Dutch siblings Ruben Pol and Matthijs Pol are bringing back New Wave in 2024 as Pol (New Ams Records). Inspired by artists like Visage, The Cure, Japan, New Order, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, to name a few, they started writing and producing music together that fully connects with this artistic period in time.
RUHR (Brutal Forms)emerges from the fusion sounds of the cityscapes Verona and Berlin, melding the raw, analogue synth tones of early minimal noise with the relentless rhythms of early EBM.
French Berliner Alice Gift and his accomplice Djamila Paris deliver a toxic mélange of shoegaze, darkwave and synthpop live (Icy Cold Records.
DJ: Paulina Panik
POL
The new Pol single ‘Masks’ is out now and available on all digital streaming platforms. It is the start of the next chapter for the brothers. “The song reflects on the idea of wearing masks in different situations, whether it is to hide one's desires, to meet societal expectations or to protect oneself from vulnerability.”
Dutch siblings Ruben Pol and Matthijs Pol are bringing back new wave in 2024. They find themselves hooked to the frequency and unique allure of the genre. It not only echoes the brothers' creative ideals but also channels the exhilaration they experience in their fashion endeavours, transmuting it into diverse and compelling forms of expression that go beyond music.
After introducing a series of captivating singles, Pol released their self-titled first EP in August 2023. It marked the launch of their first cohesive body of work, including tracks as ‘Boys Are’ and ‘L’Amour Fait Mal’. The collection of songs are all written and produced by Ruben and Matthijs, mixing on certain tracks is done by Dave Bascombe (Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Erasure) and the brothers themselves. It solidified their reputation for bringing back an analog-driven sound.
In January 2024, Pol played their first headline show in Bitterzoet, Amsterdam. The sold-out show was rated 4/5 by De Volkskrant. Band member of Visage (Logan Sky) joined Pol on stage to perform two songs as an ode to their collective love for new wave and the inspiration they draw from the new romantic movement.
After also being featured in Trouw, Pol performed at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2024 as a 'must-see promising act'. 3voor12 ranked their ESNS performance as #9 out of the 100+ acts that performed at the festival.
Besides music, Ruben and Matthijs both resonate strongly with the high-fashion industry, modeling for various fashion houses (Saint Laurent, Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, Dior, to name a few) as well as producing music for some.
RUHR
RUHR emerges from the fusion sounds of the cityscapes Verona and Berlin, melding the raw, analogue synth tones of early minimal noise with the relentless rhythms of early EBM. This project serves as a meditation on contrasts, where minimalist aesthetics intersect with stark, high-contrast visuals, and impassioned lyrics weave together dadaistic and political themes. RUHR sculpts a realm where sound becomes a potent force for expression and defiance, conjuring a vision of sensuality entwined with industrial resonance—a rhythmic pulse of rebellion and social upheaval. The repetitive structures in their music summon a primal dance, resonating with the spirit of unrest and the yearning for change.
ALICE GIFT
Alice Gift (ex-Velvet Condom) is finally back with a new record. 'Nothing Against Uplifting, But ...' (mixed by ‘The Notwist’ producer Tad Klimp) has just been released on the Parisian label 'Icy Cold Records' and includes exciting B-sides and rarities from the French Berliner. In 2021, he successfully launched his debut album “Alles ist Gift”, whose single “Trance Park” received heavy rotation on Berlin's BBC-like Radio station ‚Radio Eins‘. Back from his first tour in Japan, Alice Gift and his accomplice Djamila Paris deliver a toxic mélange of shoegaze, darkwave and synthpop live. Alice Gift is a 90s indie kid who, with his distinctive voice and some electronic side jumps, manages a happy balancing act between indie and dark, alternative and chanson.
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* Reduced admission at the box office for students and welfare recipients.
