LISTEN: Spike Pop – ‘So Mysterious’

A shadowy synth-pop tune inspired by the soundtracks to early video games and the search for a magic eye, London-based musician Spike Pop has shared her latest single ‘So Mysterious’. Released via independent Birmingham label Ezi Deth Rekords, the track is a glitchy, infectious blend of beguiling vocals, buzzing synth textures and dancing beats.

Spike Pop began writing, recording and producing her own music predominantly from her bedroom in Berlin in 2014 after an email correspondence with her musical hero, Stephin Merritt. She reached out to The Magnetic Fields songwriter & vocalist for advice about using drum machines, and since then she’s been creating and producing her own electronic music.

Spike Pop began performing her soundscapes live when she relocated to London, captivating crowds with her lo-fi blend of trance, hardcore, classic new wave and synth pop. Her latest offering ‘So Mysterious’ ripples with mystical intrigue, manifesting into a “sonic synth storm” of vocoder fx, dreamy vocals and distinctive dancing beats. It’s an intriguing slice of darkwave-inspired sound that offers listeners the opportunity to escape their reality and enter into Spike Pop’s murky, fascinating world.

Listen to ‘So Mysterious’ below.

 

Follow Spike Pop on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram & Facebook for more updates

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: New Haunts – ‘Escape’

Born from a desire to take back control of a lonely summer, Bristol based darkwave artist New Haunts‘ (aka Alice Sheridan) has shared her new single ‘Escape’. The song is a sci-fi synth encoded five minutes of yearning yet optimistic self-expression, and is one of two upcoming singles which will be included on her second LP, expected for release in Autumn 2019.

Speaking about the new track, Alice explains: “This song came into existence purely to facilitate my own escapism during a time when life felt very physically and mentally limiting. For various reasons I had to spend a lot of time cooped up on my own last summer, and I’m someone who gets cabin fever after a day so I was crawling up the walls. In order to preserve my own sanity I figured that I wouldn’t write something sombre or disconcerting for once – I wanted to write something dream-like and freeing; an escape-route away from everything. I hope it takes the listener there too.”

Produced by Kindest Cuts, New Haunts will be performing her music live at The Finsbury Pub in London on 29th March in support of Terminal Gods (RSVP here). Listen to ‘Escape’ below and follow New Haunts on Bandcamp and Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Katie Murt Photography

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LIVE: Kælan Mikla – Electrowerkz, London 19.02.19

Having been hand selected by The Cure’s Robert Smith to support Placebo at Southbank’s Meltdown Festival in the summer of 2018, it was no surprise to see Icelandic darkwave trio Kælan Mikla perform to a near capacity crowd at Electrowerkz on Wednesday night.

Presented by Bad Vibrations, the evening began with a performance from newcomer Some Ember (aka Dylan Travis). Clad in a silver shirt and metallic make-up, Travis shared his classic 808, Cold Cave-esque sounds with energy and enthusiasm, before Kælan Mikla took to the stage to deliver a set full of brooding electronic dissonance.

Together, Sólveig Matthildur (synths/keys), Laufey Soffía (vocals) and Margrét Rósa (bass) created a coven-esque atmosphere with their layered drum beats, pulverizing synths, powerful vocal delivery – and a burning stick of incense held by lead vocalist Laufey. A mix of spoken word, angsty screams and extended notes, Laufey’s voice echoed around the venue with poetic prowess. Singing in her native Icelandic tongue, the mood of each of Kælan Mikla’s songs translated clearly – whether listeners were fluent in the language or not.

Despite their darkwave roots, the trio’s live delivery had a gentle pop energy, aided by their animated movements and a colourful light show. Whilst their performance was still haunting and immersive, the chemistry between Matthildur, Soffía and Rósa clearly lightened the mood. After returning for a brief encore – Laufey with incense in hand again – the band left the stage to the sound of rapturous and appreciative applause. A bewitching, indulgent live experience: Kælan Mikla’s set is a beguiling blur of post-punk, gothic noise that ensnares the senses.

Follow Kælan Mikla on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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