Unafraid to go-there experimentally as an artist, Stephan Folkes adopts a playful and limitless creative angle with music. His sound is not traditionally satisfying, but his voice, in both tone and songwriting, is undeniably recognisable from one release to the next, and there’s a lot to be said for artistic integrity.
Dark Pop
Introducing a conceptually enthralling dark-pop album, noting AI production tones and a clear sense of story and revelation, T Halycon’s Testimony is a complex and fascinating modern project, with a multitude of strong hooks and ideas woven into an ever-shifting landscape of genre-fusing qualities.
Cinematic synth-pop, a sense of story and intention, combined with a performative flair and purposeful design – of both groove and melody. Renowned and vastly streamed indie artist GRAE releases her intoxicating new album 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, capturing attention with the spoken scene-setting of American Dream, and proceeding to tighten her grip with the darker vibes and vocal charm of a distinct pop classic Dark Energy.
Easily the most accomplished and enjoyable album from Isaiah McLaughlin to date, Transcendence feels wholly enchanting in both production and performance, carving out a unique storytelling lane whilst engaging the senses from a rhythmic, melodic, and passionate perspective.
Tribal-industrial rhythms and warped vocals create an instantly alluring space – a sound akin to the nostalgic trip hop artistry of a simpler era, soon elevated by a much more bold vocal lead, a meandering production style, and a lyrical depth that’s profoundly captivating.
Devoted artist and contemplative songwriter NEONITE carves out a lasting space within the modern scene. His five-track EP 2NITE celebrates the unrivalled escapism of dance music in unison with a series of intimate reflections that seek to connect on a profound and moving level.
Gothic Folk and Electronic Pop artist Bella Kelly continues to drive with creative freedom and originality. The LA independent recently launched her brand new single and video Felony, and the track leads with a fearlessly dark and sultry electro vibe.
For me, tracks like this are few and far between – the vibe is that of an early 2000s alternative rock approach, but the songwriting and personality breathe new life into the delivery; resulting in an independent style that’s honest, provocative, and naturally an earworm.
Nostalgically evocative riffs and organic drums back up the haunting vocal style and surrounding synths of Alexis Arceo, as his latest Dark Pop and Rock single All I Beg For Is Flowers delivers a passionate ode to intense pain and longing.
Devotedly introspective Dark Pop with delicate vocal reflections and industrial rhythms, alongside haunting layers of distant Gospel voices and aptly church-like audio effects. Berlin-based artist Allo.B depicts a sense of creative depth undeterred by industry expectation or rule.
Artist and songwriter Elnoir presents a refreshingly atmospheric embrace of darkness and depth, with the uniquely intriguing, impassioned and unsettling Hades.
Building up from mildly theatrical beginnings, distant piano keys and lashings of reverb uniting a choir of descending vocal fragments – I’m Ready To Die soon finds its groove as a dramatic, evocative realm of rhythm and soul.