Category Archives: Electro- Punk

Bone Cult ‘Death Electronica’ Album

Bone Cult have released their new album ‘Death Electronica’. Starting out as a stripped back guitar and drums outfit, the duo evolved by embracing technology to create new unheard sounds. The band’s popularity has soared internationally following their inclusion as characters in the online videogame ‘Avakin Life’

‘Death Electronica’ is a corrosive collection of tracks as Bone Cult present their powerful and unique sound through this innovative and triumphant album. The duo use driving, animated and sticky beats to create a hyper backbone for their tracks. The fuzzing acid saturated synths swirl through rushing electronics as the band create a dizzying mania reminiscent of The Prodigy through ‘Realise’, ‘Fragments’ and ‘Miracle’ .The heavy thick soundscapes consume the tracks in dark flashing scintillation as the duo create the thrilling atmosphere of a frenzied rave. The instrumentation and static electronic backdrop asphyxiates the frenetic rock elements while the smooth vocals coo underneath. Each track surges with the duo’s hybrid crashing wall of sound as they create songs for the blood thirsty mosh pit as well as coating on a healthy dose of dubstep dance elements.

There is such adrenaline in this album it could give you a heart attack. With all the intense ominous soundscapes Bone Cult manage to pull out some really catchy bangers. ‘Cruel’ has a grungy moody vibe with a pop-ish melody that will stick in your head for days. It’s utterly exhilarating. The album is the perfect concoction, the band swirls wispy new wave lightness into a thick, dark atmosphere with heavy surges of adrenaline to create a sound that has something for everyone. There are pop elements with smooth light twinkles of electronics smeared into thicker more perilous stains of electro- rock while metal slaps and punk whacks adorn the backdrop between the dance influences and to top it all off the band pepper some grunge and alternative rock over this fermenting brew. With the deranged, head-spinning synth of ‘Something Vile’ ,bright ethereal release of ‘ Fever to Stay’ teamed with swirling electronics of ‘Miracle’ and the grating harsh guitars lines that stain the albums underbelly,-  ‘Death Electronica’ sees Bone Cult utilise every weapon in their arsenal to create their sonic assault.

‘Death Electronica’ is lean, mean and frothing from the mouth with a vast array of genres. Bone Cult’s fuzzy bulky sound is not for the faint hearted. The album takes the duo’s vast, refined and in ways quite majestic sound and beats you over the head with it. A superb listen.

 Stream ‘Death Electronica’ below 


Author : Danu

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

Velvet Kills ‘Memory’ EP

Velvet Kills are an  electro punk, electro rock, post wave duo with Susana Santos on vocals/bass and Harris Iveson on guitar/synths. The group came to life in 2015, beginning with a chance encounter on a trance dance floor where Susana and Harris discovered their mutual love for rock, synths and beige Steinberger guitars. Velvet Kills has since gained a steady following, leading to their debut EP, ‘Memory’, being released in March this year. They are now planning a Europe Tour, followed by an album release this Autumn.
Their debut EP, ‘Memory’, is a striking, rhythmic , seductive EP that exudes a fantastic mix of sounds and textures that explodes the mind with a euphoric atmosphere of full rich sensual music. The EP begins with the track ‘Rain’ which is an electro rock track full of attitude and oozing cool lustful swagger. With trance dance beats and slick guitars this song lures you into a world of dark alluring psychedelia while Susanna’s deep seductive vocal is captivating and inviting.
‘Clog’ follows again with a confused psychedelic atmosphere. The sound is complex and abstract with the instrumentation taking the attention almost as if the vocals are accompanying the music. It gives the feeling that the room is spinning and you are in a haze surrounded by churning electronic sounds or hallucinating in a dessert with no water.
‘Red Shoes’ calms the tone slightly from the intensity of its predecessor. The track appears more cinematic and dramatic with strings playing a main feature. It has a dark “dooms day” feel with the strings and guitar playing in a call and response manner adding deep undertones to the song.
‘Memory’ finishes the EP in a shadowy tone with soft beats and dynamic synths. The vocals are again deep and luring grabbing the listeners attention. This track has a dark dance quality with light synths at times and lustrous guitar to add a refreshing contrast.
Velvet Kills ‘Memory’ EP is full of driving beats and bewitching textures that are tempting and enticing, with striking seductive vocals, gritty guitars and abstract sounds this EP is an experience and a really solid debut.
Look forward to hearing more from Velvet Kills

Stream ‘Memory’ below