Portrait in Silver is the new album from Night Sins, a.k.a. Kyle Kimball (of Nothing), and is available via Louisville, KY's Funeral Party. The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Nick Bassett (Whirr/Nothing). The recordings stealthily stride through the darkness in a ghostly, synth-forward manner, admittedly more akin to Depeche Mode's Violator than The Sisters of Mercy's Floodland. Night Sins will be bringing the retro dance party into the shadows this evening at Johnny Brenda's, with support from Carnivorous Bells, Forever Chasing Honey Bees, and Drowse.

The full-length debut from lylyly is scheduled to arrive in November. The group recently shared a video for its new single, “I Thought That I Was Dying (Same As Yesterday),” which was directed by Bob Sweeney. The piano-anchored track captures an overwhelming sense of stress and gloom that won’t let go. Releasing those internalized stressors hopefully serves as a relief of pressure in which others can relate to. lylyly is also set to perform on Friday, September 13 at Anthorna Gallery, with goodnight/goodluck, A Day Without Love, and Little Church.

We recently shared a rad, new collaboration of Moor Mother with Zonal, the duo consists of God Flesh/Jesu's Justin K. Broadrick and electronic producer Kevin Martin (The Bug, King Midas Sound). The Philly genre-bending artist also just announced the release for Analog Fluids Of Sonic Black Holes. The solo follow-up to Fetish Bones is scheduled to arrive on November 8 via Don Giovanni Records. And with its lead single “After Images,” electronics and spiritual samples are tuned in as a bombarding, percussive beat announces its advent. Camae Ayewa's confident, commanding vocals serve as an urgent warning.

Somber strokes of guitar and a light dusting of drums develop the intimate closeness of “Inp,” the first song on Bad Heaven Ltd.’s sophomore album Strength. Amid an overarching sense of loneliness, the power and positivity of personal connection remains as John Galm (ex-Snowing) suggests, “…and I know that evening’s empire won’t absolve this place. I'll burn three cigarettes, and you can call it sage. I'll sigh a benediction after all its praise for thee.”

In contrast to the previous calm, “Almost” immediately rushes and rumbles creating a chaotic, contemplative intensity that then gives way to melancholy strings and a gentle, folk-oriented rumination. “Alex is lonely. They think that their body is worthless. It’s hard to stay hopeful, when you think that you lack a purpose.” There’s a refined elegance as the instrumentation gradually builds with a beautiful release that also seemingly serves as a tribute, rekindling the opening theme: “It’s almost better now.”

With the album’s title track, Galm exudes optimism in the moment of declaring, “Lucky and bored in love with you, it’s reasonably fine. I was not true. Try to be more. We’ll see it through.” The recording is punctuated by a demonstrative blaze of guitar, while “Stick Around” revisits the desire for existential meaning and purpose, bridging the divide and connecting on “…you and I,” and then transforming into an intimate, rejuvenating harmony of a duet, with the addition of keys/synth to retain an ethereal quality.

“100” delves into the weight of despair and loneliness within desolate surroundings. However, despite the frustration depicted in the dreary, folk/Americana setting, a glimmer of hope remains. “Fuck your landlord, it’s not their home. I live for you and for you alone.” In opposition, “Cross” serves as a cheerful song of appreciation for the person that’s always there for you. “I love you like a brother. It never ends. See you every weekend my only friend.” That breezy buoyancy is joyously interrupted by an instrumental foray.

The single, “Bed,” sinks into the sadness of depression and the desire for relief. Those quiet contemplations are infused with the force of unrestrained feedback, before acoustic guitar and piano delicately intertwine on “Forever,” describing a cherished relationship. “I just hope that you’re in my life forever. I thank every lucky star that you were born.”

Strength explores the difficulties that life can present and the redemptive qualities of having someone to rely on. They are two things that don’t always coexist together, but have found each other on this powerful release. – Michael Colavita