By Keith Walsh
Just in time for the two-week long celebration of the Lunar New Year 2023, a wonderful array of new rock and roll tunes has multiplied like rabbits. Don’t let the darker nature of some of the songs get you down – it’s just theatre, with all of the drama and lessons that implies!
Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys “Burning Buildings”
From the catchy rhythmic hooks to Kruger’s playful vocals, this cool tune is from the upcoming Heaving LP, the second from this Berlin-based six piece band. Kruger is originally from South Africa, where the single was mixed (in Cape Town, by Simon Ratcliffe) while many of the performances were captured in Berlin. There’s even something of the spirit of Talking Head here.
Lucy Kruger On Bandcamp
Lucy Kruger& The Lost Boys On Spotify
Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys Links
VVYMPRE featuring ELYXIR, Neilio and Hextapes “Atrocity”
Bringing out the more melodic side of electro goth, this darkly sweet offering is from VVYMPRE’S debut album Neon Fright Night, a tribute to classic horror movies, with all of the obligatory theatricality. For “Atrocity” VVYMPRE, from Michigan, brought along some friends: ELYXIR from the U.K. delivers a wickedly sensual performance, while guitarist Neilio is from the U.K, while Lisa Cuthbert, from Ireland, also adds vocal heat.
VVMPYRE On Bandcamp
The Yets “Letter To A Boy”
With washes of atmospheric electric guitar drenched in reverb and echo, lovely vocals and understated drums, “Letter To A Boy” is a tender message from Robin Wilson to her son. Wilson and producer Craig Anderson Snook are located in South Carolina, demonstrating the cosmopolitan nature of music from the American South.. Wilson has previously played alternative rock and goth. “Letter To A Boy” is from The Yets’ eponymous EP.
The Yets On Bandcamp
The Yets On Spotify
The Yets On Soundcloud
Chris Connelly “Union Square West’
Imbued with jaded weariness, this artsy tune features minimal instrumentation, with guitars, bass and Connelly’s vocals portraying a worldly struggle. Originally from Scotland but now in New York City, Connelly’s dedicated his latest album to the tragedies and triumphs of famed muse Nico. Union Square West is from Eulogy To Christa: A Tribute To The Music And Mystique Of Nico.
Chris Connelly On Bandcamp
Chris Connelly On Soundcloud
The Pull Of Autumn “Funhouse”
This melancholic tune strikes a decidedly sad tone, with haunting synthetic strings behind a folkish acoustic guitar and the lamenting vocals of Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James, of the legendary British band Fàshiön. The overall effect is rather nightmarish, when combined with the lyrics depicting a childhood in a small town where a visiting carnival promises to offer something less than fun.
The Pull Of Autumn On Bandcamp
The Pull Of Autumn On Soundcloud
Jessie Kilguss “Wuthering Heights”
To finish off these mostly dark tunes, here’s something sweet and lovely, a cover of an early Kate Bush tune. Featuring acoustic atmospherics with guitar, glockenspiel and harmonium, it’s a fitting tribute to an iconic artist who is getting well deserved recognition due to the inclusion of “Running Up That Hill” on Stranger Things.
Jessie Kilguss On Bandcamp
Jessie Kilguss dot com
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