Tongue in the Mind by Tongue in the Mind

With all of the annoyingly sterile new wave and goth rock out there, Tongue in the Mind’s debut self-titled EP goes far beyond a mere breath of fresh air. This bold cultural reset layers the distinct work of three artists, with chaotic, experimental percussion setting the stage for catchy guitar and synth riffing, all topped with a seductive, meandering speaking voice. Though each moment on the track feels distinct by rotating these three elements in and out of the forefront, a consistent energy ensures these songs’ ability to keep hold of a crowd on a dance floor. Most notably, the reliably deadpan vocal delivery shoves these tracks deep into a surreal haze, emitting a smoky atmosphere that introduces a gothic feel in an unorthodox yet compelling way. By reverse-engineering the sound that’s taking over more and more clubs around the world, Tongue in the Mind gives us an exit ramp from this trend on to something much more bold, progressive, and contemporary.