verbodens?

Boy Harsher + Light Asylum show was super memorable! The whole audience was buzzing with energy. It was an incredible night!

Is there a mission statement or ethos to what kind of event you want to curate?

We are a grassroots fest with no corporate sponsors. We built this fest through the lens of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. It’s a labour of love and devotion. We prefer to work with artists who are on a similar wavelength. This fest has always loved the idea of showcasing “up-and-coming” acts.

How vital is underground music culture to you?

I’ve dedicated the last eight years of my life to curating/organizing an underground music festival. So, it’s of utmost importance! This is our way of helping to keep the gears of Vancouver’s dark underground scene greased and turning.

Who else is involved with the organization of Verboden?

We have a team of 6 amazing organizers and artists putting in a massive amount of work to make this fest happen! Y’all know who u are !!

Can you tell us anything about the local music scene in Vancouver?

We have a bustling music scene here in Vancouver. There are more artists and musicians living in Vancouver in comparison to any other city in Canada. For an event organizer however, it can be an extremely awkward and harsh city to book events in. Its one of the most expensive cities all around in North America, venues, especially DIY underground ones, are rapidly closing due to a conservative city council and corporate developers buying up space to build luxury condos, etc. During the planning of Verboden, 2 of our venues were shut down. We had to relocate our late-night events less than two months ago!! It’s this sort of bullshit that puts us into the red. Physically, mentally, and financially!

What, in your opinion, makes this year’s Verboden special?

Holy shit!! We went all out this year! An epic line of 50+ artists and DJs! 6 events, including two daytime shows with BBQ food/drinks, two stages and a view of the mountains! We added a multi-room ten-hour after-party with a drag show, vendor market, and visual installations.
It’s going to be the best Verboden yet!!!

Hope to see y’all there!!

Here are the headliners for this year’s Verboden:

Kontravoid

For over a decade, the masked enigma known as Kontravoid has captivated audiences with his dark pop artistry, which deftly balances the opposing forces of EBM, electro, and goth. Under the guise of composer Cameron Findlay (Crystal Castles, TR/ST), Kontravoid has honed his craft to create a haunting soundscape, where distorted echo vocals emit a deep, underwater growl that evokes both terror and beauty. Yet amidst the chaos of this sonic dystopia, melodic synth-pop elements offer a glimmer of hope and a chance to catch one’s breath. Kontravoid has made killer remixes for Patriarchy, Schwefelgelb, Utrasunn, and many more.

Drab Majesty

Out of the musical melting pot of L.A. rises Drab Majesty, the singular vision of Deb DeMure, the androgynous alter-ego of Andrew Clinco. Breaking free from Clinco’s past as a drummer in Marriages and Black Mare, Drab Majesty forges a sound that defies categorization, melding reverb-drenched guitars, synth bass lines that pulse with energy, vocals that command attention, and drum machine beats that drive the music forward. Dubbed “Tragic Wave” and “Mid-Fi” by DeMure, Drab Majesty elegantly blends classic 80s New Wave with a futuristic flair, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of early 4AD records.

Zanias

Zanias is the solo project of Zoe Zanias (née Alison Lewis), a trailblazer hailing from Australia and raised in South-East Asia, now based in the thriving electronic music hub of Berlin. With a musical legacy that includes the bands Linea Aspera and Keluar, Zanias has stepped into the forefront as a solo performer, DJ, and producer, co-founding the legendary Fleisch collective and taking the reins as label head. Zanias now stands as a pivotal figure in the underground electronic music scene, cementing their status as a driving force in shaping the sound of the genre.

Full lineup of artists:

• Drab Majesty
• Kontravoid
• Zanias
• Panther Modern
• Void Vision
• Sacred Skin
• Patriarchy
• Spike Hellis
• Choke Chain
• Mvtant
• Leathers
• Rue Oberkampf
• Club Music
• Devours
• Carrellee
• Verttigo
• In Mirrors
• Nox Novacula
• Dead Cells
• Wire Spine
• Ani
• Revolution Above Disorder
• Underpass
• Ringfinger
• Boys in Blush
• Monashee
• Exeunt
• Sektion Tyrants
• Joey Chaos and The Ghosts
• DAV
• Manticore Kiss
• Flesh Circuit

With L8 Night Programming from: Plack Blague

• Kontravoid (DJ)
• Dr Bpm
• B.West
• Sharlese
• Adam
• Subdidi
• The Wheal
• Jodie Jodie Roger
• Hini
• Tommy Grimes

Guest DJ’s:

• Sean Reveron
• The Parish
• C.Twanow
• Evilyn13
• Gulzar
• Matt Tecson

With MCs Bruce and Alex of idieyoudie.com and visuals from Trilliam Gibson.

Tickets can be purchased here.

For the full schedule and more information, go here.

**Verboden takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, səl̓ílwətaʔɬ, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people

The post Vancouver Darkwave Verboden Festival Returns this Weekend! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Alongside remixes, the LP includes cover songs performed by MVTANT. (We all remember their reinterpretation of Suicide‘s “Ghostrider” with its steady pulse and sultry atmosphere.) The post-punk band, Gang of Four, with their 1978 track “Damaged Goods” seems fitting to be the subject of MVTANT’s newest endeavor. Originally upbeat and danceable, “Damaged Goods” is now altered into a gruesome electronic ballad that could be a love song—but only in some deranged dimension.

MVTANT’s transformation of the song, brought on by its sensual vocals and detuned synths, adds an eeriness to the song’s very foundation. In doing so, the lyrics that perhaps weren’t originally so overt in their perverseness, now border on the obscene. Your kiss so sweet, your sweat so sour.

Listen below:

Pre-order it here on cassette or digital.

Tour dates:

4.28 TULSA – THE WHITTIER BAR
5.2 DENVER – GLOB
5.3 SLC – INTERNATIONAL
5.7 RENO – HOLLAND PROJECT
5.8 CHICO – NAKED LOUNGE
5.12 VANCOUVER – VERBODEN
5.15 OLYMPIA – CRYPTOTROPA
5.17 OAKLAND – GOLDEN BULL
5.18 SAN DIEGO – THE MERROW
5.19 TIJUANA – BLACK BOX
5.21 EL PASO – 101
6.8 NASHVILLE – COBRA
6.9 INDIANAPOLIS – BLACK CIRCLE BREWING $#
6.10 DETROIT – LELAND CITY CLUB $#
6.11 TORONTO- SEE SCAPE #
6.13 BOSTON – O’BRIEN’S PUB $#
6.14 NORTHAMPTON – RED KROSS $#
6.15 KINGSTON – BLACKBIRD INFOSHOP $#
6.16 NEW YORK CITY – ST. VITUS $#
6.17 RICHMOND – FALLOUT $#
6.18 WILMINGTON – ANGIE’S RAINBOW ROOM
6.20 ASHEVILLE – STATIC AGE
6.21 ATLANTA – THE EARL
6.22 GAINESVILLE – PORTAL 4 RECORDS
6.23 TAMPA – NEW WORLD
6.24 MIAMI – GRAMPS
6.25 ORLANDO – WILL’S PUB
6.27 NEW ORLEANS – THE GOAT
6.28 HOUSTON – BLACK MAGIC SOCIAL CLUB

COMFORT CURE $
SEMANTIX #

The post Listen to MVTANT’s Animalistic Cover of “Damaged Goods” + Tour Dates appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

This year’s stellar lineup includes She Past Away, Ploho, Vision Video, Kontravoid, Minuit Machine, Agent Side Grinder, and more. Here is a rundown of performers:

Turkish post-punk duo She Past Away, consisting of Volkan Caner (vocals, guitars and songwriting) and Doruk Ozturkcan (drums, synthesizers and production), experiments with the old/new aesthetics of synthesizer music and minimalist poetry sung in Turkish.

Gothic pop/post-punk duo Vision Video hails from the Peach State of Georgia, describing their sound as “goth pop for sad bastards.” Charismatic lead singer and guitarist Dusty Gannon, who served in the Army in Afghanistan and as a firefighter in the civilian world, is no stranger to the darker tendencies of humanity and death itself. “I wanted to write music that would help people remember that it’s okay not to be okay.” In addition to Dusty Gannon (also famous on TikTok for his role as “Goth Dad”), the band includes Emily Fredock on keyboards, Dan Geller on bass and Jason Fusco on drums.

Forever Grey was formed in Los Angeles, California by Kevin Czarnik (Milliken Chamber, Prudence, Belladonna Grave) and Samantha Kubiak. Soprano Anna Schmidt also participated in the last album and performs live.Their dark, atmospheric sound comes from driving rhythms of drum patterns with melodic bass lines, synthesizers and finely played guitar strings.

Kontravoid‘s masked mystique has remained for over a decade. Since the release of his self-titled album in 2012, Canadian Cameron Findlay has perfected dark pop with with his oeuvre that teeters between the EBM, electro and goth genres. His brilliant, scary and distorted echo vocals emit a deep sound, like an  underwater growl, but the underlying synth-pop melodies always afford a degree of breathing room.

Parisian synth/cold wave outfit Minuit Machine present a subtle mix of mesmerizing and moving voices, poignant synth sounds and deep electronic beats. With their nostalgic yet modern melodies, they tell of their past, present and future: all those haunting and disturbing thoughts that remain taboo.  Their cold electronic waves, catchy and mysterious at the same time, are emotional and extremely addictive.

Dark post-apocalyptic soundscapes driven by electropop-biting synth lines and minor scale hooks fuel the sound of S Y Z Y G Y X, the Washington, DC based solo project formed in 2018 by Luna Blanc. Luna experiments with different sounds regardless of what genre they belong to, which is why S Y Z Y G Y X’s music evolves from album to album.

Stuttgart coldwave outfit Die Skeleton emerged from the experimental post-punk project L U C ▲ at the end of 2010. Besides Gillian, whose musical roots lie in wave and neo-folk, the band consisted of the classically trained trumpeter Hannes Rief, who also played in an orchestra, and Max Rieger (later replaced by Samuel Savenberg), who was more influenced by techno. From these different orientations and the influences of EBM and synthpop of the 1980s a danceable, melancholic style, with fast beats, cutting bass lines, gloomy undercooled synth layers arose, underpinned by the coldness and dominance of the German lyrics – and, the last thing you would expect: a trumpet.

Swedish dark wave band Agent Side Grinder is strongly rooted in post-punk, industrial and dark electro, after which the band quickly made a name for themselves in the underground throughout Europe. They’ve expanded into a bigger and more structured sound, making them one of the leading synth-wave bands in Europe. In addition to many European tours and festival appearances, they have opened for Suicide and Laibach and collaborated with artists like Dirk Ivens, Kite and Henric de la Cour.

Geometric Vision formed in Naples in 2012. Currently the band consists of the 3 members Ago Giordano (Vocals, Synth, Drum Machines), Gennaro Campanile (Bass) and Roberto Amato (Guitar). The band combines a driving modern post-punk with the classic cold and dark wave. With each new release, Geometric Vision raises the sophistication of their music to a whole new level.

Russian post-punk/new wave band PLOHO formed in 2013 in Novosibirsk by vocalist and guitarist Victor Uzhakov, who was joined by Andrei Smorgonsky on bass and Igor Starshinov on synth. PLOHO’s music as well as the lyrics are influenced by the aesthetics and sound of Soviet bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The trio is one of the most prominent representatives of the newly created “New Wave of Russian Music,” also known as “Russian Doomers,” creating a dark and captivating blend of melancholic rock, post-Soviet post-punk, synth-wave and new-wave. The mainly dark songs reflect the cold and loneliness in the industrial metropolis, the tristesse of the harsh and cold everyday life in Siberia and growing up among crime and chaos.

Milliken Chamber is the creative synth-wave project of Kevin Czarnik and Anna Schmidt (ex-Prudence). Originally from Michigan, USA, Kevin and Anna now produce their music in L.A., creating an electronic cocktail of dark cold-wave and melodic danceable synth-pop. Kevin Czarnik is also successfully touring with Forever Grey and recently released a new album with his synth project Belladonna Grave. Anna Schmidt is a classically trained soprano and devotes herself to the more somber and experimental soundscapes with her solo project Jane Chain.

For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, check out their website.

Follow Cold Hearted Festival:

• Facebook
• Instagram

The post Cold Hearted Festival 2023 Announced Featuring She Past Away, Kontravoid, Forever Grey, and More! appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Upholding a firm belief that the creativity of the counterculture is a necessity for discourse in society, Grauzone Festival serves as a haven for free thinkers of all ages and orientations, as it cross-pollinates the worlds of visual arts, film, literature, and performance. This year, the musical lineup includes, among others, Patriarchy, Emma Ruth Rundle, VR SEX, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s band SQÜRL, Infravision, Death Valley Girls, and Ellen Allien. Lesley Woods, frontwoman, guitarist, and songwriter of the legendary feminist post-punks Au Pairs – who played at Pinkpop in 1982 – returns to the Netherlands with a solo show after four decades, performing classics from the Au Pairs song catalog and new work.

This year’s festival is sure to sell out of tickets and passes, given that the stacked lineup features some of our favorite international acts, some of which we have listed below:

VR Sex

VR SEX is the synth-punk band of Drab Majesty’s Deb Demure (aka Andrew Clinco). Under the name of Noel Skum (an anagram of Elon Musk), VR SEX blends elements of death rock and synth/punk, post-punk and ambient into an audio/visual package. The band brings forth thoughts of groups like Killing Joke and The Sisters of Mercy, with their own fresh spin.

Lebanon Hanover

Lebanon Hanover is a post-punk duo founded in 2010 by Larissa Iceglass (guitar, vocals) and William Maybelline (bass, vocals). Their ice-cold, minimal post-punk is augmented by the beauty of Art Nouveau aesthetics, British seashores, nighttime forest strolls, and the urbanism of Berlin. Lebanon Hanover’s music has been compared to 1980s Gothic rock/post-punk acts such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus, yet they have created a new archetype in the modern Goth scene distinctly their own.

Lebanon Hanover’s output over the past decade has solidified the band as the most prolific and iconic of the modern darkwave scene.

Zanias

Zanias appears for the 7th time at Grauzone Festival this year, previously having performed with Linea Aspera (2013, 2020, 2022), Keluar (2015), and as Zanias (2017, 2021).  At this Grauzone, Zanias will be curating a special program, featuring her favorite bands and acts from her label Fleisch Records. She will also be performing a live set herself, and a DJ set.

Minuit Machine

Parisian dark synth/EBM duo Minuit Machine was formed by Hélène de Thoury (Synths) and Amandine Stioui (Vocals, Lyrics). Helene previously played at Grauzone events as Hante. and with her band Phosphor. Minuit Machine’s music is often described as “disrupted, emotional, and terribly addictive.”  They span the gamut from synth wave to dark electronic, with strong touches of techno and EBM. Minuit Machine promises an intense and emotional performance.

Hélène has recently departed the band, with new musician Camille joining Amandine going forward. The gig at Grauzone festival will be one of the first in a new chapter for the band.

Tempers

The New York duo of Jasmine Golestaneh and Eddie Cooper specialize in a sleek strain of low-lit poetic synth-pop with dark synths, atmospheric guitars, propulsive beats, gloomy vocals and hypnotic song hooks. In 2019 they performed at Grauzone Festival with their concept album about architect Rem Koolhaas’ essay about shopping malls and architecture. Now they’re back with their third album New Meaning.

Rue Oberkampf

Rue Oberkampf combines 80s ecstasy with the atmosphere of fog-shrouded, strobe-lit dance temples of the techno era. The combination of urban electronic music’s gritty drive with Julia’s French-German-English vocals reminds some critics of a more forceful version of Deux or Kirlian Camera. The band was founded at the end of 2016.

Tr/st

TR/ST began in 2010 by Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski (Austra). TR/ST, now the solo project of Alfons, is making a rare appearance in The Netherlands. His music combines sparkling synth-pop and grimy industrial beats into expansive songs filled with longing, lust, and despair. Each song is dominated by hypnotic melodies and Alfons’ deep, dramatic hypnotic vocals.

Kontravoid

Kontravoid is the solo project of LA drummer/producer Cam Findlay (Crystal Castles and TR/ST). Collaborating with FLEISCH Records’ Zanias, Kontravoid has made killer remixes for Patriarchy, Schwefelgelb, Utrasunn, and many more. With his analogue synths, he makes dark electronic, but catchy and, most of all, very danceable beats.

Ritual Howls

Detroit trio Ritual Howls create a cinematic blend of twangy industrial rock that could fuel a post-apocalyptic dancefloor. A collaboration between Paul Bancell (vocals, guitar), Chris Samuels (synth, samples, drum machine), and Ben Saginaw (bass). The band recently reissued their ten-year-old self-titled debut album on Felte with plans for a fifth album in 2023, songs of which will be heard at Grauzone.

Algiers

Algiers, based in three cities across two different continents, are a sprawling, politically-engaged, and multi-faceted project; embracing freewheeling rock‘n’roll energy, post-punk grit, the brute force of industrial electronics, the transcendence of gospel, and the power of experimental noise.

A Place to Bury Strangers

New York City’s A Place To Bury Strangers has been delighting and astonishing his audience for close to two decades, combining post-punk, noise-rock, shoegaze, psychedelia, and avant-garde music in startling and unexpected ways. As the founder of Death By Audio, creator of signal-scrambling stomp boxes and visionary instrument effects, frontman Oliver Ackermann is a font of creativity. In concert, A Place To Bury Strangers is nothing short of astounding — a shamanistic experience that bathes listeners in glorious sound, crazed left turns, transcendent vibrations, real-time experiments, brilliant breakthroughs. Oliver Ackermann also launched a label of his own: Dedstrange, dedicated to advancing the work of sonic renegades worldwide. He’s also refreshed the group’s lineup, adding bassist John Fedowitz and drummer Sandra Fedowitz, and the band has never sounded more current, or more courageous, or more accessibly melodic.

Belgrado

Barcelona post-punk act Belgrado has evolved into a new lineup and switched to electronic backing tracks, mutating into a band with a new sound that manages to keep their trademark sound alive.  The new Belgrado is more ethereal, cold, experimental, bouncy, and extremely addictive. With one boot firmly set in their trademark gelid post-punk, they dance with the other between minimal wave, dub and even Italo Disco.

Ashcode

Italian dark wave synth act Ash Code was founded by keyboard player Claudia Nottebella and twin brothers Alessandro and Adriano Belluccio. They masterfully blend influences, ranging from early Depeche Mode, The Sisters of Mercy to post-punk, Synthpop, coldwave & EBM, bringing with them a revamp of solid drum machines, haunting synths and driving bass lines. Molchat Doma, Clan Of Xymox and Minuit Machine made remixes for Ash Code songs, and Ash Code made remixes for acts like She Past Away and Agent Side Grinder.

Ploho

Siberian postpunkers Ploho are, together with acts like Molchat Doma, one of the most prominent purveyors of dark Soviet era-inspired post-punk.  Inspired by the aesthetic and sounds of late Soviet era of the 80s like Kino, as well as Joy Division, the band’s sound and approach also manages to reflect the icy chill of their home. Building upon a growing profile, the band teamed up with Belarusian band Molchat Doma to collaborate on “Along the Edge of the Island” in 2019.

Ultra Sunn

This post-punk coldwave electro duo formed in 2019 in Brussels by Sam Hugé (Fantøme) and Gaelle Souflet.

Ultra Sunn tailors classic analogue synthesizers sounds with incisive techno-like beats, taking inspiration from Berlin’s industrial electronic music and post-punk such as Schwefelgelb, DAF, and New Order. Acts like Kontravoid (also playing at Grauzone) and Sarin made remixes of Ultra Sunn songs. Their new EP, Kill Your Idols, will be released by Fleisch Records.

Grauzone Festival is February 10th through 12th, You can purchase your tickets here. Make haste! Don’t miss this stellar lineup!

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The post Artists to See at Grauzone Festival’s 10th Anniversary appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The newest masked man remix is for The Serfs with their track, “Stimuli” on Primal Matter via Dream Recordings. “[Kontravoid] made something lovely from the most understated melody,” says Dakota Carlyle of The Serfs. “I’m not certain what that will mean to any audience, but I love it.” As a stalwart synthpunk song, “Stimuli” is transformed into something less aggressive: polished and bright, Kontravoid’s reimagining is full of life.

“Maybe with his reinterpretation, we will finally reach the glorious end of the stream and be able to quit our jobs and move to Los Angeles,” jokes member Dylan McCartney. Hey, anything is possible.

Listen to “Stimuli” below.

The post Kontravoid Reinterprets the Synthpunk Brawn of The Serfs’ “Stimuli” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.