Tunnels of New York – “Tunnels of New York”

January 6, 2025

Also released on the 1st of January is the self-titled EP Tunnels of New York. This collection features six tracks of original songs with indie, alternative, and post-punk influences designed to tweak your neurons.

For fans of the Overlook Hotel Records catalog, this project serves as a fascinating convergence of talent. You may recognize the various members from other active projects on the label, coming together here to create a sound that is distinct from their primary bands.

Meet the Band Behind Tunnels of New York

The lineup for Tunnels of New York reads like a “who’s who” of the label’s roster. By combining the creative forces of musicians who usually inhabit different sonic spaces—from darkwave to experimental rock, the group has forged a unique identity.

The members include:

Deanna Quijada (Trinity & Triage, Toxic Web): Vocals
Jason Whitcomb (Before After Again, Sinistrad): Vocals, Keys
Mike Chambers (Dronefly, Mothsounds): Bass, Guitar, Keys
Kevin Hartnell (Plastic Horizon, Ironleaf): Drums, Guitar, Bass, Keys
Vic Bonato (Cambium, V1CTOR): Bass
Mat Williams (Cambium, Plassgard): Guitar

The Sound of Tunnels of New York

When you bring this many songwriters into a single room (or virtual studio), the result is often unpredictable. However, Tunnels of New York has managed to capture a cohesive vibe that pays homage to the giants of alternative rock while maintaining a modern edge. The music is characterized by driving basslines, atmospheric keyboards, and guitars that alternate between jangly indie riffs and gritty post-punk distortion.

The dual vocal attack of Deanna Quijada and Jason Whitcomb adds a layer of depth to the arrangements. Their interplay allows the songs to shift emotional gears quickly, moving from introspection to anthemic choruses. If you are a fan of bands that bridge the gap between the raw energy of garage rock and the polished composition of synth-pop, this EP is essential listening.

A New Direction for Overlook Hotel Records

Overlook Hotel Records has always been about championing independent music that refuses to be pigeonholed. This release exemplifies that mission. While many of the members are known for darker, more electronic-heavy work (such as Plastic Horizon or Before After Again), Tunnels of New York leans harder into the indie and “rock” element of the equation.

The use of live drums, sometimes aggressive guitars, and organic bass tones gives the EP a “live band” feel that bursts out of the speakers. It is a testament to the versatility of the musicians involved that they can seamlessly transition from sequencing synthesizers to hammering fretboards.

Stream the 6-Track EP Today

Discover the intriguingly distinctive 6-track EP by Tunnels of New York, where indie rock, alternative vibes, and post-punk echoes intertwine in unexpected ways. Whether you are looking for music to drive to, work to, or simply get lost in, these tunnels run deep.

You can stream the full album via Spotify or Bandcamp below.

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The Sounds of Nightmares 8: New Horror Music by Kevin Hartnell

January 1, 2025

The Sounds of Nightmares 8 by Kevin Hartnell - cover art

The Sounds Of Nightmares 8: Music Composed For Campfire Radio Theater

Kevin Hartnell presents “The Sounds of Nightmares 8,” featuring 39 tracks of original music composed for the horror anthology podcast Campfire Radio Theater. This volume marks a significant milestone in an ongoing musical journey, compiling a year’s worth of horror cues.

This collection features scores from three distinct tales: “West Palm Readers,” “The Heretic’s Handbook,” and “Final Resting Place.” Unlike scoring a single film with a consistent palette, working with Campfire Radio Theater requires a chameleon-like approach, pivoting from organic acoustic dread to 80s-inspired synth textures.

Please consider supporting the show by listening to the full episodes where these tracks appeared at Campfire Radio Theater.

The Sounds of Nightmares 8: what this volume covers

This release highlights the versatility required for anthology storytelling. “West Palm Readers” sets a tense, urban stage for a tarot reading gone wrong, while “The Heretic’s Handbook” descends into the folk-horror of a pagan woodland retreat. Finally, “Final Resting Place” unearths subterranean dread in a summer cemetery, blending seismic rumblings with supernatural threats.

Below, you can play the episodes directly on the page. If you prefer to jump straight to listening to the scores, use the Spotify and Bandcamp embeds at the bottom. Bandcamp is also the best option if you want to support the work directly.

West Palm Readers

In the bustling heart of Times Square, a street-savy couple running a tarot and palm reading storefront plot one final big score… but their scheme takes a terrifying turn when a new client steps into the shop.

The Heretic’s Handbook

A romantic woodland retreat spirals into a terrifying ordeal as newlyweds Trent and Mia fall prey to a pagan religious order.

Final Resting Place

In the summer of 93, a cemetery caretaker and his grandson discover a series of ominous rumblings under the earth that may originate from something far more disturbing than seismic activity.

Listen to the Scores

If you prefer uninterrupted listening, use the full-album players below. Spotify is convenient for streaming and playlists. Bandcamp is ideal if you want high-quality playback and direct support. If you are sharing the release, linking to this page is also useful because it keeps the episode scores and album players in one place.

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#AudioDrama #Horror #Soundtrack #Score #CampfireRadioTheater #KevinHartnell

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Plastic Horizon: The Perfect Storm – A Dark Cinematic Synthwave Journey

January 1, 2025

Plastic Horizon - The Perfect Storm cover art

Plastic Horizon: “The Perfect Storm” – A Dark Cinematic Synthwave Journey

A sonic journey designed for the moments when the clouds gather and the road ahead becomes uncertain.

Kicking off the New Year is the latest single from Plastic Horizon called “The Perfect Storm.” While many synthwave tracks focus on neon sunsets and relaxing coastal drives, this track takes a darker, more urgent turn. It is a sonic journey designed for the moments when the clouds gather and the road ahead becomes uncertain.

If you are a fan of cinematic instrumental music that tells a story without a single word, this release is crafted specifically for you. It captures a specific mood that blends adrenaline with the awe of nature’s power.

The Story Behind The Perfect Storm

Music is often born from memory, and “The Perfect Storm” is no exception. The inspiration for this track comes from specific, vivid imagery that has haunted my mind since childhood. Imagine driving through flooded roads at the dead of night, the only light coming from your high beams cutting through the rain. Picture racing away from a tornado visible only by the flashes of lightning, or traveling down raised highways that straddle vast, flooded plains.

These events, whether experienced in reality or in the theater of the mind, paint vivid pictures. “The Perfect Storm” attempts to translate that feeling of vulnerability and motion into audio. It represents the dark clouds looming overhead, both literally and metaphorically. It is the soundtrack for escaping a threat that is just one step behind you.

The Sonic Landscape

To capture the intensity of these nightmares, the production of “The Perfect Storm” leans heavily on the darker side of the retrowave genre. You won’t find breezy pop melodies here. Instead, the track is built on insistent basslines and dark musical themes.

There is a sense of atmospheric beauty, the kind you feel when watching a storm roll in from the safety of a porch, or in this case, the driver’s seat of a fast car.

Why You Should Stream It

In the vast landscape of electronic music, it can be hard to find tracks that evoke a specific narrative. “The Perfect Storm” stands out as a concept piece. It is perfect for:

Night Drives: Crank it up on your next late-night commute and hope that the bridge isn’t washed out.
Creative Work: Use the driving rhythm to power through a deadline or a workout.
Gaming: The cinematic tension fits perfectly with racing or survival games.

This release continues the Plastic Horizon tradition of blending 80s aesthetics with modern production techniques. It is nostalgic, but it isn’t safe. It explores the darker, grittier side of the era, where the neon lights reflect off black rain-slicked asphalt.

Listen Now

You can experience the urgency of “The Perfect Storm” right now. Stream it via Spotify or support the artist directly on Bandcamp below.

#synthwave #retrowave #instrumental

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Public Broadcast: New Retro Ident Tracks by Plastic Horizon

December 29, 2024

Public Broadcast: Retro Ident Soundset

Exploring the hazy, warped aesthetic of the late 1970s with Oblivion Sound Lab and TAL-Pha.

Around six months ago, the incredibly talented sound designer Jonathan Nicol (Oblivion Sound Lab) created a new soundset called “Public Broadcast” for the TAL-Pha synthesizer. This collection is a love letter to the hazy, warped aesthetic of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it immediately sparked a wave of inspiration in my studio.

I created four different demo tracks for the soundset, two being short idents. Think VHS tape brand logo intros that would play before the film starts. The following two tracks, “Retro Ident” and “Retro Ident 2,” are the result of those sessions.

Exploring the Soundset

If you are a fan of vintage synthesizer sounds, Public Broadcast is an essential addition to your toolkit. Unlike many preset packs that focus on clean, polished production, this library leans heavily into the “hauntology” genre. It captures the sound of technology aging, the drift of an analog oscillator, and the dust settling on a circuit board.

Jonathan Nicol has expertly programmed 88 patches that cover everything from melted keys to detuned brass. The inspiration for Public Broadcast comes from vintage library music and synth-heavy television scores, channeling artists like Boards of Canada and Pye Corner Audio. It transforms the TAL-Pha (an emulation of the Roland Alpha Juno II) into a machine capable of generating instant nostalgia.

The Magic of TAL-Pha

The vehicle for these sounds, the TAL-Pha, is an impressive plugin in its own right. It emulates the classic Alpha Juno II, a synth known for its “Hoover” sound but often underrated for its lush pads and bells. Public Broadcast exploits the unique architecture of this synth, particularly its ability to create complex, evolving textures.

For my demo tracks, I wanted to capture the specific vibe of a “station ID.” In the 80s, local TV stations and video production companies (like Vestron Video or Cannon Films) used short, memorable synth cues to brand their content. These cues had to be punchy, futuristic (for the time), and memorable. Using the Public Broadcast patches, I was able to dial in that exact “wobbly” character without needing to process the audio through external tape emulations. The character was already baked into the presets.

Listen to the Tracks

The two tracks below serve as a sonic demonstration of what Public Broadcast can do. “Retro Ident” features a swelling, majestic pad intro that transitions into a bright, optimistic lead, emulating that classic corporate optimism from 1984. “Retro Ident 2” takes a slightly darker, more mysterious approach, hinting at the sci-fi and horror movies that often followed these logos on a rented VHS tape.

These tracks were a joy to compose because the sounds themselves did the heavy lifting. When you press a key on a patch from this collection, you aren’t just hearing a note; you are hearing a texture that carries weight and history.

Stream & Download

If you enjoy these sounds, I highly recommend checking out the full soundset at Oblivion Sound Lab. In the meantime, you can stream the tracks below via Spotify or Bandcamp.

#ident #logo #vhs #retro #PublicBroadcast

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Plastic Horizon: “Silver Screen” – 80s Disco Synthwave Tribute

October 11, 2024

Plastic Horizon - Silver Screen cover art animated

“Silver Screen” is the latest single from Plastic Horizon, and it is officially available for your listening pleasure. While previous releases have explored the darker, driving side of the synthwave genre, this track takes a hard turn toward the glitter and neon of the discotheque.

It is an upbeat, shimmering tribute to the movies that defined a generation. If you close your eyes, you might just see the film grain and the opening credits rolling.

The Production Behind Silver Screen

For the gear heads and producers out there, the sonic palette of “Silver Screen” was crafted with very specific tools. Every single synth track you hear was generated using U-He Diva. Diva is widely renowned for its ability to mimic the imperfections and warmth of analog hardware, making it the perfect choice for a retro-inspired track.

However, the secret sauce lies in the presets. I utilized the Paradiso soundset created by the incredibly talented Jonathan Nicol at Oblivion Sound Lab. Jonathan has an incredible ear for 80s aesthetics, and Paradiso captures the essence of 1980s pop, disco, and cinematic scores perfectly.

Why Silver Screen Stands Out

In a sea of modern electronic music, “Silver Screen” aims to recapture the optimism of the mid-80s. The track features:

Driving Disco Beats: A rhythm section that demands foot-tapping.
Lush Analog Pads: Courtesy of the Paradiso soundset, providing a warm bed for the melody.
Cinematic Melodies: Hooks designed to feel like they belong in a classic 1980s montage.

This isn’t just a loop; it’s a structured song meant to take you on a brief journey. It balances the line between pure nostalgia and modern production techniques, ensuring it sounds great on modern speakers while retaining that vintage vibe.

Listen to Silver Screen Today

“Silver Screen” will be available on all of the usual platforms shortly. Whether you are driving down the highway at night or just need something to power you through your workday, this track is designed to be your soundtrack.

You can check out more of my work on the Plastic Horizon artist page or stream the new single directly below.

#synthwave #synthpop #disco

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The Stardust Express: Future Circuit Releases 1st Italo Disco Single

October 8, 2024

Future Circuit - The Stardust Express cover art

A new single from Future Circuit has officially been released. Titled “The Stardust Express,” this track represents a high-energy dive into the nostalgic world of electronic dance music.

While the previous release has explored various corners of the disco genre, this track is a deliberate homage to a specific era. It captures the glitz, the glamour, and the robotic rhythms of the European dance floors of the 1980s.

Exploring the Sound of The Stardust Express

“The Stardust Express” is heavily inspired by Italo Disco sounds. This genre, characterized by its space-age themes, catchy melodies, and heavy use of synthesizers, is the perfect playground for the Future Circuit project.

The track features driving basslines, crystalline leads, and the kind of mechanical percussion that defines the style. It is designed to feel like a lost track from a 1984 sci-fi film soundtrack—a journey through the cosmos powered by neon and analog warmth.

Production Spotlight: U-He Diva and Paradiso

For the producers and sound design enthusiasts listening, the sonic palette of this track is very specific. All synth tracks on “The Stardust Express” were generated using the U-He Diva synthesizer.

To achieve that authentic vintage character, I utilized the Paradiso soundset created by the amazing Jonathan Nicol at Oblivion Sound Lab. Jonathan is a master of recreating the specific nuances of classic hardware. The Paradiso soundset is a love letter to the synths of the mid-80s, providing the lush pads and punchy bass that serve as the foundation for this song.

If you are a music maker looking to capture this vibe, I highly recommend checking out the soundset here: Oblivion Sound Lab – Paradiso.

Listen to the Single

“The Stardust Express” is now available on all of the usual platforms. Whether you are a long-time fan of Italo Disco or just discovering the genre, this track is your ticket to a retro-futuristic joyride.

You can find more music from Future Circuit here, or stream the new single directly below.

#ItaloDisco #Synthwave #FutureCircuit #UHeDiva

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New 5/4 Horror-Synth Track “Countdown” from Plastic Horizon

September 12, 2024

“Countdown” is the latest single from Plastic Horizon, and it marks a distinct departure from standard 4/4 electronic beats. The track is a bit dark, coloring the edges with shades of IDM while running along in a 5/4 time signature, a treat designed specifically for the math geeks and prog-rock fans out there.

While many synthwave tracks aim for the dance floor, “Countdown” aims for the tension of a thriller. It is mid-tempo, fairly minimalist, and driven by a steady kick drum that anchors the unusual rhythm.

Math Rock Meets Horror Synth

The inspiration for “Countdown” comes from a love of the unconventional. Musically, it pays homage to the legendary Italian band Goblin and the soundtracks of 1970s horror films. Those scores were famous for blending rock instrumentation with synthesizer experimentation, often using odd time signatures to create a subconscious sense of unease.

By blending these retro influences with modern electronic styles, the track occupies a space between nostalgia and futuristic dread. It isn’t just a loop; it is a progression. The song becomes more open and sparse in the last section, stripping away elements as the “countdown” approaches our inevitable end.

Visualizing the End

The atmosphere of the track is mirrored perfectly in its artwork. The cover features a burning asteroid falling to the Earth in the middle of a cityscape. It creates a vivid narrative for the listener: the steady kick drum is the clock ticking, and the sparse, open ending represents the final moments before impact.

Take from that what you will, but the combination of the 5/4 rhythm and the apocalyptic imagery makes for a listening experience that is as cinematic as it is musical.

Stream “Countdown” Now

If you are a fan of cinematic electronic music that challenges the listener, “Countdown” is essential listening. It is now available on all of the usual platforms.

You can stream it via Spotify or support the release directly on Bandcamp below.

#IDM #ProgSynth #Goblin #HorrorSynth #5/4

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Future State: 10 Tracks of Dark Industrial Aggression from Sinistrad

August 1, 2024

It is New Release Day, and we have something incredibly heavy for you this time. **Sinistrad** has officially released their debut album, Future State, a collection containing 10 tracks of aggressive, dark electronic music best served at full volume.

While listeners may recognize the personnel behind the project, featuring members of the darkwave band Before After Again, Sinistrad stands as a distinct and formidable entity. Where previous projects might explore melody and atmosphere, this album explores force and texture.

The Sound of Future State

Future State is not your typical metal or industrial record. It occupies a unique sonic space that blends the mechanical precision of electronic sequencing with the raw energy of post-punk and industrial metal.

If you are a fan of heavy electronics, you might pick up on a touch of influence from giants like Ministry or the sample-heavy percussion of The Young Gods. There are also hints of the rhythmic drive found in KMFDM and the EBM pulse of Nitzer Ebb. However, Sinistrad avoids becoming a mere “knockoff” of these legendary groups. Instead, the band synthesizes these influences into an original sound that holds its own in the modern landscape.

Themes and Atmosphere

The music on Future State is dark, aggressive, and heavy. It paints a picture of a world in decline, fitting perfectly with the album’s title. The tracks are dense, layered with distorted guitars, synths, and crushing percussion that create a suffocating yet energetic atmosphere.

This is music for the end of the world, or perhaps the beginning of a new, colder one. It bridges the gap between the dance floor and the mosh pit, appealing to fans of industrial, metal, darkwave, and post-punk alike.

Lyrics: Future State

The title track serves as a manifesto for the album. Below are the lyrics for “Future State,” which explore themes of environmental collapse, manufactured emotion, and inevitable decay.

Feel the land slide
See the rising tide
In a voice that can’t be denied
We’re all going to die

Can’t change the future state
In a world where nothing moves
Teleprompt emotion brings
No real words
Just lips that move

Spinning arms
Tentacles
Wrap around
Kiss it all
Motherly
Your disease
Is warm

Glistening
Shake it loose
Understand
Tears that move
Venomous
Bear your tooth
It’s all
Mine

The lakes are running dry
The hole burned in the sky
Too late to ask why
We’re all going to die

Can’t fix a twisted mind
Just slip the meds under your tongue
Calculate coordinates
Let’s hit the floor
And start again

Stream the Album Now

Future State is now available on all of the usual platforms. You can stream the full album via Spotify or support the band directly on Bandcamp below.

#Sinistrad #IndustrialMetal #Darkwave #FutureState

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Plastic Horizon: “In the Mist” – Hauntology & Synthwave Single

July 5, 2024

Plastic Horizon: “In the Mist”

Overlook Hotel Records presents “In the Mist,” a new single from Plastic Horizon blending Hauntology and Synthwave.

Surprise! Back to back new release days! “In the Mist” is a new single from Plastic Horizon (Catalog R237-087), released July 5, 2024.

This track serves as a sonic exploration of the “Public Broadcast” soundset for the TAL-Pha synthesizer by Oblivion Sound Lab. It was originally created to demonstrate the analog character of these patches, which celebrate the nostalgic electronic sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The Sound of “In the Mist”

Finding inspiration in vintage library music, VHS idents, and synth-heavy television scores, “In the Mist” channels the same dusty aesthetic popularized by artists like Boards of Canada, Pye Corner Audio, and HOME. It is a trip back in time to the heyday of analog synthesis.

Stream & Download

“In the Mist” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Plastic Horizon - In The Mist cover art animated

Credits

Artist: Plastic Horizon
Release Date: July 5, 2024
Catalog: R237-087
Soundset Used: Public Broadcast for TAL-Pha by Oblivion Sound Lab

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Midnight Rail Pass: 1 Journey from Dark into Light by Plastic Horizon

July 4, 2024

Plastic Horizon - Midnight Rail Pass cover art

It is New Release Day, and we have the latest single from Plastic Horizon. Titled “Midnight Rail Pass,” this track marks a subtle shift in the project’s sound, moving toward a more minimalist and progressive structure.

While released to coincide with the fireworks of Independence Day here in the US, the track itself belongs to the late hours of the night. It is a touch of outrun, a touch of IDM, and a full dose of cinematic atmosphere.

The Journey of Midnight Rail Pass

As the title suggests, Midnight Rail Pass is designed to evoke movement. Specifically, it captures the feeling of a late-night train ride, the rhythmic clacking of the tracks, the blur of city lights passing by, and the transition from the claustrophobia of a tunnel into the open expanse of the countryside.

The song is structured as a journey from dark to light. It begins with a brooding, slightly menacing vibe, utilizing darker synth textures and a stripped-back arrangement. However, as the track progresses, it opens up. The breakdown serves as the turning point, leading the song totally into the lighter side for the finish. It creates a sense of arrival, or perhaps the sun finally cresting over the horizon after a long night.

Minimalism and Moroder

Musically, “Midnight Rail Pass” leans into a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic than some previous heavy-hitters. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing each element to breathe and occupy its own space in the mix.

Astute listeners may pick up on a distinct influence from the legendary Giorgio Moroder. The driving arpeggios and the steady, hypnotic pulse pay homage to his pioneering work in electronic dance music and disco. Yet, Plastic Horizon blends this vintage sensibility with modern shades of EDM and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), resulting in a sound that feels both retro and contemporary.

Stream the Single Now

If you are looking for the perfect soundtrack for a night drive or a long commute, Midnight Rail Pass is now available on all of the usual platforms.

You can explore more synthwave releases from our roster or listen to the new track directly below.

#Synthwave #Outrun #GiorgioMoroder #PlasticHorizon #IDM

Plastic Horizon - Midnight Rail Pass cover art animated

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