Side-Line Reviews

11/11/2025

'CLICK INTERVIEW' WITH Monosonik

The Italian music project MONOSONIK was founded several years ago by Corrado Altieri and Giorgio Ricci. The latter is certainly no stranger to the scene and is undoubtedly one of the leading figures in the Italian Electro underground. Ricci was involved with TEMPLEBEAT and later launched several notable projects, including the more Industrial-oriented TEMPLEZONE and, more recently, the fantastic Dark/Cold-Wave act THEY DIE. It has been about fifteen years since MONOSONIK last released an album, but “The Stars Are Watching”—issued by Blackbeat Media Productions—is an absolute gem. The music presents a restrained form of Electro that recalls the atmosphere of THE KLINIK in their early days. Its strength lies not in BPMs, pounding basslines, or harsh vocals, but in its immersive atmosphere. There are no vocals here; instead, the magic unfolds through icy textures, occasionally heightened by Techno elements, though never in a club-friendly way. This album is a genuine experience for fans of Minimal and Dark-Electro. I had the pleasure of speaking with Giorgio Ricci about it in person.

‘AI, HOWEVER, CANNOT REPLACE THE EMOTION OF BUILDING A PROJECT’

Q: MONOSONIK’s origins date back to before the 2010s, and since your second album, “Mechanical Fluxus” (2010), there hasn’t been much news until this year. How did the group come into being, and what led to the long hiatus before you reactivated the project?

Giorgio: Corrado Altieri and I have been friends for a very long time, and together we created the duo MONOSONIK, born after our Electro/Industrial experiences with TEMPLEBEAT and TH 26.

In 2008, we decided to merge our sounds and began producing icy, cutting, sometimes intangible sounds. First, we released the album "42728 Hours" and then "Mechanical Fluxus", the last one containing numerous remixes.
After the release of “Mechanical Fluxus”, we took a long break to work on various other projects (UNCODIFIED, TEMPLEZONE, THEY DIE).

Q: The strength of your work seems to lie primarily in the atmosphere you create. Can you tell us more about the MONOSONIK sound and your approach to it?

Giorgio: We don't just focus on BPM or dancefloor. We look for cerebral Post-Industrial rhythms, but also with cold, sidereal atmospheres. Our priority is a crystalline sound characterized by surgical arrangements and a minimal aesthetic, even in the visuals.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your new album, “The Stars Are Watching”? How did it come about, and were there any direct or indirect triggers or influences that shaped the making of this record?

Giorgio: "The Stars Are Watching" was released many years after the previous album; it was characterized by a long production and composition process. It blends Ambient atmospheres with hypnotic and alienating rhythms. It has a very dark and layered sound that tries to represent the information overload we are subjected to and the disorientation we feel. As in the other albums, we are focused on apocalyptic urban scenarios.


Q: I imagine that during the years MONOSONIK was on hiatus, both of you changed and evolved as artists and human beings. What was it like working together again on a new album? What had changed, perhaps improved, and what new challenges did you face?

Giorgio: We took a long break before relaunching the MONOSONIK project. Corrado comes from a very radical musical background characterized by violent noise (UNCODIFIED), but I have a darker, more melodic approach. We exchanged the sounds we'd collected and developed during our own long experiences. Our maturity comes from maintaining the enthusiasm to merge our differences.
The issue is quite complicated: the way we listen to, distribute, and produce music is constantly evolving, and too many musicians think they're producers. Furthermore, we've partially adapted to the use of online platforms, even if we continue to produce records and CDs.

For us, the CD is the primary and fundamental object. It underscores the sacredness of music and leaves a tangible mark on what we communicate.
AI, however, cannot replace the emotion of building a project, where even mistakes or creative blocks are part of a constant process of self-improvement.

Q: MONOSONIK doesn’t immediately strike me as a live band, but rather as music suited for a Soundtrack. How do you see this yourself, and what are your interests and future plans regarding live performances or other projects?

Giorgio: The live aspect is unfortunately a problem. Some artistic expressions in Italy are reserved for a very limited audience. Our live shows are multimedia performances, and we rarely manage to find suitable spaces. However, we are continuing to work on producing visuals and a new album full of remixes and important collaborations.

11/11/2025

Years of Denial – Love Cuts (Digital/Vinyl EP – Veyl)

Founded in 2016 and driven by French musician Jérôme Tcherneyan and Czech performance artist, musician, and poet Barkosina Hanusova, Years Of Denial return with an EP that feels more like a mini-album, offering six compelling tracks.
The title gives a clear indication of its inspiration — love in its most diverse, and therefore also its strangest and most perverse, forms. This concept is translated into equally diverse music. Moving from darker shades of Cold-Wave to more aggressive EBM basslines and pounding beats, the duo delivers a sound that is both distinctive and sharply polished. Each track is a full experience — a feast for the ears. Danceable rhythms and melodic synths spark curiosity, while the propulsive beats invite to dance. Atmosphere plays as vital a role as the dancefloor energy. The music is complemented by detached, emotionless vocal deliveries that perfectly align with the palpable 80s influence.
For those not yet familiar with Years Of Denial, this release serves as the perfect introduction — and, in my opinion, stands as one of the highlights of the year. (Rating:9).

Listen to “AI Lover”:
https://yearsofdenial.bandcamp.com/track/ai-lover

10/11/2025

Deison & Mingle – Everything Collapse(d) - Piano Versions (Digital/CD Album - LOUD!, Final Muzik en St.An.Da.)

"Everything Collapse(d)" is the first album that brought together Italian artists Cristiano Deison and Andrea Gastaldello. That was in 2014 and since then, the duo has released several albums together. This debut work originally featured a piano theme, though it had never been released until now. The tracklist remains unchanged, but the ex*****on of the pieces differs notably.
As mentioned, the piano takes center stage, creating an intimate and Cinematic atmosphere. At times, it even evokes a film noir mood, with a subtle Jazzy touch. Yet, Deison and Mingle stay true to their familiar, idiosyncratic, and distinctive Experimental approach. Alongside the piano, listeners will encounter an array of strange, noisy, and background textures that lend the music a mysterious yet engaging character.
A delicate contrast arises between these two elements, complementing each other perfectly to form a fascinating whole. It would have been a real shame if this album had remained unreleased — this is truly Experimental music where creativity shines through in every detail. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “Nessun Desiderio (Decimaction)”:
https://silentes.bandcamp.com/track/nessun-desiderio-decimaction

08/11/2025

Autumn Tears – Crown Of The Clairvoyant (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – The Circle Music)

It has been about thirty years since Autumn Tears released their first work. After so many years and numerous releases, the band returns with what they describe as their most ambitious project to date. This album was recorded not only with an impressive roster of guest musicians — including Francesca Nicoli of Ataraxia — but also features a real orchestra and choir.
The concept is not only ambitious but also remarkably challenging to bring to life. Musically, it unfolds as a fusion of Ethereal vocals and Neo-Classical elegance. The result is an overwhelming production where grandeur meets refinement through intricate, subtle arrangements. The ensemble of instruments breathes authenticity and emotional depth, with each composition crafted with exceptional care. The music feels like the perfect Cinematic experience — immersive, majestic, and deeply evocative.
This work stands as a unique achievement of which Autumn Tears can be truly proud. It is a beautiful and masterfully executed album — though I personally found myself wishing for a single, soaring climax to complete the experience. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “Silhouettes At Sunset”:
https://autumntears.bandcamp.com/track/silhouettes-at-sunset

07/11/2025

Mother Motor – Night Shark (Digital/CD Album – Intelligent Communications)

Mother Motor is a German band I can’t recall much about. There’s mention of a debut album dating back to 2007 (!), and now comes this 13-track release, “Night Shark”.
What immediately stands out is a distinct Kraftwerk-like vibe that quickly emerges through certain sounds, blending seamlessly with clear Dance influences and more sophisticated IDM elements. The result is an underground Dance sound that bridges ’80s inspirations with more contemporary nuances. At times the music leans toward something almost sugary sweet, while other pieces feel darker and heavier—culminating in a closing track that fuses Tribal and Dance elements to striking effect. Vocals are sparse and function more as textural accents than traditional singing.
All in all, “Night Shark” was a very pleasant surprise for me—definitely worth a listen. (Rating:8½).

Listen to “Ich – Mother Motor Remix”:

06/11/2025

Bodega System – Mausoleum Options (Digital Album – Grant’s Tomb)

Bodega System is a mysterious American project based in New York. It’s been 30 years since Bodega System began releasing its Experimental productions, and this summer they returned with a new 7-track album.
Bodega System takes a unique approach to sound and songwriting, crafting an Experimental style that sometimes feels Glitchy, sometimes merges with Ambient atmospheres, and is often driven by Industrial soundscapes. The focus here is on sound itself — this album was created using an impressive arsenal of noises, effects, and field recordings, all recycled into something new to evoke a dark, immersive atmosphere. The final track stands out as a true gem of its genre.
Bodega System resembles a sonic collector, composing a distinctive yet captivating body of work. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “The Osmotic Mister Op”:
https://bodegasystem.bandcamp.com/track/the-osmotic-mister-op

05/11/2025

Feu Follet – Swamps Of Sadness (Digital/CD/Cassette Album – Blackjack Illuminist Records)

This is the sixth album by French artist Alban Blaising, better known as Feu Follet. Once again, he has invited a number of guest vocalists to lend their voices to his work.
For me, Feu Follet has always been synonymous with a somewhat monotonous Wave and Ambient experience, but that approach has been pushed more into the background on “Swamps Of Sadness”. While we don’t hear ‘pure’ Dark-Wave, some tracks — such as one featuring Alexander Donat (Vlimmer) — lean strongly in that direction. One of these songs even evokes a touch of The Mission. On several tracks, there’s greater emphasis on electronic structures, which tend to suit the female vocals particularly well. The variety of singers contributes to a more diverse album in which everyone can find something to their liking.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Feu Follet, but in my opinion, this album brings a welcome light into the darkness and features several genuinely good songs. (Rating:7).

Listen to “Ashes In The Frost feat. Pat Aubier”:
https://blackjackilluministrecords.bandcamp.com/track/ashes-in-the-frost-feat-pat-aubier

05/11/2025

Interview with CosmoBrigade is also available at Side-Line Magazine:

CosmoBrigade is a Czech four-piece band formed in 2023. Things took off quickly for this Dark-Wave–inspired group.

04/11/2025

Anton – Glacier / Volcan (Digital/CD Album – Icy Cold Records)

Anton is a French project from Paris, founded in 2021 by Anton Steinbock. With this first official album, Anton delivers eight tracks.
If you’re familiar with Icy Cold Records, the result will not come as a surprise. The album firmly situates itself in the Dark-Wave genre, occasionally borrowing elements from Post-Punk. The songs are concise and carry a strong ’80s vibe, often reminding me of The Cure. On another track, I’m reminded of a Grauzone revival. Yet Anton also brings a unique character to the table, most notably through the overwhelmingly French lyrics, sung with palpable passion. The album is primarily driven by guitar and bass, with occasional synth textures adding subtle depth.
While “Glacier / Volcan” doesn’t completely blow me away, it shows promising potential. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “Rester”:
https://icycoldrecords.bandcamp.com/track/rester

03/11/2025

øjeRum - Drømme I Langsomt Stof (Digital/CD Album – Glacial Movements)

Danish artist Paw Grabowski has released an impressive number of productions, and his creativity seems unstoppable. He puts out several albums every year and has collaborated with numerous labels. This work appears to be his first release on Glacial Movements, where he recorded the sounds of melting ice on a lake—an idea that fits perfectly within the label’s concept.
The result is a single, extended track that transports the listener for 45 minutes. Field recordings are quickly introduced, providing a distinct sound source that merges with deep, humming sound waves. The piece unfolds gradually, ensuring it never feels repetitive. There is a palpable depth to it, and some of the lower tones evoke vivid, almost visual impressions. The artist manages to create a kind of nihilistic atmosphere—a sensation of wandering through an endless sonic labyrinth with no exit.
This is a rather Experimental work that I genuinely appreciate, though it may not be øjeRum’s finest creation. (Rating:7).

Listen to “Drømme I Langsomt Stof”:
https://glacialmovements.bandcamp.com/track/dr-mme-i-langsomt-stof

02/11/2025

‘CLICK INTERVIEW’ WITH CosmoBrigade

COSMOBRIGADE is a Czech four-piece band formed in 2023. Things took off quickly for this Dark-Wave–inspired group, which soon began performing live and released their self-produced EP “Spacepit” the same year. This year, they return with their official debut album, “Hollow Obsessions”, released by Alice In... /
Dark Dimensions Label Group . The album is a remarkably mature and cohesive work, with guitar and bass playing prominent roles, while the electronic elements add a complementary Cold-Wave atmosphere. The band has also proven themselves as an experienced live act and, in my opinion, stands out as one of the most promising names in the current Dark-Wave scene. I spoke with three members about their formation, rapid evolution, and debut album — which I highly recommend. (Pictures credit by Andrés Botero).

‘ISOLATION AND DESPAIR’


Q: COSMOBRIGADE was formed in 2023, and things seem to have moved very quickly since then—especially after your self-released EP “Spacepit”. Numerous live shows followed, and now your debut album has been released on Alice In... How did the band come together, and how do you look back on so many events in such a short time?

Ondrej T: COSMOBRIGADE is, above all, a group of friends—bandmates second. Three of us—Filip H., Vojtech and I—have been friends since childhood, and in 2022 we were lucky to meet Colin, our bass player, who quickly became an essential and beloved part of the band.

Musically, we’ve come a long way since our early days around 2007. What began as a more guitar-heavy, Shoegaze-inspired sound has gradually evolved into something darker, more sinister, and electronic. Even in our earlier bands, like DIV I DED, we had solid runs, releasing several albums and laying the groundwork for what COSMOBRIGADE would become. So, in a way, we have always been in a band, keeping busy and I want COSMOBRIGADE to be consistent and successful beyond the initial streak to move it to the next level. Signing up with Alice In.. was a true honor and acknowledgement we’re headed in the right direction.

Colin C.: I discovered the core of the band via ad and tried my luck joining in. Guys welcomed me and soon we started to make our own songs and play live. The audience’s feedback was quite positive from the beginning and one thing led to another and our debut album is out now. For me that was a dream for a long time that came true as I’ve been making music only at home for years.

Filip: I joined COSMOBRIGADE in the fall 2022 and it was the main reason I moved to Prague, to make some noise with my childhood friends. We had some bands before in our hometown and the alchemy between us was incredible. Afterwards we were looking for a new bass player and the first guy who answered our ad was Colin Clay who came to a rehearsal, and we were amazed with his ideas and abilities. He totally fit in with us and that’s how COSMOBRIGADE started.


Q: You mentioned the Shoegaze inspired debut, but how did your style and influences take shape? Did you start out with a clear idea of what you wanted to create, or were there particular artists and elements that guided you in developing your sound?

Colin C.: For the beginning, I believe we always wanted to create something unique and of specific quality. We played some covers back then but now they’re mostly original songs. Somehow, we developed darker sound in the process, like all those great 80s Post-Punk and Goth bands. But we like to do a bit of genre blending here and there.

Ondrej T: I lived in London for many years, and the local Goth scene grew on me, even though I never really considered myself a Goth. Before that I grew up listening to the RAMONES, MISFITS, QOTSA, EDITORS, JOY DIVISION, or THE CURE. When I came back to mainland Europe in 2019, I realized that my biggest asset is my deep voice and a taste for hypnotic rhythms, while being capable of writing punchy melodies and lyrics that are the cornerstone of Dark-Wave/Goth music. But I don’t think there was ever a plan – when we write music, there is always this sense of distress, urgency, dystopian but danceable melodies and relentlessness. It’s something within us that just wants out.

Q: When listening to your music, I hear a fusion of different influences. Can you tell me more about that? What role does each member play in the songwriting and composition process? And how did the “Spacepit” EP come to life?

Colin C.: I’m just a bass guy. And occasionally I like to get inspired and write a basis for a new song.

Ondrej T: We all work in IT, so naturally we keep a cloud drive full of ideas that we either decide to take further or not as a band. I write majority of the lyrics, but funny enough, sometimes it’s the band that writes the drum parts for me. Then there are times when I make a full song on my synth, and the guys just add guitars or some extra synth layers. The beauty here is that every member is treated equally and we don’t limit people to their instrument only. Also, our rehearsals are never dull, because there is an agenda and we tend to work on specific things we shared online before.

Filip: I think the main reason is that each of us is listening to different music, so we have different inspirations and each of us brings to the creative process his own element from his world. But we have some things in common, which are Post-Punk and maybe Dark-Wave.

So here is how the “Spacepit”-EP came to life track by track:

“Rapture”: An old idea from 2020, originally two men rehearsal jam, which me and Ondrej played and recorded on mobile phone. Still have a short demo version of it somewhere haha. In early 2023, we just upgraded “Rapture” to a full band version.

“Spacepit”: This is one of the first songs which Colin wrote for COSMOBRIGADE, he just recorded bass and drum machine at his home studio and the rest of us invented our own parts at rehearsal, a few rehearsals and it was done. Song finished! And this is how we work, usually.

“Devil Over Prague”: Song written by Cigi (Vojta) in 2020 or maybe 21. I remember he had couple of versions, and we were just unsure how to finish the song, so with my arrival we decided to make some noise with two guitar melodies at the end of the arrangement. Colin just made this song even better with his bassline.

Q: What is “Hollow Obsessions” about? The album title and lyrics suggest deep, introspective themes—what kinds of ideas or emotions were you exploring when writing it?

Ondrej T: “Hollow Obsessions” is about the things that consume us, but don’t fulfill us. Things that were meant to unite us but drive us apart inside – be it toxic relationships (there were many in the last few years), society, and even AI and technology and the urban alienation it brings. The main emotion is probably isolation and despair. Everything on that album is rooted in real experiences that we lived through as friends, or moments from my own personal life. Some of those nearly tore our friendships apart. However, when we play the “Hollow Obsessions” set live it seems to have a positive effect in the end - there’s this energy, this shared catharsis that brings people in the crowd together.


Q: It seems you’ve been receiving overwhelmingly positive reactions so far. How does that affect you personally, and what do you think makes COSMOBRIGADE resonate so strongly with listeners? Do you think this success might influence your future work in any way?

Colin C.: It’s amazing how music and the emotions it carries can bring people together and bring joy to this troubled world. Although our music can sometimes sound somber, it seems that our listeners like what they hear (so far, haha). Personally, I’m greatly motivated when I see that the art we make gets more personal with the audience and we can inspire someone. So, I believe we can continue in this trend and create more beautiful dark songs for next releases.

Ondrej T: I think the album is so personal that it resonates with people, because of heartbreak and dedication to get things back under control, which is a theme we all experience at some point. On a more technical level, it has some powerful basslines that are easy to remember and those catchy loops that people yell back at us, haha. COSMOBRIGADE will always do their own thing, and we will want to use this initial success as something to build on soon, so that we can play as many shows as possible. That’s our main goal right now.


Q: You’ve already gained some live experience—how do you reflect on that essential part of being a band? And how would you describe COSMOBRIGADE as a live act?

Ondrej T: Indeed, we played some great gigs (with the legends such as SHE PAST AWAY, SOVIET SOVIET, PLOHO, HOUSE OF HARM or THE CITY GATES). Shows are the thing that gives us the willpower to do more for the band, to push our set further in terms of stage presence and visuals, it’s essentially why we do music. We want to be understood.

Q: Finally, what’s next for you? What can we expect from COSMOBRIGADE in the coming months?

Ondrej T: Well, we’re currently booking more gigs and festivals for 2025 and 2026 that will take us around Central Europe (Czechia, Poland, Austria) but also all the way to Amsterdam, NL (Automatic Noise Festival in January 2026) and Naples, Italy. With all that hype around the album I thought it would be easier, but the competition in post-punk is intense and we must respect it. Would love to play in Germany and Italy more, as that’s the mecca for our music. Feel free to invite us, hahaha.

Colin C.: We can once again focus on writing new songs after the break, along getting ready for several gigs for 2026. Maybe there will be enough material to slowly cook the second album soon, but let’s see, no spoilers.

01/11/2025

Vestigial – Descending Vastness (Digital/CD Album – Cyclic Law)

The Italian solo project Vestigal returns with its first new album since 2008. Little is known about Vestigal, yet what this mysterious artist has released over the years has left a lasting impression. Apparently, the project remained active, albeit in the background, and now reemerges with seven tracks that gradually took shape over time.
Vestigal has found the perfect label for its latest creation. This album offers a profound immersion into dark atmospheres that act as a mirror to our contemporary world. Deep, persistent, humming sound waves pull the listener out of their comfort zone, confronting them with a sound that radiates vivid, almost Cinematic power. The work is enriched with field recordings, numerous effects, and an array of textured sounds. Here and there, sparse spoken-word samples can be heard echoing in the background, contributing to an imaginary, shadowy soundscape that conveys a distinctly nihilistic character.
Vestigal has lost none of its original magic and returns in style. This is a great record for all lovers of Dark-Ambient and obscure Cinematic music. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Elemental Thesis”:
https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/track/elemental-thesis