The debut album from Outside Is Void, Light Gazer meshes dark electro-pop and textured rock with melodically satiating immersion. Drawing from both the electronic pop of acts like Depeche Mode and shoegaze-friendly rockers in the vein of My Bloody Valentine, the Germany-based project of artist Thomas Marcus impresses with a stylish, tonally broad sound throughout the album’s one hour — succeeding in both darker and lighter realms.
The opening “Track” impresses with intersecting vocal pitches, as nocturnal synths and a buzzy bass presence drive to the vocal questioning: “I wonder how it all begins to glow from within for the outside world.” Textured guitars, synth touches, and a more vibrant vocal addition comprise a stellar hook. The subsequent “Tail” also proves riveting in its debonair vocals and industrial-ready rock appeal, reminiscent of Depeche Mode’s eeriest efforts.
In the more effervescent spectrum, “Petals” weaves woozy synths and lush vocals for hypnotic impact. Light Gazer enamors in both its darkly industrial rock brooding and serene synth-pop contemplation.
—
“Track to Stranger Places” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2023’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
