Modern Romance is available for Pre-order on Bandcamp.

From the ashes of what came before a new chapter can begin.
To usher in this new era our order must find a pure source from which to rekindle what was lost. We have glimpsed beyond the infinite void and yet still remain. Our pilgrimage of discovery must continue.

The Year is 1990, welcome to Occult 90…

It’s spooky, it’s heavy and it’s just pure, plain fun. For those looking for a killer soundtrack to kick off the Halloween season, look no further: Occult 90 is THE horrorsynth album for this years haunted festivities.

Favorite tracks : Red Gates, Savage Acts

Occams Laser ‘Occult 90’ is out now on Spotify and Bandcamp

Analog enthusiast to the core, this Finnish producer has garnered a substantial, loyal following thanks to his successful Youtube channel and captivating live performances covering classic synth anthems. After teasing the imminent release of a third album back in April with the ‘Hope’ single, we’re finally introduced to this epic Blade Runner 2049-inspired sci-fi opus. Throughout its 20 tracks, Urban Dreams perfectly embodies the oneiric cyberpunk essence alluded by its own title. Fans of Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis will feel right at home listening to the album’s symphonic new-age electronica sounds, as Kebu borrows heavily from the sounds of eighties sci-fi scores, working exclusively with analogue Synths and drum machines whilst also adding a few modern touches to the production.

Favorite tracks : Chased by the Ghost of Yesterday, Late for the Meeting in the Maze

Kebu’s ‘Urban Dreams’ is out now on Bandcamp and Spotify

Music doesn’t have to take itself super seriously to be seriously good. Grangeweird, the latest split EP from Belfast synth warlocks Alpha Chrome Yayo and Danny Madigan is infectious for a multitude of reasons. While the melodies and production deserve mention, there is an undeniable sense that the artists involved had a blast making this release, and the listener is immediately transported to that space of something a little spooky, a little unusual, and a lot of fun. If ever there was a soundtrack for an Elvira revival, Grangeweird is it. Someone call the fine folks over at Shudder. 

Grangeweird sees Danny Madigan and Alpha Chrome Yayo trading tracks.

Danny Madigan handles the first and third. He opens the EP with “Autumnal Equinox”, setting the stage for the horror-soundtrack-inspired tracks that follow. After getting comfortable with the march of the rhythm in the song, a voice over narrative kicks in. The concept of the album is laid out in simple terms and not relegated solely to Bandcamp description spaces. Classic chorus-drenched goth guitar and bass follow, and when they blend with the melodic synths of the opening the whole song crescendos spectacularly. “The Binding” is the other Danny Madigan solo track on Grangeweird. This is much more vocal-focused than the opener, and its lyrics strike a delicate balance of well-written and campy. The goth rock influences again fill the track and make it a highlight of the release.

Not to be outdone, Alpha Chrome Yayo delivers tracks 2 and 4 of Grangeweird. With the second track, “Mindlocked Messenger”, no time is wasted delivering the funky melodies and groove-laden rhythms that ACY is so synonymous with. Two minutes in he throws a rhythmic curveball and the whole song starts to feel different and more cinematic. “Leylines” shows Alpha Chrome Yayo unconventionally mixing some serene electronic piano sounds with some more abrasive lo-fi chiptune elements. There’s a lot going on in this song, with switching in and out of double time, its fidelity mixing, its haunting synths, and its endless supply of catchy keyboard passages, it’ll stick around in listener’s minds.

The album closes with Eleusinian Mysteries, a collaborative track between both artists that sees both of their idiosyncrasies share the spotlight. It’s filled with vocals, groovy synths, moody guitar, and evolving beats. 

Grangeweird is the perfect EP for the upcoming spooky season, but don’t be fooled. You’re going to be listening to this well after October 31. Two very unique artists collide on this EP and leave readers with an EP that doesn’t sound like anything else out there. And one which is a strong contender for the most memorable of the year. 

Grangeweird by Danny Madigan, Alpha Chrome Yayo

Danny Madigan’s Twitter

Alpha Chrome Yayo’s Twitter