DAN SPENCER
LP
Return To Your Dark Master
DIGITAL RELEASED
06|08|2024
FAVORTIE TRACKS
Fat Vampire, Eternal Platitude, Immaterial, Return To Your Dark Master
STREAM
Bandcamp
ARTIST DISCOVERED
Dan Spencer appeared on my radar regarding an Instagram post from Militarie Gun singer and mastermind Ian Shelton. I like to follow artists‘ personal accounts as long as they let me so I can get some ideas for music, suggestions, and collections from them. Dan Spencer is now on my map. Thanks, Ian.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
Ultimate highlight on this record is for sure the song Fat Vampire. The explosive start and the ear catching melodies are one of a kind. The tracks on Return To Your Dark Master combine in all very dark, depressive and broken lyrics with a catchy, sappy and sentimental music. So everything sometimes appears with a touch of black humour.
FAVORITE LYRIC LINE
Let’s lose ourself in the day dream / Let’s remember it’s easy to forget / How you are versus how you seem / Shed these life stained silhouettes – from Fat Vampire
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
catchy | sad | dark | alt-country | vampiric
BESIDES THAT
Dan Spencer released some new singles since the record release in 2024. Give it a listen.
WISH
Can’t wait for a physical release and maybe someday Spencer will make his way to Europe.
FIN DEL MUNDO
BAND DISCOVERED
I had been tuning in to a few live showcases and radio appearances on Audiotree and KEXP when YouTube recommended a video by Fin del Mundo. Even though I didn’t know what to expect, I clicked on it anyway. What I heard was very emotional, well-structured, and harmonious. No big breaks, no hustle and bustle, sometimes even a little monotonous. Post-punk meets shoegaze and dreamgaze. No frills, straightforward, and simply beautifully melodic. If I’m not mistaken, Fin del Mundo is the first Argentine band I’ve ever heard of. I’m pretty sure that this album and the previous one from 2023, Todo Va Hacia El Mar, will find their way into my record collection.
FAVORITE LYRIC LINE from Vivimos lejos
Todos buscan su lugar bajo la tormenta
No quiero arrastrarte más a mi marea
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
dreamy | decelerating | harmonious | heartfelt
BESIDES THAT
Fin del Mundo were on their third European tour last month, stopping off in Spain, Portugal and France. Maybe they’ll extend their next tour to other countries too. I’d love to see them live.
NIHILISTIC EASYRIDER
BAND DISCOVERED
It was a Run For Cover announcement through their social media platforms when I took notice of Nihilistic Easyrider – not so long ago in May 2025. Some days or weeks later I recognized that Nihilistic Easyrider is a sideproject of Narrow Head frontguy Jacob Duarte. I’ve never paid much attention to Narrow Head to be honest. My playlists featured a few singles, but they quickly vanished. However, this project has a very relaxed, laid-back, and enjoyable vibe. It reminds of bands and artists like Disheveled Cuss, Chastity or Phony.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
easy listening | entertaining | alternative | laid-back
BESIDES THAT
I might be checking out a local record store to buy this one on vinyl.
HOW MUCH ART
BAND DISCOVERED
I became aware of How Much Art through an IG post from Maddi Nave, former guitarist for the band GEL. She posted some MSPAINT gig posters for their upcoming headline shows. I wanted to know more about the other bands that will be supporting them, but I couldn’t find anything about that one. Maddi revealed the secret a few days later, and now we are here. How Much Art is the new project from Have Heart/Fiddlehead singer Pat Flynn. The band lineup will be completed with Nave on guitar and background vocals, with Shawn Costa on drums, Adam Gonsalves on bass, Justin Mantell on synths, and Darin Thompson on guitar.
KILLER SONG MOMENTS
The blend of pop, synths, and groovy rock is excellent.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
earcatching | groovy | synthy | heavy | playful
FLESH TAPE
BAND DISCOVERED
Discovered after the premiere for the song Petey at Small Albums, former music blog, in January 2025.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
noisey | grungy | raw | melancholy
WISH
I’m really interested in this band’s future output, particularly its physical output. I hope they get to Europe someday.
AUNT KATRINA
BAND DISCOVERED
Aunt Katrina first caught my attention when I listened to the band Feeble Little Horse, which was the main project of guitarist/singer Ryan Walchonski. In the meantime, Walchonski left his main band and focused on his then side project. Aunt Katrina promptly released a new album in July 2025. In addition, the music has been sufficiently fueled by various indie music blogs.
CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
quirky | melancholy | experimental | introverted
