CAT TEMPER - Happy Tails

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné

Cat Temper opens a portal to a new feline dimension and scurries into iconic videos of the 1980s with his most excellent, brand new visuals for Happy Tails - the first single from his upcoming full-length record, Nineteen Eighty-Fur (March 2024).

Directed and animated by Jim Ether, Happy Tails is a frisky and delightful visual cat feast loaded with Easter eggs (and fuzzy mice). All rendered in 3D CGI, the video features Cat Temper and visual odes to A-Ha, Michael Jackson, Eurythmics, Talking Heads, Devo, A Flock of Seagulls, and more. They definitely pulled all the stoppers for this one! Also check out the accompanying pastel-hued synth pop maxi-single release filled with bonus non-album tracks with art by Foreigner.

Cat Temper is the highly prolific artistic project of Boston-based synth artist-producer, Mike Langlie. Known for his cheeky and endearingly irreverent feline twists on music legends, with LPs filled with a robust range of cat-themed song titles matching the quirk and mood of each track, Cat Temper has quickly grown into a synth icon and scene favorite.

Curious for more? Visit his Bandcamp.

ODDER - Pagan Incantations

Review by Atomic Robo Kid

Mysterious shrouded figures hold forth an ancient otherworldly vessel: To the unaware eye an enigma, an object with no obvious purpose. To this gathering of cloaked beings, the purpose has been written in scripture for millennia. The time is right, the planets finally aligned to allow the summoning of the ancient alien forces. Ancient, according to time but far superior in technological advances that humankind will ever understand. 

No sooner had they stepped onto the sacred platform that the vessel began to emit a high pitched melody, the ceremony has begun!

Odder brings us his newest offering 'Pagan Incantation' which starts with an accelerated tension building sequence, then an electrical high octave accent sound with a sonic backdrop of impending doom and gritty, overdrive bass! 

The device, with its high pitched tones that are increasing in complexity have started to rip open space itself. Thunderous sounds create a parting amongst the atmosphere, the time is right for our masters to enslave us once more and the time is now for Odder to ensnare us with his catchy hooks and draw us deeper into his groove ridden composition. What an intro!

Around a minute in there is a very cool breakdown, the calm before the Alien storm. Odder's signature hits, samples and glitches create a really interesting rhythm, pure seduction. Which, is further assisted by those spell filled chants. Deep, illegible mutterings sit amongst this impactful percussion, setting the scene for the ceremonial ritual. We've caught our breath but begin to witness the start of eternal domination as the track makes powerful progression. 

Towards the end of the track those high octave accent sounds and the chants of the believers are at the forefront of this rich sonic tapestry creating a clear sense of an approaching cataclysmic climax. I've already built my Doomsday bunker, and that's where you'll find me.... Listening to this track. Loud! 

'Pagan Incantation' is an impactful track that will get your heart and mind pumping, the power behind the drum work will make certain of that. The layering of vocal elements, with the illegible chanting, adds a welcome extra. Perhaps, transforming a passive listener to an inquisitive participant. I really enjoyed the gritty baselines and thumping drum sequences. Both of which are prone to a sprinkling of glitch. Basically balancing those nuances of Cyberpunk and Darksynth so well, yet spawning something new and exciting! 

Let it be known Odder has an EP release, coming later this year, and mark my words it is going to explosive! I've developed a taste for those dark glitches, fine tuned horror themes, mix tearing bass and clever percussion. I don't think I will be able to wait! However, in the meantime I highly recommend you listen to 'Pagan Incantation'.

For more tracks from ODDER, visit: oddersound.bandcamp.com

DARKTUNES: The Archangel And His Legion

DarkTunes Artists: Agnis, Paula Yu Simon (Her Own World), CZARINA, and Freak Injection at the European Dark Dance Treffen, Mannheim, Germany. November 2023. Photo by Visionathor.

Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné (CZARINA)

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Happy New Year, Everyone!

2023 gave us some incredible records across the dark music and alternative genres which include: Dead Light's infectious modern EBM-infused, 80's gothic glam synthpop LP entitled Glitterspit; Polish Industrial-Metal band Her Own World's otherworldly and allegorical debut LP, Tales From Another Life; Moscow dark electro artist Apnoie's vibrant yet rebelliously secularist, chic darkpop offering, Ivory Tower. 

Although very different in styles, these releases - which received nods and waves from critics, dark music lovers and authorities alike, landing in some of the best year-end lists - all share something in common: They're all part of the German gothic label, DarkTunes Music Group.

My introduction to DarkTunes was a memorable one.  A few weeks after moving to Spain from New York 4 years ago during the pandemic, I got a message from the French-German DarkTunes CEO, Raphael Beck - or simply "Raph", asking if I would be interested in joining their roster. The timing seemed perfect. Along with the move to Galicia, I was also going through some changes with my music and art, being heavily inspired and reinvigorated by my new home and lush surroundings. I have been wanting to move forward from my neon-tinged synth soundscapes, explore a new epic sound and return to some of my dark rock and progressive roots.  I decided to look up DarkTunes' website to see if this would be the proper alignment for me. It led me to a landing page covered with photos of Raph hanging out at an animal shelter with some cute puppies, looking blissfully happy and radiant, and being a true embodiment of the seraphic nature of his name. Some weeks earlier, the label had just raised funds for Tierschutzverein Heidelberg from the very first DarkTunes online festival featuring DarkTunes acts and other members of the dark alternative online community.  Raph was hand-delivering the donation to the animal shelter himself.

Being a huge animal and doggo lover myself, I took all of this as a massive sign that indeed, these are my people without any doubt.  After phone meetings over contracts and agreements, I signed with the label and became their first Asian-American dark music artist-producer, and their first artist out of Spain.  But my relationship with the label is not just that of an artist-producer, but also as a fan, an avid spectator, and also similar to that of a student navigating the world of dark music.

DarkTunes CEO Raphael Beck, CZARINA, and DeadlyKawaii at the European Dark Dance Treffen, Mannheim

With over 10 years of music industry experience and expertise in the actual business of music and online marketing, Raph launched DarkTunes Music Group in 2013. The label has become one of the fastest-growing, most diverse labels with the most diverse roster in the dark music and alternative community, with genres spanning across industrial, numetal, darkwave, synthpop, dark electro and monster hellektro, goth and gothic rock, dark pop, dark ethereal fantasy and mysticism; with artists and bands hailing from all over Europe, the UK, parts of the US (including Puerto Rico), and South America. Armed with a growing YouTube Channel of over 145K subscribers strong, a long list of the most loyal Bandcamp supporters, some of the most popular Spotify dark playlists, and a refined, tried-and-true strategic approach in growing his talents, Raph prides the Baphomet-logo’ed label as a vanguard, a flourishing spring grotto and safe haven for his carefully hand-selected, unique and very vast array of dark music artists and bands, along with their distinctive qualities and respective vision. In the giant (and sometimes harsh, cruel, toxic and downright bitchy) world of dark alternative music, Raph's vision cuts through the deep dark sludge like a blazing pillar of laser centered around a carefully cultivated international landscape where dark creatives and visionnaires from several different backgrounds can thrive and intellectually feel safe.   

DarkTunes bands and artists may be vastly different and unique from each other, yet they are ultimately united by certain notable characteristics and mission. A great number of talents the label nurtures are women or women-led. Along with each band and artist's unrelenting commitment to their own individual artistry, and high-caliber music and video productions that amplify the DarkTunes channel's notoriety with each release, the artists seem to enjoy their own flourish while nestled under Raph's giant wings. He's referred to as the Archangel by his talents. Yet despite being quite the celestial figure of his own dark legion, Raph is hardly the cult-like leader anyone would expect.  Strong, firm, wise yet gentle and soft-spoken in his demeanor while dispersing guidance, the Extize and Basszilla frontman and DJ does not carry an ounce of the pedantic, high Machevellian and dark triad airs unlike others who reign over similar positions of leadership. Raph remains humble, dutiful, hardworking and laser-focused on the objectives and best interests of his artists and their projects, starves the oxygen of any potential drama, consistently maintaining a lighthearted, positive and cherubic attitude while allowing the artists he's fully invested in complete free reign and full creative control over their own respective projects. Always available for every single one of his talents, he is only a WhatsApp or Facebook Message away.  His unique amalgamated positive approach to leadership couldn't help but inspire and foster a greater sense of family and camaraderie amongst DarkTunes artists. 

"For us DarkTunes is like living in a wonderful great family of brilliant artists and personalities. We want to thank Raph for supporting us to make our dreams and creativity come to life," says Heiko Lachmann of the German Industrial-Darkwave band, TOAL.

This united front does not simply exist on social media, but it finally came to full fruition last November when several DarkTunes acts were invited to share the stage and perform during two of the biggest nights at the European Dark Dance Treffen in Mannheim, Germany, creating possibly one of the most memorable moments in DarkTunes' history: Toal, Agnis, CZARINA, Her Own World, White Ritual, Freak Injection, Cattac, Dead Lights, and Basscalate. The artists and bands meeting in person for the first time forged, solidified and reinforced the values they each already carry at the core of the label, amplifying the alignments they all share in full evidence of why they were hand-selected to become part of DarkTunes. 

Adrian Adrianowski at Dark Dance Treffen, Mannheim. Photo by Visionathor

Kamila Louve at Dark Dance Treffen, Mannheim. Photo by Visionathor.

"Raphaël is a great strategist, businessman and friend. He has a good sense of selecting and promoting bands. Everyone in the label can count on help, support and a good friendly word. He can take care of every brand he publishes. Privately, darkTunes is not only a label and a business machine, but also a family!" exclaims Adrian Adrianowski of Her Own World.

Kamila Louve of Her Own World adds that the "Darktunes label is a very special group that gathered amazing artists and creators of the most positive energy and magic. I am grateful for being part of this." 

"DarkTunes is not just a music group. It’s a group of family like friends who can count on each other. But most importantly: we have our own angel watching over us: Raphael," says Polish Darkpop and Witchpop artist, Agnis.

"We are proud to work with Raph from DarkTunes. He is a well of musical science, very invested in his label and his groups. He has succeeded in bringing groups from his label from the 4 corners of Europe for the Dark Dance Treffen and our bonds are stronger than ever!" exclaims Lily of White Ritual

Heiko Lachmann of Toal, Agnis, CZARINA, DeadlyKawaii, DJ Reaktor-4, Visionathor | European Dark Dance Treffen 2024, Mannheim.

In April of 2024, DarkTunes will have its very own festival called DarkFest: Monsters of Electro Vol. 1 in Bochum, Germany featuring top hellektro acts Extize, Synth Attack, Dead Lights and Antibody.  A multi-city DarkTunes festival tour with several DarkTunes acts are also currently in the works, as well as DarkTunes' participation in the iconic gothic festivals such as Castle Party in Bolkow, Poland (featuring Extize, Blackbook and CZARINA), Wave Gotik Treffen in Liepzig and more in 2024. 

In the ever-changing music industry landscape where independent artists become more and more vulnerable, DarkTunes under Raphael Beck's leadership shines the light on a special path that exemplifies that there is not only power and perseverance in unity, but a profound and meaningful artist experience that can change the shape of artists-label and artist-to-artist relationships going into the future. The Archangel and his legion are leading the flight towards even greater and higher roads with heart and passion in diverse unity while serving a higher purpose from the shadows and a promise of longevity.

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“Since 8 years of collaboration between Omnimar and darkTunes we sincerely believe this is a perfect fit, our union is about honest relations and trust, about reaching goals while staying in our comfort creative zone. Thanks to our united efforts we could achieve great results as multimillion YouTube views, participation in big dark festivals, recognition in the international dark scene. I can clearly see that being an artist at darkTunes means being respectful to each other, putting human and art above business and social imbalance, growing together, feeling like a part of a strong united family."

- Maria Mar, Omnimar 

“My experience with darkTunes has been transformative. The artists on the label all have an individual sound and own where they are from and their story. What I love most about working with Raph is his mixture of raw honesty and unique perspective on vision. I look forward to working with darkTunes and other artists on the label in 2024.”

- Circuit Preacher

Her Own World at European Dark Dance Treffen, Mannheim. Photo by Visionathor.

"Apart from all the advantages of Raph's character, he is also a great businessman and professional when it comes to running a music label. As a band, we feel cared for and appreciated for our music and we love his modern approach to promotion. Personally, Raph is not only a friend to me, but also a role model in the music industry."

- Paula Yu Simón, Her Own World

DarkTunes is more than just a label for us. We are infinitely happy to be part of this large international family, and we want to thank Raphael for seeing the potential in us and continuing to believe in us, charging us with energy and lighting the flame in us.

- Roman Munster, Dance My Darling

"I have been in the gothic scene since the mid-1990s and have been active as a DJ since 2001. What makes DarkTunes so great is the variety of different genres and the great bands. In every one of my DJ sets there is always a big darkTunes special set."

- Dirk Jordan aka DJ [Reaktor-4]

For the complete list of DarkTunes Artists and their works, visit: https://darktunes.bandcamp.com/artists

Damokles - Then When?

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Damokles' latest album "Then When?” Is a look back at music he made in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The album combines his freewheeling keytar playing with a fascinating plethora of percussion sounds, unique vocals and sense of musical playfulness. I enjoy the dynamism, humour and personality that permeates this album as it unfolds.

The first thing that strikes me about “Then When?" Is the way in which the high production values mix with synth layers that ooze funk, ear-catching sonic combinations and charm. I find Damokles’ keytar playing a real pleasure to hear with its intricacy and jazzy motion. I like the way in which he is interested in using sound to create an atmosphere, and imbues the music with a real sense of play.

Damokles has one of the more unique voices that I've heard in my music reviewing career. He has a fresh sound with a unique timbre and resonance to it. It is unmistakable and I respect that fact a great deal. I also derive a great deal of enjoyment from the old school raps that he does on a few tracks, I do love the feeling it adds to the retrolicious sound already present on the album.

I have always been enamoured of the production values in Damokles’ music. All of his sounds are crisp and clean with sharply defined details and a nicely delineated stereo field. I think that the great production adds to any music’s listenability and Damokles has that to spare. I like the auditory travels on which the sounds take me.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Pose To The Rhythm” commences as dense synth moves in motivational lines as thundering drums batter and snaky synth twists along with samples of Damokles’ voice. Record scratches and crisp percussion underpin piano notes trickling past.

Now Damokles’ voice pops and bounces while a rubbery synth bends. Lambent notes flare out along with orchestra hits and glowing synth jumps out along with Damokles’ fun samples and giant drums. Damokles’ keytar carries a melody that glides with charming tranquility as it moves with all the madly clustered samples.

A scudding drumbeat supports a bell-like synth that fills the track with light. Piano notes trickle past and the drums and bass drive onwards. The track fades on vocal samples, dense bass and glimmering synth.

Metallic synth bursts in angular, wandering lines to open “I’m Falling In Love.” Wind sweeps, brass hits explode and massive timpani batter while a kick drum pulses. Illuminating synth carries an uplifting melody above driving low end motion and continual synth eruptions that bathe the song in brightness.

Damokles’ unique voice carries a tender vocal melody out above the intense low end. Drums add shape to the track as radiant notes fly into the song. Damokles’ voice has a rich quality as it fills the music with life. Effulgent synth erupts again and the pumping beat moves onward.

The vocal melody is full with feeling as active percussion leaps. Twisting samples cut in and the kick drum pulsates. Damokles’ voice is chopped and twisted while metallic notes writhe. Scintillating synth jumps in and the bass throbs as we end on orchestra hits.

Our narrator is talking to the object of his affection, telling her that he’s given her his soul and he’s “fallin’ into your world.” He points out that he comes running when the other person calls his name. He says that he keeps on running, but he doesn't want to stop because "it is done with the power of love.” He asks the song’s subject if she feels the love to and adds "please say you do!"

He talks about merging their lives into one and says that the other person can "like a surgeon, cut me loose and ease my burden.” He asks the other person to call his name and I'll see him they'll see him and. He says that he's not the same "now that you need me and his once empty life has a meaning he can see.

“It’s Electric” starts as popping synth zaps in bursts that become a pattern over slamming kick drum and clapping percussion. Electricity flows and round, fat synth moves in a minor key twist as impassioned female vocals ring out.

Record scratching cuts in above the intense groove as rising synth adds luminosity. Nasal-sounding synth vibrates and the low end pumps as the record scratches skip through.

I want to boogie on down with the massive, lush bassline. After a flashing orchestra hit, gliding synth and sparkling chimes join the female vocals as they fade.

Rounded, bubbling notes move in a rippling pattern before percussion with metallic qualities taps in as “Axe It!” opens. Colossal drums burst and sharp-edged synth cuts in while clapping percussion moves.

Wriggling, scintillating synth leaps in a dynamically twisting melody above the shaping low end. Percussion explodes and bending synth with a brassy shine dances in rapid motion with a charming, encouraging melody running out while dense bass jumps.

Now a heaving, pulsing percussion solo with massive drums pounds in. Gleaming synth sings an energizing melody and glassy percussion tinkles while the bending, snaky synth twists again. The heavy low end throbs and the main melody sings out in lively motion to end the track.

“DJ” kicks off with huge, funky slap bass moving in a popping line along with a snare drum. A heavily dancing percussion section becomes a groove as drums flourish and equally funky synth jumps in.

Damokles’ inimitable voice comes in and now a classic rap segment about the joys and challenges of DJing is cut by shining trumpeting synth in a catchy, uplifting melody. The rap jumps through with the heavily exploding drums and the radiant lead synth while the bassline flows. The rap is a whole lot of fun and slap bass brings a heavy funk dose.

The keytar solo has the typically intricate and wild sound we can expect from Damokles. The synth in the breakdown has irrepressible energy as it writhes while the keytar keeps twirling in complex, jazzy motion. Battering drums rebound and the samples all move in wild abandon as the trumpeting synth rings out with irresistible life.

Heavily hitting drums move with Damokles’ flitting, chopped up vocals that bounce through the music to start “Dressing Up.” Densely expansive synth moves in broadly floating motion, slowly undulating as the chopped vocals keep moving in rapid lines while the percussion keeps on shaping the song.

Now brilliantly shining synth carries a melody that is full of an exuberant sense of joy that fills it to the brim while the crisp percussion keeps giving the song form. Damokles’ vocals cruise into the song with a laidback feeling while bass bubbles and percussion taps smoothly.

I enjoy the illumination from the lead synth as it fills the track above the percussion and bass motion that imbues the song with a continuous feeling of lively energy. The chorus has flying dynamism pouring out to create propulsion and excitement from the glittering synth while the low end drives forward.

The melody sings out with a feeling of adventure and yearning while the vocal sample trip past in popping motion. The song draws to an end on one of Damokles’ whirling synth solos that dances past in madly wheeling lines before the music ends on sunlit synth and rebounding drums.

Our storyteller talks about dressing up, getting down and going downtown. He talks about hiding one's face behind a mask. He asks what one might see looking at all of the “hidden faces staying out of the light like you and me.”

He wonders why everyone is playing by “the rules of the game” because they are all different but look the same, no matter where one goes. The storyteller wants us all to look around to see who people are at their core. It’d create profound change if people were to “branch out the tree.”

The narrator points out that less conformity would mean that rather than uniform rows of flowers, we could have “fields upon fields of exploding colors.” He asks us to imagine if people would be themselves rather than “posers hanging out by the bar.”

He asks people to let the light in and stop the rain, opening the doors and letting their chains drop away. He also comments on the irony, that even people who claim not to conform “you still need to have the look and accessories to show that you belong.”

“Look At The World” starts off with fat, funky synth that swings through after Damokles counts it in. Radiant notes flare in before steel drum like synth and metallic percussion are joined by shimmering synth that flickers while the bass throbs.

Damokles’ vocals have their usual compelling feeling while the reggae influence is clear. Shiny synth adds sunlight while the low end has a strong groove drive by varied percussion and colossal drums.

The keytar solo jams in with intricately intertwined notes becoming a richly dancing whole. I enjoy the way in which all of the parts here contribute to the powerful groove that locks all the parts of the song into a whole while Damokles’ unmistakable voice carries the song to an end.

Our narrator asks the audience to "take a look at the world now, it's the only one we got." He says that we have lots of people with knowledge "but the temperature is getting hot.” He elaborates by pointing out that it won't cost very much to be friendly and lend a helping hand, but "then I could help someone else.”

The storyteller is emphatic in telling people to "shape up!" and not just stand around waiting but make change while trying to "go without leaving a trace." He says that if there's something you can do, you should do it because then "the uncharted founding of a new world is done with room for everyone.”

Conclusion

“Then When?” is an album that is full of exuberant energy, a powerful groove-based low end and Damokles’ inevitable sense of fun and excitement along with his unforgettable keytar solos and unending playfulness within each track. I enjoy hearing the fact that all of the elements that define his music have been there all along.