Post Punk

Hailing from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, MS PAINT exploded onto the scene in 2019. This fiercely independent quartet—vocals, drums, synth, and bass—boldly eschews the guitar, a surprising omission in their otherwise raw, energetic sound.

Launched in March 2020 with their debut release, MS PAINT quickly established themselves, collaborating with fellow genre-benders Militarie Gun. Their unique blend of synth-punk has been described as industrial art-punk—a visceral, uncompromising attack on the senses.

Rendez-Vous: Parisian Post-Punk Pioneers

Rendez-Vous, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Paris, France, emerged in 2012 as a force of post-punk energy. The band, formed by the dynamic duo of Francis Mallari and Elliot Bethault, quickly expanded, welcoming Maxime Gendre and Simon Dubourg into the fold.

Their debut EP, aptly titled "Rendez-Vous," dropped in 2014 on Zappruder Records, marking their arrival on the French indie scene. This release fueled their first European tours in the summer of 2015, igniting a passionate following across the continent.

In 2016, Rendez-Vous upped the ante with their "Distance" EP, expertly mixed by Ben Greenberg of The Men and released on their new label, AVANT! Records. Their self-titled single "Distance" resonated with music critics, earning a coveted spot in Les Inrockuptibles magazine's "100 Best Songs of the Year" list.

2017 saw the release of "The Others," a track chosen by Burger Records to represent France on their global compilation, "Burger World." This recognition solidified Rendez-Vous' status as a key player in the international post-punk revival.

The band continued their relentless momentum, releasing "Double Zero" in June 2018, a taste of their debut LP, "Superior State." This LP was a testament to their evolution, showcasing their signature blend of driving rhythms, angular guitar riffs, and darkly poetic lyrics.

Rendez-Vous are more than just a band; they are a movement. With their captivating live performances and innovative sound, they continue to push the boundaries of post-punk, earning a devoted following and solidifying their place as one of the most exciting French bands to emerge in recent years.

The Cure, the iconic English rock band, emerged from Crawley in 1976, founded by the inimitable Robert Smith (vocals, guitar) and Lol Tolhurst (drums). While Smith remains the sole constant member through numerous lineup shifts – including notable stints with Porl Thompson (guitar) and Boris Williams (drums) – the current iteration features Smith alongside Perry Bamonte (guitar), Reeves Gabrels (guitar), Simon Gallup (bass – absent for only a brief six years!), Roger O`Donnell (keyboards), and Jason Cooper (drums).

Their 1979 debut, Three Imaginary Boys, along with early singles, catapulted them to the forefront of the burgeoning post-punk and new wave scenes in the UK. A dramatic shift towards a darker, more tormented sound began with Seventeen Seconds (1980), influencing the nascent gothic rock genre and its burgeoning subculture, a style further amplified by Smith`s distinctive fashion. Pornography (1982), a move towards a more pop-infused sound, propelled them to international acclaim. Commercial zenith arrived with Disintegration (1989) and Wish (1992).

The Cure`s legacy is undeniable: 14 studio albums, two EPs, and over 40 singles have sold over 30 million copies globally. Their 1986 singles compilation, Standing on a Beach, alone shifted 4 million copies by 1989. Their impact on music history was formally recognized with their 2019 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Vision Video: A Modern Gothic Dirge for the Disillusioned

Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Vision Video is a post-punk goth rock band that breathes fresh life into the classic sounds of the late 70s and 80s. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like The Chameleons and The Cure, they blend the familiar with a distinctly contemporary edge.

At the heart of their music lies a profound exploration of the human psyche, grappling with the lasting effects of trauma and the quest for stability in a world teetering on the brink of chaos. Lead singer and guitarist Dusty Gannon, a veteran of both the Afghan war and the fire service, brings a raw and visceral understanding of life’s darker corners. “I wanted to create music that acknowledged the validity of feeling lost and broken,” Gannon explains, “but also confronts the darker truths of our flawed humanity.”

Vision Video's first two records, "Inked in Red" and "Haunted Hours," garnered critical acclaim. Pitchfork praised their ability to craft "dreamy tunes tailored for the wallflowers who explode onto the dance floor when the DJ drops 'Age of Consent' or 'Primary' at Goth Night." Both albums were recorded and mixed by Tom Ashton of The March Violets at his renowned Sub Von Studios in Athens, Georgia.

The band is currently preparing to record their third LP, "Modern Horror," at Maze Studios in Atlanta under the guidance of Grammy-winning producer Ben Allen. This next chapter promises to further solidify their position as a leading voice in the modern gothic revival, offering a soundtrack for the disillusioned and the restless.