Animals in Denial’s new single “Operator” is an exploration into heartbreak, wrapped up in a gritty industrial-electronic sound.
The story behind “Operator” is as compelling as the song itself. The beat has been living in the artist Christian Imes’s head since they were 14, back when they were cruising the streets of Canton, NC, and obsessing over The Matrix.
At the time, they didn’t even have a synth – just a guitar and a lot of ideas. Years later, using a lite copy of Ableton Live and some old-school drum samples, the track finally started to take shape. It came together fast at first with the initial demo finished in just 30 minutes, but the final version was elevated thanks to a collaboration with industrial icon Steven Seibold (Hate Dept, Pigface).
Seibold’s fingerprints are all over the production. From tweaking the vocal delivery on the third verse to suggesting subtle backing harmonies in the chorus, he brought a fresh perspective to the track.
Listen here:
The pair even recorded the vocals in Seibold’s home studio, which was a full-circle moment for the artist, who’s been a longtime fan of Seibold’s work. The result is sleek and dynamic, with just the right amount of edge.
Musically, “Operator” is a study in restraint. An earlier version included guitar parts, but the final mix strips them away to let the synths and beats carry the weight. That choice gives the track a sharp, metallic vibe that feels perfectly in line with its themes of emotional distance and digital disconnect. The song pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, pulling you in as layers of sound build and shift. It’s dark, atmospheric, and relentlessly captivating.
But the heart of “Operator” are the lyrics, which draw from a relationship that left its mark. The “operator” in the song is a nod to late-night phone calls and AIM chats with an ex who once felt like a lifeline, but who eventually became a source of pain. It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable especially for anyone who’s navigated the murky waters of young love.
Whether drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetic, its honest lyrics, or its sheer force, this is definitely a song that grabs your attention.
Keep up to date with all things Animal In Denial on the Website.
Christian Imes, the driving force behind Animals In Denial, delivers a potent blend of industrial rock and electronica with latest single “Coi.”
“Coi” is a track that has been a long time in the making. Initially composed in 2003, it began with electronic sequences created using Acid Pro 4, a tool that allowed Christian to stitch together the core of what would become a powerful and compelling piece.
The track was initially intended as a pitch for one of his earlier bands, but the project was shelved when the band’s singer felt there wasn’t enough room for lyrics. However Christian knew there was something special within the track’s groovy, hard-hitting beats and dark atmosphere, so he tucked it away for years until the timing felt right to revisit it.
Listen in here:
“Coi” channels the spirit of Nine Inch Nails and takes much of its inspiration from albums like The Fragile and Pretty Hate Machine. These influences are clear in the driving, industrial beats which are combined with a massive wall of sound created by searing guitar lines that cut through the electronic undercurrent. Imes explains that he wanted the track to be something that rocked as hard as metal but still had a danceable, rhythmic groove.
The result is a track that balances heaviness and energy, perfect for both head-banging and losing yourself in its hypnotic rhythm.
One of the standout elements of “Coi” is its guitar work. Christian used his Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 to lay down both the rhythm and lead tracks, capturing a raw, gritty sound that perfectly complements the song’s darker vibe. His 85 Gibson Les Paul Studio, which was a cherished birthday gift from his mother, was used to add more depth and richness to the lead lines in the chorus, as well as fatten up the rest of the sound to give a sense of power. The guitar parts came naturally, with many of the recordings being first takes.
While the bass lines were created using a sample pack and a keyboard, they blend in and add a weighty low-end that helps to anchor the frenetic energy of the drums and guitars.
Christian’s attention to detail in production, even when using non-traditional instruments, shines through in every aspect of the song.
Recorded with a Shure SM58 microphone and enhanced using the Nectar plugin and a mic modeler plugin, Imes delivers a raw and emotionally charged performance.
The lyrics reflect his feelings of betrayal, frustration, and emotional turmoil after a toxic relationship. Imes recounts how the relationship, marked by manipulation, dishonesty, and infidelity which left him feeling used and lost. Lines like, “I’m sick on the in, you’re sick on the out,” capture the disconnect between his efforts to heal and his ex-partner’s refusal to confront her own demons. At the time, Christian was navigating challenges related to PTSD and ASD, which added to the complexity of the situation.
“Lyrically, this is another one that was about one of my ex-girlfriends. It’s not nice but she treated me about as bad as you can possibly treat someone. From the hot and cold, to endless lies about stuff you should never lie about. She was my first after school serious relationship and I got really invested, and in retrospect the signs, flags, whatever, were there. I was also seeing doctors and therapists to deal with PTSD and ASD and trying to figure out “me” is why I think I missed some clear signals that we would’ve been better as friends.”
Reflecting on the lyrics today, Imes acknowledges that both he and his ex-partner were dealing with unresolved pain, but at the time of writing “Coi,” he was still deeply hurt. He now sees the relationship from a more mature perspective, recognizing that it was a combination of their struggles that led to its unraveling.
Christian Imes, the brain behind Animals In Denial, is an artist who defies boundaries and challenges the status quo. His music merges elements of alternative rock, industrial, electronic, and even pop. As a neurodivergent artist, Christian shares a unique perspective and experience with Asperger’s syndrome, creating songs that speak to the human existence in profound and innovative ways.
A devoted family man, Christian can often be found jamming with his sons, passing on his love for music and creativity. His ethos can be summed up in his own words: “I just want to live my life surrounded by music.”
As the latest addition to the Animals In Denial discography, “Coi” solidifies Christian’s place as a visionary in the alternative and industrial rock music genres.
“Coi”is now available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Recently I have discovered a stellar group hailing from Chicago, IL by the name of Rival Empire. Creating a synth-pop meets indie rock meets electro dance sound all of their own, the group takes a page from such bands as Cut Copy, The Killers and Friendly Fires, with a dab of Duran Duran to boot. Rival Empire have recently released their video for “Reagan’s Rancho Del Cielo” which had me immediately hooked and ready to dive into the recent self-titled full length.
On Rival Empire, the record features 13 electrifying tracks that subtly blend genres, to create a dance party on its own terms. The record opener “Cameo Crush,” stopped me dead in my tracks. The vibrancy of guitars and synths that blend are surrounded by singer Steve Rivera’s smooth and prominent vocals. Songs like “Casio Crush,” which bursts with modern sounds and 80’s nostalgia respectively, helps set the tone for the record.
An immediate stand out song and favorite proves to be “Calling Me,” which takes the record to a whole new level. The dreamy vocal combinations with slight harmonies are heavenly and is laced with melodic hooks. Songs like “Good Love,” “Tidal Wave,” and “Open Fire,” add a deeper, darker element to the album, while “Reagan’s Rancho Del Cielo,” and “High Fashion,” take you on wild musical journey. “Call the Adapter,” and “Paybacks a B___h” adds a funkier element into the album, making a nice transition in to blending genres. Something that Rival Empire does flawlessly. “Calling Me (Orchestral Remix)” closes out the record, making Rival Empire, an album to remember for 2014.
Voxmirage is the group you have been looking for. Recently releasing their debut album on July 15, the duo are about to take the world by storm. The self-titled record is filled with 13 glorious tracks that recall new wave influences such as Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode. Made up of members Mike Streng (Vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards), and Aaron Nicholes (Drums, Keyboards, programming, backing vocals and bass), they create quite a unique and brilliant sound. The record is also stunningly mixed and produced by Ken Stingfellow of The Posies and R.E.M. respectively., and mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
Kicking off the record is a short, sweet, and synth filled song that is simply titled “Intro.” This piece immediately sets the tone for the record. “All I Want Is You,” combines lush harmonies and dark sounds alongside a swirling bed of synthesizers and guitars. Streng’s vocals start to standout immediately, which carries throughout the entire record. His voice is very powerful, and evokes great emotion on the set on of songs.
“I Can’t Take It Anymore Than This,” continues the greatness of the record, with honest and heartfelt lyrics. Streng’s vocals are soft yet pierce your very soul. Streng’s vocals are dreamy and haunting all at once. Taking the record down a notch is “Hold On,” which showcases the softer and gentler side of the band. Laced with synthesized strings, the vocals chime in to launch a whole new musical aspect of the record. “Never Go Away,” shares a bit of a 90’s retro feel, in a flattering way. The vibrant and danceable aspect of the track is brought to life with lovely twee-like harmonies and punchy acoustic guitars.
“She’s Going Away,” brings a darker synth sound into the album, with a bit of welcomed industrial flare. The tracks on this record quickly prove that Voxmirage are not only skilled, but can bend and combine genres without flaw. “Want Me Too,” and “Just a Fool,” the latter featuring backing vocals by Ken Stringfellow, displays the group’s softer and subdued side on the record. Again the harmonies grace these tracks, which made them an immediate favorite for me. “Just for Tonight,” adds a whole new element into the record with engaging vocals, and an array of instruments welcoming even the slightest trumpet. “On I Go With You,” brings out another beautiful side of this record, as Streng’s vocals are heavenly.
Bringing back the dance aspect of the record with a punch is “Favorite Son.” Flooded with enchanting synths, this piece will surely get you onto the dance floor and it clearly showcases the group’s knack for writing a great pop-esque song. Up next is “Go Insane,” which is Voxmirage’s take on Lindsey Buckingham’s classic song, which somehow manages to upstage the original with their incredible rendition. It brings all of their musical talents into the spotlight. Closing out the record is “I Know What Scares You.” The piece brings together various different elements we found throughout the record, bringing everything to fruition.
Voxmirage’s Voxmirage is a brilliant debut album that will certainly launch the duo into the spotlight. With heavy hitting and memorable tracks, each piece on the record somehow manages to outdo the other. Hopefully we hear a lot more of Voxmirage in the future. This is only the beginning….and the beginning is great.
Life in the sticks can be seriously strange. From Myxomatosis-stricken rabbits to agoraphobic house parties, Postcards From Jeff offers a brutally honest perspective of looking out from windswept valleys to neighboring city lights. Making a U.S. launch with the single, “A House,” the song is taken from the melodic explorer’s recent self-titled debut EP.
Recorded in the heart of rural Yorkshire between producer duties for other artists, Postcards From Jeff plays, records, and mixes his songs himself. His identity is that of a skilled musical manipulator engineering cinematic songscapes from old synths, electronic and organic drum kits, and heavily processed guitars into stunning ‘postcards’ that blinker on the horizon like Morse code messages to the outside world.
“A House” appears alongside four further tracks on the EP, with a full length album slated for early 2015. “Ninety percent of the songs came from me experimenting with ideas early in the morning whilst I was half awake,” he explains. “I think that dream-like state contributes a lot to the general mood.”
Musically speaking, Postcards From Jeff’s boundaries are limitless. Across each track far flung folk, electronica, country, krautrock and pop are seamlessly brought together through a sonically curious adventure owing as much of a debt to Weilheim band The Notwist as to Ohio’s The National or even as far as Canada through channeling Neil Young. With praise and plays from the likes of John Peel and Steve Lamacq behind him, as well as video plays on MTV2 for past musical endeavors under another guise, Postcards From Jeff’s musically inquisitive mind comes with a newfound confidence, and this EP is just the start of what’s set to become an exciting new journey.
California based Bür Gür have just launched their debut video for “Orchard Hearse,” via The Vinyl District. The track is from their upcoming release Alligator Cheesecake, due out August 19 via HABITS’ label, How to Be a Microwave.
Made up of duo Corbin Clarke and Makan Negahban, the band brings their psychedelic sound to the screen with the captivating and vibrant new video. Swirling colors blend flawlessly with the music, creating a hypnotic experience. The sounds of their sonically alluring tones will captivate your ears, one synth at a time. Acoustic guitars sweep through to bring a whole new vibrancy into the track, which is something Bür Gür is known for. Their knack for brilliant vocal harmonies carry throughout adding the perfect Summery tone to the piece, which fits perfectly into the grainy, retro laced video.
Surrounding the release of Alligator Cheesecake, Bür Gür will be playing shows in and around Los Angeles, with more West Coast dates to follow.
TOUR DATES:
August 9th – Luna’s Café – Sacramento, CA
August 22nd – Album Release Show – Can U Not Vintage – Santa Ana, CA
Modern Mystery 