REVIEW

The debut album from LA-based post-punk / shoegaze duo Occults.

Formed by Emilio Hernandez (guitar/vocals/synth) and Patrick Lawrence (drums), who have collaborated for around 20 years in the dance-pop band Nothing Still, Occults blends the melancholic moods of ’90s shoegaze with the dark, atmospheric sensibilities of ’80s goth, post-punk, and new wave influences such as Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Cure, and Sisters of Mercy—bands that shaped them in their teenage years.

A standout track is #8 “Crystal Coffins,” featured in the film Blood Relatives. Sparkling guitars and synths intertwine in an uptempo arrangement reminiscent of The Cure or early DIIV, delivering a decadent yet catchy quality that may appeal to synthwave fans as well. The smooth, subtly melancholic vocals complement the instrumentation perfectly. Another highlight is the groovy, dark dance track #9 “Depeche Mode,” a nod to the duo’s love for the band; early in their career, they even performed a cool cover of Black Celebration. Occults - "Black Celebration" (Official Music Video)

Occults performed their first live show on November 20, 2024, as the opening act for ACTORS, and they are slated to appear at the large goth/industrial festival Dark Force Fest in Parsippany, New Jersey, in 2025. The duo is poised to attract increasing attention, and fans can look forward to their future activities.