Ritual Howls

Add Date: March 19

Artist: Ritual Howls

Album: Rendered Armor

Label: Felte

Genre: Rock, synth rock

Comments: My first thought at hearing this album was 'Ian Curtis and Depeche Mode make a surf rock baby'. Ritual Howls has managed to construct a foreboding atmosphere atop jangly hooks and drum beats and it really works for them. Amassing a moderate following since their debut in 2012, the Detroit-based trio has a distinctly pleasant take on their genre (synth-pop? dance-rock? emo-wave?). Rendered Armor is evocative and artfully mastered in a way that transcends nostalgia and touches a very textured soundscape. RIYL: Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave

Recommended Tracks: 1, 5, 7

DNP: none