Dutch avant-garde metal band Dodecahedron released two spectacular albums, 2012’s self-titled debut and 2017’s Kwintessens, that promised a bright future for the band with their use of disturbing dissonance, bleak synthesizer textures, and gnashing industrial rhythms. But tragedy struck before they could live up to their potential: front man Michiel Eikenaar (also of black-metal group […]
Tag: Netherlands
Posted inMusic
Altin Gün adds synthpop to their eclectic arsenal on Yol
Altin Gün kicked off last year with a Grammy nomination (their 2019 release Gece was up for Best World Music Album) and major festival bookings such as SXSW and Coachella. But like virtually every other working band, they got sidelined by circumstances beyond their control. Nearly a year later, this group of Dutch, Turkish, and […]
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Rotterdam’s Rats on Rafts show off some global swagger on their new album
In their 15 years together, Rotterdam postpunk band Rats on Rafts have built a comfortable existence and a decent hometown following, but their new album, Excerpts From Chapter 3: The Mind Runs a Net of Rabbit Paths, is a declaration that they’re no longer satisfied with mere comfort. On their 2008 EP, So Long, and […]
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Deafkids and Petbrick join forces to make subversively twisted psych on Deafbrick
Music festivals as we’ve known them may be in jeopardy due to a virus, but festival culture keeps on giving: this summer’s bounty includes Deafbrick, the new album by brain-rattling São Paulo psych-punk trio Deafkids and maniacal London-based electro-noise-rock duo Petbrick, aka musician and producer Wayne Adams and Sepultura and Cavalera Conspiracy drummer Iggor Cavalera. […]
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Huntsmen bassist Marc Stranger-Najjar on a spoken-word poet with a beautiful brain
Current musical obsessions of Huntsmen bassist Marc Stranger-Najjar, musician and producer Sanford Parker, and Reader associate editor Jamie Ludwig
Posted inCity Life
The Reader’s stay-at-home chronicles: days 36 and 37
What we’re reading, watching, listening to, etc., to pass the time.
Posted inMusic
Dutch dark rock band Dool explore the evolution of the soul on Summerland
Helmed by charismatic vocalist and guitarist Ryanne van Dorst, Dool combine pop hooks with heady lyrics and complex songwriting that draws from the underbelly of metal, psych, doom, occult rock, and more. Formed in Rotterdam in 2015 by members of Dutch rock outfits Elle Bandita, the Devil’s Blood, and Gold, the band (whose name translates […]
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Pioneering Dutch postpunks Clan of Xymox bring their haunting sounds stateside
Dutch outfit Clan of Xymox swirled and swept their dramatic, electronics-saturated way onto the international stage in the early 80s as part of the stable of artists on 4AD—the label that helped set the era’s standard for quality postpunk. Originally a four-piece led by a trio of songwriters—Ronny Moorings, Anka Wolbert, and Pieter Nooten—the band […]
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Hank Pearl of Black Pearl Photo on masked Swedish synth masters Priest
Current musical obsessions of Hank Pearl of Black Pearl Photo, Joshua Hasken of the band Fernando Doppel, and Jamie Ludwig of the Reader
Posted inColumns & Opinion
Are reckless driving and reckless biking equally unethical?
In the contentious debate about irresponsible road use, there are no easy answers.
Posted inBlogs
Aggressive sax-drum duos Dead Neanderthals and Burning Tree play Elastic
Spill-off from the Utech Records Fest in Milwaukee benefits Chicago Sunday evening
Posted inColumns & Opinion
What to do when a high school teacher sends dick pics
Dan Savage advises the recipient of dick pics from a former high school teacher and a guy concerned that spanking might tip into abuse.
Posted inBlogs
Never mind the bike helmet?
Are cyclists more prone to hit the streets and will bike-share programs be more successful if the helmets are left at home?
Posted inBlogs
Because “transfer accelerator” sounds more sophisticated in Dutch
The Dutch city of Utrecht recently installed a “transfer accelerator” at its Overvecht railway station. The slide is meant to be both a speedier way to reach the train and a playful addition to the city’s landscape.