electronic music Tag

Weakness single cover art by Before After Again

Weakness: New Synthpop Single by Before After Again

Before After Again has released a powerful new single titled Weakness. This track seamlessly blends the structural hooks of classic synthpop with the emotional weight of darkwave, creating a soundscape that obsesses over collapse, control, and finding beauty within the wreckage.

Deconstructing “Weakness”

From the opening notes, Weakness establishes a mood of tension. The lyrics paint a picture of internal conflict and external chaos. Lines like “Loss of all security” and “Blinded eyes that can’t believe what’s happened” speak to a sudden, jarring shift in reality, a moment where the ground falls out from underneath you.

Musically, the track mirrors this instability. While the beat is driving and danceable, the synth textures are laced with melancholy. It is a song for the dancefloor at the end of the world, where the only option left is to let the music take you down.

Lyrical Themes

The chorus, “You’re my weakness, come and take me,” acts as both a confession and a surrender. It explores the dangerous allure of vulnerability. Is it a person, a habit, or a memory that serves as the weakness? The ambiguity allows the listener to project their own struggles onto the track, making it a deeply personal listening experience.

Listen Now

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, Weakness is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the band directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

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Before After Again - Control cover art animated

Control: New Darkwave Single by Before After Again

Before After Again - Control cover art

The third installment of Before After Again singles for 2025 has arrived. Titled Control, this new release is a deceivingly upbeat slice of electronic music that is available on all major streaming and download sites today.

A Tale of Two Tempos

Musically, Control is built around a distinct structural shift that sets it apart from standard synthpop fare. The verses drive forward at a frenetic 240 BPM, creating a sense of urgency and anxious energy. However, when the chorus hits, the track cuts the time in half, dropping into a locked-in 120 BPM groove.

This shift transforms the song into a disco-influenced anthem, nodding to the melodic sensibilities of Kraftwerk and the experimental edge of Cabaret Voltaire. The juxtaposition of post-punk aggression with dancefloor-ready rhythms creates a unique tension, it demands that you move, even while the lyrics suggest paralysis.

“Everything is Perfect in the End”

Lyrically, the song stands in stark contrast to the upbeat instrumentation. It paints a picture of manipulation and disconnected pain. The line “The pavement hits your face” delivers a visceral blow that cuts through the disco sheen. The chorus serves as an ironic counterpoint, claiming “Everything is perfect in the end” while the narrator is clearly being “brushed aside.”

It is a classic darkwave trick: hiding a story of alienation inside a song that forces you to dance. The demons are real, but the beat goes on.

Listen Now

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, you can stream Control now on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. To support the band directly, head over to Bandcamp to purchase the high-quality download.

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Fade: New Darkwave Single by Before After Again

Fade single cover art by Before After Again

Before After Again continues their 2025 release schedule with the arrival of their second single of the year, Fade. Available today on all major streaming platforms, this track deepens the band’s exploration of atmospheric darkwave and emotive synthpop.

“I Felt Alone in Your Arms”

Lyrically, Fade tackles the painful paradox of feeling isolated while in the presence of another person. The verse “And as we grow apart, remind me of the times / I felt alone in your arms” serves as the emotional core of the song. It suggests that the end of the relationship isn’t a sudden break, but a slow realization that physical proximity never guaranteed emotional connection.

The narrator expresses a desire to escape this disconnect entirely, wondering if they could “fall into something else” or “completely fade away from view.” It captures the specific heartbreak of wanting to disappear rather than face the “twisted and beautiful knots” of a failing dynamic.

The Inevitability of Change

The chorus introduces a sense of powerlessness with the refrain: “Then there’s a change / It comes my way / Not mine.” This repetition highlights that the shifts occurring in the narrator’s life are external and unwanted. However, the song concludes with a surprising note of acceptance. The final lines describe a “long and winding road” that feels like going home, offering a glimmer of hope that “this emptiness will soon pass.”

The Sound of Decay

Musically, the production mirrors these themes of distance and time. The synth textures are lush but melancholic, creating a “fading” atmosphere with washed-out reverb and decaying echoes. It fits perfectly into the Before After Again canon, offering a darker, more introspective counterpoint to their more upbeat tracks.

Listen Now

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, you can listen to Fade right now. Support the band by adding the track to your playlists or purchasing the high-quality download directly from Bandcamp.

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Before After Again - Touch cover art

Touch: New Post-Punk Single by Before After Again

Before After Again - Touch cover art

After a year-long wait, Before After Again returns with a vengeance. The new single, Touch, is available today on all major streaming and download sites. This track marks a sonic evolution for the project, aggressively combining elements of darkwave, post-punk, synthpop, and industrial music into a singular, cohesive sound.

“The Noose You Tighten”

Lyrically, Touch explores the disturbing intersection of physical intimacy and psychological manipulation. The narrator describes a relationship defined by control, yet there is a defiant undercurrent of immunity to that control. The key line, “The noose you tighten / Still feels loose on my end,” suggests a power dynamic where the aggressor believes they are in charge, but the victim has become too numb to be hurt.

The imagery is visceral, leaning into the song’s industrial influences. Phrases like “Warm tongue / Slithers down my throat” depict love as an invasive, choking force. The refrain asks to fill the void with “lies,” speaking to a cynical acceptance of betrayal as the only way to feel complete.

Controlled Chaos: 169 BPM

Musically, the track is built on a jarring structural shift that mirrors this psychological tension. The verses sprint forward at a blistering 169.2 BPM, driven by frenetic percussion and anxious post-punk energy. It mimics the feeling of a racing heart or the “flight” response kicked into overdrive.

However, when the chorus hits, the track drops into a grooving half-time groove. This sudden deceleration gives the refrain a sludge-like weight, emphasizing the “tightening noose” described in the lyrics. It trades speed for power, creating a sonic assault that feels both frantic and oppressive at the same time.

Listen Now

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, you can stream Touch right now. Support the band by adding the track to your playlists or purchasing the high-quality download directly from Bandcamp.

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Running All Night single cover art by Plastic Horizon

Running All Night: New Outrun Single by Plastic Horizon

Running All Night by Plastic Horizon - cover art

Plastic Horizon returns with a high-octane new single titled Running All Night. This instrumental track is a love letter to the Outrun and Synthwave genres, packed with the kind of kinetic energy that demands to be played at maximum volume.

“Driving Like Lunatics”

The inspiration behind Running All Night is rooted in pure nostalgia. It captures the spirit of those crazy 1980s nights where the only goal was to run around until dawn, getting into trouble and driving like lunatics. It is a soundtrack for the times of our lives, moments defined by adrenaline, incandescent streetlights, and the freedom of the open road.

This isn’t a song for sitting still; it is a sonic representation of youth and velocity. If you close your eyes while listening, you can almost see the digital sunset and the dashboard lights reflecting off the windshield.

Anatomy of the Track

Musically, the song checks all the boxes for a classic Retrowave anthem but adds a few surprises to keep the listener engaged. It features driving analog basslines, punchy drums, and soaring guitar solos that cut through the mix with precision. The arrangement includes several dynamic changes that shift the energy, ensuring that the momentum never drags.

Listen Now

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, Running All Night is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the project directly by purchasing the high-quality download from Bandcamp.

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

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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Silver Screen animation

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

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

Plastic Horizon - Countdown cover art

“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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In the Mist header

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

Plastic Horizon - In the Mist cover art

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.

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

Plastic Horizon - In The Mist cover art animated

Credits

©2024 Overlook Hotel Records